15 Best Museums in Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach is a beautiful resort city and a popular vacation destination located in Horry County on the Atlantic Coast of South Carolina, United States.

The town was incorporated in 1938 before being pronounced a municipality in 1957 when its population increased by 5,000. Currently, it is home to over 35,000 people.

It is known for its magnificent 100 km stretch of sand. The city has several attractions, including restaurants, high-premium golf courses, restaurants, arcades, and more. However, you won’t want to miss exploring the best museums in Myrtle Beach, SC. 

The city’s name originates from the wax myrtle, a local shrub, and it was chosen as its name in 1900 after a contest.

There are fun Myrtle Beach museums to visit, such as the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum,  Wheels of Yesteryear, Hollywood Wax Museum, and lots more.

Let’s explore the top museums in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Best Museums in Myrtle Beach, SC

1. Hollywood Wax Museum

One of the newest attractions in Myrtle Beach, the Hollywood Wax Museum, comprises wax figures of celebrities from years back

Hollywood Wax Museum offers you the opportunity to take pictures with some of your most loved stars.

The museum was established on June 14, 2014, by Spoony Singh’s descendants as the fourth of its kind.

It houses duplicates of United States celebrities featured in music, television, and films, including NASCAR sets.

Hollywood Wax Museum’s building was built in honor of the United States film industry with the city’s great Ape of 35-foot high.

Address: 1808 21st Ave N unit and, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States

2. The Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum

The Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum, which promotes the heritage of black education in the region, offers educational schemes for teachers.

The Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum has served African American students for over twenty years in the region.

As a museum and education center, Myrtle Beach Colored School offers an eye-opener into the past and a window into the future.

The school was preserved due to former students’ ambition, the partnership of private & public organizations, and the City of Myrtle Beach.

The original building of Myrtle Beach Colored School features four rooms, and it was initially opened in 1932. Prior to this, African Americans were taught in local churches since they couldn’t attend white schools.

In 1953, the importance of the Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum was removed with the founding of Carver Training School.

You should visit the Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum to learn more about African Americans in Myrtle Beach.

Address: 900 Dunbar Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States

3. Ripley’s

 One of Myrtle Beach’s top museums is Ripley’s, a top-rated attraction among visitors. Ripley’s is home to collections of unique and distinct objects with other branches scattered throughout the region.

The Museum is a perfect place for all visitors irrespective of age or what they seek, either education or excitement.

Make sure you explore the intriguing marine life exhibition, including dive tours and kid-friendly collections, along with a gift shop and live presentations.

Ripley’s is tagged as the point for educational opportunities in the city with professional scientists and educators, including animal experts.

The main aim of the organization is to provide a top-notch facility for aquatic life, which, in turn, supports conservation and environmental education.

Address: 1110 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States

4. The Grand Strand Model Railroaders Club

Would you like to visit one of the top museums in Myrtle Beach, SC? Established in 1986, the Grand Strand Model Railroaders Club is right above Myrtle Beach’s Ed’s Hobby Shop.

The Grand Strand Model Railroaders Club is a non-profit organization that has welcomed over 300,000 people.

The club members built different model railways with HO, O, and N scale layouts. The layouts are pretty large. Occasionally the club holds train-themed events and shows that are open to the public.

The club members are always working to build trains and enhance the layouts. When you visit, you will learn a lot about the trains from the club members.

The club’s ambiance is friendly. You will have a swell time exploring the exhibits in the club.

Additionally, you don’t need to pay a dime to see the trains, but donations are welcome.

The Grand Strand Model Railroaders Club is open to the public every Saturday from 10 am-4 pm.

Address: 10177 N Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, United States

5. The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum

The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, home to an enormous collection of art from different parts of the globe, is a perfect place for every art lover.

The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum is open free of charge, with a planned schedule all through the year.

The Museum welcomes kids to come in and showcase their creative spirit with exhibits of visual arts as well as a classroom, a library, and southern works collections.

Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, committed to being one of California’s best visual art museums, works to serve the visitors and the community.

The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art is interactive and evocative as visitors learn new things while having fun.

Address: 3100 S Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States

6. Build-A-Bear Workshop

 You certainly have an incomplete list of the best museums in Myrtle Beach, SC, if Build-A-Bear Workshop is excluded.

Build-A-Bear Workshop offers you a chance to make your own customized stuffed animals, including restocking your cabinets with accessories and toy apparel.

Your kids would certainly love it here as they get to engage in various hands-on activities with lots of exciting stuff.

Visitors get to make a wish and customize their stuffed friends with eye-popping accessories and outfits.

Build-A-Bear Workshop is also open to hosting special occasions and is dedicated to making your imagination come to life right before your eyes.

Stop by Build-A-Bear Workshop with your children and offer them the best treat of their life they will never forget.

Address: 1301 Celebrity Cir Unit FS3, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States

7. Warbird Park

Warbird Park, featuring numerous ancient fighter aircraft, is devoted to the United States Air Force men and women.

The Myrtle Beach Air Force Base mission changed during the period of defending the country because of the changes in the threats to national security.

The base houses the Tactical fighter wing (354th), although in March 1993, it was deactivated, and the space was returned to Myrtle Beach town.

Warbird Park is now regarded as a memorial ground in Myrtle Beach and is open to everyone without cost.

There are many covered picnic tables that can serve friends and family who want to hang out and appreciate the labor of their heroes’ past.

Address: Farrow Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States

8. Dinosaurs The Exhibition

Embark on a journey through history as Dinosaurs The Exhibition introduces visitors to Dinosaurs.

Dinosaurs are magnificent beings that lived on planet earth and roamed the planet according to history.

