Myrtle Beach family vacations are more than just lazy days on the beach building sandcastles and sunbathing. With a huge selection of vacation rentals and tons of exciting attractions, your family vacation to Myrtle Beach will become a trip everyone remembers. In this article, we will review when the best times to visit are and eight of our favorite things to do with the family.
The Best Time to Visit
Summertime travel to Myrtle Beach is common for families with children, so house rentals in the area are especially crowded between mid-June and the end of August. Book early to lock down the best beachfront homes or condos, or skip the summer season and head to Myrtle Beach in the late spring or early fall. Myrtle Beach’s weather is rarely too cold, or too warm, to enjoy the beaches and many attractions and restaurants.
Finding The Right Rental
Full house rentals are a great choice for big families, or for special occasions like reunions, weddings, and gatherings with friends. Check out these tips to find the perfect family beach house rentals in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Make a List
A large house for the whole family is easy to find in an area filled with beautiful beachfront mansions and giant condos overlooking the Atlantic. If the number of bedrooms isn’t your only priority, making a list of the necessary amenities makes it easier to determine which Myrtle Beach house rentals are right for you. Private swimming pools, decks overlooking the ocean, beach access and even plenty of space for a backyard barbecue might narrow your choices when it comes to beach house rentals.
Pick the right location for your family
Myrtle Beach is divided into several lovely areas, each with its own quirks and attractions. Pick your location to stick close to the attractions that you enjoy or find a portion of the beachfront that leaves you breathless. North Myrtle Beach is known for its outlet stores, large condos, and resorts, and the House of Blues. Other nearby areas to look into are Atlantic Beach or Crescent Beach.
Check the Fine Print
Look out for hidden fees like cleaning fees, parking fees, and most importantly, fees for additional guests. This is especially crucial if you’re planning to accommodate a big group. If you are traveling with your pet, make sure the rental you opt for is pet-friendly. Also, make sure the cancellation policy fits your needs so that you don’t run into surprises if something changes in your vacation plans.
Myrtle Beach Family-Friendly Attractions
Now that we know what and where to look for, let’s check out a few things that the kids will love!
The Beach
Miles of white sand beaches and the Atlantic Ocean’s lapping waves draw visitors to Myrtle Beach daily. The first place most people end up is the Grand Strand. This stretch of shoreline is dotted with dunes covered in sea oats and shimmering sand. It makes an ideal location for sunbathing, swimming, building sandcastles, and simply celebrating the natural beauty of South Carolina’s seashore.
Visitors normally bring beach chairs and umbrellas to set up for a picnic while the kids surf, fish, or simply splash in the waves. Sandcastle competitions take place during the busy season in Myrtle Beach between June and August, making this a great time to explore the Grand Strand.
The SkyWheel
Enjoy views of the oceanfront from up high as you brave the SkyWheel at North Ocean Boulevard. Step into one of the glass-enclosed gondolas and gasp at the stunning views across the Atlantic Ocean as you reach the top of this 200-foot attraction. The SkyWheel is the East Coast’s largest Ferris Wheel and provides a light show each night as a host of LEDs are switched on.
The Boardwalk
The SkyWheel is centered on the Boardwalk, so when you’ve finished taking a ride on this incredible attraction, wander either side of it to soak up the coastal atmosphere. When choosing vacation rentals in Myrtle Beach, keep in mind that this oceanfront location stretches from the 2nd Avenue Pier to 14th Avenue Pier. Enjoy open-air dining on the boardwalk with views of the pristine beach, and shop for vacation souvenirs and gifts.
Wild Water & Wheels
Head over to a Myrtle Beach waterpark for a day of sliding, swimming, and catching the waves in the lounge pool. Wild Water & Wheels offers plenty of entertainment options for families with children. Kiddie areas include smaller slides along with wading pools and waterfalls. Adults and teens love the flume rides, raft rides, and roller coaster water slides that twist and turn and bring on the thrills.
Take a Cruise
Whether you’re craving some time on the ocean, or itching to catch a big fish, Myrtle Beach Boat Tours are the perfect way to enjoy the Atlantic ocean. The Sea Thunder or Sea Screamer Dolphin Cruises take you on a two-hour narrated tour of the Myrtle Beach shoreline with plenty of dolphin encounters along the way.
Guests are encouraged to wear clothing that dries quickly, in addition to bringing snacks and refreshments in a soft-sided cooler. Strollers are not allowed on the boats, but there is plenty of space for the kids. Deep-sea fishing charters and even a pirate cruise are available from Myrtle Beach marinas. If you prefer to stick to kayaks, contact Gator Bait Adventures and explore the nooks and crannies of the North Myrtle Beach wetlands.
Mini Golf
Known as the “seaside golf capital of the world,” Myrtle Beach is a good place to perfect your putt. Mini-golf courses are found scattered around the city and include fun themes like jungle adventures and pirate coves. Life-sized elephants and crocodiles with toothy grins are part of the hazards encountered at Myrtle Beach mini-golf courses. There are roughly ten mini-golf courses in the area, including Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf. Most of these attractions are open year-round, making them a great choice as a beach alternative activity for families with children.
Waccamaw Wildlife Refuge
The Waccamaw Wildlife Refuge is home to fish, migrating birds, and even wild animals that are native to the South Carolina coast. Explore the 30,000-acre park by hiking, biking, and boating. You can also check out the environmental education center where children learn about native species and wander through the exhibits. The Waccamaw Wildlife Refuge offers maps for hiking and checklists to help you discover the native wildlife while you explore tidal marshes and forested wetlands.
Alligator Adventure
Animal enthusiasts in your family will definitely enjoy a trip to Alligator Adventure. Check out the gators and other wild creatures that reside at the park in North Myrtle Beach. The residents include Bob the Tailless Gator and multiple albino alligators. There are also crocodiles, exotic birds, monkeys, hyenas, reptiles, amphibians, and other critters. You’ll even get to meet Utan, the largest-known crocodile in the United States, weighing over 2,000 pounds and stretching 18 feet long.