Family Vacation GuideMyrtle Beach

Find alligators, snakes, and egrets in the area's largest state park. Explore the old mysterious mansion at Atalaya Castle or just hang out on the calm beach.

It's the safest way to watch 15-foot gators leap from the water to devour their dinner. This reptile sanctuary features gators, snakes, and other animals.

It's a museum filled with exhibits that promote creative play. Kids can pretend shop at a farmers market or build things with giant foam blocks.

With 14 theaters to choose from and extra-comfy seats, it's a great place to watch a movie on rainy day. Stop by Cold Stone Creamery for a cold treat after the show.

It's quieter than Broadway at the Beach and geared more towards nature with tiger and alligator attractions. It's also home to House of Blues.

With tons of shops, restaurants, activities, and a vibrant nightlife, it's similar to Downtown Disney. Just watch out for those catfish in the lake!

Lined with designer shops, restaurants, and a huge movie theater, it's an outdoor mall with condos above.

Finished in 2010, the boardwalk is filled with beachside restaurants, souvenir shops and the iconic Skywheel. It also hosts concerts and summer events.

It's what you think of when you think of Myrtle Beach. Warm sands, a boardwalk with restaurants and attractions, and tons of energy.

In this quiet maritime forest behind the dunes, you'll find picnic benches and a few trails. Admire the wildlife, and come for the kid-friendly nature classes.

Slightly less crowded than Myrtle Beach, this beach mixes homes and smaller resorts for a quieter experience.

Each climate-controlled car is a comfy place to escape the heat and admire the view from above.

It's an annual BBQ competition where you can taste BBQ from the best pitmasters in the country. Come hungry and ready for ribs, pork, and live music.

Few kids can resist the allure of giant pumpkins. This annual harvest festival at Brookgreen Gardens is good for the little ones and grandma and grandpa too.

It's the best way to end your summer day at the beach. From Jun-Aug, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk hosts nightly entertainment from 8-11 pm.

It's a little smaller than other Myrtle Beach malls, but it's home to a great kids club hosting frequent events, as well as a brand new movie theater and bowling alley.

Even if you're not buying a boat, the Bass Pro Shop is still fun with its fish tank and kids activities. This large mall has stores, a movie theater, and seasonal skating rink.

Dark corners, scariest noises, and that guy with a chainsaw make this haunted house show fun for the whole family.

Hop aboard the Sea Gypsy with the little ones ones, as they dress in pirate outfits and shoot water cannons off the starboard. This boat cruise is a delight for young kids.

Starting at a plantation, you ride to the beach for a stroll along the ocean. Come during the day or a romantic sunset.

It's a day on a farm from the early 1900's. Watch blacksmiths hammer out tools and farmers plow the fields. It's a great educational activity for the kids.

Young kids will marvel at the pirates who sing, dance, and launch off in aerial stunts. And then there's the sea lion who steals the show.

One of best things to do in Myrtle Beach on a rainy day is go under the sea. They have a stunning walk-thru reef and shark tunnel, along with a cool hands-on tidepool exhibit.

Relax on the beach or by the oceanfront pool. There's also an indoor kids club stocked with arts n' crafts and games, as well as a seasonal Tiki Bar and snack shack.

Tucked away in a maritime forest you have lots of open space and nature trails to explore. Walk to the private beach or have a personal golf cart take you there.

Located in a quiet neighborhood, you have less crowds on the beach. There's a nice oceanfront pool, and a seaside lawn where kids can run around.

You're right next to the world-class Possum Trot Golf Course. This peaceful golf retreat has a great pool, soothing sauna, clubhouse with games, and tennis courts.

Located right on the beach in North Myrtle Beach's Ocean Drive section, you can walk to the classic rides at Pavilion Amusement Park.

With its one-of-a-kind "treehouse" condos, this resort is set in a quiet, forested neighborhood with an indoor pool, clubhouse, and plenty of nearby golfing.

It's packed with family activities from a giant jungle gym to huge pools, and nightly campfires with 'smores.

Right across the street from the famous Broadway at the Beach, this family-friendly resort boasts a waterpark, mini golf, tennis, and calming lake.

You're right on the beach and walking distance to the restaurants and shops of Main Street in North Myrtle Beach.

It's home to the legendary Ocean Annie's beach bar with live music during the summer months. You’ve got several pools, a lazy river, and the beach at your front door.