Uncategorized

Myrtle Beach is one of the best beach destinations on the east coast. With reasonable hotel rates (check out ours) and tons of family-friendly activities, your Myrtle Beach vacation is bound to be the best ever. To make it easy we have put together the top 10 Myrtle Beach Family Activities for you and your loved ones to enjoy together.

1 – Hang at the Beach

60 miles of beautiful white sandy beach is what you’ll find up and down the Grand Strand. Stay at Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort and walk right out of our back door to the beach. Build sand castles, sunbathe, and play in the waves all day with the family!

2 – Water Park

There a few great water parks in Myrtle Beach, but why leave our resort when we have an oceanfront water park right on our property? You can enjoy the lazy river while the kids play at the shipwrecked submarine water feature. There’s also a 50-foot water slide too!

3 – Broadway at the Beach

Eat, drink, and play at Broadway at the Beach. There are rides, entertainment, fabulous restaurants and more all in one spot, just a short drive from our resort. There are even fun attractions like Wonderworks, Hollywood Wax Museum, Soar & Explore, and more.

4 – Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Just a 5-minute drive from our resort is the famous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade. Take the family on a SkyWheel ride and get a birds-eye view of the Grand Strand. There’s also tons of restaurants, dessert stops, and summer entertainment for all at the boardwalk.

5 – Family Kingdom Amusement Park

If you’re looking for thrills, look no further than Family Kingdom Amusement Park. You and the whole family can ride roller coasters, drive bumper cars, or play games to win prizes that this fun stop. Buy individual ride tickets for 1.15 (plus tax) each or grab an unlimited ride wristband for $28.95 (plus tax) per person.

6 – Shark Wake Park

Check out the one of a kind Aqua Park at Shark Wake Park. Here you and the kids can play all day on an inflatable, floating obstacle course. To play, kids must be 7 years old and a good swimmer. Shark Wake Park is open from 10 AM to 5 PM and tickets are $25 per person (for a 45-minute session).

7 – Alligator Adventures

Want to see the World’s Largest Croc? Grab the kids and head over to Alligator Adventures. Here you’ll get to see Utan, King of the Crocs and tons of other reptiles and animals. Alligator Adventures is located at Barefoot Landing. Tickets are $24.99 for adults and $16.99 for children (4-12).

8 – Ripley’s Aquarium

Also located at Broadway at the Beach is Ripley’s Aquarium, but it’s such a great attraction we had to give it it’s own spot! Walk through the 340-foot Dangerous Reef tunnel and get up-close-and-personal with sharks, eels, and other aquatic life. Ripley’s Aquarium also offers experiences like diving with sharks, glass-bottom boat rides, overnight sleepovers.

9 – Mini Golf

Known as the Mini Golf Capital of the World, Myrtle Beach has so many family mini golf spots for you to enjoy. You could seriously pick up a shell, throw it, and hit a mini-golf course. Some of our favorites include Mt. Atlanticus, Cancun Lagoon Golf, and Rainbow Falls Golf.

10 – Pirates Voyage

If you really want to show the family a great time, take them to Pirates Voyage! Here you’ll enjoy a 3-course meal and watch as Captain Blackbeard sails the seven seas in search of his treasure. Tickets start at $49 for adults and $24 for children over three (rates vary based on showtime and season).

One of the best reasons to visit Myrtle Beach is the golf courses. Myrtle Beach has some of the best courses in the US, some even designed by celebrity pro golfers. Even better, you can just about visit any time of year and the weather is always perfect for a round of golf. We’ve put together a list of our favorite golf courses in Myrtle Beach.

River Oaks Golf Plantation

River Oaks Golf Plantation offers 800 acres of beautiful green along the Intracoastal Waterway. Its courses offer three nines designed by Gene Hamm and Tom Jackson that are sure to challenge a golfer at any skill level. AM and PM rates range from $100 and up (prices drop in the offseason) with an 8-minute spread between tee times. For more information visit their site or call 843-236-2222.

Myrtle Beach National

Myrtle Beach National is part of the Founders Collection and offers three signature golf courses that any golfer would love. Come play the West Course, a classic Arnold Palmer design, King’s North, or SouthCreek. Rates vary depending on the time of day and season. Check out the Myrtle Beach National site for more information or call 877-283-2122 for reservations.

