A 3-Day Myrtle Beach Itinerary for Families

Updated 9/25/25

The Perfect 3-Day Myrtle Beach Itinerary for Families

Looking for a family vacation that balances sandy beaches, exciting attractions, and plenty of kid-approved fun? This 3-day Myrtle Beach itinerary blends pirate adventures, boardwalk thrills, and coastal sightseeing into one easy plan. It’s designed with families in mind, whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or a mix of both. First-time visitors will love how it highlights the area’s must-sees, while returning travelers can uncover fresh family favorites.

Here’s a sample 3-day Myrtle Beach itinerary for families:

• Day 1: Pirate cruises, oceanfront dining, and a dinner show in North Myrtle Beach
  
• Day 2: Classic Myrtle Beach Boardwalk thrills, quirky museums, and live music on Ocean Boulevard
  
• Day 3: Sightseeing on land and sea, dolphin cruises, and a classic seafood finale
  

From stroller-friendly attractions to adrenaline-packed rides, this Myrtle Beach vacation plan makes it easy to enjoy the best things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids.

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Day 1 – Pirate Adventures in Myrtle Beach

Morning: Blackbeard’s Pirate Cruise

Start your trip by embracing the pirate life aboard Blackbeard’s Pirate Cruise, which sets sail from the Intracoastal Waterway in Myrtle Beach. Children ages 3–12 join the crew with pirate face paint, temporary tattoos, treasure maps, and even water cannon battles. Toddlers ages 1–2 sail at a reduced rate, and infants under 1 ride free, making it an affordable family outing. While the kids are busy defending the ship, parents can sit back, breathe in the salty air, and snap plenty of photos. Pro tip: morning cruises often mean calmer waters, which makes for an easier ride with little ones.

Optional stop (rainy day alternative): Head indoors to WonderWorks Myrtle Beach at Broadway at the Beach, where upside-down architecture hides more than 100 hands-on science exhibits. From glow-in-the-dark ropes courses to a hurricane simulator, it’s an ideal backup plan.

Afternoon: Lunch and Watersports Fun

Head over to Dick’s Last Resort, a quirky spot near Broadway at the Beach, about a 10-minute drive depending on traffic. Servers dish out sarcasm with your meal, so be ready for playful antics alongside burgers, ribs, and seafood baskets. It’s kid-friendly as long as everyone is in on the joke, and little ones especially love the oversized paper hats.

Afterward, cool off with Myrtle Beach Watersports, which offers jet ski rentals, pontoon boats, and dolphin tours at multiple locations. Families who prefer a slower pace can choose a dolphin cruise, while teens might jump at the chance to zip across the waves on a jet ski. Either way, you’ll get sweeping views of the Grand Strand from the water.

Evening: Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

Cap off your first day with Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in North Myrtle Beach. This high-energy evening attraction includes acrobatics, mermaids, sea lions, and pirate battles, all performed in a theater with a 15-foot-deep indoor lagoon.. Meanwhile, you’ll enjoy a hearty four-course Southern feast. Shows often sell out, so it’s smart to book tickets in advance and confirm performance schedules.

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Day 2 – Classic Fun on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Morning: Free Fall Thrill Park on Ocean Boulevard

Kick off day two in the heart of downtown at Free Fall Thrill Park, located along Ocean Boulevard. Thrill seekers can experience high-flying rides: take on the Sling Shot, which launches riders hundreds of feet overhead, or ride the Sky Fall drop tower that descends about 170–175 feet. Other attractions include Air Strike, which spins and soars for a milder rush. Teens and thrill lovers will gravitate toward the big rides, while younger kids can enjoy nearby carnival-style games. Parking is available in city garages a few blocks from the beach, which is often more convenient than street parking in the busy boardwalk area.

Afternoon: Ripley’s Odditorium or Aquarium

Walk a few blocks to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium, a museum filled with bizarre artifacts from shrunken heads to a vampire-killing kit. It’s interactive and quirky, making it a hit with school-age kids.

For a more aquatic option, drive about 10 minutes to Ripley’s Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach, where families can touch stingrays, watch jellyfish glow, and stroll through a tunnel surrounded by sharks. Younger kids love the penguin playhouse, while parents appreciate the mix of fun and education.

