We had never been to Myrtle Beach before, but we’ve discovered it is the perfect place for a family vacation. Not only do you have resorts, water parks, and a family amusement park right on the strip, there are plenty of more unusual options as well. Whether you’ve got teenagers, toddlers, or anywhere in between, there’s activities for the whole family to enjoy.
The Boardwalk in Myrtle Beach is home to a whole host of attractions, from the SkyWheel to Ripley’s Mirror Maze. There are restaurants, gift shops, and a whole lot more, all conveniently located in one place. If the kids are into adventure, try The Sky Bounce from Myrtle Beach Thrill Rides. This bungee-trampoline allows you to jump up to twenty feet in the air, and up to four people can jump at the same time. For the more traditional family, there are options like Ripley’s Believe It or Not and even an arcade.
If you like zoos, or your kids are obsessed with animals, check out Alligator Adventure in North Myrtle Beach. We were able to see alligators, crocodiles, and all their cousins from around the world in one of the world’s largest facilities for reptile life. But it’s not just reptiles here at Alligator Adventures. We saw lemurs, birds, and even a porcupine in various exhibits scattered throughout the park.
Throughout the day, you can see alligator feedings, including a feeding of Utan the “King of Crocs.” We watched in fascination as alligators jumped out of the water to grab their chicken dinner, and we learn more about myths and misinformation surrounding these giant reptiles. The Snake House and the Lizard House was a source of fascination for us and also for kids we observed in the park. If you’re lucky, you can even catch the snake handling show.
If you like nature and pristine beaches, like we do, then Myrtle Beach State Park will be right up your alley. There’s plenty of white sand and ocean to enjoy, and, on the day we visited, it wasn’t crowded at all. We found a spot to spread our blanket under the pier.
We explored the nature center, with their collection of recycled art. If you bring a picnic lunch, you’ll find plenty of picnic tables and picnic shelters. Camping is available at Myrtle Beach State Park, and there are six rental cabins, built by the CCC in the 1930s. There is free wifi at the campground, ranger station, and pier gift shop. During peak visiting season, there may be long lines when entering the park so be prepared.
Bonus tip: If you buy a pass to Myrtle Beach State Park, you also get free same day admission to nearby Huntington Beach State Park.
We ran out of time to visit, but discovered Huntington Park is a great destination for nature lovers, and boasts an art festival every September. At Huntington Beach State Park, you can also tour the winter home of the Huntington family, who left Huntington Beach and Brookgreen Gardens as their legacy.
For anyone who wants to catch a show, the billboards around Myrtle Beach will clue you in that there are plenty of options. We chose the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Perfect for any little princess or aspiring knight, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is a dinner theatre that’s different.
Hosted by the king and the princess, you will be welcomed to a medieval tournament between the six finest knights in the kingdom- and you’ll get to eat like nobility while you watch. We feasted on roasted chicken, corn, tomato soup, potatoes, bread and “dragon tails,” an apple tart. We cheered for our knight, the red and yellow knight, as he took on his opponents in a grand tournament, watched the royal guard show off their horsemanship, and watched the intrigue as an unexpected guest crashes the tournament and surprises the king.
For a special occasion, you can upgrade your dinner theatre package and get fun extras like prints of your entry photos with the king or princess, special pennants, and a Medieval Times towel. There are also celebration packages available for birthdays or other memorable events. There’s an optional tour of the “Dungeon,” with medieval torture instruments, for $2 per person. We purchased tickets and found it fascinating, but it could be scary for younger children.
Tip: There are vegetarian dinner options available, and servers are knowledgeable about food allergies. Most of the items are gluten free as well.
We found more activities at Myrtle Beach than we had time to visit. We can’t wait to return and explore more of them!
Which of these activities would you like to visit at Myrtle Beach?
So many people I know love visiting Myrtle Beach. This post made me want to add it to my bucket list!
You’ve got some great shots here, I like it! I’m also a fan of anything with white sand, count me in!
The Boardwalk in Myrtle Beach is the first place i would go to. My kids love the rides. I am hoping to go to Myrtle Beach in the next year.
I’ve never been to Myrtle Beach, but after reading your post I’ve added it to my traffic bucket list. Alligator Adventure, in particular, sounds like something my family and I would really enjoy.
The Medieval Times really is so fun. We went recently and had a great time!
We always love going to be Boardwalk when at Myrtle Beach. Last year we rode the Skywheel for the first time and it was a lot of fun- it even had air conditioning!
Oh wow looks and sounds great! I’d love to take my family to Myrtle Beach one day!
This sounds like such a great adventure, scary animals and all. I don’t know as I would be brave enough to bungi jump so maybe Ripley’s for me.
That is so pretty! I would love to visit their zoo.
Wow! I had no idea Myrtle Beach had so much to offer. I remember the ads for the TV show of the same name and that was the impression I had of Myrtle Beach. A few years back, when we took a cross country road trip we drove right through and didn’t stop. What a mistake that was. I’m thinking a trip to Myrtle Beach all by itself is in order. Thanks!!
Myrtle Beach sounds like a fun destination.
It certainly looked like you guys found fun things to do there.
I want to go to a beach like this. My son will enjoy this plus have a chance to turtles! He will surely love it.
Wow, what a family-friendly beach! I wish I can find one in our country.
Wow- Myrtle Beach is so much different than I remember! I haven’t been in like 20 years! I would love to schedule a family vacation to SC!
I’ve got a friend that does myrtle beach every spring and she loves it there. Maybe next year will be the year we go also.
I have never been to Myrtle Beach but have always wanted to go. It seems like a gorgeous place and great family trip.
A Myrtle Beach trip would be great. I’d love to spend some time at the Myrtle Beach State Park.
Oh man all of this looks awesome. I’ve never been to Myrtle Beach but my sister has and always raves about it! This all looks great!
We have a Medieval Time here in Florida too and love it! The state park and boardwalk look amazing and I feel a need to plan a trip to Myrtle Beach!
Oh my kids would LOVE Alligator Adventure! What a fun place to visit!
Myrtle beach is somewhere we want to go to visit! These are all great attraction to go with family!
This looks like a great place to visit, Myrtle Beach seems to have something for everyone!
I always appreciate cities that welcome families. My kids are total beach bums, so that alone would capture their hearts.
Thanks for this info! We are always looking for places nearer to home to visit as part of our see America first theme with our son. This looks perfect!
It has been YEARS since we went to Myrtle Beach. We’re visiting the beach this summer, but it’s a long haul from SC.
We were going to head to Myrtle Beach this summer, but then changed our minds to go to Canada. I am thinking it’s going on next summer’s plans though. I would love to check out the state parks while we are there!
My cousins go to Myrtle beach every summer. Looks so dreamy! That Ferris wheel is calling my name!
You know, I’d never considered Myrtle Beach, but they’ve been advertising a lot to me lately. Frankly, I would LOVE to go! It looks so beautiful, and I adore the place you got under the pier!
Myrtle Beach is one of the best places to visit on the east coast. We’ve been there a couple of times, and it’s so much fun.
I have yet to go to Myrtle Beach. Is one of the places on my bucket list to get to. I know it’s a beautiful area with lots to do. I’ll have to check out everything you mentioned here if I ever get there.
Sounds like a great time. I sure do miss spending time at the beach.