There's so much to see and eat along the Grand Strand, and it can be hard to choose what to do when you're not on the beach. That's why we've got you covered!
Updated July 3, 2024
Here are our top picks for the best things to see and do when you're not soaking up the sun and staring at the ocean.
for the nature lovers... brookgreen gardens
Whenever someone asks what to do in this area, this is our top recommendation. There is no better place to unplug and experience nature during all four seasons than Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet... and it caters to all ages. Insta-worthy photo spots abound. Admission is good for seven consecutive days. Adults are $22, senior citizens are $20, children 4-12 are $12, and children under 3 are free. They host Nights of a Thousand Candles each holiday season and Summer Light: Art by Night each summer, and both are magical, standout events. Our kids' favorite part of going to Brookgreen is the Storybook Forest, a collection of play areas and cute little houses themed around characters from fairy tales located right next to the Lowcountry Zoo, which also has awesome programming. Check out our full blog post with our top tips.
for the whole family... Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Ripley's Aquarium is one Myrtle Beach tourist attraction that lives up to the hype. The aquarium is not huge but it's very well curated with several interactive elements tucked into every nook and cranny and tons of fun facts about every animal and habitat - including Sloth Valley! A day pass is $39.99 for an adult, $26.99 for a child 6-11, and $12.99 for a child 2-5. Littles will love the "Penguin Parade" and seeing the mermaid dive show at Ray Bay, which consists of mermaids swimming around to a catchy soundtrack, waving and blowing bubble kisses. There's a brand new indoor playground and loads of interactive play areas to let the kids burn some energy. During the busier summer months, evenings are the best shot of a less crowded experience. Check out our full blog post with our top tips.
for the all-day swimmers... myrtle waves
NOTE: Season runs mid-May through Labor Day
It's impossible not to like this water park that has a wide range of attractions, friendly staff, and several ways to stay cool during the sweltering summer months. Arooba Tooba, Rockin' Ray, and Snake Mountain are the most thrilling attractions, but the littles will also love Bubble Bay and Saturation Station play areas along with the wave pool and lazy river. In 2024, Myrtle Waves added the Wild Water Racer mat slide which has a 42" height requirement. With the Family Friday Fun special, you can get in the park after 3 p.m. for just $21.99. Myrtle Waves also has discounted "Twilight Hours" 3 hours before park closing daily. Check out our full blog post with our top tips.
For the Campers... Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach State Park features 278 campsites, six cabins, two gift shops, seven picnic shelters for group gatherings featuring beautiful views of the ocean, and a fishing pier that’s perfect for fishing, crabbing, and spotting wildlife. There are also several educational programs and a super fun Nature Center. The park has two playgrounds, one at the main picnic area near the beach and another is in the campground located between circles three and five. Huntington Beach State Park is located along 2,500 acres in Murrells Inlet, including three miles of beautiful beaches. There are 173 campsites and three picnic shelters. The park is teeming with wildlife, including 300+ species of birds. Surf fishing and fishing from the jetty are popular activities here. Atalaya, the winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, is a must-see National Historic Landmark—and there’s an annual arts and crafts festival held there every September. There’s a great playground for kids located right next to Spoonbills Ice Cream, which is DELICIOUS. The Nature Center is filled with exhibits displaying the bird and marine life of the area, and there’s a great touch tank with local species along with other aquariums. Check out our full blog post about the best beaches.
for the adventurers... Wonderworks
We were not prepared for how much fun we found in "the upside-down house" once we finally entered. General admission ($33.99 for adults, $26.99 for kids 5-12 and seniors 60+) includes over 100 interactive exhibits, laser tag, the indoor ropes courses, and XD Theater. The website says to allow at least 3-4 hours, and we second that. There's so much to do, from the laser-tag arena, to the 6-D Extreme Motion Ride, to the glow-in-the-dark ropes course (which our kids stayed on for 45 minutes alone). There is plenty of fun to be had for everyone in each of the six zones (extreme weather, physical challenge, light and sound, space discovery, Imagination Lab, and Wonder Art Gallery)... even if it's just watching a loved one do something crazy like lay on a bed of nails. Check out our full blog post with our top tips.
