Just as Spanish ships used to sail local waters, the Spanish Galleon Dance Club is another bit of hidden treasure on the Grand Strand. Located in the heart of North Myrtle Beach's Ocean Drive district, the Spanish Galleon offers high-energy dancing for a wide variety of revelers. Featuring live bands and DJs, the Spanish Galleon features beach music and shagging, as well as modern beats and dancing. The oceanfront location also allows patrons to take a break from the action on the dance floors to enjoy the cool ocean breeze and a beautiful view. The hotel and bar host the National Shag Dancing Competitions each year.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Spanish Galleon is an institution in North Myrtle Beach, attracting both young and old to get on the dance floor.
Terry's expert tip: The Spanish Galleon is only a short walk to other dancing hot spots, such as Fat Harold's and OD Pavilion.
If laughter is the best medicine then the Comedy Cabana is like the local hospital. The longest-running laugh factory on the Grand Strand brings in nationally touring comics that normally wouldn't travel this far off the beaten path except for the chance to take a break from their hectic schedules to relax at the beach. Top nationally touring acts frequent this small but popular hangout and the mood is always light and happy among visitors and employees. A sidebar from the showroom makes this place feel more like a locals hangout than a comedy club, and the food is surprisingly good.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: There are lots of new comedy clubs in town, but Comedy Cabana has been serving up laughs for more than two decades.
Terry's expert tip: Go to the bathroom before or after comedians take the stage - not during unless you want to be the target of some good-natured ribbing.
Stroll down the waterfront of this sleepy fishing village along the only stretch of town that doesn't go to bed early. The Murrells Inlet Marshwalk weaves along a path that backs up to a dozen bars and restaurants, most featuring outdoor decks with live music on the weekends. Places like Bubba's Love Shack and the Dead Dog Saloon have bands virtually every night of the week, while other stops like Divine Prime and Fishhouse offer a hip scene for more laid-back revelers. Enjoy a great view of the sunset as the fishing boats return to the inlet after a long day at sea.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: This place serves as a seafood hot spot by day and night but becomes a great party spot after hours.
Terry's expert tip: A great photo-op presents itself on a small island filled with deserted goats just off the Marsh Walk.
Formerly known as the popular locals' hangout Droopy's, the new owners of Pine Lakes Tavern have changed more than the name. A total makeover of the bar, game room and bathrooms is already complete, creating a clean, casual environment for happy hour drinks or late-night partying. The spacious back porch overlooks Pine Lake and is the perfect place to unwind with a drink after a round of golf at the nearby Pine Lakes Golf Club the first golf course in the golf capital of Myrtle Beach. Fifteen draft beers are on tap as well as an excellent dinner menu. Occasional live bands and pig roasts make this a festive place to hang.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: The massive lakeside patio deck and variety of beers and food makes this pub a must-stop.
Terry's expert tip: The back porch is the place to be for happy hour (4-7 p.m. weekdays) as the sun sets over Pine Lake.
For more than two decades, this beachfront bar has served as one of the hottest spots in all of Myrtle Beach. Featuring fun under the sun, cold drinks in the shade and a party atmosphere that lasts into the night, Ocean Annie's attracts large crowds from the nearby resorts and locals alike. Located behind Sands Ocean Club, the large pool deck includes a stagel for live music and dancing beside - and even inside - the enormous swimming pool. Guests can take a stroll down to the beach for some sun and surf then step back to the bar for a drink or a snack.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Ocean Annie's may be a beach bar but it's hopping both day and night.
Terry's expert tip: Grab a lounge chair by the pool early in the day and hold on to it. Ringside seats at Ocean Annie's become prime real estate as the party progresses.
A small slice of Nashville comes to the beach at this oceanfront hot spot. Featuring a restaurant and bar with an open-air rooftop, this place turns into a nightlife favorite after hours. Featuring a concert stage and DJ booth with top-notch talent and sound, Tin Roof provides the rare opportunity to dance along to the beat while experiencing the sea breeze and ocean views. Musical genres vary from performance to performance, but Tin Roof has a distinctly Southern twang with the top country and Southern rock acts taking the stage.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Tin Roof is one of the few venues that features live music and DJs seven days a week during the spring, summer and fall.
Terry's expert tip: Come early for nightly entertaihment and claim a prime table with a view of the stage and the Atlantic Ocean.
Don't let the name of this North Myrtle Beach institution fool you. The "OD" stands for Ocean Drive, as in right on the beachfront, and the "Arcade & Lounge" don't tell the true story of this historic hot spot. As one of the birthplace clubs of South Carolina's state dance, the Carolina Shag, the OD Arcade & Lounge has been host to generations who flock to the beach to slip and slide across the sawdust and sand-covered dance floor. Yes, there's also an adjoining arcade, bar and grill, but the music and dancing are the main attractions. The annual SOS (Society of Shaggers) hold contests and events here, and some great beach music bands play on special occasions.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: This place has been called the birthplace of the shag, and the dance is definitely still alive and well at OD Arcade.
Terry's expert tip: Take a break from the action on the dance floor to stroll out by the beach or visit some of the other nearby shag clubs.
Don't miss the chance to see where country music supergroup Alabama got its start back in the 1970s, and little has changed at this hole-in-the-wall honky-tonk since those days. The house band kicks out live music six days a week and visiting bands and musicians get together to jam on its night off. Patrons off all walks of life share the common bond of live music. Not the fanciest place in town but a must-see for those looking for a true taste of the Myrtle Beach nightlife. The surrounding Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a great place to take a walk for some fresh ocean air.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: The Bowery is the most legendary club in Myrtle Beach, and second place isn't even close.
Terry's expert tip: Drink selection is limited (beer and wine) but there are plenty of places nearby to get a mixed drink in the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk area.
Featuring four unique clubs in one massive nightlife complex, Status Nightlife is the hottest new club in town. Replacing the long-standing 2001 Night Club in 2018, Status Nightlife has something for revelers of all tastes. The Bourbon Cowboy is designed for those with country and western in mind, complete with a spacious dance floor for line dancing. The Jungle Room specializes in Caribbean beats and colorful frozen drinks, while Club Rewind caters to the retro crowd with hits from the 1980s, '90s and 2000s. Club Envy is the DJ-driven dance venue and attracts a younger crowd.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: 2001 used to be a futuristic title for party-goers; now it's a retro-theme and still going strong.
Terry's expert tip: Even if you have a favorite venue in mind, be sure to check out all four clubs for the full experience.
This restaurant and music hall offers Cajun fare and Southern cuisine along with great live music performed by nationally and internationally known rock, folk, blues, jazz and blues bands. Besides offering interesting nightlife entertainment, they also serve up a wonderful Sunday Gospel Brunch on the outdoor patio deck. Phenomenal gospel music is performed live during the entire brunch. A murder-mystery dinner series is also held during certain times of the year. Call ahead for a schedule of upcoming events. Ticket prices and showtimes vary; most are about $20 and start around 8 pm. After a late Saturday night, repent the next day at the HOB's Sunday Gospel Brunch.
Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Nowhere else in town attracts the big-name national touring acts like the House of Blues.
Terry's expert tip: Diners get priority first seating for shows, so come early, enjoy dinner and avoid the long lines for concerts.