The World Tour Golf Links

World Tour Golf Links is home to two nines, the Open 9 and the Championship 9. The Open 9 features holes from the top-ranking courses in the U.S. and British Opens. The Championship 9 was inspired by the most challenging holes from the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open, and PGA Championship. In short, World Tour is a golfer’s paradise. Rates start at $104 (lower rates available in offseason). For more information visit World Links website or call 877-283-2122 for reservations.

Pine Lakes

Known as the Granddaddy course in Myrtle Beach, Pine Lakes offers a classic golf experience. Pine Lakes is one of the oldest and favorite in Myrtle Beach, designed by the first PGA president, Robert White. Though it is one of the oldest courses it has been extensively renovated but keeps it’s 1920s feel. For more information about golfing at Pine Lakes visit their site or call 877-283-2122 for reservations.

One of the best reasons to visit Myrtle Beach is for some of the best seafood on the Eastern Shore. Pair that with a gorgeous view and you can’t go wrong. The beauty of Myrtle Beach restaurants on the water is that you can enjoy them all year round, even in the winter months! We’ve put together a few of our faves down the Grand Strand to make it easy to choose when you come to vacation in Myrtle Beach.

North Myrtle Beach Restaurants on the Water

About Thyme Oceanfront Cafe

A cute and quaint oceanfront restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast all day long. Try one of their fun sparkling mimosas (Deja Blueberry) or one of their zesty bloody Mary’s!

1910 North Ocean Boulevard | (843) 427-7338 | Open Monday – Sunday 8 AM – 8 PM

Harold’s On The Ocean

This casual beachfront restaurant has some of the best classic lunch and dinner fare. The Shrimp Poppers and Hush Puppies Basket are great starters for the table. For your main course, try the Carolina Fish Tacos or a Shrimp Po Boy.

100 Main Street (Ocean Drive) | (843) 249-1047 | Open Monday – Sunday 11 AM

Buoys On The Boulevard

Buoys’ is not your average Myrtle Beach restaurant with their eclectic, yet delicious menu! You can order one of their Sushi Teasers to start, like the I Roll or Tuna Tataki. For your main course, they have steamers, Nauti Nachos, and all kinds of burgers and beach platters. Be sure to save room for the Fried Twinkies served with homemade Banana Foster (are you drooling yet?).

93 South Ocean Boulevard | (843) 663-0330 | Open Sunday – Wednesday 11 AM – 9 PM and Thursday – Saturday 11 AM – 10 PM

Central Myrtle Beach Restaurants on the Water

Moe Moon’s

This chillax spot has not only a great view but also a menu filled with unique offerings. Their menu features fare like Moe’s “Down & Dirty” Nachos, Pina Colada Shrimp, The Bac N’ Chz burger, and Moe’s Seafood Platter. Don’t forget to try one of their signature Moe’s Fishbowls, a variety of fun cocktails served in a fishbowl to share.

918 Ocean Boulevard | (843) 448-4926 | Sunday – Wednesday 11 AM – 6 PM and Thursday – Saturday 11 AM – 8 PM

Sea Captain’s House

Sea Captain’s offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re craving seafood, this is the place to try! They offer unique breakfast fare like the Crab Cakes Benedict and the Seafarer’s Omelet. For lunch try the She Crab Soup or one of the many seafood sandwiches or clubs offered. Dinner fare ranges from Shrimp and Grits to fresh Carolina Catch of the Day. You can’t go wrong with a meal here at any time of day!

3002 North Ocean Boulevard | (843) 448-8082 | Open daily 7 AM – 9:30 PM

Banditos Cantina

One of Myrtle Beach’s newest oceanfront restaurants offers Tex Mex with a hipster vibe. Here you can find everything from tacos and burritos to Bandito bowls. Pair any of these options with one of their many fresh margaritas like the Boardwalk, the Bandito, or Nectar del Diablo.

1410 North Ocean Boulevard | (843) 712-2992 | Open daily 11 AM – 2 AM

South End Restaurants on the Water

Gulfstream Cafe

This is restaurant has one of the most beautiful views of the inlet in Myrtle Beach. They are also one of the best upscale restaurants in the area. Open for dinner daily and Sunday brunch, Gulfstream Cafe menu features a wide range of delectable seafood like Firecracker Prawns, Salmon Portobello, N’awlins Shrimp & Grits, and more!

1536 South Waccamaw Drive | (843) 651-8808 | Monday – Saturday 4 PM – 10 PM and Sunday 10 AM – 10 PM

DeadDog Saloon

This Murrells Inlet MarshWalk Restaurant is decked out in pictures of family pooches, with great food, and an even better view. When you sit down you will be greeted with sweet hush puppies and a honey butter dip that you won’t be able to put down. The menu is filled with twists on favorites like Blue Crab Nachos, Shrimp & Grit Balls, Fido’s Fish Sandwich, and Mardi Gras Jambalaya.

