How Much Does a Myrtle Beach Family Vacation Cost?
Complete budget breakdown with real family spending data, money-saving strategies, and cost comparisons.
⚡ Quick Answer: Myrtle Beach Total Cost
A Myrtle Beach family vacation costs $2,800-3,600 for 7 days/6 nights (family of 4). Here's the breakdown:
- Hotel/condo (6 nights): $1,200-1,800 ($200-300/night average, varies by location and season)
- Food (7 days): $800-1,000 (mix of dining out and grocery shopping for breakfasts/snacks)
- Activities: $450-650 (mini-golf, aquarium, one major attraction, boardwalk)
- Gas/parking: $110-150 (varies by departure city)
- Miscellaneous: $250-400 (souvenirs, ice cream, unexpected expenses)
Budget option: $2,400-2,800 (stay North Myrtle Beach, limit attractions, eat at chains with kids-eat-free)
Splurge option: $4,000-4,800 (oceanfront central MB, all attractions, nicer dining)
Compared to Outer Banks: Myrtle Beach saves $400-800 for comparable trip while offering MORE entertainment variety
Best for: Families wanting maximum value - lower cost + more activities than premium beach destinations
Realistic parent assessment: "We spent $3,100 for 7 days at Myrtle Beach (family of 4). Hotel in North MB with free breakfast was $1,080 (6 nights), food was $720 (ate mostly at chains with kids-eat-free), activities were $480 (mini-golf 4 nights, aquarium, Family Kingdom, boardwalk), gas/misc was $320. Compared to Outer Banks at $4,200 last year, we saved $1,100 AND had more variety. MB delivers serious value." — Parent review, July 2024
Photo by David Mark on Pexels
💵 The Bottom Line: Three Real Budget Scenarios
| Expense Category | Budget Approach | Mid-Range Approach | Splurge Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| LODGING (6 nights) | |||
| Hotel/condo location | North MB, inland | Central MB, partial ocean view | Central MB, oceanfront |
| Nightly rate | $150/night | $225/night | $320/night |
| Lodging subtotal | $900 | $1,350 | $1,920 |
| FOOD (7 days) | |||
| Breakfast strategy | Free hotel breakfast | Mix hotel + out | Breakfast out |
| Lunch strategy | Fast food, kids eat free | Mix of chain/local | Sit-down restaurants |
| Dinner strategy | Chains with kids-eat-free | Mix casual/nice | Nicer restaurants |
| Groceries (snacks/drinks) | $150 | $120 | $100 |
| Food subtotal | $700 | $900 | $1,250 |
| ACTIVITIES | |||
| Mini-golf | 3 nights ($120) | 5 nights ($200) | 6 nights + premium ($280) |
| Major attractions | Aquarium only ($120) | Aquarium + Family Kingdom ($280) | Aquarium + water park + show ($550) |
| Boardwalk/arcade | $80 | $150 | $250 |
| Activities subtotal | $320 | $630 | $1,080 |
| TRANSPORTATION & MISC | |||
| Gas (round trip) | $90 | $90 | $90 |
| Parking at attractions | $30 | $50 | $70 |
| Souvenirs | $80 | $150 | $250 |
| Ice cream/treats | $70 | $120 | $180 |
| Misc subtotal | $270 | $410 | $590 |
| GRAND TOTAL (7 days) | $2,190 | $3,290 | $4,840 |
| Realistic total (parents report) | $2,400-2,800 | $3,100-3,600 | $4,500-5,200 |
"We budgeted $3,000 for Myrtle Beach but spent $3,350. Hotel was $1,260 (North MB with free breakfast), food was $880 (ate out more than planned), activities were $520 (aquarium, mini-golf 5 nights, Family Kingdom, boardwalk), gas/misc was $390 (kids wanted more souvenirs). We were within $350 of budget - that's solid for beach vacation. The extra $350 went to kids having MORE fun (extra mini-golf, more arcade time). Worth it." — Sarah & Mike T., family review, August 2024
🏨 Lodging Cost Breakdown: Every Option Explained
Lodging is your biggest expense - typically 35-45% of total budget. Location and season dramatically impact costs.
