MYRTLE BEACH, SC – America’s favorite beach playground is getting bigger, bolder, and busier than ever. As 2026 unfolds, Myrtle Beach is making waves with a slate of new attractions, resorts, and entertainment experiences designed to redefine the Grand Strand while keeping the timeless charm that draws millions to its shores each year.
Stretching across 60 miles of coastline, the region’s 14 coastal communities are bracing for a year of milestones — from the unveiling of a new performing arts center downtown to the arrival of nationally acclaimed entertainment and dining concepts. Stuart Butler, president of Visit Myrtle Beach, said the city’s transformation marks a new era. “Myrtle Beach continues to grow and innovate, elevating experiences for both longtime fans and first-time visitors,” Butler said. “With sunny skies, Southern hospitality, and new adventures, The Beach is ready for everyone.”
Among the most anticipated openings is the newly expanded A-Concourse at Myrtle Beach International Airport, featuring six new gates, streamlined passenger flow, and nonstop service to more than 50 destinations. Just down the coast, Brookgreen Gardens has opened the $17 million Purdy Center, a state-of-the-art welcome center and conservatory that expands its capacity for exhibitions and events.
The entertainment calendar is equally stacked. The Carolina Opry Theater celebrates its 40th anniversary with a blockbuster concert lineup featuring Grammy winners and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers. Golf fans will flock to the Dunes Golf & Beach Club for the ONEFlight Myrtle Beach Classic from May 7–10, while the Carolina Country Music Festival returns June 4–7 with headliners Blake Shelton, Post Malone, Luke Bryan, and Riley Green. Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show introduces a new South Pacific–themed production, and Family Kingdom Amusement Park marks its 60th anniversary with a towering new single-rail roller coaster and three additional rides opening this summer.
Myrtle Beach’s transformation also extends to its culinary scene. Downtown’s 9th Avenue North has become a hotbed for creative dining, home to new spots like Winna’s Kitchen, Boteco VIP, and The Tasting Room. Ole Smoky Distillery and Yee-Haw Brewing Co. will open a joint brewery-distillery experience at Broadway at the Beach, while celebrity chef Guy Fieri brings his 50,000-square-foot Downtown Flavortown concept to the coast later this year.
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For travelers looking to stay and unwind, 2026 brings a wave of hotel openings and renovations. Ocean Escape Boardwalk Oceanfront opens in February, offering modern beachfront condos with full kitchens and private balconies. Ocean Reef Resort recently completed a $15 million renovation, while Captain’s Quarters Resort finishes upgrades to its pool and recreation areas later this year. Looking ahead, Compass Hotel by Margaritaville opens in 2027, adding tropical flair to North Myrtle Beach, alongside the new Hampton Inn & Suites Cherry Grove, rising near the iconic pier.
- Myrtle Beach unveils new attractions, resorts, and entertainment in 2026
- Major events include the Carolina Country Music Festival and PGA TOUR’s ONEFlight Classic
- Expansions at MYR Airport and Brookgreen Gardens mark key milestones in the city’s growth
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