What’s New Around Myrtle Beach in 2026? Big Changes Are Happening Across the Grand Strand
Myrtle Beach is heading into 2026 with a lot of visible momentum. From shoreline protection projects to major entertainment additions and continued investment in downtown, there is a lot happening that both locals and visitors are starting to notice. Whether you live here full-time, own property in the area, or just love keeping up with what’s new along the Grand Strand, here’s a look at some of the biggest updates shaping Myrtle Beach right now.
One of the biggest projects currently underway is the beach renourishment effort. Sand is actively being pumped onto sections of the shoreline to replace what has been lost from storms and erosion. According to project updates, the work moved into the City of Myrtle Beach in February 2026 after beginning farther north, and the contractor started near 50th Avenue North, working northward before covering Arcadian Shores and eventually returning to finish south Myrtle Beach. Arcadian Shores was also added because of erosion concerns near Bear Branch and Singleton swashes, and some beach access points have temporarily closed during construction. The project is overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is designed to strengthen the beach as a protective barrier for oceanfront property and infrastructure.
For a beach town like Myrtle Beach, that kind of work matters in a big way. Beach renourishment is not just about appearances — it helps preserve one of the area’s biggest economic drivers while also improving coastal resilience. Wider beaches support tourism, protect dunes, and create a stronger first line of defense when tropical systems move through the coast. With so much of the local economy tied to the oceanfront, this is one of the most important projects happening in the area right now.
Another headline-grabbing development is the new roller coaster coming to Family Kingdom. Family Kingdom is celebrating its 60th year, and part of that celebration includes a major expansion. The new coaster is described as a custom single-rail roller coaster manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction. Tourism sources say it will stand about 100 feet tall and reach speeds of around 50 mph, making it a major new thrill attraction for the oceanfront park. Construction is already underway, and local reporting says the coaster is expected to open later in 2026. Family Kingdom is also adding three additional rides as part of the broader update.
That is a pretty big deal for Myrtle Beach. Family Kingdom has long been one of the city’s most recognizable attractions, and adding a modern coaster while the legendary Swamp Fox turns 60 creates a fun bridge between old-school Myrtle Beach nostalgia and the next chapter of oceanfront entertainment. It is the kind of project that gives both visitors and locals something new to look forward to.
Downtown Myrtle Beach is also continuing its transformation through the Arts and Innovation District. One of the biggest updates is the redevelopment of the former Broadway Theater into a 300-seat performing arts venue on Main Street. The project is being developed through a partnership between the City of Myrtle Beach and Coastal Carolina University, with the theater expected to open in summer 2026. City information says the venue will occupy three historic buildings, including the former Broadway Movie Theater, and construction costs are estimated at about $22.3 million.
This project feels important because it signals that downtown Myrtle Beach is growing beyond just nightlife and tourism. The city has been working to create a stronger year-round identity downtown, and a dedicated performing arts center adds another layer to that vision. It brings more opportunities for local culture, student performances, community events, and third-party productions, while helping activate the district with more consistent foot traffic.
The downtown area is also seeing continued energy from new food, drink, and small business openings. Tourism updates highlight the ongoing revival of historic 9th Avenue North, where spots like Winna’s Kitchen, Boteco VIP, The Dolly Llama, and The Tasting Room on 9th are helping reshape the feel of downtown. Altogether, it points to a broader shift: Myrtle Beach is investing not only in attractions for visitors, but also in experiences that make downtown more appealing for locals and year-round activity.
Beyond those major headlines, there are several other new developments worth watching around the Myrtle Beach area. One is The PicklePort, a large indoor and outdoor pickleball facility planned for Harrelson Boulevard, with tourism sources saying it is expected to open in fall 2026. Another is the renovation of Pelicans Ballpark, where a reported $20 million upgrade is underway that includes field enhancements, upgraded seating and suites, and expanded meeting space, with completion targeted for spring 2026.
On the food and entertainment side, Downtown Flavortown is also one of the more talked-about additions on the horizon. The concept is slated for Myrtle Beach Mall and is described as a 50,000-square-foot entertainment-focused restaurant venue with dining, bowling, arcade games, and more. Broadway at the Beach is also set to get a combined Yee-Haw Brewing and Old Smoky Distillery location, plus Big Fish, adding even more to the area’s entertainment and dining pipeline.
Infrastructure is part of the story too. Horry County’s RIDE program is advancing the Carolina Forest / River Oaks / SC 31 Interchange project, which is intended to add a new interchange on SC 31 at Augusta Plantation Drive and Revolutionary War Way. For a fast-growing region like this, transportation improvements like that matter just as much as new attractions because they help support population growth, accessibility, and future development.
When you put all of these projects together, the bigger picture becomes clear: Myrtle Beach is not standing still. The area is actively investing in coastal protection, tourism infrastructure, downtown redevelopment, entertainment, dining, and transportation all at the same time. Some of these projects are designed to preserve what people already love about the area, while others are clearly aimed at expanding what Myrtle Beach can be in the years ahead.
For homeowners, buyers, business owners, and investors, that matters. Growth projects like these can influence traffic patterns, tourism demand, neighborhood appeal, and overall confidence in the market. For residents, they also shape quality of life — from wider beaches and better arts venues to more restaurants, attractions, and community spaces. Myrtle Beach has always evolved, but 2026 is shaping up to be a year where that growth is especially visible.
