15 Free & Affordable Things to Do in North Myrtle Beach in 2025
Budget-Friendly Fun at the Beach
There’s a simple kind of magic in North Myrtle Beach—one that doesn’t demand a thick wallet or extravagant spending. It’s in the morning strolls along Cherry Grove Beach, the laughter of children chasing waves, and the warm glow of a Carolina sunset over the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s in the music drifting from a seaside café, the fishermen swapping tales on a pier, and the cool hush of a maritime forest.
A beach vacation shouldn’t drain your savings. In fact, some of the best experiences in North Myrtle Beach won’t cost you a dime. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, outdoor adventures, or hidden gems, here’s a locals-approved guide to the best free and affordable things to do in North Myrtle Beach in 2025.
1. Stroll Cherry Grove Beach & Pier (Free)
There’s a reason Cherry Grove Beach is ranked among the top beaches in the U.S. It’s wide, clean, peaceful, and a perfect spot to unwind without spending a penny. Bring a picnic, collect seashells, or watch anglers cast their lines from the Cherry Grove Pier (a small fee applies if you want to fish).
📍 Cherry Grove Pier – 3500 N Ocean Blvd, North Myrtle Beach
2. Explore Heritage Shores Nature Preserve (Free)
Tucked away at the edge of Cherry Grove, Heritage Shores Nature Preserve is a hidden treasure for nature lovers. This salt marsh sanctuary offers boardwalk trails, observation decks, and a chance to spot wildlife like herons, crabs, and dolphins. Perfect for a morning walk or sunset stroll!
📍 Heritage Shores Nature Preserve – 5611 Heritage Dr, North Myrtle Beach
3. Music on Main (Free Live Concerts!)
If you love live music, you’re in luck. Every summer, Main Street in North Myrtle Beach transforms into a free concert venue where locals and visitors gather to dance under the stars to everything from beach music to country to classic rock.
📍 Downtown North Myrtle Beach – Every Thursday, June–September
4. Watch the Sunset at Vereen Memorial Gardens (Free)
Vereen Memorial Gardens is one of the most overlooked gems in the area. This peaceful nature park has winding trails, wooden boardwalks, and jaw-dropping sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway.
📍 Vereen Memorial Gardens – 2250 SC-179, Little River, SC
5. Barefoot Landing Boardwalk & Wildlife Watching (Free!)
You don’t need to spend a dime to soak in the sights of Barefoot Landing—a waterfront village of shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. Walk along the boardwalk, watch the turtles and alligators in the lake, and enjoy the street performers.
📍 Barefoot Landing – 4898 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach
6. The Beach… at Night (Free & Magical)
There’s something about walking on the beach at night—the ocean roaring in the dark, the moonlight shimmering on the water, and the cool sand beneath your feet. Bonus points if you bring a blanket and stargaze.
📍 Anywhere on North Myrtle Beach’s 9-mile coastline!
7. Explore McLean Park (Free for Families)
Need a break from the sand? McLean Park is a family-friendly oasis with shaded walking trails, a serene lake, playgrounds, and picnic areas. It’s a perfect spot for an afternoon break without spending a penny.
📍 McLean Park – 93 Oak Dr, North Myrtle Beach
8. The Ocean Drive Beach Music Scene (Free Dancing!)
North Myrtle Beach is the birthplace of the Shag, South Carolina’s official state dance. Take a step back in time and watch seasoned dancers groove to classic beach music at spots like Fat Harold’s Beach Club—or join in yourself!
📍 Fat Harold’s Beach Club – 212 Main St, North Myrtle Beach
9. The North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market (Free Entry, Cheap Finds!)
This isn’t just a farmers market—it’s a slice of local life. Stroll through stalls of fresh produce, homemade jams, local honey, and handmade crafts. Even if you don’t buy much, it’s a fun way to spend a morning.
📍 North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market – 925 1st Ave S, North Myrtle Beach
10. Fishing at Cherry Grove Inlet (Cheap & Fun!)
Bring a fishing pole and test your luck in Cherry Grove Inlet. It’s a great spot for catching flounder, red drum, and blue crabs. No boat required—just cast from the shore!
📍 Cherry Grove Inlet – Near Heritage Shores Nature Preserve
11. The Little River Waterfront (Free Views!)
Just a short drive from North Myrtle Beach, Little River is a quaint fishing village where you can watch shrimp boats come in, stroll along the docks, and enjoy seafood straight from the ocean.
📍 Little River Waterfront – Hwy 17, Little River, SC
12. Take a Scenic Drive Down Ocean Blvd (Free!)
Roll down the windows and cruise along Ocean Boulevard, taking in the beachfront mansions, colorful cottages, and endless ocean views.
📍 Start at Cherry Grove, end at Windy Hill Beach
13. Free Events at La Belle Amie Vineyard (Cheap Wine Tastings!)
La Belle Amie Vineyard hosts free music and wine events throughout the year. Sip local wine, relax under the oak trees, and enjoy live acoustic tunes.
📍 La Belle Amie Vineyard – 1120 St Joseph Rd, Little River
14. Public Beach Access Points (Always Free!)
North Myrtle Beach has multiple public access points, each leading to sugar-soft sand and rolling waves. No resort fees. No entrance costs. Just pure beach bliss.
📍 Public Beach Access – Found all along Ocean Blvd
15. Free Fireworks at Barefoot Landing (Seasonal!)
Every summer, Barefoot Landing puts on free fireworks shows, lighting up the sky over the lake. Bring a blanket and enjoy the show!
📍 Barefoot Landing Fireworks – Check seasonal schedule
Book Your Budget-Friendly North Myrtle Beach Vacation!
A beach vacation doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re strolling the Cherry Grove Pier, dancing in Ocean Drive, or catching a free live concert, there’s plenty to do in North Myrtle Beach without spending a fortune.
📞 Book your stay now! Call Thomas Beach Vacations at (866) 249-2100
🔗 Browse Rentals Here: North Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals
🏖️ Your affordable beach escape awaits!