Family Vacation GuideMyrtle 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.

Whether you like bowling, bocce, darts, chess, or just good food, 710Bowling is a great addition to the North Myrtle Beach area.

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.

If you like irreverent comedy then this is your place. Waiters go out of their way to be sarcastic and crack jokes. Parent advisory suggested.

Dine on fresh fish over an island where one of Blackbeard's crewmates was abandoned with 32 casks of rum. You can probably guess what happened next.

A 70-foot tall Egyptian pyramid towers above. It's a dinner palace home to Elvis' Cape, Paul McCartney's suit, and black boots worn by Johnny Cash.

Built on a boat over the lake at Broadway at the Beach, this fun restaurant is a little patch of island paradise. Keep in mind, it does get crowded.

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.

Homemade pasta and tomato bruschetta go nicely with the live accordion in the background. You might just hear the Beatles, if you listen closely.

Home to one of the biggest wooden coasters in the South, this park has 37 rides for all ages. There's also a waterpark located conveniently across the street.

Great for families with older kids, you'll get to traverse ropes courses and fly down ziplines.

You get a beautiful view of the Atlantic (for a few seconds that is), until you drop down on a bungee cord. This one's for the adrenaline junkie in your family.

Strap in for a behind-the-wheel stock car experience at the Myrtle Beach Speedway. Or, you can always just sit back and watch the professionals do the racing.

Starting at $20 per person, you can ride a helicopter over the ocean and see the entire beach in its full glory.

Though a bit outdated by today's standards, if you're looking for a taste of nostalgia, then is your spot. OD Pavilion also hosts regular concerts on the beach.

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

Take out a go-cart on a former NASCAR track. There's also a mini golf course, arcade, rock wall, and the thrilling Sky Coaster.

An hour drive from Myrtle Beach, this farmers market sells the freshest produce in the state on fifty-acres of former farmland.

You've probably seen this place somewhere. Gordon Biersch is an international hotspot for hearty German food and crisp lagers.

Vineyard, winery, and campground all in one. Stop by for their tastings, and if you have too much, just pitch your tent for a nap.

They sell juices, jams, and syrups, but are known more for their sweet muscadine wines. Pick up a bottle at Pee Dees Farmers Market.

Come by for tastings of wines made from Carolina's signature muscadine grape. This picturesque vineyard also hosts tons of events in their garden.

It's the longest running brew-pub in town with tons of varieties and daily happy hour from 4-7 pm. Dine indoors among the brewing vats or outside in the beer garden.

It's tucked away, hidden almost in an industrial section of town. But don't let that deter you. Come by for tastings or tours with their laid-back, friendly brewer masters.

It's a nice family-friendly brewpub in the South Strand. Grab a bite to eat, beer, or get a growler (64-ounce jug) for fill-ups of fresh, handcrafted beer.

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

Finish your tour of the South Strand at this casual seafood shack. Get a taste for the area's signature crab, scallops, flounder, and oysters.

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 a diamond in disguise. An ordinary storefront in a strip mall transforms into a mountain grill in the Rockies. Get the Rack of Lamb with braised brussel sprouts!

They put an interesting spin on Southern classics, with Collard Green Wontons and Fried Green Tomatoes in chipotle dressing. And don't miss Baker Barbara's homemade deserts.

Bonjour, ya'll! It's South of France in South Carolina. Try Espresso Rubbed Flat Iron Steak or Shrimp and Grits. Ask for the dessert menu for favorites from their bakery.

Dine inside at Frank's with classy small plates like Pork Belly, Tuna Nachos, and Fried Goat Cheese. Head outside for woodfired pizzas by an enormous fireplace.

Chic, swanky blue lighting combine with gourmet creations such as Chilli Dusted Duck Breast and Local Oysters with blackberry-basil mignonette.

Enjoy duck confit and souffle in the quaint town of Little River. Their wine list is excellent and they have a tasting menu too. Oh yeah, and the place is haunted (just the kitchen).

It's probably the only library that you're allowed to eat at. This upscale restaurant is known for their tableside preparations, including their famous caesar salad.

Designed with long bombers in mind, the course has broad landing areas free of bunkers. So take aim and fire away!

