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.

Parasailing is one of those bucket list things. You get an amazing view of everything, as you fly in a parachute, solo or with friends and family.

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.

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Though a bit outdated by today's standards, if you're looking for a taste of nostalgia, then is your spot.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The longest wooden pier on the East Coast is also part of Apache Family Campground. Join in the family fun with themed dance parties and karaoke.

Some crazy fisherman caught a 1,780-bls tiger shark here. This North Myrtle Beach pier is home to yearly tournaments and has some of the best Myrtle Beach fishing.

Enjoy live music at the Paradise Cafe Deck and a band pavilion with a full-service bar at the end of the pier. There's also a large video game arcade.

If you don't want to catch your own dinner, sit down for fresh seafood at Pier 14 Restaurant. There's a large outdoor deck with panoramic views of the Atlantic.

What used to be a bait shop is now a sleek, modern eatery. Stop by Pier House Restaurant for delicious seafood on a wrap-around deck.

At the southern tip of Myrtle Beach this pier is home to fishing tournaments. There's also Barnacle Bill's Bar and Grill, and a bait and tackle shop.

Within Myrtle Beach State park, this quiet pier is a prime spot for fishing and crabbing.

It's a great place for fishing on the south strand. Head to a number of great restaurants nearby, whether or not you catch the 'big one.'

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.

South of Myrtle Beach, the beach continues along the inlets and islands of the Southern Strand. You're away from loud music and free to relax.

The town will actually pave around historic trees. That's how much they care about preserving its beauty. So stroll on the gorgeous riverwalk and enjoy the local food.

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.

It's what Myrtle Beach used be like before all the high-rise hotels. This laid-back beach town is a nice place to unwind. Take a stroll on its newly refurbished boardwalk.

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

You'll still find tobacco warehouses here, but the crown jewel is Webster's Manor. Stop by for an authentic country buffet in an old mansion from the 1800's.

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.

Some think of it as a 'drive by town' on your way in and out of Myrtle. But stop by the Aynor Inn for something surprisingly delicious.

About an hour from Myrtle, between old colonial buildings you'll find some of the best antiquing in South Carolina

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

Early colonial settlements here were some of the oldest in the nation. Stop by today for museums, waterfront restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques.

Get a snapshot of old-school Myrtle with beach houses, seafood shacks, and souvenirs. Make sure you eat at Duffy's Seafood Shack for a true beachy meal.

Long considered a fisherman's hotspot, this quaint town has dozens of great seafood restaurants on the waterfront. It's also a great place for deep sea fishing.

With 1/2, 3/4, and full-day fishing trips you can get a sense for inshore, offshore, and deep sea fishing. Their fleet can accommodate large groups.

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.

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.

Find great deals on high-end brands at one of two outlet shopping locations in Myrtle Beach.

Find great deals on high-end brands at one of two outlet shopping locations in Myrtle Beach.

Next to the Intracoastal Waterway, this indoor mall has favorites such as Belk and Dillard's. There's also a great food court in the center and movie theater.

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.

If you're in Little River, beware the ghost of Blackbeard who once used this quiet town as a refuge before his beheading at the hands of Lt. Maynard.

This guided walking tour takes you to the darkest sites of ancient ghosts. Odds are you'll see a ghostly orb or two along the way.

Talented actors and storytellers come together to re-create the area's infamous local legends.

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.

Alice Flagg fell in love with a common lumberman, but her wealthy father shipped her off to boarding school, where she die of malaria. To this day, her ghost searches for her lost lover.

One of the scariest excursions in South Carolina! Tour an old warehouse filled with haunted attractions. Investigators claim to have found paranormal activity lurking in the walls.

If you see a mysterious man dressed in gray rags warn you of an impending storm, get out of town, he's probably right.

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.

Old Joe was told to guard a mysterious fortune of gold coins for the wealthy Huntington's. The next day it vanished, never to be seen again.

You can get up close to the area's majestic dolphins, on a boat cruise or guided jet ski tour.

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.

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.

This 2,200-seat theater hosts a show featuring comedy, dancing, and singing performed by talented stars from TV acts like American Idol.

It's a museum of history featuring a number of exhibits with artifacts from the Revolutionary War, Native American settlements, and the area's wildlife.

You can fish from the piers, on the river, or take a deep sea fishing charter and venture offshore. You might just catch the next record-breaking tarpon.

Pull a lever and fly 15 feet in the air on jetpack. Or, pull tricks on a water-powered hoverboard. This one's for grown ups and big kids.

It's like riding a motorcycle on water. Zip through the network of rivers or head out to sea and ride with the dolphins.

You just can't get the same experience with wildlife in a motor boat. Paddle close to egrets and seals, as you explore the rivers and inlets of the Grand Strand.

Paddle with the family through calm, glass-like waterways or explore the small islands of Murrells Inlet.

The waves may be smaller than at most surfing hotspots, but Myrtle Beach does get some sets of its own. Head to Surfside Beach when conditions are right.

