We love Myrtle Beach for a variety of reasons. It’s a fairly close beach to drive to from Knoxville, there are so many things for kids to do, and it reminds us a lot of Pigeon Forge.
Heads up: This is not a guide on how to stay at Myrtle Beach on a budget, but rather, how to make the MOST of your trip as a family. Vacations with children are fun, but tricky to navigate. We prefer places that welcome small children, are well-managed, and safe for everyone.
Stay
- This summer, we stayed at the Crown Reef Resort and Water Park. This place is family-friendly, perfect for families with babies AND teens, and very affordable. Your stay includes beachfront access and waterpark access. Our kids LOVE water slides. The waterpark area is about the same scale as Wilderness at the Smokies. It has a few areas for big kids, an area for the toddlers, a lazy river, a pool, etc. There were also lifeguards everywhere, which made us feel safer.
Tip: If you book way early, you can save big! In early January, we snagged a double queen room for $975 for 5 nights in June — that was unmatched!
- Last summer, we stayed at Dunes Village Resort. After comparing the Crown Reef to Dunes Village, we actually prefer the Dunes Village and will probably go back next year. Although it was a bit more expensive, the rooms were much larger and cleaner. The waterpark area is also much larger. Since we’re a family of five, we prefer the extra indoor AND outdoor space. Dunes Village Resort also has beachfront access, the waterpark is included, and is just a few miles from Broadway at the Beach, making it a perfect location.
Tip: There are two towers at this resort. The Palms side is where the older kids/teens tend to gravitate, while the Palmetto side has the baby splash pad and the indoor portion of the water park.
- If you’re looking for somewhere to camp on the coast, Huntington Beach State Park is perfect. It’s a very short drive to the busy Broadway area, while also being tucked away from the chaos of the city. It offers private beach access with a beach that’s never crowded.
Tip: Bring binoculars as there is a lot of wildlife hiding in the marsh!
- Likewise, Myrtle Beach State Park also offers a campground just steps away from the shoreline. The beach is busier, but well-maintained and always beautiful.
Tip: Check out my previous post that covers some of the perks of camping on the coast!
Eating
- All you can eat crab legs? Yes please! Captain George’s all you can eat seafood will always be my husband and daughter’s favorite spot because they LOVE seafood. It’s a bit expensive ($45 – $49 for the adult buffet, and less for kids), but you get every bit of your money’s worth. They have several huge buffet lines filled with fresh seafood, a full salad bar (my favorite!), and an entire buffet zone for dessert. Captain George’s is a splurge, but it’s worth every penny.
Tip: Check their website for early bird “first catch” specials with lower prices.
- Speaking of splurge, let’s talk about NHOP, which is literally God’s gift to Myrtle Beach. I could’ve eaten at NHOP every single day. Would you like a crab meat omelettes, or crab cake Benedict? The food was a 12/10 — it’s absolutely incredible! The atmosphere and service was also outstanding. Flavor was perfect. Our server was so kind to the kids and even brought them a cotton candy treat. We watched them sing Happy Birthday to another guest, and the vibe was so much fun, full of soul, and upbeat. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every penny. This place is definitely my favorite and a new staple in our annual family trip.
Tip: Come early (around 9am or 10am). You’ll beat the brunch crowd!
Double Feature: Eating AND Entertainment
- The Pirates Voyage dinner show is always a favorite. It’s pricey, but includes a two-hour show AND a four-course meal (chicken and ham, Mac-and-cheese, and corn-on-the-cob), soup and a biscuit, soft drinks, apple fritter). It is definitely loud and exciting. My four-year-old adventure-seeker LOVED it. My middle child, who is autistic, couldn’t handle the sounds, so keep that in mind if you have children with sensory issues. He was content hanging back during the show. They offer face-paint and accessories at an additional price, in case your child would like to get into character before the show.
Tip: Show up an hour early for the pre-show for even more entertainment!
- Broadway at the beach has several restaurants, but The Hangout is a new kid-friendly favorite. I hate going to a restaurant and being anxious that my kids are too loud. You’ll never feel that at The Hangout! During dinner, there was a whole show encouraging kids and adults to stand up and dance on tables and chairs. Don’t let this freak you out — it was VERY well done. Our family will definitely be back. The food and service was great as well, making this yet another staple of our family vacation.
Tip: Make a reservation as this place gets crowded! 
Speaking of entertainment, Broadway at the Beach is so much fun. There’s always some kind of dancing, singing, shopping, and events happening that kids will LOVE. At 10pm, they do fireworks in the summer. You can find the events and schedules on their website. There are theaters, carousels, play parks, and a ton of other outdoor activities that are family-friendly.