Don't be deceived by the first 15 holes, the last three'll getcha. No. 17 is a monster at 576 yards with water hazards and bunkers guarding the green.

Eerie oak trees draped in Spanish moss give it a 'Gone with the Wind' feel. Lush beauty and tough-but-fair playability make it one of the 100 best public courses.

With its famous risk-reward No. 8, this Murrells Inlet Golf Course is also ranked among the "Top 100 Women-Friendly Courses."

Built on an old indigo plantation, next to its sister Caledonia, it's routinely ranked by Golf Digest as one of the best Myrtle Beach Golf Courses for its supreme beauty and playability.

The best course at Barefoot Resort & Golf, this beautiful North Myrtle Beach golf course can be tough. But pick the right tees and most players can get through without undue suffering.

The "Friendliest Course on the Grand Strand," Possum Trot features broad fairways and shortish par-5s. It's great for family play and has a top-ranked golf academy.

Ranked in the top 50 public courses, it's one of the Grand Strand's most difficult courses, playing to 7,450 yards with a course rating of 76.1 and slope rating of 148.

Known as "The Granddaddy," this course was designed by the first president of the PGA. In 1954, executives of Time-Life gathered here to hash out the concept for Sports Illustrated.

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.

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

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!

They make a killer key lime pie, superb eclairs, and superior tiramisu. This Pawley's Island deli also has some mighty tasty brick oven pizzas and paninis.

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.

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.

It's one of the world's only restaurants specializing in both sushi and burgers. They also serve fancy cocktails finished with liquid nitrogen that take it to the next level.

Rockstar chef, Adam Kirby grows the veggies and catches a lot of the fish himself. His fried green tomatoes and oysters with bacon-cream sauce are soul satisfying.

This local favorite serves hearty Bavarian Bratwurst to soak up those pints of German beer.

Live music plays over views of the Inlet. Come for a breakfast of Lobster Home Fries and dinner with Boo-Boo's Tender (beef) Bites.

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.

Enjoy a classic Lowcountry meal with homemade hushpuppies, hand-made onion rings, and just-caught seafood.

It's a tiny Japanese restaurant serving up succulent gyoza, tea-smoked BBQ ribs, and savory ramen.

This is where you get Bog Balls – fried morsels made from a chicken/sausage/rice dish called Chicken Bog, the Grand Strand's most traditional specialty.

The Grand Strand's best zoo – you get to see otters, foxes, eagles, and more. Then take a pontoon boat ride to see gators and native animals in their natural habitats.

Offering lessons, summer golf camps, and junior league tournaments this organization helps kids improve their skills.

This popular three-day school gives junior golfers and adults a crash course at True Blue Golf Course.

It's a renowned teaching facility for ages 5-17, perfect for young players just taking up the sport, as well as those fine tuning their game for elite competitions.

Operated by golf legend Raymond Floyd, Arrowhead offer 27 holes on three distinct courses. There's something fun for every skillset.

Great for kids, these 18 par-3 holes, play as short as 69 yards. So you won't be stuck on the course for too long.

Rich and indulgent seafood mixes nicely with sunsets over the inlet.

Blue crab fondue, lobster pot pie, Shrimp & Scallops Carbonara, these are a few of the decadent creations here. On nice days they have live music in the gazebo.

"Mr. Fish" sold fish on the Grand Strand for the last 30 years. He took his love of perfectly fried fish and put it into this fantastic Myrtle Beach Restaurant.

Their crab cakes and shrimp and grits are to die for. This laid back beach house does it right.

Come here on a warm evening for a golden sunset and the scent of sweet, salty air. Try the oysters on the half shell or the classic low-country boil.

A historic restaurant in the heart of downtown Myrtle Beach, they even serve breakfast. Get their Crab Cake Eggs Benedict if you're up for seafood in the morning.

Lightly breaded and deeply fried, that's the "Calabash" way. This buffet is decorated to the teeth with nautical decor. They even have a model ship builder on staff.

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.

Most of the time it's reggae-influenced rock 'n' roll and Americana, but twice a year it turns into Shag Central – a hub for Carolina Beach Music.

With a large concert hall, restaurant stage, and outdoor stage, there are lots of choices. Come Sunday mornings for the Gospel Brunch at Crossroads.

