Plyler Park
Rating
Family of 4
$0 entry.
Duration
30 minutes to 2 hours — works well as a casual stop between beach sessions or boardwalk activities
Best Ages
All ages — open oceanfront park perfect for strolling, people-watching, and playing near the beach
About
Plyler Park sits at one of the most coveted addresses in all of Myrtle Beach: 1000 N Ocean Blvd, right where the city's iconic boardwalk begins. This free, open-access oceanfront park is the pulse of the Grand Strand, serving as the gathering place for families, beach-goers, and boardwalk explorers from the moment the sun rises until midnight every day of the week.
For families visiting Myrtle Beach, Plyler Park is an essential stop — not because of a single attraction, but because of the energy and access it provides. Step out of the park and you are instantly at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean with miles of sandy beach in front of you. Turn around and you are at the entrance to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, a 1.
2-mile promenade lined with shops, restaurants, carnival rides, and the famous SkyWheel ferris wheel.
The park itself features open lawns, a central pavilion area used for community events and concerts, paved pathways suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, and easy beach access via multiple sand ramps. In the summer months, the park transforms into an outdoor venue with live music events, seasonal festivals, and family-friendly programming organized by the City of Myrtle Beach.
Parents particularly appreciate that the park provides a natural decompression zone — a place where restless kids can run and transition between beach time and boardwalk time without feeling rushed. The wide-open layout means kids have room to roam while parents keep easy eyes on them. Restrooms and outdoor rinse showers are available nearby at the beach access points.
Plyler Park is also historically significant as the site of the original Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park, which operated for decades before closing in 2006. The park and boardwalk development were created to honor the Pavilion's legacy. The name honors local civic leader Bill Plyler.
For families building a Myrtle Beach itinerary, Plyler Park works best as a morning launch point or an early evening destination when the boardwalk comes alive with live music and activity.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
No dedicated nursing room; nearby beach facilities at the strand have restrooms
Kid Meals
No on-site dining; multiple beachfront restaurants and snack vendors within a short walk along Ocean Blvd
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Morning or late afternoon to avoid peak midday heat and crowds; summer evenings are lively with live entertainment events
Wait Times
No wait — free public park with open access
Nearby Food
Dozens of options within steps: Bummz Beach Cafe and countless ice cream shops, pizza windows, and fast-casual spots lining Ocean Blvd and the boardwalk
Why Kids Love It
Kids love Plyler Park for its prime spot right on the Myrtle Beach oceanfront — there is sand, surf, and the buzzing boardwalk all within steps. The park serves as the gateway to the famous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, so kids are immediately surrounded by the sights, sounds, and energy of one of the East Coast's most iconic beach destinations. Open-air concerts, festivals, and community events are held here regularly in the summer, adding extra excitement.
What Parents Say
“Drone Christmas show was awesome! Yes I know there's a light pole obstructing my view in the video, in person it didn't even matter. My kids loved it.”
Pro Tips from Parents
- The park anchors the south end of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk — use it as your starting point for a full boardwalk walk to the SkyWheel and beyond.
- Summer Friday and Saturday evenings often feature free live music and entertainment events at the oceanfront stage.
- The grassy areas are great for laying out blankets; arrive early on summer mornings to claim a shady spot near the pavilion.
- Accessible restrooms and outdoor showers for rinsing off sand are located nearby at the beach access points.
What to Bring
- Sunscreen and hats — the oceanfront has zero shade
- Snacks and water bottles
- Sand toys if kids want to hit the beach right after
- Cash or card for boardwalk treats nearby
- A carrier or stroller for toddlers on longer boardwalk walks
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 entry.
Budget $10-20 for nearby snacks or ice cream if desired.
Tips to Save
- Completely free to visit.
- Pack your own snacks and drinks to avoid the beachside markup.
- Parking on side streets can be free or cheaper than the main oceanfront lots.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 6AM-12AM
- Monday
- 6AM-12AM
- Sunday
- 6AM-12AM
- Tuesday
- 6AM-12AM
- Saturday
- 6AM-12AM
- Thursday
- 6AM-12AM
- Wednesday
- 6AM-12AM