The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove – Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach’s Gay Dolphin Gift Cove, is “the nation’s largest gift shop”! This unique landmark has been a community favorite since the 1940s, providing tourists with seven floors of crazy trinkets and gifts galore. Our staff at Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center can confirm that it’s truly a unique thing to do in Myrtle Beach.
Our little beach town has been through quite a bit of change throughout the years, so we’re very fortunate to have held on to this family owned gem for more than 70 years! In 1954, Hurricane Hazel wiped out the original store, leaving a large hole in the floor! That hole became the basement (talk about making lemonade out of lemons, right?). Since then, seven signature floors and a glass tower were built, forming our beloved present-day Gay Dolphin. It’s grown up and into one of the most visited attractions in the area.
The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove has 30,000 square feet of endless merchandise! And when we say endless we’re not joking… the store averages 70,000 items! Getting lost here is normal, and in fact, the store is known for its “I Got Lost in The Gay Dolphin” t-shirt! Taking in the whole shop is truly an experience in itself and can take people over two hours.
Just to give you an idea about what you will likely find during your visit, you may expect to see:
- Sharks teeth
- Sea shells
- Home décor
- Jewelry
- Hats
- Handbags
- Silly socks
- Beach-themed items
- Toys
- Inflatable pool toys
- Pressed pennies
- Shell plant holders
- Christmas ornaments
- Vintage items
- Sand crabs
- Maybe even a kitchen sink!
This gift shop goes above and beyond the norm, providing tourists not only with souvenirs, but also with fun photo-ops. Imagine the chance to pose beside the life-size Yeti, pirates, Egyptian guardians and more! They’ve even labeled “selfie-spots” inside their shop for perfect “Insta-worthy” shots.
Another cool and unique aspect of the shop is, each item has its original shelving date on it. One of our team members at Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center suggests trying out his favorite “game” to play while in the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove. He takes out-of-town guests to the store to compete to see who can find the oldest item on the shelves!
After getting lost in The Gay Dolphin be sure to stop by Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center and get lost again at Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors, plus enjoy the scary fun at Outbreak – Dread the Undead and of course all the glamour at the Hollywood Wax Museum. We’d love to see what treasures you found!