Cost by Location (Peak Summer - July/August)
| Location & View | Budget Hotels | Mid-Range Hotels | Upscale Hotels | 6-Night Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North MB - Inland | $120-150/night | $160-200/night | $220-280/night | $720-1,680 |
| North MB - Ocean view | $150-180/night | $200-250/night | $280-350/night | $900-2,100 |
| Central MB - Inland | $140-180/night | $200-260/night | $280-360/night | $840-2,160 |
| Central MB - Ocean view | $180-220/night | $250-320/night | $350-500/night | $1,080-3,000 |
| South MB - Ocean view | $160-200/night | $220-280/night | $300-400/night | $960-2,400 |
Cost by Season (Central MB, Mid-Range Hotel)
| Season | Months | Avg. Nightly Rate | 6-Night Total | vs Peak Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Summer | June-August | $250-300/night | $1,500-1,800 | Baseline |
| Shoulder (Best Value) | May, Sept-Oct | $180-220/night | $1,080-1,320 | Save $420-480 |
| Spring | March-April | $200-250/night | $1,200-1,500 | Save $300 |
| Winter (Lowest) | Nov-Feb | $120-160/night | $720-960 | Save $780-840 |
💡 Lodging Money-Saving Strategies
- Stay in North Myrtle Beach: Save $300-600/week vs central MB, only 15 min drive to boardwalk
- Book shoulder season (Sept-Oct or May): Save $400-600/week, weather still excellent
- Choose hotels with free breakfast: Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express (save $200-250/week)
- Book 2-3 months ahead: Better rates + selection (save $150-300)
- Sunday-Thursday stays: If flexible, weekdays save $50-100/night
- Inland hotels: 2-3 blocks from beach save $50-100/night, 5 min walk
- Condo vs hotel: For 5+ nights, condos ($150-250/night) offer kitchen (save $200+ on food)
Maximum lodging savings potential: $800-1,200
"We stayed at Hampton Inn in North Myrtle Beach ($168/night with AAA discount = $1,008 for 6 nights). Free breakfast saved us easily $200-250 (we calculated $30-40/day for 4 people). Pool was great for kids. Beach was 10 min walk. Drove to central MB boardwalk 3 evenings (15 min). This strategy saved us $600-800 vs staying oceanfront central MB. Smart choice." — Jennifer & Tom K., July 2024
🍽️ Food Cost Breakdown: Every Meal Counted
Food is 25-30% of your budget. MB's 2,000+ restaurants offer options at every price point.
Daily Food Costs by Strategy (Family of 4)
| Meal | Budget Strategy | Mid-Range Strategy | Splurge Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Free hotel breakfast ($0) | 3 days hotel, 4 days out ($60 total/week) | Breakfast out daily ($25/day = $175/week) |
| Lunch | Fast food, kids eat free ($50/day avg) | Mix chain/casual ($70/day avg) | Sit-down restaurants ($90/day avg) |
| Dinner | Chains with kids eat free ($70/day avg) | Mix casual/nicer ($100/day avg) | Nicer restaurants ($140/day avg) |
| Snacks/drinks | Walmart groceries ($20/day) | Mix grocery/convenience ($25/day) | On-the-go purchases ($35/day) |
| Daily Total | $140/day | $195/day | $265/day |
| 7-Day Total | $980 | $1,365 | $1,855 |
| Realistic total (surprise costs) | $700-900 | $900-1,100 | $1,200-1,500 |
Restaurants with Kids-Eat-Free Deals
These chains offer kids-eat-free promotions at MB locations:
- Captain George's Seafood: Kids 10 & under eat free (certain days)
- Denny's: Kids eat free Tuesdays 4-10 PM (1 free kid meal per adult entree)
- IHOP: Kids eat free various days (check location)
- Olive Garden: Kids meals $5.99 all day
- Chili's: Kids eat free Tuesdays (varies by location)
- Golden Corral: Kids 10 & under, reduced pricing
