60 miles of beach. Mini golf every 200 yards. Pancake houses on every corner. One of the most affordable beach destinations in the US -- and unapologetically built for families.
Two real itineraries, built for families. Each one is ready to customize in TripDeck -- drag activities around, add your own ideas, share with your travel partner.
Best for a long weekend. Hit the beach, the boardwalk, and the best attractions without overscheduling.
The full Myrtle Beach experience. Beach days, attractions, a side trip to Brookgreen Gardens, go-karts, and an optional dinner show.
There are a lot of East Coast beach towns. Here's why Myrtle Beach keeps winning for families with kids.
The activities families actually remember. Sorted roughly by "kids will talk about this for months" factor.
A 187-foot Ferris wheel with enclosed, air-conditioned gondolas right on the boardwalk. Ride it at sunset for the best views. The whole boardwalk strip lights up below you.
The underwater tunnel with sharks swimming overhead is the main draw. The touch tank lets kids handle horseshoe crabs and stingrays. Better than expected for the price. Go early or after 4 PM.
Consistently rated the best mini-golf in Myrtle Beach. A 36-hole course with a Minotaur, waterfalls, and mountain terrain. In a town with a putt-putt every 200 yards, this one stands out.
Sculpture garden, wildlife preserve, and lowcountry zoo in one. The butterfly house is magical for kids 3+. The boat tour through the creek spots alligators. The sleeper hit of a Myrtle Beach trip -- most families are surprised how much they love it.
One of the largest alligator parks in the US. Live feedings on a schedule (check times). The handlers are entertaining. Located at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.
Go-karts with various tracks for different ages and thrill levels. Bumper boats, mini golf, and kiddie rides. The Wild Woody track has elevated curves that older kids (10+) love. Multiple locations along US-17.
Largest water park in South Carolina. Lazy river, wave pool, multiple slide towers. A full day of fun. Works best for kids 4+ who can handle the slides.
Jousting tournament dinner show. Kids eat with their hands, cheer for their knight, and watch choreographed sword fights. Goofy and wonderful. Best for ages 4+ (arena is loud).
These activities (and more) are already loaded in TripDeck. Drag them onto your days to build your schedule.
Open the 6-day plan →The Grand Strand has 60 miles of beach, but not all stretches are equal. Here are the best spots for families.
The classic Myrtle Beach experience. Wide sand, gentle waves, lifeguards on duty. Easy access to boardwalk restaurants and the SkyWheel. Set up between 2nd and 14th Ave N for the best combo of amenities and space.
A quieter stretch of beach inside a maritime forest. Nature trail through the woods, a fishing pier, and far fewer crowds than the main strip. Perfect for a relaxed morning.
Much quieter and more natural than the main strip. Adjacent to Brookgreen Gardens. The Atalaya Castle ruins are fun for kids to explore. Great for families wanting a break from the boardwalk scene.
20-30 minutes south of the main strip. Same ocean, completely different feel. Quiet, residential, no neon signs. If you want a calmer beach experience while still being near Myrtle Beach attractions.
A quieter section with a fishing pier where you can rent rods ($10) and let kids fish for an hour. Less hectic than the main Myrtle Beach strip. Barefoot Landing is nearby for dinner and entertainment.
Myrtle Beach has more restaurants than you can count. Most are mediocre chains. Here are the ones worth your time.
Beachfront, old-school, excellent. One of the few restaurants in Myrtle Beach with real character. Seafood that's been consistently good for decades. Reservations recommended.
The locals' go-to for fresh seafood. No frills, just good fish. The kind of place tourists walk past on the way to a chain restaurant and shouldn't.
Local seafood spot 5 minutes from Broadway at the Beach. Way better than anything inside the Broadway complex. Fresh catch, good prices.
The Myrtle Beach all-you-can-eat seafood buffet experience. ~$40/adult, kids half price. Crab legs, shrimp, oysters. It's not gourmet -- it's fun. Kids love the variety.
The best actual food inside the Broadway at the Beach complex. Good beer selection, solid menu. When the family can't agree, this is the safe bet.
In Calabash, NC (30 min south) -- the "Seafood Capital of the World." Lightly battered fried shrimp that sets the standard. Worth the drive on your last day.
What a Myrtle Beach family trip actually costs for a family of four. One of the most affordable beach destinations in the US.
| Item | 6-Day Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (5-6 nights) | $500 - $1,200 | Beach condo or rental. Half the price of Florida or OBX. |
| Food (6 days) | $400 - $800 | Mix of cooking, buffets, and restaurants. Portions are huge. |
| Ripley's Aquarium | $100 - $150 | Family of 4. Online tickets often cheaper. |
| Myrtle Waves Water Park | $100 - $120 | ~$30/person. Full day of fun. |
| Go-karts / Fun Parks | $60 - $150 | Depends on wristband vs. individual rides. |
| Mini golf | $30 - $50 | $11/round at Mt. Atlanticus. |
| Medieval Times (optional) | $150 - $250 | Family of 4. Look for online deals. |
| Gas / transport | $40 - $80 | Everything is along one strip. Short drives. |
| Total (excl. flights/drive) | $1,500 - $3,500 | Lower end = condo with kitchen + free beach days. |
Not everything in Myrtle Beach is worth your time. Here's what you can consider skipping.
Great for toddlers. The beach has gentle waves, wide flat sand for sand castles, and many hotels and resorts have kiddie pools and splash areas. Brookgreen Gardens and the aquarium both work for the under-4 set. The boardwalk has a small amusement area with toddler rides. The main challenge is sunscreen -- the sun is strong.
4-5 days is the sweet spot. Enough for 2-3 beach days, an attraction day, and a side trip. A full week works if you don't mind slower-paced beach days (and most families don't). 3 days feels rushed -- you barely settle into vacation mode.
Late May or September. Water temperatures are warm enough for swimming (75°F+), crowds are thinner than peak summer, and hotel prices drop 30-40% compared to July. Mid-June through August is great weather but the area is at maximum capacity -- especially July 4th week.
Parts of it, yes. The main strip (Ocean Boulevard) has t-shirt shops, wax museums, and neon signs. But that's part of the charm for a family vacation -- kids love the energy. If you want a quieter experience, stay in Pawleys Island or Litchfield Beach (20-30 minutes south). Same ocean, completely different vibe.
Pick a trip length, then drag and drop activities to build your perfect family itinerary. Share the link with your travel partner -- changes sync in real time.
Or plan a custom trip with any dates and destination.