Look, we’ve all been there. You’re checking the weather app every five minutes, watching those rain clouds roll in, and wondering if your beach day is toast. But here’s the thing about Myrtle Beach—the boardwalk doesn’t shut down just because the sun takes a day off.
Actually, some of my favorite memories here happened on drizzly days when the crowds disappeared and we had to get creative. So if you’re staring out at gray skies right now, take a breath. Your day isn’t ruined. It’s just going to look a little different than you planned.
Hit Up the Arcades (Because Why Not?)
There’s something oddly perfect about ducking into an arcade when it’s pouring outside. The boardwalk has a couple of gems that’ll transport you straight back to childhood—or at least give your kids something to brag about.
Fun Plaza is the real deal if you love that old-school arcade atmosphere. We’re talking skee-ball, air hockey, and those coin pusher games that are way more addictive than they should be. No fancy graphics or VR headsets—just pure, simple fun.
And you can’t skip the Gay Dolphin Arcade, especially since it connects to the Gift Cove. Fair warning: once the kids start racking up tickets, you might be there longer than you think. But honestly? That’s not the worst problem to have on a rainy afternoon.
Browse Without the Pressure
Rain gives you permission to slow down. Instead of feeling like you need to maximize every minute of sunshine, you can actually wander into shops without that nagging voice saying you should be on the beach.
The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove is worth at least half an hour, maybe more if you’re into quirky finds. It’s been around forever and has this delightfully chaotic charm—shark teeth jewelry, seashell everything, random coastal decor you didn’t know existed. The kind of place where you go in for a keychain and come out with a hand-painted sign for your bathroom.
The other boutiques and surf shops along the boardwalk are mostly covered or indoors anyway, so you can hop between them without getting soaked. And honestly, there’s zero pressure to buy anything. Sometimes just looking is enough.
Walk in the Rain (Hear Me Out)
I know this sounds counterintuitive, but if you don’t mind getting a little damp, the boardwalk is actually beautiful in the rain. Throw on a poncho or grab an umbrella, and you’ll have the place mostly to yourself.
The ocean looks completely different when it’s gray and moody. The sound of rain hitting the water, the cool breeze, the lack of crowds—it’s almost meditative. There are covered spots and benches along the way if you want to stop and just watch for a bit.
It’s surprisingly romantic if you’re here with someone special. And if you’re solo? It’s one of those rare moments where you can actually think without a thousand distractions.
Duck Into Something Weird and Wonderful
The boardwalk area has enough indoor attractions to fill an entire rainy day, and some of them are genuinely entertaining—not just “killing time until the sun comes out” entertaining.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium is the perfect rainy day move. Hundreds of strange exhibits, optical illusions, and interactive stuff that’ll keep everyone entertained. It’s weird in the best way possible.
If you want something more high-energy, try the Ripley’s 5D Moving Theater. It’s basically a ride without the roller coaster—your seat moves, you feel wind and water, the whole sensory experience. Kids love it, and adults usually end up laughing just as hard.
The Mirror Maze is another good option, especially if you have competitive family members who think they won’t get lost. (Spoiler: they will.)
And if you’re traveling with a group, there are escape rooms nearby that can turn a dreary afternoon into a shared adventure. You might actually forget it’s raining outside.
Grab a Seat With a View
Here’s where I’ll be honest—when it rains, we don’t run away from the ocean. We just move under cover.
Sharkey’s has been my go-to on days like this. The covered patio and indoor seating give you those ocean views without the downpour, and there’s usually live music to keep things lively. Order something good—fresh seafood, a cocktail that tastes like vacation—and just let the afternoon unfold.
It’s one of those places where you realize the rain didn’t actually ruin anything. You’re still on the boardwalk, still watching the waves, still on vacation. Just drier than you would’ve been.
A Few Things That Actually Help
Bring a light rain jacket or poncho. Weather changes fast here, and staying reasonably dry makes everything more enjoyable.
Let go of the plan. Your beach day became an arcade day? Cool. That’s still a good day.
Don’t hide in your hotel room. Seriously. The boardwalk is still happening, rain or not. You’ll kick yourself later if you spend the whole day watching TV.
The Bottom Line
Rain doesn’t erase Myrtle Beach—it just changes the channel. You might discover an arcade game you’re weirdly good at, find the perfect souvenir in some tucked-away shop, or have one of those unexpectedly perfect meals where everything just clicks.
The boardwalk keeps going no matter what the weather does. And sometimes, the days that don’t go according to plan end up being the ones you talk about for years.
So grab your umbrella, see what’s happening out there, and give the rain a chance. You might be surprised.
When you’re ready to dry off and refuel, we’re here at Sharkey’s with good food, cold drinks, and an ocean view that doesn’t quit—rain or shine.