For millions of tourists, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is as akin to summer as watermelon on the vine, longer days, and a suntan. With so many recreational activities to check out, great restaurants to eat at, and sandy beaches to explore, it’s no wonder that it’s a top tourist destination in the southeast. Yet, you’re not just interested in the area for a week or so. Rather, you’re looking at it as a potential home or rental site to invest in.

The good news is that the city has so much to offer. If you’re ready to go off the beaten path just a little and explore some of this region’s hidden gems, keep reading. Today, we’re talking about four unexpected things to do in this popular beach town and why you should check them out today.

1. You can eat dinner with goats at Murrells Inlet.

Just 15 minutes south of Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet is a quaint waterside town that’s anything but sleepy. It only takes one evening stroll down the MarshWalk to realize that there’s something about the sea salt in the air, live music blasting from waterfront restaurants and artisans selling gorgeous wares that makes a place feel special. At nearby Drunken Jack’s, you can feast on fresh seafood waterside while watching the goats feed on the underbrush nearby. Now, that’s dinner with a view.

2. Live performances abound.

You might not know it, but Myrtle Beach is home to some of the best live theater in the country, thanks in no small part to the impressive Carolina Opry. Sharing part of the same moniker as its Nashville counterpart, this establishment puts out an impressive array of programs annually and is a major tourist attraction for the area. The Opry is held in the Calvin Gilmore Theater, which holds 2,000 people. The performers cover a wide arrangement of country, pop, soul and gospel songs from various decades, delivering something for everyone.

3. There’s a top-rated garden nearby.

Located in Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens is home to a dazzling array of American figurative sculpture, with a collection topping out at 1,400 pieces. It also showcases gorgeous annual blooms and long, dangling mosses reminiscent of downtown Savannah. If you’re traveling with children, be sure to check out the Lowcountry Zoo, where little ones can see native species, such as alligators, baby goats, river otters and even bald eagles. Maybe you’re visiting the area only for a week of recreation. Maybe you’re down for work. Or, maybe you’re in the market for a beachside condo and want to make this spot your home. Regardless, these gardens are a great way to acclimate yourself to the city and take a step back in time while you’re at it.

4. The city is full of culture.

While you might go to Myrtle Beach for the sandy shore, you can leave with a healthy dose of culture as well. When you visit the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, you’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for both local and world-renowned artists alike. With rotating exhibits, there’s something new to see each time you visit, though the Southern arts and craft collection is a permanent one. The staff also offer guided tours for large groups and workshops, so call ahead and plan to spend plenty of time exploring these grounds.

Ultimately, Myrtle Beach isn’t just about walking along the boardwalk, though there’s plenty of excitement to be found there as well. With a little research and pre-planning, you’ll find that the area is home to myriad eclectic, exciting and unexpected gems that just take a little time to find.