for those with the need for speed... BROADWAY GRAND PRIX
NOTE: Closed in January for maintenance
There is so much to do at Broadway Grand Prix including rides, mini golf, and arcade games. While this experience is best for those over 48" there is something here for the whole family. The all-you-can-ride wristband for 48" and up is $49.99. Toddlers 36"-39" are $14.99 and kids 40"-47" are $39.99 for the wristband. There are 7 go kart tracks, and if you're 48" you can do all of them except the Speed Racer and Slick Track. For kids under 48" there are several kiddie rides and one track for kids 40" - 47". The juniors load in a separate line than the "pros"/adults, so they are predominately only racing with other kids/families. There are two 18-hole mini golf courses included in the wristband, and the courses are well-kept. And there are 20,000 square feet of arcade games which features over 90 games. Check out our full blog post with our top tips.
for a rainy day... Stars and Strikes
Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Centers is located at Coastal Grand Mall. There's an amazing arcade, laser tag, axe throwing (for ages 10 and up), and augmented reality bowling that's truly unlike anything else in Myrtle Beach. And robots even deliver your food! You can get HALF PRICE augmented reality bowling, laser tag, axe throwing, and arcade games from open to noon AND from 9 p.m. to close on Sundays as well as all day on Wednesdays. They also have an Unlimited Tuesday Special that's $15.99 per person... Option 1: Unlimited augmented reality bowling and free shoe rental; Option 2: Unlimited video game play; Option 3: Both bowling and video game play for $29.99. Bowling prices include up to 6 people per lane and shoes are included. The prizes in the arcade are literally the best we've ever seen, and you can get some awesome stuff for not a lot of tickets.
for the Best View... Skywheel
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. 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. The gorgeous beach views from the SkyWheel cannot be beat and really set it above your average observation wheel/Ferris wheel experience. We highly recommend timing it so that you are there right around sunset for the most stunning views (or the sunrise package). Check out our full blog post with our top tips.
for the gamers... Player's Choice Quarter Arcade
We turned a dreary gray day into a super fun family afternoon at Myrtle Beach Mall. First we headed to Player's Choice where we checked out over 50 arcade games that are all only a quarter to play. After playing for over an hour and dropping a whopping $7, we headed over to Ellie Bean's Mini Donuts for some treats ($4.50 for an 8 pack and 50 cents for toppings). 10/10 would recommend.
for the best free fun... Hula & Fire Show
NOTE: Runs mid-June through mid-August
Head to Surfside for the Hula and Fire Show presented by Ohana Kahakai. There are free family friendly shows every Monday at 7 p.m. Shows take place at 3rd Ave. North beach access in Surfside. Throughout this hour-long show, you will learn the culture and history of Hawaii, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Samoa through the art of dance and fire knife. This draws quite a crowd, so get there early to snag a good spot and be sure to bring your own chairs. We highly recommend going up to learn the dance they teach, that was a highlight of the show. They accept tips so bring along some cash. They deserve it! Stick around to grab some photos with the performers and tell them how awesome they are.
For the Thrill Seekers... The Funplex
The Funplex Myrtle Beach is for families and thrill seekers alike, located just one block from the beach on North Ocean Blvd. From the Fun in the Sun rollercoaster to the Sky Velocity drop tower with ocean views, there are five rides for thrill seekers and two rides for the kiddies. Check your kids' heights before you go as thrill rides = bigger height requirement. Funplex offers daily passes, season passes, and credits with plenty of options for your family. The single-day unlimited wristband is $32. If you're not a thrill seeker, you will still have a blast watching the rest of your group whoop it up on the rides. There's also a great menu with delicious food and treats. (Try the funnel cake!)
