When some folks visit Myrtle Beach they dream of spending countless hours on the sand. Others are ready to be amused! Lucky for both, the Grand Strand isn’t short on either sand or thrills.
Here’s a list of my family’s favorite rides, attractions and amusement parks in Myrtle Beach. We’ve got everything from the tallest Ferris wheel this side of the Mississippi to rollercoasters, ziplines, and real stock car racing. There’s something for every level of thrill.
1) Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
Photo: Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
You can see how far the beach goes from atop The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. Set along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, you get one of the best views on the Grand Strand. The SkyWheel resembles a Ferris wheel, but each car is called a gondola, and they’re self-contained so you can move around. They're also climate-controlled so it’s a nice place to escape the heat during the summer months.
The wheel revolves so slowly so that anxious flyers won’t feel much movement. Plus, if you find yourself dealing with a toddler potty emergency or a seriously nervous nelly, you can hit a button in the gondola that communicates with an operator on the ground, down below. If necessary, they’ll maneuver the SkyWheel to get you out as soon as possible.
What you need to know
myrtlebeachskywheel.com
Phone: (843) 839-9200
Address: 1110 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
2) Family Kingdom Amusement Park
Photo: Vacatia
Family Kingdom Amusement Park is home to the historic Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster, one of the largest in the South. There are 37 rides here making this one of the best amusement parks in Myrtle Beach as it is ideal for all ages. The beauty about Family Kingdom is that you have the option of purchasing tickets by ride or a wristband, good for the entire day.
Family Kingdom also has a water park across the street. If you’re interested in visiting both amusement parks, be sure to buy tickets together to get bundle pricing.
What you need to know
familykingdomfun.com
Phone: (843) 626-3447
Address: 300 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
3) Broadway Grand Prix Family Race Park
Photo: Broadway Grand Prix
You can actually ride go-carts on the former site of the NASCAR SpeedPark. Broad Grand Prix Family Race track is home to fantastic go-carts, in addition to a miniature golf course, arcade games, a rock wall, and the thrilling Sky Coaster.
While there are height requirements for some attractions, there’s plenty to do for the little ones. The Kids Zone is filled with kiddie rides too.
What you need to know
broadwaygrandprix.com
Phone: (843) 839-4080
Address: 1820 21st Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
4) NASCAR Racing Experience, Myrtle Beach Speedway
Photo: Vacatia
If your need for speed has you craving a behind-the-wheel experience that’s a bit faster, head out to the Myrtle Beach Speedway and take on the NASCAR Racing Experience. This attraction in Myrtle Beach lets you drive stock cars on the track.
Suit up and strap in for anything from a ride around the speedway at race speeds in a professionally driven pace car to a variety of driving experiences, depending on how much track time you’d like. If spectating is more your scene, have a look at Myrtle Beach Speedway’s full schedule of racing events.
What you need to know
myrtlebeachspeedway.com
Phone: (843) 236-0500
Address: Myrtle Beach Speedway, 455 Hospitality Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC
5) Go Ape Treetop Adventure
Photo: Go Ape USA
Go Ape Treetop Adventure in North Myrtle Beach requires some power – (wo)man power, that is. It’s a ropes course situated high in the air and has you, quite literally, swinging from the trees!
The course starts with extensive safety training and progresses to a starter set of obstacles. Next you’ll move through the five stations and traverse ropes, Tarzan swings, and zip lines. The minimum height is 4’ 9” so this is for older kids and families, but you’ll have a wild time on this outdoor adventure!
What you need to know
goape.com
Phone: (800) 971-8271
Address: 150 Citizens Circle, Little River, SC 29566
6) Myrtle Beach Sling Shot
Photo: Myrtle Beach Slingshot
Adrenaline junkies, listen up. If the idea of being flung 300 feet in the air at 100 miles per hour sounds like a good time, then this attraction in Myrtle Beach is for you.
Powered by the tension provided by massive bungee cords, this thrill ride will bounce you up and down, repeatedly. Should you have the composure to open your eyes, you’ll get a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean (for a few seconds that is). If not, you can watch it later on the video taken by the camera mounted to your car, which captures your flight.
What you need to know
myrtlebeachthrillrides.com
Phone: (843) 444-8255
Address: 1201 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
7) OceanFront Helicopters
Photo: Broadway at the Beach
OceanFront Helicopters gives you the most spectacular view of the Grand Strand! Starting at only $20, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the Atlantic. Longer tours are available in all directions (the mansions of Myrtle Beach’s Golden Mile to the north and beautiful marshlands of the south) and the price increases depending on distance.
During the flight, your pilot typically talks you through the scenery and offer fun facts about the aircraft. OceanFront Helicopters also offers charter itineraries if you want to plan something truly special or have transportation need.
What you need to know
oceanfront-helicopters.com
Phone: (843) 946-0022
Address: 3000 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
8) OD Pavilion
Photo: Wes Connell via Flickr
The OD Pavilion in North Myrtle Beach is rich in shagging history (South Carolina’s State Dance and Myrtle Beach Staple). It’s something out of the original North Myrtle Beach, but it has much more than meets the eye. In addition to a number of old-school rides, games, and carnival attractions, it’s home to a music venue hosting concerts on the beach.
Open seasonally, admission is free and ride tickets vary in price depending on the attraction. If you’re looking for throwback amusement parks in Myrtle Beach, this is the spot.
What you need to know
odpavilion.com
Phone: (843) 663-3231
Address: 90 S Ocean Blvd, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Photo: Caribbean Resort and Villas