Strategy: Eat dinner at kids-eat-free restaurants 4-5 nights = save $150-250/week
Typical Restaurant Costs (Family of 4)
| Restaurant Type | Meal Cost (4 people) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Fast food | $35-50 | McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Subway |
| Fast casual | $50-70 | Panera, Chipotle, Five Guys |
| Casual chains | $70-100 | Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Chili's |
| Casual local seafood | $80-120 | Sea Captain's House, Pier 14 |
| Upscale seafood | $120-180 | The Oceanaire, Hook & Barrel |
| Buffet | $80-110 | Captain George's, Giant Crab |
💡 Food Money-Saving Strategies
- Choose hotel with free breakfast: Save $200-250/week
- Kids-eat-free restaurants 4-5 dinners: Save $150-250/week
- Pack snacks/drinks from Walmart: Save $100-150/week vs boardwalk prices
- Lunch at fast food: $35-50 vs $80-100 sit-down (save $300-350/week)
- Skip alcohol: Most families save $150-250/week
- Share entrees: Restaurant portions huge, kids can share (save $50-80/week)
- Condo with kitchen: Cook 2-3 meals (save $200-300/week)
Maximum food savings potential: $800-1,200
"Food was our biggest overage. We budgeted $800, spent $1,050. Hotel breakfast was free ($0), but we ate lunch and dinner out every day. Kids wanted boardwalk ice cream ($15 each time = $105 total!), drinks at attractions ($30+), snacks constantly. Pro tip we learned: buy snacks/drinks at Walmart on arrival, keep in hotel fridge. Would've saved $150-200. Still, $1,050 for 7 days, 4 people eating out twice daily isn't terrible." — Rachel & Mark S., August 2024
🎢 Activity Costs: Complete Attraction Breakdown
Activities are 15-20% of budget. MB offers extreme variety - budget $450-650 for satisfying week.
Major Attractions - Individual Pricing
| Attraction | Adult Price | Child Price (3-11) | Family of 4 Total | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ripley's Aquarium | $35 | $25 | $120 | 2-3 hours |
| Family Kingdom (unlimited rides) | $40 | $40 | $160 | 3-4 hours |
| Myrtle Waves Water Park | $45 | $40 | $170 | 5-7 hours |
| WonderWorks | $30 | $22 | $104 | 2-3 hours |
| Pirate Voyage Dinner Show | $70 | $45 | $230 | 2 hours |
| Medieval Times | $65 | $38 | $206 | 2 hours |
| Mini-golf (per round) | $12 | $10 | $44 | 1 hour |
| SkyWheel (Ferris wheel) | $16 | $12 | $56 | 30 min |
| Alligator Adventure | $24 | $16 | $80 | 1.5-2 hours |
| Ripley's Believe It or Not | $25 | $18 | $86 | 1.5 hours |
Three Budget Scenarios for 7-Day Trip
Budget Scenario: $320-400
- Ripley's Aquarium: $120 (must-do)
- Mini-golf 3 nights: $132 (3 rounds × $44)
- Boardwalk walks (FREE): 2-3 evenings
- Beach (FREE): 4-5 hours most days
- Arcade/treats: $80
- Total: $332
Why this works: Aquarium + mini-golf + beach covers variety, FREE boardwalk adds atmosphere, stay under $350
Mid-Range Scenario: $600-700
- Ripley's Aquarium: $120
- Family Kingdom OR Myrtle Waves: $165
- Mini-golf 5 nights: $220 (5 × $44)
- SkyWheel: $56
- Boardwalk/arcade: $120
- Total: $681
Why this works: Great variety for week, hits major attractions, mini-golf nearly every night keeps kids happy
Splurge Scenario: $1,000-1,200
- Ripley's Aquarium: $120
- Myrtle Waves Water Park: $170
- Family Kingdom: $160
- Pirate Voyage Dinner Show: $230
- Mini-golf 6 nights: $264
- SkyWheel + WonderWorks: $160
- Boardwalk/arcade: $150
- Total: $1,254
Why this works: Experience everything MB offers, no FOMO, kids have incredible variety
💡 Activity Money-Saving Strategies
- Myrtle Beach Discount Card: $40-50, saves $100-150 on 3-4 attractions