for the little littles... EDVENTURE Children's Museum
EdVenture children's museum is perfect for families with kids in the 0-7 age range. Engaging, hands-on exhibits, programs, and events make learning fun. Kids can go "grocery shopping" at Publix, cook up a meal at the Cafe exhibit, visit the Doctor's Office and Dentist Office, and fix a car at the Auto Works exhibit. The Space/Flight exhibit features a rocket climbing structure, mission control station, flight simulator, airways wall tubes, and more. Children can watch their drawings come to life at the Draw Alive interactive exhibit. The Wind Tunnel & Maker Space exhibit features a functioning wind tunnel for flight experiments, and a fully equipped maker space. The Lite Brite & LEGO Mural has a functioning Lite Brite wall, and a LEGO Mural masterpiece to inspire creatives of all ages. There's a toddler "beach" play area for kids 3 and under. Kids and adults are $10, and kids under 2 are free.
for the fun loving competitors... mini golf!
Myrtle Beach is the mini golf capitol of the world, and there are tons of courses to choose from. Our family LOVES mini golf so we decided to share some of our favorite courses that we think are perfect for families - Captain Hook's, Jurassic Golf, and Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Goff (yes, you read that right). We also recently played a course that opened in 2023, Red Dragon Cove, which should be on every avid minii golfer's list.
for the sports fans... a pelicans game
We love to head to Pelicans Ballpark to cheer on our Minor League team, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Every year we check out Family Friday which includes inflatables and games, fireworks, a run around the bases for the kiddos, meet and greets with Splash and Slider, and much more. And your kids can always burn off energy at the playground. They have special deals, themes, and events throughout the season.
For the Dreamers & Thinkers... Ripley's Illusion Lab
We've visited nearly all of the Ripley's attractions in Myrtle Beach thanks to our Ultimate Fun Pass, and the Illusion Lab is one of our faves because you get to set your imagination free while learning cool things along the way. It's very interactive and will get you questioning everything around you. It's a small space that packs a punch, and it also has some of the most unique photo opps in the area. It has the same vibe as WonderWorks but on a much smaller scale. It's $16.99 for adults, $14.99 for kids 3-11, and free for kids 2 and under, but the best value will come from bundling it with other Ripley's attractions or getting the Ultimate Fun pass if you're local.
for a day in a magical town... historic downtown conway
There is so much to see, do, and eat in historic downtown Conway - one of the cutest towns in South Carolina. Littles will love finding all of the "Conway Critters" statues around town. We highly recommend a relaxing stroll along the Conway Riverwalk watching the boats and kayaks go by. There are loads of murals, fountains, and picturesque spots. Don't miss Teal Alley. There are also loads of shops to explore along with delicious eats and treats. We highly recommend Trestle Bakery and Cafe, Rivertown Bistro, Bonfire (only spot to eat on the river), and Stella's Ice Cream.
for the history buffs... Horry County Museum
The FREE Horry County Museum located in downtown Conway features a variety of exhibits focused on the history of this region. The Freshwater Aquarium, which details aquatic life in our local rivers and lakes, was featured on Animal Planet’s hit reality show “Tanked.” The natural history exhibits features the American Alligator, American Black Bear, and more animals (a huge favorite for the kids). There are exhibits that explores the military's role in Horry County history, the heritage and impact of Native Americans, the history of Horry County beaches, a beautiful area focused on textiles, a photography gallery, and more. If you have littles with you, head to to the library next door for crafts and the scavenger hunt!
for tHOSE LOOKING TO SPLURGE... pirate's voyage or Medieval Times
There are two epic dinner shows in Myrtle Beach, Medieval Times and Pirate's Voyage. We've done both several times and they are both awesome. But the price tag is hefty. Medieval Times is $67.95 for adults and $40.95 for children 12 and under, while Pirate's Voyage is $59.99 for adults and $34.99 for kids ages 3-9 (with premium seating adding $15 per person). Each show includes a four-course feast, a competition to cheer for, and a highly entertaining show. Pirate's Voyage is our personal favorite because we love watching the nonstop action of the gymnasts, divers, aerial performers, and stunt actors as well as the sea animals - and the arena smells better! But the talented knights at Medieval Times and the beautiful horses are also quite a sight to see. It's a tossup!
