25 things to do in Myrtle Beach

opens a new Butterfly House, displaying dozens of species of butterflies native to the Southeast. (brookgreen.org)

3. Live history

The L.W. Paul Living History Farm is a 17-acre farm that re-creates life in Horry County in the early 1900s.

4. Soar above

The

at Broadway on the Beach opens in June and features a 1,000-foot zipline and a 3-story high-ropes course.

5. Get pampered

Head to the spa for a facial or a massage.

and Sanctuary Spa at the Hampton Inn are two new destinations for those in need of a little therapy.

6. Eat at the inlet

A number of restaurants can be found along the

, including the newly renovated Bovine's, which offers 'wood-fired' specialties from steak to pizza.

7. Play golf

Pick a course, any course — they're all beautiful. The area boasts more than 100 golf courses.

8. Hit the beach

With 60 miles of shoreline along the Grand Strand, there's surely a nice spot you can have all to yourself.

9. Fish on a pier

There are eight fishing piers located along the beach and on backwater creeks.

10. Pay homage to Cal

The Ripken Experience, a collection of baseball fields modeled after historic ballparks, offers youth baseball and softball tournaments throughout the year. (theripkenexperience.com)

11. Go miniature

Myrtle Beach is the miniature-golf capital of the world, with more than 50 courses to choose from.

12. Eat on the pier

The

recently renovated and reopened the Pier Cafe, a casual beachfront eatery with a great view.

13. Join a parade

The Fourth of July Boat Parade in Murrells Inlet celebrates in style with decorated boats and docks and a colorful fireworks display.

14. Stroll along Broadway

, a shopping and entertainment mecca surrounding a 23-acre lake, offers boutiques, nightclubs, restaurants and hotels.

15. Visit Pawleys Island

Just 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach, this Low Country hamlet offers shops, galleries, cafes and more. (thehammockshops.com)

16. Sleep under the stars

Myrtle Beach offers a variety of camping sites, from beaches to lagoons to lakes. (

)

17. Watch a stampede

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show features dozens of horses and riders performing feats, while you enjoy a four-course dinner. (dixiestampede.com)

18. Learn about rice

explores the history of the rice crop and culture in region.

19. See a legend

Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Elvis Presley — they're all here at the

at Surfside Beach.

20. Shag it up

The Carolina Beach Shag, a dance similar to a slow jitterbug, is popular in Myrtle Beach clubs, including Fat Harold's Beach Club and Duck's.

21. Visit a plantation

The region has several former plantations, including Litchfield and Hopsewee, that offer tours, exhibits and even tea. (hopsewee.com; litchfieldplantation.com)

22. Have a close encounter

, "Lethal Weapons," highlights deadly and dangerous sea creatures.

23. Light up the night

Enjoy an amazing 45-minute laser light show at the

.

24. Dive into the ocean

Scuba diving offers the chance to explore several historic shipwrecks off the coast, including the Richmond, a passenger ship, and the Hebe, a Dutch merchant ship.

25. Go to The Library

This restaurant has been serving the Grand Strand for more than 35 years. The classic French menu includes Caesar salad, Steak Diane and Cherries Jubilee, all prepared tableside. (

)

For more information, go to visitmyrtlebeach.com.

-Michelle Deal-Zimmerman