Instead of 1-3 people on a tube, the entire family is towed on the back of an inflatable banana. Hold on around the turns, you might all fall off at once.

Myrtle Beach boating is unique. You can rip through the ocean on a speedboat, or take it easy on a leisurely pontoon boat cruise.

You've Family Kingdom amusement park behind you and the beach in front of you. Relax in the adult pool while the kids play on the water playground and lazy river.

There's a great oceanfront restaurant, several winding pools, and plush luxury condos to call your home base.

The pool deck faces the ocean and the beach is just a few feet away, along a path through the dunes. You can get one of the best views of the Atlantic from condos on the two top floors.

Staff go out of their way to treat kids like royalty at this beachfront resort. There's an indoor and an outdoor lazy river, along with a seaside pool overlooking the shore.

This luxury resort boasts classy residences, a great bar and grill, and a water playground with a giant waterslide.

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.

They just opened a brand new tasting room at Barefoot Landing where you can sample their signature muscadine wines.

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.

During spring and fall, Hot Jersey Nights features the hit songs of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Other shows include Carnival of Magical, Christmas Wonderland, and an MMA Fight Night.

Set on the Intracoastal Waterway, you're right across the street from Myrtle Beach Watersports where you can rent jet skis, kayaks, or go for a banana boat ride.

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.

It feels like a peaceful Southern oasis, on tranquil creeks away from the crowds. The resort offers a great outdoor pool and lazy river, and hosts daily activities.

You can fish on the river that flows right into the ocean, lounge by the seaside pool, or head down to an uncrowded stretch of beach.

With a world-class golf course, fun bar and grill, and suites with huge living rooms, it makes for a great golfing trip.

You're right next to great golf courses and Myrtle Beach State Park. Or, hang back at the resort with a cooling drink at the bar, surrounded by the gorgeous zero-entry pool.

Walk along the sand to the brand new boardwalk and ride the SkyWheel. This boutique resort features a lazy river and pool, overlooking the ocean.

A kid-friendly resort, you've got a lazy river, multiple pools, and the beach right in front of you fun. Or, grab a book, relax on the sundeck, and let your troubles melt away.

There are two lazy rivers, six pools, 10 hot tubs, and dozens of other activities. And then there's the beach, which is located at the end of the road and free from the crowds.

Away from all the crowds, you're right across from the beach and set along a seaside trail, perfect for a run or stroll. There's also a lazy river and fun bar and grill.

Soak up the sun on the poolside sundeck or lawn. Then walk a few steps to the beach. When your appetite strikes, grab a bite to eat at the ice cream shop and grill.

There's a huge waterslide outside and an indoor water playground for the little ones. Enjoy a romantic sunset dinner at the famous Sea Captain's House restaurant next door.

You can golf along the Intra Coastal Waterway, or take out a boat at the marina. There's also a great riverside bar, perfect for an evening drink.

It's a great family resort, with an indoor water playground and lazy river for the little ones, and a gorgeous lounge area and seaside pool for the grownups.

Located in the less crowded Murrells inlet, there's much more space on the beach.

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.

These two 18th century lighthouses stand at an impressive 65-ft and 150-ft tall. A ferry will takes you there where you'll wade through the marsh to reach them.

Set in the 23,000-acre Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, this relaxing getaway features three miles of walking/biking trails and a scenic boardwalk, perfect for a picnic and family photo.

It's the launching point for fun ocean adventures including dolphin tours, kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, and jet skiing.

This vast wildlife refuge is home to forests, wetlands, and old plantation. They offer several tours that show you the history and ecology of the Grand Strand.

Not well-known to visitors, the gardens here line the scenic Intracoastal Waterway. It's a great place to watch the sunrise, stroll along the river or fish, and a must for bird watchers.

With six pools and two lazy rivers, this action-packed family resort is located right on the beach in North Myrtle Beach. Cruise on one of two lazy rivers that look out over the ocean and le...

Sprawling along the fairways of Myrtlewood Golf Club, Myrtlewood Villas provides a relaxing family retreat away from the crowds. But it’s not just a great Myrtle Beach resort for golfers.

One block from the beach and right next to a peaceful neighborhood, Horizon at 77th is an action-packed family resort. The rooftop pool area features a lazy river stocked with inner tubes, a...

This sleek modern resort is a refreshing change from many of the older resorts in Myrtle Beach. Rising above the sea, Ocean 22 By Hilton Grand Vacations offers a peaceful oceanfront pool sur...

Rising above a prime stretch of beach, North Beach Plantation is an upscale North Myrtle Beach Resort with an oceanfront water park. Located in the very first part of North Myrtle Beach, you...

Kids and grownups alike will love the oceanfront water park, which includes multiple pools, whirlpool spas, a lazy river, and splash pool with a water fountain. Of course you could walk abou...

Right on of the beach, Monterey Bay Suites features an oceanfront pool surrounded by palmetto trees that flows into an indoor water playground. Grab a lounger and enjoy the sunshine or hop o...