For Those Looking for a great deal on breakfast & a show... The Hangout's pirates & princesses breakfast
If you're here during the summer months, this is the most reasonably priced meal and a show you're going to find... and it's FUN! This swashbuckling breakfast adventure is filled with dances, games, and a hunt for treasure. The All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast includes a platter of biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and breakfast potatoes. The price is $19.99 for adults, $8.99 for children 6-12, and free for children 5 & under. There are two shows daily at 9 and 10 a.m, June 15 – August 15. There's also a fun indoor slide and cool photo ops. Check out our full blog post with our top tips all about the Hangout.
for a Day Trip... Museum of Coastal Carolina & Ingram Planetarium
Across the state line you’ll find the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium, which are located just 10 minutes down the road from each other in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, and Sunset Beach, NC, respectively. The Museum of Coastal Carolina has themed galleries—Changing Tides, Waterways, Sea Shore, Ocean Reef, Coastal Plain, and Barrier Island—with dioramas and exhibits about the natural history, environment, and culture of the Coastal Carolinas. We were pleasantly surprised by the size and scope of the museum—especially the variety of interactive displays. Ingram Planetarium’s full-dome theater offers a variety of family friendly shows that cater to all age groups, along with laser music shows. All shows, which last approximately 20-30 minutes, are followed by a live space science and star presentation. Admission to the museum or planetarium separately are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62+), $8 for children (ages 3-12), and free for kids 2 and under. The two locations feature a combination ticket that’s perfect for families, with admission to one planetarium show and one all-day admission ticket to the museum. Check out our full blog post with our top tips.
And the Best Spots to Eat for Families...
The Hangout at Broadway at the Beach: The atmosphere can't be beat. From an indoor slide to dancing on the tables to live music to foam parties and sand play areas for the kiddos and much more, we keep coming back. Check out our full blog post with our top tips.
Crooked Hammock in North Myrtle Beach: The food is so good, the local beers are awesome (it is a brewery, after all!), and the outdoor area with hammocks and spots to chill is perfect for families. Check out our vlog.
NHOP National House of Pancakes: Whether you want a totally Instagrammable breakfast, lunch, or brunch – NHOP's got you. The National House of Pancakes is the most viral brunch spot, but the food tastes better than the pictures. There's a little sticker shock for the prices, but the portions are HUGE. NHOP is known for its Drunk Bear Mimosa and other specialties like a Red Velvet Waffle. The crab meat omelet is a showstopper! Check out our vlog.
Anywhere along the Marsh Walk in Murrells Inlet: Strolling along this area is a pleasant way to spend an evening, and it's one of the most picturesque spots to eat. We like CreekRatz the most, but it's all so good. Check out our experiences at Mojos/Dead Dog Saloon and CreekRatz.
Pizza Hyena in Surfside: The best pizza we've had in the area with delicious wood-fired pizzas like Gouda Will Hunting and A Real Brie Slapper are made with fresh ingredients! Live music and lawn games are a bonus. Check out our vlog.
Authentic Calabash in Calabash, NC: There are so many great options but we highly recommend Calabash Seafood Hut! Check out our vlog.
Seafood buffets: You have to do it at least once. We highly recommend Original Benjamin's Seafood Buffet for an amazing 170-item buffet as well as a cool nautical museum, children's play area, and more. Check out our vlog.
Top desserts: The Crazy Mason milkshake creations, Stella's Ice Cream (try the flight!), and Melt homemade ice cream are our go tos!
Thanks as there us so much awesome information!