(This article may or may not contain affiliate links. What does that mean?)
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is one of those destinations that has it all for families, especially those who love the water. There are miles of sandy shoreline (with free admission!), tons of family-friendly activities, plus dozens of resorts to stay right on the ocean. In fact, there are so many oceanfront resorts in Myrtle Beach that narrowing it down can feel like the hardest part of planning your trip. That’s where we come in.
When we visited, we quickly realized that where you stay shapes your entire family trip. From early morning walks on the beach (one of which ended with a surprise proposal at sunrise) to evenings spent listening to the ocean waves from your balcony, the right oceanfront resort takes a family vacation from “good” to one you’ll never forget.
NO TIME TO READ THIS ARTICLE NOW? PIN IT OR BOOKMARK IT FOR LATER!
Coral Beach Resort & Suites
Best for: Classic family fun with tons to do onsite
Coral Beach Resort has a reputation in Myrtle Beach. And for good reason. Kids stay busy with multiple outdoor pools, a lazy river, a bowling alley, and a kids’ entertainment zone, all without leaving the property. There’s even a kiddie pool for younger travelers.
There’s so much to keep kids entertained!
Photo by Karla Rivera on Unsplash
This kind of place makes it easy for kids to ping-pong from swimming to games to snacks without missing a beat, something my boys are experts at. This makes it an easy choice for families who want a fun, all-in-one experience.
One afternoon, we thought we’d just “pop in” to check out the pools and somehow hours disappeared. Between the lazy river and the bowling alley, my boys kept saying “just one more thing,” and before we knew it, the whole afternoon had passed.
DON’T MISS! Exploring the Atlantic Coast: 17+ Things to Do in Myrtle Beach for Families
Dunes Village Resort
Best for: Indoor water park fun
If your kids love water slides like mine, this is the perfect place to book along the Atlantic Ocean. Dunes Village Resort is famous for its indoor water park, complete with slides, splash zones, indoor slides, and a dedicated kiddie pool. This makes it an easy choice for spring and fall trips when the weather gets a little unpredictable.
Between the lazy river, slides, and splash areas, it’s one of those resorts where kids wake up exhausted and go to bed exhausted, in the best way possible.
The Breakers Myrtle Beach
Best for: Variety and walkability
The Breakers is one of the most iconic oceanfront resorts in Myrtle Beach with a wide range of comfortable accommodations and amenities. Multiple pools, onsite restaurants, and direct beach access make it an all-around great option for families.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and infamous Sky Wheel are within walking distance!
Photo by Richard Martin on Unsplash
The Breakers also has a central location that makes it easy to walk to nearby attractions. This is a big plus if you don’t want to rent a car or drive everywhere during your stay.
Island Vista Resort
Best for: A quieter, more relaxed family stay
Island Vista Resort is tucked away from the busiest parts of the Grand Strand, creating a much more peaceful atmosphere while still being oceanfront. It’s a good choice for families who want the beach experience without the constant crowds.
Getting up early to the stroll the beach was so worth it!
Photo Credit: Samantha Davis
After staying in busier parts of Myrtle Beach before, this quieter stretch felt like a reset. One morning, we walked down to the beach and realized there was barely anyone around. It was one of those rare moments where everything just felt calm, and we could actually slow down and enjoy it.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave
Best for: Modern stays in the heart of Myrtle Beach
Ocean Enclave is one of the newer options along the coast, offering families spacious suites, full kitchens, and separate living areas. That extra space can make a huge difference in giving families the comforts of home, especially on longer trips.
Many rooms also offer private balconies with ocean views, and the resort includes a fitness center for guests who want to stay active during their stay.
Crown Reef Beach Resort & Waterpark
Best for: Outdoor water park excitement
Crown Reef is another top pick for families who want built-in entertainment and incredible ocean views. The on-site water park includes multiple slides, a lazy river, and a kid-friendly splash zone.
Everyone will be tired from pools and beach fun!
Photo by Stas Ostrikov on Unsplash
It’s the kind of resort where families can easily split the day between the ocean and the pool without anyone getting bored. Parents will also appreciate relaxing in the hot tubs after a long day of beach time and water park fun.
DON’T MISS! Make Unforgettable Memories with these 5 Best Family Vacations in the United States
Anderson Ocean Club & Spa
Best for: Families who want a mix of relaxation and convenience
Anderson Ocean Club offers a more upscale feel while still being very family-friendly. Spacious rooms, including three-bedroom condos, make it a great choice for larger families or groups traveling together. The location and easy beach access make it a comfortable home base for a Myrtle Beach vacation.
This shows a more relaxing side of Myrtle Beach.
It doesn’t have the same large-scale water features of some other resorts, but it’s very close to all Myrtle Beach has to offer. It’s also a little quieter and low-key for the same reason.
Budget-Friendly Oceanfront Resorts in Myrtle Beach
For families looking to stay oceanfront without stretching their budget too far, resorts like North Shore Hotel, Sand Dunes Resort, and Sands Resorts Waterpark are all great places to stay for a classic Myrtle Beach experience.
Ocean views that go on forever.
Photo credit: Samantha Davis
These properties are known for family-friendly amenities like pools, lazy rivers, and on-site water features that give the whole family plenty to do between beach outings and activities. They don’t have the same modern feel as some of the newer resorts, but they’re popular choices for value, location, and easy access to the ocean. These resorts are especially great for longer stays, where keeping costs down matters as much as keeping kids happy.
When You Go
Where to Eat with Kids in Myrtle Beach
DinoLand Cafe has a fun theme with animatronic dinosaurs and tons of themed foods, including fall-off-the-bone ribs and caveman-style steaks.
Peaches Corner sits across from Old Pavilion on Ocean Boulevard. The hot dog stand is a great place to people-watch and enjoy kid-friendly foods like their famous cheeseburger baskets and chili dogs, served since 1937.
No restaurant list for Myrtle Beach would be complete without seafood by the ocean. Sea Captain’s House has an extensive kids’ menu, perfect for picky eaters. Sit inside or outside and enjoy live entertainment with your ocean views.
Traveling to Myrtle Beach Hotels from Los Angeles
Getting to Myrtle Beach resorts on the opposite coast of LA is easiest by air. Fly into Myrtle Beach International Airport from LAX. There are typically no non-stop flights, but one-stop options on airlines like American, Delta, and United take about 6-8 hours, depending on the layover.
An excellent discount site for rental cars and flights is Booking! We literally save hundreds of dollars using it.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE CONSIDER PINNING IT OR SHARING IT!
