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.

Enjoy the area's seafood while kids climb on the outdoor playground. This is a great family restaurant when you're exploring the peaceful south end of the Grand Strand.

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!

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

No forks here! It's a 3-course dinner show out of the middle ages. Guests are greeted as "My Lord, Lady, Prince, and Princess," and knights duel and joust below.

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.

Homemade whipped cream on blueberry pancakes? Say no more! This is a great place to stop for breakfast when exploring the South Strand.

Hungry for lunch in the South Strand? This family pizza joint serves tasty pies with a variety of toppings.

The line is worth it! Stop by for dozens of flavors, toppings, and sauces to fill your cone or waffle bowl.

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.

Their fluffy cakes are great, and their Big Dog Special can feed 3 kids at once for $8. It comes with 3 eggs, 3 pancakes, and your choice of bacon or sausage.

Think cinnamon roll waffles, red velvet waffles, and banana-coconut chocolate chip pancakes. Who knows what their waffle savant, Jamie Saunders will whip up next.

They actually have waffle cam, where you can watch these puppies come to life. With omelets and many types of Belgian waffles, it's a great breakfast choice.

This old-fashioned ice cream parlor, on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, makes their own gelato and Italian ice. Try the Lemon Cookie Gelato!

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.

This one stop shop has everything you'll need on vacation. It's a grocery, seafood market, souvenir store, and hardware store that also sells fresh baked donuts.

All you really need to know: they make 40+ flavors of cupcakes. We're talk'n 40 plus fresh, beautifully decorated cupcakes!

This famous family owned ice cream parlor has been around since the 50's. It's where Myrtle Beach native Vanna White goes for a scoop.

Stop by this drive-thru donut shop for great coffee and donuts near Family Kingdom Amusement Park.

Get classic candies, such as fudge, brittles, and caramel popcorn at this local sweets shop.

The allure of steak and Italian food all in one place makes this Myrtle Beach restaurant a local favorite. Service is friendly and the vibe is great for families.

Probably the best oatmeal raisin cookies you've ever tasted, plus fresh baked breads, condiments, and luscious cakes. Locals treat this place like an extension of their pantry.

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.

It's national chain with a raucous family-friendly atmosphere. The seafood is fresh and the waiters sing and dance. Nobody will hear your screaming baby.

It's a national chain with a raucous family-friendly atmosphere. The seafood is fresh and the waiters sing and dance. Nobody will hear your child mid-meltdown.

This spacious sports bar is a great place to enjoy the game and a meal with the family.

Eat peanuts and throw the shells on the floor, decorate the table cloth in crayon graffiti, go ahead, make a mess. It's all good at these 7 kid-friendly Myrtle Beach restaurants.

Eat peanuts and throw the shells on the floor, decorate the table cloth in crayon graffiti, go ahead, make a mess. It's all good at these 7 kid-friendly Myrtle Beach restaurants.

Eat peanuts and throw the shells on the floor, decorate the table cloth in crayon graffiti, go ahead, make a mess. It's all good at these 7 kid-friendly Myrtle Beach restaurants.

It's a bit wacky with colorful decor and booths with personal TVs. This locally-owned Myrtle Beach restaurant will keep kids entertained.

Think non-corporate Chuck E. Cheese's, but with top-notch pizza. There's an amazing playspace for kids and a sports bar for parents.