4079 Highway 17 Business | (843) 651-0664 | Open daily 8 AM – 12 AM

 

Though you may not be able to lay on the beach or by the pool, Myrtle Beach in December is a beautiful time of year to visit. With the holiday approaching, Myrtle Beach properties and business owners really get into the spirit and there is a wide array of things to do in the Grand Strand.

1. Christmas Tree Lightings

What is more beautiful than a crowd gathering around to light a beautiful giant tree for the first time during the holiday season? There are multiple tree lightings in the Grand Strand, some that are only just a few minutes drive from Sea Crest Resort. Here a quick list of places to watch a Christmas Tree lighting and enjoy other family-friendly holiday activities:

North Myrtle Beach Christmas Tree Lighting

Date/Time: Tuesday, December 4 at 6PM

Location: McLean Park, 93 Oak Drive, North Myrtle Beach

Inlet Christmas Weekend

Date/Time: Friday, November 30 at 5PM

Location: Morse Park

Holiday Tree Lighting at Broadway at the Beach

Date/Time: Saturday, December 1 at 6PM

Location: Broadway at the Beach

2. Breakfast With Santa

There are quite a few places in Myrtle Beach that offer pictures and breakfast with Santa. It’s the perfect way to enjoy some family time and to have a little holiday cheer with the head elf himself!

Tupelo Honey

Date/Time: Saturday, December 8 from 9-11AM

Location: 3042 Howard Avenue

Hard Rock Cafe

Date/Time: Saturday, December 8 from 9-11AM

Location: Broadway at the Beach

3. The Great Christmas Light Show

You don’t want to miss this light show spectacular (seriously the best drive-through show in the Grand Strand)! November 23 – December 30, North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex come together to light up a 1.5 mile drive through the park filled with light displays big and small. Pricing starts at $15 per vehicle with 1-15 guests and the gates are open from 5:30-9:30PM.

4. Night of a Thousand Candles

Starting December 6 through December 22, Brookgreen Gardens brings you Night of a Thousand Candles. The gardens really come to life with lights everywhere you turn, carolers singing, musicians playing Christmas favorites, and holiday spirit in the air. It’s really a bucket item to check off if you’ve never been, and it’s a family-friendly event. Gates open from 3-10PM and tickets must be purchased BEFORE arrival. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children.

5. Ripley’s Festival of Trees

If you have an affinity for decorated Christmas trees, you’ll really love Ripley’s Aquarium Festival of Trees! At Ripley’s you and your family can over 100 decorated and themed holiday trees. In the past there have been beach themed trees, mardi gras themed trees, and even golf themed trees. Ripley’s Festival of Trees starts November 16 and runs until December 31. Tickets are $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for children.

6. The Nutcracker

Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is a Christmas classic and has become Coastal Youth Ballet’s holiday tradition. Take the family to watch as toy soldiers come to life and the dance of the Sugar Plum fairy beginning December 8 through December 16. Tickets start at $10 and vary based on theatre seating. See Coastal Carolina University website for more details.

7. Christmas Towne

Myrtle Beach Convention Center brings you the 15th annual Christmas Towne this December 9. Come with your family from 3-5PM to enjoy music, a tree lighting, fun activities, delicious treats! You can also get a chance to take pictures with Mr. & Mrs. Claus and drop off your Toys for Tots donations. This event is free!

8. Santa Crawl

If you’re looking for something that’s holiday-themed and for adults only, check out the Santa Crawl at the MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet December 15 from 5-10PM. Dress in your best holiday cheer whether it’s decking out in plaid pajamas or wearing an ugly Christmas sweater to the festivities; there’s even a prize for best dressed! Wahoo’s Fish House, Drunken Jacks, The Wicked Tuna, Dead Dog Saloon and other restaurants on the MarshWalk will have dinner and drinks specials.

9. Take-in A Christmas Show

There are so many great Christmas and holiday shows in Myrtle Beach to see during December. Two that we highly recommend are The Carolina Opry’s: The Christmas Show of the South or Christmas at Pirates Voyage. Both shows are stunning and filled with holiday cheer and lots of laughs. Tickets for the Carolina Opry start at $42.95 and tickets for Pirates Voyage start at $44.99.

