Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is one of the top-rated aquariums on the East Coast and the single most popular paid attraction in the Myrtle Beach area, drawing over two million visitors annually. Located within the Broadway at the Beach complex, this 87,000-square-foot aquarium houses thousands of aquatic animals across beautifully designed themed galleries that take families on a journey from shallow coastal waters to the deepest ocean depths.

The showpiece that every family talks about is the Dangerous Reef exhibit featuring a 330-foot-long underwater tunnel with a moving gliding walkway. As families are carried slowly through an acrylic tunnel, sharks — including sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, and sawfish — swim directly overhead and on all sides. Green sea turtles glide past at arm's length.

Massive groupers and moray eels lurk in rocky overhangs. The effect is profoundly immersive, and the gasps and squeals from children echo through the tunnel constantly. A stationary walkway runs parallel for families who want to stop, stare, and take photos without being carried along.

The aquarium's other galleries each offer distinct experiences. The Rainbow Rock exhibit showcases tropical reef fish in vivid colors that mesmerize young children. The Sea-For-Yourself Discovery Center provides hands-on learning with microscopes, interactive displays, and educational games.

The jellyfish gallery is an unexpected highlight — dozens of moon jellies and sea nettles drift through cylindrical tanks illuminated by slowly changing colored lights, creating an almost meditative experience that captivates kids and adults equally.

Touch pools are strategically placed near the end of the visit and represent many families' favorite experience. The stingray pool lets children gently run their fingers along the smooth, velvety wings of cownose rays as they glide past. The horseshoe crab and sea urchin touch pools give kids hands-on contact with creatures they have only seen in pictures.

Staff members at each pool provide guidance and fascinating facts that turn casual touching into genuine learning moments.

The aquarium is entirely indoors and climate-controlled, making it one of the best rainy-day options in Myrtle Beach. However, this same quality means it gets significantly more crowded when the weather is poor and beach activities are rained out. The strategic move is to visit on sunny days when most tourists are on the beach, or to arrive at 9 AM opening regardless of weather.

For families with very young children, the aquarium is stroller-friendly throughout with elevators and ramps at every level change. Nursing rooms and changing facilities are available. The dim lighting in many exhibits can initially spook toddlers, but most adjust quickly when they see the colorful fish.

The tunnel walkway moves slowly enough for strollers, and staff can stop it briefly for loading and unloading if needed.