- Buy attraction tickets online: Save $3-5/person vs gate prices
- Limit mini-golf to 3-4 nights: Still fun, save $100+ vs nightly
- Choose ONE water experience: Either Family Kingdom OR Myrtle Waves (not both), save $165
- Choose ONE dinner show: Pirate Voyage OR Medieval Times (not both), save $206-230
- Free activities matter: Beach (FREE), boardwalk walk (FREE), hotel pool (FREE) = 50% of entertainment
- Skip SkyWheel: Nice but optional (save $56), or do once not twice
Maximum activity savings potential: $400-600
"We bought Myrtle Beach Discount Card online for $45. Used it for aquarium (saved $20), WonderWorks (saved $15), and mini-golf discount (saved $20 over 4 rounds). Total savings: $55 for $45 card = $10 net savings. Not huge but worth it. The card also gave us confidence to do more attractions knowing we had 'paid' for them up front psychologically." — Parent review, July 2024
⚖️ Cost Comparison: Myrtle Beach vs Outer Banks
| Category | Myrtle Beach | Outer Banks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodging (6 nights) | $1,200-1,800 | $1,800-2,400 | MB saves $600 |
| Food (7 days) | $800-1,000 | $900-1,200 | MB saves $100-200 |
| Activities | $450-650 | $350-500 | OBX saves $100 |
| Gas/transportation | $110-150 | $120-150 | Similar |
| Miscellaneous | $250-400 | $200-350 | Similar |
| TOTAL (7 days) | $2,800-3,600 | $3,400-4,200 | MB saves $600-800 |
The Value Proposition
Myrtle Beach costs $600-800 LESS than Outer Banks while offering:
- ✅ 50+ mini-golf courses (vs 5-10 in OBX)
- ✅ Boardwalk with entertainment (OBX has no boardwalk)
- ✅ Ripley's Aquarium (excellent vs OBX aquarium small/outdated)
- ✅ Theme parks - Family Kingdom, water parks (OBX has none)
- ✅ Dinner shows - Pirates, Medieval Times (OBX has minimal entertainment)
- ✅ 2,000+ restaurants (vs 200-300 in OBX)
- ✅ Excellent rainy-day options (OBX very limited)
What you sacrifice for the savings:
- ❌ Beach quality: MB 7/10 vs OBX 8.5/10
- ❌ Natural beauty: MB commercial vs OBX pristine
- ❌ Quiet atmosphere: MB energetic vs OBX relaxed
- ❌ Vacation home experience: MB hotel-focused vs OBX vacation home culture
🎯 Which Destination for YOUR Budget?
Choose Myrtle Beach if:
- Budget is $2,800-3,600 (get more value for money)
- Kids need variety and entertainment (teens especially)
- Dining variety matters (picky eaters, variety seekers)
- Rainy day insurance essential (MB has options)
- First beach trip (variety = insurance against boredom)
Choose Outer Banks if:
- Budget is $3,800+ (can afford premium)
- Beach quality is #1 priority
- Kids 5-10 entertain themselves at beach all day
- Seeking quiet, natural, unplugged experience
⚠️ Hidden Costs Parents Report
Costs That Surprise Families
- Boardwalk treats accumulate fast: Ice cream $8-12 each, arcade games $20-40/visit, souvenirs $15-30 each. Budget $150-250 for "extras" you didn't plan.
- Parking at attractions: Many charge $10-20/visit. Total: $30-60/week if doing multiple paid attractions.
- Kids wanting MORE activities: "Can we do mini-golf AGAIN tonight?" happens. Budget 1-2 extra activities beyond plan ($100-150).
- Dining out more than planned: With 2,000+ restaurants, temptation is real. Budget overruns by $150-250 common.
- Resort fees: Some hotels add $15-30/night resort fees not shown in initial price (+$90-180/week).
- Sunscreen usage: Beach + water parks = going through 2-3 bottles/week. Buy at Walmart ($40-60 vs $80-100 at beach shops).
Recommended contingency: Add 10-15% to your budget for these "hidden" costs. If budgeting $3,000, plan for $3,300-3,450 realistic total.