Optional stop: If the kids still have energy, try a round of mini golf. Myrtle Beach is known as the mini golf capital of the world, with themed courses such as Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf just a short walk from Ocean Boulevard.

Evening: Dinner, Music, and the SkyWheel

Grab dinner at The Bowery, a legendary honky-tonk that has been serving Southern food and live music since 1944. Known as the launching pad for country band Alabama, The Bowery offers burgers, fried shrimp, and a lively atmosphere. While it’s generally family-friendly, keep in mind that later evenings may lean more toward an adult crowd.

End the night with a ride on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, a 200-foot observation wheel on Ocean Boulevard. It lights up at night and offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Hours may vary by season, so check before you go.

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Day 3 – Exploring Land and Sea

Morning: Sightseeing on The Big Red Bus

On your final day, hop aboard The Big Red Bus, a British-style double-decker tour that loops through Myrtle Beach. Kids love sitting up top in the open-air section, while parents enjoy the narrated history. Routes typically include Ocean Boulevard, Broadway at the Beach, and North Myrtle Beach, though schedules may vary by season.

Optional stop: If your family prefers a more active morning, try biking at The Market Common, a trendy district with paths, playgrounds, and family-friendly restaurants. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the boardwalk.

Afternoon: Dolphin Cruises or Fishing Adventures

Drive about 30 minutes north to Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises in Calabash, North Carolina. Dolphin cruises often guarantee sightings and are perfect for younger kids who prefer a calm ride. Families with older kids can book a half-day fishing charter, where experienced crew members help beginners reel in flounder, snapper, or even small sharks. Exact trip durations vary, so check availability before you go.

Evening: Dinner at Sea Captain’s House

Finish your 3-day itinerary with dinner at Sea Captain’s House, an oceanfront restaurant that has been serving Southern-style seafood since 1962. Favorites include crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and their famous hush puppies. Request a window seat or dine on the patio for unbeatable ocean views. Be sure to confirm operating hours if you’re visiting in the off-season.

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Seasonal Tips for a Myrtle Beach Itinerary

• Spring: Mild weather makes it perfect for boardwalk strolls. Families can catch Easter events and enjoy blooming gardens at Brookgreen Gardens.
  
• Summer: Peak season with fireworks, Hot Summer Nights at Broadway at the Beach, and beach festivals. Arrive early for parking and reservations. Check event calendars for exact dates.
  
• Fall: Fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Families can enjoy fishing tournaments or Oktoberfest at The Market Common. Dates may change annually, so confirm before your visit.
  
• Winter: Quieter beaches with holiday charm. Don’t miss Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens or the Dickens Christmas Show in November.
  

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FAQs About a Myrtle Beach Family Trip

What should I pack for a 3-day trip to Myrtle Beach?
Pack swimsuits, sunscreen, flip-flops, and casual clothes. Bring a light jacket for breezy nights, and water shoes for boat tours or shell hunting.

Is Myrtle Beach good for families with young children?
Yes. From gentle dolphin cruises and aquariums to mini golf and calm beach stretches, Myrtle Beach offers plenty of family-friendly activities. Many attractions are stroller-accessible.

Can you do Myrtle Beach without a car?
Yes, especially if you stay near Ocean Boulevard or Broadway at the Beach. Many attractions are walkable, though you’ll need a car or ride-share for farther spots such as Pirates Voyage or Voyager cruises in Calabash.

What are the best free things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids?
Families can enjoy the beach itself, walk the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, explore playgrounds at Barefoot Landing, or catch free summer concerts and fireworks at Broadway at the Beach.

Is Myrtle Beach safe for families?
Yes. Stick to well-lit, popular areas such as the boardwalk and Broadway at the Beach. Lifeguards patrol many beach sections during summer, adding peace of mind.

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Plan Your Myrtle Beach Itinerary

Ready to plan your perfect Myrtle Beach itinerary? From pirate cruises and dolphin tours to boardwalk thrills and oceanfront dining, this 3-day vacation plan highlights the best things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids. Download our travel brochures to uncover even more hidden gems and family favorites waiting along the Grand Strand.

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