You can listen to live music from your boat. They host a variety of concerts across genres, and most acts are free! Come for their Sunday Funday summer concert series.

They book a wide variety of acts from big names to local stars. On Mondays they host an Acoustic Jam Night for something light and soulful.

Get a sense for all the great local artists. If you come Tuesdays you can even join in and jam with them.

Hop from bar-to-bar for live music, drinks, and food along the water in Murrells Inlet.

With moving seats that buzz with different physical effects and even smells, you're immersed in a multi-sensory cinema experience.

In the first half, you chase bank robbers through a mind-bending maze. In the second part, kids get to dodge lasers in a spy mission.

This dual mirror maze and laser vault challenge will put your sense of reality to the test.

You put on glasses and watch a dazzling wrap-around screen while your seats move to the movie.

Take your family's holiday photo next to the world's tallest and shortest man. These exhibits of oddity will peak your curiosity.

Next door to Ripley's Museum, this mirror puts you in a labyrinth of mirrors and LED lights.

Kids get to see how electricity works, experience a hurricane, and explore a 3D version of Google Earth. There's even a zipline going into the building and lazer tag inside.

Turquoise blue water cascades into crystal-clear seas in this version of the Mayan Riviera. The course plays into a Mayan temple that erupts with thunder and lightening.

It's great for young kids because they get to play the story of Peter Pan. You can also buy a $35 package here to play Dragon's Lair, Jungle Safari, Jurassic Golf, and Shipwreck Island.

Journey back to the time of knights, castles, and dragons. Watch out for the firebreathing dragon! It's at Broadway at the Beach so you're next to tons of fun.

Every year, the best mini golfers in the world gather here for a face off. It may well be the most famous mini golf course in the world.

Mini golf fans often get their wedding photos taken here. This Hawaiian paradise is all about the epic Hole 11, a tricky shot known as the "Big Hill."

Putt through a misty prehistoric jungle with challenging hills and tricky lies. Then do the Ice Age course and test your skills in the fog.

You crash land on a tropical island with nothing but your putters. All that's left to do is play until you're rescued.

It's the world's only volcano with air conditioning inside. So when the weather is hot, the best place to play is inside a magma chamber.

Purists might scoff at the ridiculous theming that mixes the Loch Ness Monster, minotaurs, and aliens with Elvis and Einstein. But nobody said it wasn't entertaining.

It's the only course overlooking the ocean, right above the boardwalk. You putt around a small lagoon where a shark takes a bite out of a fisherman's boat every 15 minutes.

They cook the pecans right in the batter. Try their homemade cinnamon butter atop crispy waffles and fluffy pancakes.

They're not fussy about their pancakes, just simple and delicious. Also, the savory Dixie Eggs Benedict with poached eggs on a biscuit is a must.

Wake up to Southern homecooking. Squash casserole, fried okra, catfish, and chicken and dumplings is enough to start your day right.

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 quirky little diner serves delicious flapjacks and malted Belgian waffles. Their Golf Platter can feed several kids for $10, or a golfer with a big appetite.

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.

You can get all the favorites like golden pancakes covered in glazed strawberries and syrup. Or go for their healthy menu for lighter alternatives and gluten-free pancakes.

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.

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

Sit back in an old mansion for an authentic country buffet on Blue Willow China. Their fried chicken and Buttermilk Pie is some of the best around.

For a taste of authentic beach food this is the place. They've got all the classics from shrimp poppers and Po' Boys to fresh-caught blackened fish.

The light and crispy fried fish that you see all over the Grand Strand comes from Calabash. Also, be sure to check out Callahan's, a famous, quirky Christmas store.

Mixing international influences (even sushi) into southern classics, this delicious Conway restaurant has a spacious deck overlooking downtown.

Serving Pad Thai and a variety of curries this is great lunch spot in Conway if you're craving something a little different.

This country buffet in Conway serves crispy fried chicken, fantastic collard greens, and great desserts too.

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

The food is great, but the kitchen is haunted. A dark figure is said to loom on the staircase and a human face often appears in an old mirror.

This Scottish-style course features 27 well-maintained holes, design in a 19th century Scottish layout. It's also known as a great couples course.

Set on a historic rice plantation dating back to the 1700s, the course meanders through marshes, woodlands, and natural grasses.