Myrtle Beach locals miss these long-gone places. What spots may fill the void

Restaurants and attractions in the Myrtle Beach area have come and gone over the years.

But there are just some places that locals and visitors still long for.

They’re those spots where memories were made and were favorites for tourists who come on vacation year after year.

While some of these places will never be replaced, there are similar spots that may help soothe the loss. And, who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favorite.

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Here are some places that have closed and where you can go to find similar offerings.

What closed: Water Boggan

One of Myrtle Beach’s first water slides, the Water Boggan was a popular summer attraction.

Anyone who went down the concrete slide on nothing but a foam mat, probably left some pieces of themselves behind, but it didn’t stop you from exiting the pool and running back up the hill to do it again.

The slide opened in 1976 and closed in 1996. It was located on Ocean Boulevard along the south end of Myrtle Beach.

Water park guests relax in the shallow end of the wave pool at Myrtle Waves in Myrtle Beach on June 22.

Where can you go now: Myrtle Waves Water Park

This large water park is located at 3000 Mr. Joe White Ave. in Myrtle Beach.

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The park has several water slides, including the Thunderbolt Speed Slides, which are similar to the popular Water Boggan.

The water park opened in 1985 and is one of the largest water parks in South Carolina.

What closed: The Farmer’s Daughter restaurant

Like many popular restaurants during tourist season in Myrtle Beach, there was usually a line waiting to get inside The Farmer’s Daughter restaurant.

The restaurant was made to look like a southern cabin, complete with front porch and rocking chairs where people could hang out while they waited for their names to be called.

Closing in 2015, the well-loved spot was known for its Southern-style cooking and buffet offerings.

Where you can go now: Several Southern-style buffets

Issac Collington busses tables and sings gospel songs at Simply Southern Smokehouse on Mr. Joe White Avenue in Myrtle Beach Friday, August 26, 2016.

The Myrtle Beach area is lucky to have several Southern-style buffets that can feed those clamoring for a taste of fried chicken, fish, mash potatoes and hush puppies.

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Simply Southern Smokehouse, 1913 Mr. Joe White Ave., is a popular Myrtle Beach buffet, as well as Magnolias on 26th, 2605 N. Ocean Blvd.

Two buffets located in Murrells Inlet that serve Southern foods is Judy Boone’s Family Traditions Kitchen, 4664 Highway 17 Business, and Back Home BBQ, 3750 Highway 17 Business.

What closed: Funplex

The amusement park in Myrtle Beach announced its closure in fall 2024.

Located at 1405 N. Ocean Blvd., the park opened in 2021.

Where you can go now: Family Kingdom

The Family Kingdom amusement park during a summer night in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach landmarks take on a new life under the lights of a summer night. Aug. 2, 2023.

Located in Myrtle Beach, this amusement park has been open since 1968.

The park, 3000 S. Ocean Blvd., has more than 30 rides, but is known for its Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster, which brings roller coaster enthusiasts to the beach to ride it. The coaster opened in 1966 and has a track length of 2,640 feet.

What closed: Nance’s Creekfront Restaurant

Although it was busy during the tourist season, this seafood restaurant became a locals hangout in the offseason.

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Owned by the Nance family, the Murrells Inlet restaurant was located on a tidal creek that flowed into the inlet. The restaurant provided fresh seafood that was delivered from the docks.

The seafood shack was known for its all-you-can-eat oyster roasts.

It closed in 2019 and is often remembered by those who frequented the restaurant.

Aerial image of the Murrells Inlet community and Marshwalk. The water front is lined with seafood restaurants and entertainment options. Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

There’s no shortage of places to go for seafood in the Myrtle Beach area and Murrells Inlet. After all, you are along the coast.

Some of Yelp’s top-rated restaurants offering fresh seafood is:

Hook & Barrel, 8014 N. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach

Sea Captain’s House, 3002 N. Ocean Blvd. in Myrtle Beach

Mrs. Fish Seafood Grill, 919 Broadway St. in Myrtle Beach

Hot Fish Club, 4911 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet

Drunken Jack’s Restaurant & Lounge, 4031 Highway 17, Murrells Inlet

What closed: Brant’s Burgers

When asked what restaurants they missed in the Myrtle Beach area, people took to social media and readily offered their favorites, including this burger spot, which was a beloved, local favorite.

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Brant’s Burgers opened in 1946 and was known to have some of the best burgers in the coastal city. It was reported at one time burgers cost 19 cents. It closed in 2006.

Where you can go now: Popular burger and hot dog stands

Sam’s Corner, a local hotdog stand reopened this weekend after being damaged by Hurricane Ian in the Fall of 2022. Grand strand residents and visitors head for the beach on the first sunny weekend of Spring. March 24, 2023.

There are many burger and hot dog stands that may fit the beloved mom-and-pop establishment.

Here are a few:

River City Cafe has six locations throughout the Grand Strand. It’s one of the area’s best known hamburger joints. The atmosphere, with walls lined with donated license plates and wooden floors, is just as unique as its burgers.

Sam’s Corner. Located at 101 Atlantic Ave., Murrells Inlet, this spot is a classic hot dog stand that has been serving Garden City Beach since it first opened in 1976.

Surf Dawgs Grill. Don’t let the “dawg” in the name fool you. Yes, it serves gourmet hot dogs, but it’s also known for its variety of burgers, including smash burgers. The Surfside Beach restaurant, 421 U.S. 17 Business, has become a local favorite.

What closed: Waccamaw Pottery

It was once the third largest outlet mall in the country with over 100 stores and a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists.

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Waccamaw pottery was located off U.S. 501 between 1977 and 2001, offering home decor items such as baskets, pottery and floral items.

At its peak, Waccamaw Pottery pulled in 6 million visitors annually and in 1983 was named the state’s most outstanding commercial attraction.

Where you can go now: Other outlet malls

Holiday shoppers search for parking spots at Tanger Outlets in North Myrtle Beach on Black Friday after the Thanksgiving holiday.

OK, we understand that today’s outlet malls don’t really bring the nostalgia of Waccamaw Pottery, but there are still some great stores along the Grand Strand where you can get similar items.

Old Time Pottery. No, it’s not an outlet mall, but it does have some of the same home items that you could find at Waccamaw. It’s located at 1870 U.S. 17 Business in Surfside Beach.

Tanger Outlets. These outlet malls have two locations in the Grand Strand – one located along U.S. 501 in the Myrtle Beach area and the other off of U.S. 17 at 10835 Kings Road in Myrtle Beach. Each location has many stores.