05/07/2025The best area to stay in Myrtle Beach for families is the oceanfront stretch around the Boardwalk, thanks to its convenient downtown location. This scenic slice of coastline offers the perfect combination of safety and fun, so everyone can kick back and relax. At the heart of it all is Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort—a longtime favorite for families who want a fun, relaxing, and convenient stay right by the water.
Myrtle Beach is known as a great family vacation destination for its abundance of activities and affordability. From budget-friendly beach fun to thrill rides and mini golf, this destination delivers variety, sunshine, and plenty of smiles. But with more than 60 miles of sandy shoreline and 14 coastal communities, choosing the best area in Myrtle Beach can be overwhelming, especially for families with young kids. If you want to experience everything the Grand Strand has to offer, downtown Myrtle Beach proper is the way to go. This central location puts everything within easy reach, whether you’re looking to build sandcastles by the surf, catch a ride on the SkyWheel, or grab a quick bite without loading up the car.
The downtown stretch between 13th Ave. South and 30th Ave. North is the most family-friendly part of Myrtle Beach because of its proximity to the best hotels, top attractions, and affordable dining options for large groups. This area includes the Boardwalk and Promenade, a 1.2-mile stretch lined with attractions, restaurants, and shops, which offers easy access to lively entertainment. It’s the best area of Myrtle Beach to stay to keep everyone in the family happy!
The Boardwalk is an activity in itself, but it’s also home to some of the most popular Myrtle Beach excursions, including the SkyWheel and several Ripley’s experiences. Some of the best family hotels in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina—including Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort—are also positioned within walking distance of this exciting coastal attraction, allowing guests to skip the traffic and parking meters when visiting.
If you're traveling with children, this area of the South Carolina coast is alive with things to do that are fun for all ages, especially compared to quieter sections of the Grand Strand.
You’ll find the most family-friendly hotels in Myrtle Beach within the town's downtown area, or city limits. The best of these resorts offer several water features that keep kids and their parents entertained. For example, guests of all ages enjoy Sea Crest’s sprawling indoor and outdoor pools, lazy rivers, and whirlpools. Or, parents can take a seat next to our children’s waterpark to watch their kids splash and play.
This area features wide beaches that are cleaner and less crowded than the shore surrounding the Boardwalk. Here, families spread out and enjoy the surf without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. With fewer people around, parents maintain a better line of sight of their kids. And a tidier coast means less litter to dodge when strolling the beach or building sandcastles.
Stay at one of the family-friendly hotels in central Myrtle Beach and you’ll be within walking distance of some of the most popular Grand Strand attractions, including:
You’ll find a variety of budget-friendly activities for families in central Myrtle Beach. Some of these, including the Boardwalk and beaches, are free for visitors of all ages. Here are a few more favorites:
Ocean Boulevard is packed with family-friendly restaurants, ice cream parlors, and gift shops. Experience authentic Calabash cuisine at one of the many seafood restaurants or buffets downtown. Then, shop for souvenirs at the local stores lining the Boardwalk. Or, if you're searching for entertainment, Myrtle Beach is home to several family-friendly dinner shows that are fun for all ages.
Want to stay in one location? Head over to Broadway at the Beach or The Market Common for more dining, entertainment, and shopping options all in one complex.
Mini golfers love the themed courses nearby, such as Jungle Lagoon Miniature Golf, while parents who want a round on the green can choose from several acclaimed courses within a short drive.
Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort is among the many family-friendly places to stay in Myrtle Beach. Located just south of the Boardwalk, we’re within four miles of most major Myrtle Beach attractions and are positioned right on the beach for an unmatched view. If you’re looking for the ultimate balance of convenience, comfort, and kid-approved amenities, central Myrtle Beach—and Sea Crest in particular—should be at the top of your list.