You will be taken back to the Cretaceous and Jurassic eras to have a clearer view of how life was like 65 million years ago.

The Museum houses charming animatronics, scale models, and beautiful film footage, painting an understandable picture that tells the scientific story of an important era in the earth’s history.

If you have always dreamt of being a paleontologist, Dinosaurs The Exhibition offers the opportunity to unearth dinosaur fossils and ride a replica of dinosaurs. 

This is one of the best museums in Myrtle Beach, do pay a visit.

Address: 1112 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States

Are you planning a road trip to South Carolina and wondering what to do? here is a guide on things to do in North Charleston, and fun things to do in Pawleys Island for a memorable

9. William H. Miller Studios & Fine Art

William H. Miller Studios & Fine Art was founded by William H. Miller, who spent a considerable part of his life in Western New York State.

He studied fine arts at Niagara County Community College in New York City as he chased his art education.

In 1983, he graduated from the Parsons School of Design before he started his journey as a computer graphic designer.

From then, Williams was called Billy because of his knowledge of art design, digital photography, graphic design, internet painting, and internet marketing.

William H. Miller Studios & Fine Art offers artwork through drawing and painting, including using printers, iPhones, computers, and iPads.

You would be blown away by the kind of creativity showcased by William H. Miller Studios & Fine Art as an art fanatic.

 Address: 714 Main St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States

10. Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum

Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum is a fascinating place for most children, featuring an enormous collection of contemporary and vintage pinball machines.

The Museum is an attraction every tourist or local should visit. It is strategically placed a few yards from other attractions.

It is owned by a helpful and friendly individual, which should motivate you to come and have a fantastic time.

Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum holds dozens of pinball machines, as pinball is a loved treasure of the nation.

Their major objective is to preserve and promote the essential component of Americana and pop culture. You could also play pinball games in this museum from the 70s up until date.

This establishment would match your budget, no matter how small. There is something for you.

Address: 607 27th Avenue N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States

11. Wheels of Yesteryear

One of the fun museums in Myrtle Beach, SC, is Wheels of Yesteryear, an organization dedicated to classic trucks and cars.

Wheels of Yesteryear are located along Hospitality lane in Myrtle Beach with a collection comprising more than one hundred refurbished cars that take children to the heritage of American automobiles.

The museum houses more than fifty fully restored classic cars, which are almost like the original, such as Plymouth, Dodge, and Chrysler models.

The exhibits are usually rotated every January to bring something fresh for visitors to look forward to when visiting.

You can stop by the gift store for exciting souvenirs, such as nostalgic items, t-shirts, and die-cast collectibles.

Wheels of Yesteryear provides the city’s people with a fascinating view of the most beautiful old cars. If you’re a car lover, there is no other place you should be rather than this museum.

Address: 413 Hospitality Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579, United States

12. North Myrtle Beach Historical Museum

North Myrtle Beach Historical Museum was founded on April 7, 2013, following an eight-year plan.

The museum aims to facilitate a more profound love for the region’s history, science, and culture of the area in the hearts of the netizens.

There are programs and exhibits which concentrate on stories from the region’s early inhabitants to the evolution of the tourism industry.

It is dedicated to conserving anything unique and essential about the city, including seasonal activities and photographs.

Address: 799 2nd Ave N, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, United States

13. The Children’s Museum of South Carolina

If you’re traveling with little children, add the Children’s Museum of South Carolina to your list of top museums in Myrtle Beach.

The Children’s Museum of South Carolina is a beautiful attraction, especially for toddlers and children of various ages.

Children here can explore indoor and outdoor exhibits, which focus on nature, animals, technology, and science.

There is a classroom of 3,000 square feet in this museum, where the little ones can stay and learn about a wide variety of things.

The Children’s Museum of South Carolina guarantees your children an amazing experience through its programs and exhibits.

As its name implies, your children would love this museum particularly and everything it offers.

Address: 4005 Howard Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States

14. The Seacoast Artists Gallery

The Seacoast Artists Gallery is known for showcasing the highest quality and most beautiful local artworks.

The artworks displayed were made by more than seventy Seacoast Artists Guild members who love what they do and know how to do it.

This amazing gallery earned the award of the Best of the Grand Strand “WMBF 2014 and was a finalist for “Best of the Beach” 2014 in The Sun News.

The Seacoast Artists Gallery has won several other awards through original works in various mediums like fiber art, photography, sculpture, pottery, and more.

 The gallery hosts several guest artists, including events such as fall & spring Annual Art Shows and much more.

When you visit the Seacoast Artists Gallery, you will probably spend more than viewing the displayed artworks than you expected.

 Address: 3032 Nevers Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States

15. EdVenture Myrtle Beach

EdVenture is another fascinating museum in Myrtle Beach. This museum, encompassing 3,000-square-foot, features unique and exciting exhibits, especially for children.

The museum also organizes events that your little ones will enjoy. After exploring the museum’s exhibits, ensure to check out its gift shop, which is packed with engaging and fascinating books and toys.

The museum recently added a new section called “World of Work.” This section comprises numerous exhibits, such as Publix supermarket, toddler beach, doctor’s office, performance space, cafe, etc. Each section is packed with something exciting.

EdVenture is open daily. The exhibits make learning so much fun for kids. Words of appreciation would not leave their lips after you bring them here.

Address: 4005 Howard Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States

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Plan a Trip to Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach defines what a coastal town is supposed to be through its name, abundance of natural resources, and amazing attractions.

There are several reasons why you should visit this city, but the list above concentrates on the outstanding museums it harbors.

You can explore those mentioned above and be sure of having a great time, especially with your family and friends.