SkyWheel Myrtle Beach

The SkyWheel Myrtle Beach is a 187-foot observation wheel perched on the oceanfront boardwalk that has become the defining landmark of the Myrtle Beach skyline. Since its debut in 2011, this climate-controlled Ferris wheel has given millions of families a gentle, spectacular ride above the Atlantic coastline that delivers views stretching for miles in every direction. For kids, the combination of height, ocean panoramas, and the slow-spinning thrill creates one of those vacation moments they talk about for years.

Each gondola is fully enclosed with glass walls and climate control — air conditioning in summer and heat in cooler months. This means the ride is comfortable regardless of weather conditions, though the wheel closes during thunderstorms and high winds. The gondolas seat six adults comfortably, keeping families together for the experience.

Each ride consists of three full revolutions, lasting approximately 10 minutes total, which gives ample time for photos, pointing out landmarks, and simply absorbing the view.

The views from the top are genuinely stunning. Looking east, the Atlantic Ocean stretches to the horizon in deep blue. Looking north and south, the Myrtle Beach coastline curves away in both directions, the beach a golden ribbon between the ocean and the dense line of oceanfront hotels and condos.

Looking west, the city sprawls inland with the distinctive shapes of attraction buildings, golf courses, and the Intracoastal Waterway visible in the distance. Kids love trying to spot their hotel, the boardwalk rides below, and boats on the ocean.

Timing your ride matters enormously for the quality of the experience. A sunset ride is the clear winner — the golden light over the ocean creates breathtaking color, the transition to dusk adds drama, and if your ride extends past sunset, you'll see the boardwalk lights begin to twinkle below. After full dark, the SkyWheel itself becomes the show, with over one million LED lights creating animated color patterns visible from miles away.

Kids are delighted to look back at the wheel from their hotel and see the light show they rode inside.

The SkyWheel sits at the heart of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, a 1. 2-mile oceanfront walkway lined with restaurants, shops, and smaller amusements. This makes it easy to build a full evening around the ride — walk the boardwalk, grab dinner at an oceanfront restaurant, ride the SkyWheel at sunset, and finish with ice cream.

The boardwalk has a festive, carnival-like atmosphere during summer evenings that kids absorb with wide-eyed enthusiasm.

For families with height-anxious children, the standard gondolas feel secure and enclosed. The optional VIP glass-bottom gondola, while exciting for confident riders, can be overwhelming for children nervous about heights — the transparent floor makes the height very real. Stick with the standard gondola for younger or more cautious kids and save the glass-bottom upgrade for brave tweens and teens who will find it thrilling.