Broadway at the Beach

Broadway at the Beach is Myrtle Beach's largest and most popular entertainment complex, a 350-acre destination built around a scenic central lake that draws over 14 million visitors annually. For families, it functions as a one-stop destination where you could spend an afternoon or an entire vacation's worth of evenings without running out of things to explore. The complex houses dozens of restaurants, shops, and attractions connected by scenic waterfront walkways that light up spectacularly after dark.

The sheer variety here is what makes Broadway at the Beach work so well for families with mixed ages. Toddlers can ride the carousel and explore the interactive candy shops. Elementary-age kids gravitate toward attractions like MagiQuest (a live-action adventure game), the mirror maze, and the Hollywood Wax Museum.

Tweens and teens enjoy Dave and Buster's arcade, the escape rooms, and the shopping. Parents can browse specialty shops and enjoy a waterfront cocktail while keeping kids in sight.

Several major standalone attractions call Broadway at the Beach home. Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, consistently rated one of the top aquariums in North America, occupies a massive building on the north side of the complex. WonderWorks, the upside-down house filled with interactive science exhibits, is visible from the main road.

These are full-experience attractions that each deserve dedicated time rather than being treated as quick stops.

The lake itself is a constant source of free entertainment. A population of resident alligators lives in the central lake, and spotting them from the bridges and walkways delights kids endlessly. Signs warn visitors not to feed or approach them, but seeing real alligators in a semi-urban setting is a memorable experience for children from non-Southern states.

Ducks, turtles, and fish also populate the water, and kids can often spend 20-30 minutes just leaning over bridge railings watching the wildlife.

Dining options range from casual food court fare to sit-down waterfront restaurants. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville anchors the dining scene with a festive atmosphere, live music, and a kids' menu that includes the expected burgers and tenders alongside surprisingly good fish tacos. LandShark Bar & Grill offers a more casual waterfront option.

For families watching their budget, the food court area near the main parking lot has standard fast-food options at significantly lower prices than the lakefront restaurants.

Parking throughout Broadway at the Beach is free and plentiful, which is a significant advantage over beach-area attractions. However, the complex is large enough that where you park matters. Study the map online before you arrive and park near the attraction or restaurant you plan to visit first.

Walking from one end of the complex to the other takes a solid 15-20 minutes, which feels longer with tired kids.

The complex is genuinely pleasant for evening strolls even if you are not spending money. The landscaped walkways, bridge crossings, and thousands of lights reflecting off the lake create an atmosphere that families enjoy as a free outing in itself. Street performers and musicians appear during peak season, adding to the boardwalk-carnival feel that kids absorb with delight.