10. Holiday Shopping

Christmas and holiday shopping can be so much fun, especially with all the shopping options in Myrtle Beach! Grab a girlfriend or one of the kids, a cup of hot cocoa, and set out to conquer your shopping list. Myrtle Beach has a few great places where local vendors and artisans sell unique and handmade gifts; it’s a great way to find something special for your someone special.

Holiday Market at Barefoot Landing

Date/Time: Starting November 2 – December 14 from 12-4PM

Location: Barefoot Landing at Dockside Village

Holiday Bazaar at the Market Common

Date/Time: Starting November 3 – December 15 from 12-4PM

Location: The Market Common

 

If you’re looking to try something a little out of the norm while on vacation in Myrtle Beach, try dinner and a show! Myrtle Beach offers some wonderful theatrical and entertaining shows that include dinner, and are sure to impress everyone in the family. We’ve put together a list of a few places that will entertain while you dine –and the best part, they are just a few minutes drive from Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort!

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at The House Of Blues

The Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at the House of Blues is no ordinary Myrtle Beach dinner show! When you arrive you become part of the murder investigation, where everyone is as suspect! This interactive show will have you laughing while you enjoy a delicious three-course dinner. You’ll start with Blues Brother Salad and finish with House Made Key Lime Tart, as you figure out who the true murderer is. If you can catch the culprit, you will be rewarded! To reserve your seat or for more ticket information call: 843-272-3000.

Pirates Voyage

If you’re looking for a place that will keep every family member on the edge of their seat, look no further than Pirates Voyage. At Pirates Voyage, you will adventure with the most famous pirate, Captain Blackbeard, as he searches for treasure, all while enjoying a fabulous 4-course pirate feast! The feast includes soup, bread, chicken, pork BBQ, corn-on-the-cob, a potato, and delightful apple pie!

Adults and children are welcome at the pirate’s hideaway lagoon (kids can even get a pirate or mermaid makeover when they come early!). Tickets are $44.99 for adults and $24.99 for children.

If you’re visiting in November or December be sure to try Christmas at Pirates Voyage! Here you will see the crews take on A Christmas Carol –a story of Captain Scrooge!

For more information on regular or special tickets, call 843-497-9700.

Polynesian Fire Luau

Take a trip to Hawaii without even having to leave Myrtle Beach! The Polynesian Fire Luau provides a beautiful show filled with Polynesian culture, dancing, and more.

Dine on authentic Polynesian foods as you are mesmerized by the dancers and performers of Polynesian Fire Luau. The dinner is a Hawaiian buffet featuring foods like kalua pork, Polynesian meatballs, barbecue chicken, Hawaiian macaroni salad, and fresh fruit.

The dinner and show are offered at two locations in Myrtle Beach, St. Johns Inn or Plantation Resort. The St. Johns show is held indoors with the last 15-minutes held outside. The Plantation Resort show is held poolside (weather permitting). Tickets are $49.99 for adults and $24.98 for children. For more information call visit: www.PolynesianFireProductions.com.

 

If you’re looking for more great shows or live music check out our latest articles on our blog!

 

One of the best parts about traveling to Myrtle Beach is its year-round festivals! Whether you come in the middle of the summer or during the winter months there is always something fun and festive happening on the Grand Strand. We’ve put together a list of 15 Myrtle Beach Festivals you won’t want to miss!

Brew at the Zoo

Brew at the Zoo is a fun low-country festival held at Brookgreen Gardens towards the end of September. The Festival features 30 beers from regional and international brewers, games, a silent auction, and of course their native wildlife zoo! If that doesn’t peak your interest in this event is a big fundraiser for local Lowcountry Heritage Programs.

Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival

There’s nothing more delicious than sampling all kinds of food all in one stop! The Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival welcomes food trucks from all over, live music all weekend, game tournaments, and more! This festival usually takes place mid to late April.

Myrtle Beach Seafood Festival

Myrtle Beach is one of the best places to satisfy your craving for seafood. What’s even better than that? The Myrtle Beach Seafood Festival! This festival is in early October and includes seafood and restaurant vendors from all over the Grand Strand. Myrtle Beach Seafood Festival will also have live music, a corn hole tournament, and kid-friendly activities!

St. John’s Greek Festival

Opa! It’s all Greek at the St. John’s Greek Festival. Held in late September this festival does not disappoint when it comes to authentic Greek cuisine, beer, wine, and music! Oh and let’s not forget the delicious desserts!

Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival

The Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival has been going strong for over 40 years. This festival takes place at Huntington Beach State Park in late September. Check out over 100 fine arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, and more!

Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down Festival

Who doesn’t love a fall festival? The Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down Festival is a myriad of music and entertainment, pageants, craft vendors, and delicious eats! This festival typically takes place in mid-September.

Carolina Country Music Fest

The Carolina Country Music Fest or CCMF is one of the biggest and most anticipated festivals in Myrtle Beach. Each year a great lineup of famous country music stars are put together for an all weekend show! The festival happens in early June and tickets go fast!

MayFest on Main

MayFest on Main is a big kick-off to the summer in the Grand Strand. Filled with music, arts & crafts, food vendors, and plenty for the kids to do! This festival is held mid-May and is BYOBC (Bring Your Own Beach Chair)!

Blue Crab Festival

Blue crab cakes, blue crab soup, blue crab dip –if it has “blue crab” in the title it’s probably delicious! That’s why the Little River Blue Crab Festival is one of the favorite festivals in Myrtle Beach. In mid-May, you can get your fill of seafood, music, unique shopping and scenic views at this festival!

Night Of A Thousand Candles

Another festival that is highly anticipated in Myrtle Beach is Brookgreen Garden’s, Night Of A Thousand Candles. The name really says it all as thousands of candles are hand lit all throughout the property. Throughout December you can enjoy this festival and all the lights, hot cocoa, and holiday cheer your heart can take!

Conway Riverfest

Presented by The Conway Chamber of Commerce is the Conway Riverfest, held in late June. Here you can expect a golf cart parade, good eats, kids activities, and a firework display that is sure to leave you in awe.

Hippie Fest

The Hippie Fest Tour comes to the Grand Strand in late October. Filled with vibrant colors, feel-good music, art and more! They even have DIY tie-dying! This festival is a family-friendly affair held rain or shine.

Little River Shrimpfest

It’s all about the seafood at the Little River Shrimpfest! Held in late October you can get your fill of seafood, live music, and more. There’s even face painting and balloon artist for the kids! You won’t want to miss this weekend-long event.

Loris Bog-Off Festival

Have you ever had some Carolina Bog? Well, then you don’t want to miss the Loris Bog-Off where locals compete for the best chicken bog in the south. This event is held mid to late October and includes music and fun for the whole family!

Irish Italian Festival

Going strong for 15 years the Irish Italian International Festival is one of the most fun festivals in Myrtle Beach! Held in late September you can enjoy a parade, authentic international music, all things Italian and Irish heritage, and tons of food!

You could comfortably spend your entire vacation at Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort. With our waterpark, mini-mart and Malibu Beach bar, you really don’t have to step off the property! But, the reality is the kids will eventually want to venture out. And so they don’t drive you crazy, we’ve made it easy with our Top 5 Things To Do in Myrtle Beach with Kids!

Mini Golf

This one is a no brainer for most families that come to vacation in Myrtle Beach. After all, we are the Mini Golf Capital of the World! But here’s the inside scoop on the best places to play while you’re here.

Cancun Lagoon Mayan Adventure Golf is the probably the most exciting and visually stunning mini golf courses on the Grand Strand. At this spot your will get 27 holes that take you back to ancient Mayan times. Bonus: this mini golf course is air conditioned!

Another great mini golf spot is Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Mini Golf! Make your way through one of the two courses, as you weave in and out of grass huts and caves. Bonus: score a hole in one on the last hole and win a lifetime pass to Mt. Atlanticus!

Alligator Adventure

Meet the “King of the Crocs,” the largest crocodile on exhibit in the U.S., at Alligator Adventure! This easily one of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach with Kids! Feast your eyes on colorful macaws, hyenas, lemurs, and of course alligators and crocs! Bonus: enjoy your second day free at Alligator Adventures with a purchase of a regular ticket!

Family Kingdom

What’s more entertaining than an amusement park? This magical place has a never-ending supply of cotton candy, squeals of excitement, and fun for the whole family! Day or night this park is filled with rides and entertainment for all. Bonus: they even have a waterpark! Double Bonus: it’s only 3 blocks from Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort!

Pirates Voyage

Ahoy, matey! There’s no shortage of thrills here as you watch an intense pirate show and enjoy ye dinner! This 50 minute show is sure to have the kids on the edge of their seats as they are entertained by pirates, animals, and even mermaids! Bonus: get the pirate or mermaid package and your kids will be transformed into a mesmerizing mermaid or  a scallywag of a pirate! See showtimes here.