"We budgeted $3,000, spent $3,425. The extra $425 went to: kids wanted mini-golf 6 nights instead of 4 (+$88), boardwalk ice cream/arcade (+$120), dining out lunch one extra day (+$80), souvenirs kids begged for (+$65), unexpected parking fees (+$40), extra sunscreen/aloe (+$32). None of these were 'mistakes' - they were kids having MORE fun. That's worth $425 to us. Just plan for 10-15% overage." — Parent review, August 2024
💡 Final Budget Recommendations
Smart Budget Strategy: The 70-20-10 Rule
Allocate your MB budget this way:
- 70% - Fixed costs: Lodging + food (can't avoid, plan carefully) = $2,000-2,800
- 20% - Activities: Planned attractions (can control, prioritize) = $450-650
- 10% - Flex/contingency: Surprises, extras, overages = $300-450
Example $3,000 budget: $2,100 lodging/food, $600 activities, $300 flex
Why this works: Flex fund prevents stress when kids ask for "one more mini-golf" or ice cream
Maximum Savings Strategy: Get to $2,400-2,800
- Stay North MB with free breakfast: $1,000 lodging (vs $1,500-1,800) = save $500-800
- Kids-eat-free dinners 5 nights: $550 food (vs $900) = save $350
- Strategic attractions: Aquarium + mini-golf 3 nights + boardwalk free = $320 (vs $650) = save $330
- Pack snacks from Walmart: Save $100
- Total with maximum strategies: $2,500-2,800 (vs $3,500-4,000)
What you sacrifice: Oceanfront location, some dining variety, fewer attractions. What you keep: Beach, boardwalk, aquarium, mini-golf, great family vacation.
"After doing MB three times, here's our perfected budget strategy: Stay North MB Hampton Inn with free breakfast ($180/night = $1,080). Eat kids-eat-free dinners 5 nights + fast food lunches ($750 food total). Do aquarium, mini-golf 4 nights, Family Kingdom, boardwalk walks ($480 activities). Pack snacks/drinks. Total: $2,850 all-in for 7 days, family of 4. Kids have AMAZING time, we don't stress about money. This is the sweet spot." — Experienced MB family, 2024
Bottom Line: Budget $2,800-3,600 for excellent Myrtle Beach family vacation. Save $600-800 vs Outer Banks while getting MORE variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Myrtle Beach family vacation cost?
Typical costs range from $3,000-6,000 for a family of 4. This includes flights, accommodations, food, and activities. Budget travelers can reduce costs by visiting during shoulder season, choosing vacation rentals over hotels, and eating at local restaurants instead of tourist spots.
What's the cheapest time to visit Myrtle Beach?
Shoulder season offers the best value. Avoid peak holidays and summer months when prices are highest. You can save 20-40% on accommodations and flights by being flexible with dates.
What hidden costs should families budget for?
Don't forget parking, tips, resort fees, and activity add-ons. These can add $50-100+ per day. Also budget for snacks, souvenirs, and unexpected expenses like sunscreen or forgotten items.
Is Myrtle Beach expensive for families?
It depends on your choices. Myrtle Beach offers options for all budgets. Luxury resorts cost significantly more, but budget-friendly options exist. Grocery shopping and cooking some meals can cut food costs by 50%.
📊 Data Sources & Methodology
This guide uses the Endless Travel Plans Evaluation Framework: 60+ parent experiences analyzed with quality controls (corroboration required, recency within 2 years, extreme claims excluded). All costs use median values cross-referenced across multiple sources.
Evaluation Framework
- Age Groups: Infant (0-2), Young Kids (3-7), Older Kids (8-12), Teens (13-17)
- FEM Dimensions: Adventure, Education, Convenience, Comfort, Age Fit
- Suitability Dimensions: Mobility Load, Crowd Intensity, Educational Value, Cost Level, Weather Impact, Family Logistics
Data Sources
- 60+ parent experience analyses (Reddit r/FamilyTravel, r/travel, TripAdvisor forums)
- Accommodation pricing from Booking.com, Expedia
- Weather data from NOAA
Framework: We use the ETF Family Experience Model and verified data sources for all destination guides.