Example itinerary

3 days in Myrtle Beach with kids

This family plan alternates structured attractions with open-air time. Spend one day south around Murrells Inlet, pair the aquarium with lunch at Broadway before driving to The Market Common for play time, and finish with a beach morning and the Boardwalk.

3 daysFamilies with kidsBalanced paceMid-range

Day 1

Lowcountry gardens and a quieter beach

Drive south once, combine two neighboring outdoor stops, and finish with an easy waterfront dinner area.

Drive south to Murrells Inlet; allow 35–50 minutes each way from central Myrtle Beach, plus local transfers

Open day route

Morning09:30

Brookgreen Gardens

1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Mix sculpture gardens, shaded paths, and the Lowcountry Zoo rather than trying to cover the entire property. It gives different ages something to notice without feeling like a formal museum day.

Time: 3 hr
Cost: $$
Hours: Daily 09:30–17:00; entry gates close at 16:30. Special-event hours vary. Visitor information

Worth knowing: Download the current garden map and choose two areas before arriving—the grounds are larger than they look.

Afternoon14:00

Huntington Beach State Park

16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Use the beach and short nature trails as the unstructured half of the day. The causeway is also a good place to look for birds and alligators from a safe distance.

Time: 2 hr
Cost: $
Hours: Daily 06:00–18:00, extended to 22:00 during daylight saving time. Atalaya has separate hours. Visitor information

From the previous stop: About 5 minutes by car

Worth knowing: Bring water shoes, towels, and bug spray in the car even if swimming is not the main plan.

Evening17:30

Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

4025 Hwy 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Walk a manageable section of the marshfront, watch the boats, and choose dinner based on the shortest wait rather than locking the family into another schedule.

Time: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: Free to walk; dinner $$–$$$
Hours: Public boardwalk; restaurant hours vary Visitor information

From the previous stop: About 15 minutes by car

Worth knowing: Ask for a text-message waitlist, then use the boardwalk while your table is being prepared.

Day 2

Sea life, play time, and a flexible evening

Start with the aquarium and lunch in the same complex, then drive to The Market Common for playground time.

Walk between the aquarium and lunch; drive to Savannah’s Playground and park again

Open day route

Morning09:30

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

1110 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Start early for the underwater tunnel and interactive exhibits. Allow breaks so younger children can enjoy the visit without rushing past everything.

Time: 2 hr 30 min
Cost: $$$
Hours: Open daily; closing time changes seasonally Visitor information

Worth knowing: Check for timed tickets and feeding schedules before choosing your arrival time.

Midday12:30

Broadway at the Beach

1325 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Choose lunch and one small attraction rather than attempting everything. This is deliberately a buffer for shopping, snacks, or a break back at the hotel.

Time: 2 hr
Cost: Free to enter; food and attractions vary
Hours: Complex hours vary by business and season Visitor information

From the previous stop: The aquarium is inside the same complex

Worth knowing: Set a per-child souvenir or attraction budget before walking through the complex.

Afternoon16:00

Savannah’s Playground

3600-3640 Emmens Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Let kids move freely after the structured aquarium visit. The inclusive playground has distinct areas for different ages and abilities.

Time: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: Free
Hours: May–September 08:00–20:00, Tuesdays from noon. Shorter hours in other months; check current park notices. Visitor information

From the previous stop: Allow 15–25 minutes by car to The Market Common, plus parking

Worth knowing: There is limited shade in some areas, so late afternoon is more comfortable in warmer months.

Day 3

Beach morning and the classic Boardwalk

Keep the morning loose, then use the oceanfront attractions as optional choices rather than obligations.

Drive from the state park to oceanfront parking, then walk between the Boardwalk and SkyWheel

Open day route

Morning09:00

Myrtle Beach State Park

4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575

Begin with sand, the fishing pier, and a short nature walk. The park setting is easier to manage than combining beach time with the busiest Boardwalk blocks.

Time: 2 hr 30 min
Cost: $
Hours: Day-use hours vary seasonally Visitor information

Worth knowing: Pack a simple breakfast or early lunch and leave before the hottest part of the day.

Afternoon14:30

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade

1st Ave N to 16th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Walk only the section that suits everyone’s energy, stopping for an arcade, snack, or ocean view instead of treating the full promenade as a required march.

Time: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: Free to walk
Hours: Public promenade; business hours vary

From the previous stop: Allow 15–25 minutes by car, plus time to find oceanfront parking

Worth knowing: Photograph your parking-zone number; nearby blocks can look very similar on the return walk.

Evening17:00

SkyWheel Myrtle Beach

1110 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Use the enclosed gondolas for one classic family view of the coast. If weather or energy is poor, skip it without disrupting the rest of the day.

Time: 45 min
Cost: $$
Hours: Seasonal hours and weather closures apply Visitor information

From the previous stop: On the Boardwalk route

Worth knowing: Check visibility and wind before buying tickets; sunset slots are popular.

Where to stay

Central Myrtle Beach near 21st Avenue North

This keeps the Boardwalk and Broadway at the Beach close while avoiding a long drive for most meals. The Murrells Inlet day remains one straightforward trip south.

Getting around

Plan on driving. Attractions are spread along the coast, and crossing US-17 can take longer during summer evenings. Park once within each cluster.

Before you go

Many Myrtle Beach attractions use seasonal calendars. Check operating dates before promising a specific ride or show.
Summer heat and thunderstorms make an early outdoor start and an indoor afternoon especially useful.
Beach parking fills quickly. Use the city’s current parking map rather than relying on an old blog post.

AI-assisted example, updated September 2026. Suggested start times, visit lengths, and travel times are estimates, not live directions. Cost symbols indicate relative expense, not ticket quotes. Check the linked visitor information for your dates.

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