Whether you’re looking for good deals at the fantastic outlet stores, bargain hunting at a local flea market or seeking a one-of-a-kind souvenir, Myrtle Beach offers plenty of shop-till-you-drop options.

You’ll find beaches, boardwalks and summery amusements in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — but don’t overlook the area’s incredible shopping opportunities. When I lived just 100 miles south of Myrtle Beach in charming Charleston, my family would make a trip to the Grand Strand a couple of times each year. We always made it a mini-vacation — a chance to not only grab bargains at our favorite Myrtle Beach outlets, but to enjoy a little carnival-style beachside fun, too.

Bargain Hunting at Myrtle Beach Outlets

If you’re stocking up on clothes, shoes and other seasonal items, head to one of the area’s many outlet malls. Tanger Outlets is a favorite of ours, with 200 different stores and two locations. Both outlets are on major highways in the Grand Strand, so they’re convenient even if you’re visiting Myrtle Beach on a day trip from Hilton Head. You can stroll among palm trees, hunt for deals and refuel at any of the nearby restaurants.

Family Friendly Shopping in North Myrtle Beach

My family preferred Barefoot Landing because it sits in North Myrtle Beach, an area of the city my husband had grown up visiting. During one visit, we even stopped for an ice cream at the Original Painter’s Homemade Ice Cream, which has been around since 1952.

We’ve also enjoyed the area’s more traditional shopping options. Home to major retailers like Chico’s, Ron Jon and The Mole Hole, as well as great local boutiques, Barefoot Landing offers a picturesque setting for your shopping. You can take in views of the intracoastal waterway from the boardwalks as you stroll between shops.

These days, Barefoot Landing has expanded beyond shopping, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for an entire day’s getaway. Check out a show at the Alabama Theatre, thrill the kids with a trip to Alligator Adventure and hop on the classic carousel for a nostalgic ride. 

Shopping and More at Broadway at the Beach

Broadway at the Beach is another of my favorite shopping spots in Myrtle Beach. With activities for all ages from kids through adults, this is a full-fledged entertainment venue that just happens to have plenty of shopping.

It’s the perfect place to bring kids; Mom and Dad can browse stores in between entertaining the little ones with mini-golf and mirror mazes. The classic carnival rides are a must-do — they’re from the historic Myrtle Beach Pavilion, a famous pay-per-ride amusement park that first opened in 1948 and shuttered in 2006. Now, these nostalgic rides are spread across three different areas of Broadway at the Beach.

Our family also enjoyed the major attractions there like Ripley’s Aquarium, where you can pet stingrays, and WonderWorks, an interactive museum that teaches kids about science (you’ll know it by its upside down house exterior!). If you’re lucky enough to escape for a date night, Broadway at the Beach has fun nightlife options, as well, like a comedy club and piano bar which make for a great way to relax after a long day of shopping!

Kitschy Souvenirs and Specialty Stores

If you really want to experience the true flavor of the Grand Strand, stroll along the Boardwalk and check out some of the plentiful and quirky shops stocked with crazy souvenirs (the people watching is pretty great, too). As you drive along the major highways in the area, including Highway 17, you’ll also notice tons of fun souvenir stores with eye-catching displays. A local favorite is Gay Dolphin Gift Cove, which is seven floors and 30,000 square feet of souvenir heaven. Our kids also loved Jaws Resortwear, where you can stand inside the mouth of a giant shark.

Additional one-of-a-kind stores in Myrtle Beach include the Tsunami Surf Shop, the largest surf shop in the Carolinas; the PGA Tour Superstore for the golf lover in your group; Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market offering antiques, jewelry and more; and the indoor Coastal Grand Mall, for those who want to shop on a rainy beach day.

After a day hitting all the hot shopping spots in Myrtle Beach, my family and I always returned to Charleston with tired kids and enough bags of goodies to last us till next season — when we’d head back up the highway to the Grand Strand all over again.