What’s new at SC’s beaches? From Grand Strand to Lowcountry, what to expect this summer.

South Carolina is home to a myriad of beautiful beaches and a whole lot of southern, Lowcountry fun for all ages.

With that, comes surging summer travel.

The Auto Club Group advises those who have summer travel plans to book them soon. According to a news release, AAA is seeing strong bookings for cruises, flights, hotels and tours.

“The recent decision to lift all international travel restrictions will only add to demand.” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel at AAA.

A new AAA travel survey states that 81% of South Carolinians will travel this year with 56% taking a summer vacation. The survey says 21% of summer travelers have already finalized their plans.

Popular destinations for SC travelers include the beach (57%), city/major metro areas (29%), national/state parks (27%), international travel (19%) and ocean/large cruise (18%).

This year, we’ve gathered the newest attractions at South Carolina’s most popular beaches and coastal cities. From a South Carolina first to the anticipated completion of a reconstruction project, here are some ideas to make your beach trip complete.

Here’s how to plan your trip: International flights are expensive and scarce this summer.

What’s new at Myrtle Beach and the Grandstrand

∎Stars and Strikes Getaway-n-Play Stars and Strikes Getaway-n-Play is a family entertainment complex offering an augmented reality bowling experience along with a 10,000 sq. foot arcade and prize store, axe throwing and a multi-story laser tag arena. It will also feature a large full-service bar surrounded by large TVs for sports viewing. The 52,500 square foot facility, which opened in February, is located within the Coastal Grand Mall.

∎Myrtle Beach Boardwalk renovations: The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk recently underwent a $3.7 million update, according to vacationmyrtlebeach.com. There are 80 newly installed seats on the Boardwalk. Look for new selfie stations including a giant sandcastle, fish and sea turtles.

∎Arts & Innovation District in Downtown Myrtle Beach – The Arts & Innovation District is undergoing revitalizations, including the addition of new restaurants, a gym, retail shops and new apartments. The Broadway Theater is being renovated into a performing arts center, according to MyrtleBeach.com.

∎Swig & Swine: Charleston-based BBQ joint, Swig & Swine, adventures outside of the Charleston Market for the first time at the 500 Block of Broadway Street in historic downtown Myrtle Beach. The downtown Myrtle Beach location is expected to open in mid-2023, according to vacationmyrtlebeach.com.

∎Surfside Beach Pier Reconstruction Myrtle Beach’s iconic Surfside Beach pier took a devastating blow back in 2016 when Hurricane Matthew slammed into the South Carolina coast. The storm, which downgraded from a category 5 to a category 2 before reaching the coast, did extensive damage to the pier, which lost 50% of its length. Those who walked the pier will be excited to know that the pier is currently undergoing reconstruction and is 90% in completion. It will be stronger than before and will feature a restaurant and vendors. Initially scheduled to open in the fall of 2022, the project has experienced multiple reopening delays since then. The project has taken nearly seven years in the making.

∎Surfworks Myrtle Beach South Carolina’s first man-made surf park, Surfworks, will generate 1,000 waves per hour, with waves between 2-6 feet tall. Powered by Wavegarden, the surfing lagoon will offer visitors a perfect place to make a splash and progress their surfing abilities. The development will also include an amphitheater to accommodate 15,000 guests, a brewery, surf school and restaurant. Surfworks is slated to open in 2025.

What’s new in the Charleston area, surrounding beaches

∎International African American Museum Opening June 27, 2023, the IAAM will focus on the traditions and knowledge systems adapted and retained by Africans in the Americas. The museum will display an African Ancestors Memorial Garden for Family History to trace genealogies and celebrate the diverse journeys and achievements of these individuals and descendants.

∎Folly Beach Pier In 2020, the Folly Beach Pier was closed down by the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) for a reconstruction project. In December 2022, the Folly Beach Fishing Pier officially reopened. On June 16 and July 7, visitors can take part in Moonlight Mixers, and on May 27, June 24, August 26 and September 23, the Cast Off Fishing Tournament will commence.

∎Charleston’s Smallest Bar: Re-located to 39C John St in May 2022, the bar has four barstools inside, but has additional seating outside on Hutson Alley. Charleston’s Smallest Bar is located next door to Charleston Music Hall. The menu features: fried shrimp, crab dip and oysters on the 1/2 shell.

∎North Charleston Sports Complex A $25 million Sports complex is coming to North Charleston. It will include a 25-meter competitive pool which will complement the North Charleston Aquatic Center in Dorchester County, a proper gymnasium for badminton, basketball and volleyball. It will also feature five tennis courts to meet the official United States Tennis Association standards, a roller rink for roller-skating and street hockey, and a multi-purpose field for youth athletics. The complex will be located on 1455 Monitor Street. Opening is to be determined.

Affordable travel: 10 family-friendly destinations that won’t break the bank this summer

What’s new on Hilton Head Island

∎ The Bank A new brewery, beer garden and eatery are coming to Hilton Head Island. The 72,000 square foot complex will feature live entertainment, a family zone, a merchandise shop and multiple dining options. Parking on site will accommodate over 100 automobile and bike spots. The location, 59 Pope Avenue, is stop #10 on Hilton Head’s public trolley route, The Breeze. It will open to the public on June 6 at 11a.m.

∎The Black Marlin After a four-month hiatus, the Black Marlin Bayside Grill and Hurricane Bar has officially reopened. The restaurant’s interior has been renovated, now featuring an expansive open concept dining room with over 50 seats for guests. It will showcase fish art constructed by artist Steve Swain from Frying Pan Gallery. Also featured are a 28-person live edge teak wood bar, a bar area featuring big-screen televisions and phone charging stations, a gift shop, high top tables and even custom lighting.

∎Lucky Beach Bar + Kitchen A new restaurant offering menu items such as burgers, fried chicken, nachos, salad, seafood and desserts alongside a wide selection of cocktail options will be opening just in time for Memorial Day. It will seat up to 250 guests and will operate from breakfast to dinner time, featuring an all-day lunch and dinner menu. There will be indoor and outdoor seating, a take-out window and live music space.

Nina Tran covers trending topics for the Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com.