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.

Stroll through the world's largest outdoor sculpture collection amid beautiful gardens.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Built with Roman columns, All Saints Church is a grand example of Classical Revival architecture. These hallowed grounds are also home to a haunted cemetery.

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

It's an enchanting mansion, once the home of famous philanthropists, Archer and Anna Huntington. Explore the ruins and have a picnic in the surrounding state park.

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.

Join other Buffet fans for live music, food, and drink in the garden at La Belle Amie vineyard.

On the grounds of the mysterious Atalaya Castle, hundreds of local artists sell their clothes, jewelry, and crafts. Best of all, the beach is just yards away.

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.

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.

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.

People come here to take wedding photos. This breathtaking boardwalk path weaves past oak trees, historic buildings, and the glass-like reflection on the river.

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

The battle at Ft. Fisher helped seal the Confederacy's fate, cutting off the last supply line to Robert E. Lee's Army.

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.

Housed in a large warehouse, you'll find tons of antiques, some of them hundreds of years old, set up in themed displays. It's like exploring Ikea.

It's filled with tons of items from fine China, silverware, and nick knacks to furniture and leather bound books.

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

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

Shaded by gorgeous oak trees, these elegant Victorian-style shops are a nice relaxing way to cool down on a hot day away from the action.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This huge 2,000-seat venue rotates its in-house production, "One – The Show" and a guest artist concert series featuring hot names in country music.

For eight summers in the 1970s, Alabama was their house band. Today they carry on the tradition with live country music at this boardwalk venue.

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.

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.

Take a ferry to this uninhabited barrier island to explore 16 miles of trails. The highlight is Boneyard Beach with it's skeletonized trees, jutting out of the sand.

They offer massage treatments, pilates and fitness, and therapeutic rituals. You can also take a soak in their whirlpool Jacuzzi set in an outdoor garden.

Their signature Milk and Honey body wrap uses complex essentials oils and therapeutic mud to rejuvenate the skin.

Treatments include hot stone massages, sugar and salt scrubs, and detoxifying body wraps.

Inspired by the great vineyards of Europe, Silver Coast produces a number of local wines. They also host their own art gallery and seasonal events, like the Purple Feet Festival.