Myrtle Beach has two massive observation wheels, so we decided to ride them both in one day and break down our experience on each one.
Updated July 3, 2024
THE WHEELS...
SkyWheel Myrtle Beach was the first observation wheel of its kind in the United States when it opened in 2011. Standing 200-feet above sea level, the SkyWheel has 42 glass-enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas that seat 2 to 6 people. The 12-minute ride features amazing beach views, especially at sunset.
The Broadway 360 observation wheel, located at Pavilion Park at Broadway at the Beach, stands 156 feet with 36 gondolas that holds up to 6 people. The ride lasts around 11 minutes. The view from the ground shows over 1 million colorful lights synchronized with music.
the prices...
On the SkyWheel, adult tickets are $20.99 and kids ages 3-11 are $16.99... or $75.96 for our family of 4 with two adults and two kids. Children under 2 are welcome to ride the SkyWheel free of charge but need a ticket. There's also a Family Flight Package for $119 that includes up to six regular tickets, fast pass, and a group photo. The Special Ride & Dine Deal includes two SkyWheel flight tickets and a $25 voucher on food and drinks at LandShark Myrtle Beach. You can also get unlimited rides with the annual pass, which is $49.99 for adults and $34.99 for kids 3-11. There is a convenient paid parking lot just one block behind the SkyWheel as well as metered parking spots along Ocean Boulevard.
You can get individual tickets for Broadway 360 for $13.50. You will also be charged $2 to use a card, so we used cash. Broadway 360 is also included in the all-day wristbands at The Pavilion, which are $44.95 for singles or $38.95 for 6 guests or more.
THE BIG DIFFERENCES...
The SkyWheel gondolas are heated and cooled to always be a comfortable temperature no matter the temperature outside, which is a huge plus - whereas Broadway 360 just has some windows for air flow, so it would likely feel pretty stuffy in the summer months.
Both rides were very smooth and had minimal stops. While the ride length is similar for both wheels, the SkyWheel is a bit taller than Broadway 360 and truly feels like it when you ride it.
While Broadway 360 has some great views of Broadway at the Beach - and an awesome soundtrack, half the view is the highway and parking lot. The gorgeous beach views from the SkyWheel cannot be beat and really set it above your average observation wheel/Ferris wheel experience.
The SkyWheel also has loads of special packages, VIP flight, gender reveals, sunrise flights, and more for special occasions.
If you're afraid of heights or enclosed spaces (or aren't sure yet if your kids are), we recommend SkyWheel because there's an emergency button at the top of your car that alerts the staff.
The Bottom Line
Broadway 360's lights and music make it super fun to experience from the ground without even paying for a ride - and if you're already planning on visiting Pavilion Park and getting a ride wristband, it's a must-do experience.
But if you're looking to soar over the beach, there's no better experience than the SkyWheel. It's a comfortable ride any time of year thanks to the climate-controlled gondolas, and offers a view that will be appreciated by locals and tourists alike.
No matter which ride you choose, we highly recommend timing it so that you are there right around sunset for the most stunning views (or the sunrise package on the SkyWheel).
Comments