There are two local experiences in Myrtle Beach that are worth trying at least once, even if they don’t usually appeal to you.
First is dining at an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet such as Benjamin’s Calabash, Captain George’s, The Giant Crab, Preston’s or Crabby Mike’s. These buffets feel like lively gatherings where strangers compare plates and servers deliver warm Southern hospitality. You won’t find fussy plating, but the food is fresh and well-prepared. Most venues offer more than 150 selections, including king crab legs, shrimp, oysters, scallops, mahi-mahi and prime rib sliced to order.
Second is attending live theater. Rather than suggesting extreme sports or miniature golf, consider one of the area’s theatrical offerings. For a high-energy dinner show, Pirates Voyage stages swashbuckling battles aboard full-sized ships in a 15-foot-deep lagoon while you dine. Legends in Concert presents convincing tribute performances of artists like Elvis, Dolly Parton, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and The Temptations — skilled impersonators who deliver memorable shows. For concerts and variety shows featuring well-known performers, venues such as the Alabama Theatre, The Carolina Opry and The House of Blues regularly host headline acts. Past performers have included Loretta Lynn, Alabama, Calvin Gilmore, Hootie & The Blowfish and Keith Urban.
Both the seafood buffets and live shows capture a slice of Myrtle Beach culture: communal, entertaining, and centered on good food and lively performances. Whether you come for the fresh seafood or an evening of music and spectacle, these experiences are iconic parts of a visit to the area and offer a fun way to connect with local flavor and hospitality.