How to keep your teen having fun, but out of jail in Myrtle Beach, SC this summer

Spring has sprung, and the Myrtle Beach tourist season is fast approaching. From beaches and marshes to golf and arcades, the Grand Strand offers something for everyone.

For those caught between childhood and adulthood visiting Myrtle Beach, these local tips can help teenagers and their families make the trip a memorable one. Here’s what teens and their parents should know about navigating a Myrtle Beach vacation.

Getting around

Teens over the age of 16 with a valid driver’s license can operate golf carts on public roads in South Carolina, but companies in the Myrtle Beach area typically require customers to be at least 18 or 21 years of age to rent and drive a golf cart.

Folks planning to drive a golf cart around the Grand Strand should make sure to carry a driver’s license, stay on permitted roads and follow all local laws.

Coast RTA also offers public transportation around the Grand Strand. Buses run routes around Horry and Georgetown counties for $1 a ride, and the system caps daily costs for riders using smartphone mobile wallets, or contactless credit or debt cards, at $3.50.

During the summer season, Coast RTA also runs two free Entertainment Express shuttles.

The Myrtle Beach route runs in the downtown area with stops around the Boardwalk and Promenade, Broadway at the Beach, Pelicans Ballpark and more. In North Myrtle Beach, the shuttle route runs from Barefoot Landing to Cherry Grove, with stops like New Wave Watersports and Boulineau’s.

No-travel options

For families with teenagers that don’t feel like untangling a transportation plan, the Myrtle Beach area features attractions big enough to give kids and parents some breathing room.

The Market Common on the south end of Myrtle Beach, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade downtown, Broadway at the Beach off of Highway 17 and Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach each offer opportunities to shop, dine and play.

If the weather’s nice, the fields and parks around the Market Common are great for outdoor fun, and indoors visitors can check out bowling, movies and an escape room.

Situated on the shore downtown, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is home to classic arcades, Ripley’s attractions like Crazy Golf and Believe it or Not!, souvenir shops and the SkyWheel, just steps from the beach and volleyball sand courts at Plyler Park.

Nearby, Broadway at the Beach also offers an indoor escape room, as well as a mirror maze, Ripley’s Aquarium and laser tag at WonderWorks. Outside, Broadway at the Beach features amusement park rides at Pavillion Park, boat rides in Lake Broadway, mini-golf at PopStroke, a ropes course with a zip line and more.

At Barefoot Landing, visitors can explore another ropes course, hop on seasonal rides, play arcade games and get wild at Alligator Adventure, a reptile-focused zoo just next door.

Curfews and cut-offs

In the city of Myrtle Beach, midnight to 6 a.m. are minor curfew hours. During that time, it’s a misdemeanor for minors without a guardian to remain in public places, including the beach.

Parents and guardians can get in trouble too, as it’s a misdemeanor to knowingly allow an unaccompanied minor to be in a public place during the curfew hours.

The Myrtle Beach Code of Ordinances carves out certain exceptions for reasons like employment activities, school events, exercising First Amendment rights and legal emancipation, but in general minors can’t be out past midnight without supervision.

The Coastal Grand Mall also exercises age restrictions at certain times. On Fridays and Saturdays after 4 p.m., the mall requires visitors under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult 21 years old or older. The adult can supervise up to three minors, but must be the parent or guardian of at least one of the youths.

Coastal Grand’s policy doesn’t apply to stores with exterior entrances, like the Cinemark theater and Stars and Strikes.

Enjoying the beach

Outside of curfew hours, there’s no minimum age requirement for unaccompanied minors at public beaches in the city of Myrtle Beach or Horry County.

However, parents and guardians are responsible for minors’ safety and behavior, and if an unattended minor is hurt, the law will get involved.

For beachgoers of all ages planning to enjoy the water, it’s best to bring company. Experts say it’s never a good idea to swim alone, but children are especially vulnerable.

Night life

Gone are the days of under-21 clubs in Myrtle Beach, but there are other teen-friendly options in the area.

Mini-golf is a staple around the Grand Strand, with dozens of spots featuring immersive themes and courses that range from breezy to challenging, many of which stay open as late as 10 p.m.

Live music is another option for enjoying Myrtle Beach after dark. House of Blues at Broadway at the Beach allows kids over the age of 13 to attend shows without adult supervision — but some events have age restrictions, so it’s a good idea to double-check before purchasing tickets.

The Hangout, another Broadway at the Beach spot, and Barefoot Landing favorite Crooked Hammock Brewery both regularly offer free live music performances. The restaurants are family-friendly for all ages.

Depending on the time of year, visitors might catch seasonal and holiday events like street performances and fireworks displays at Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing. Both maintain calendars of upcoming events available online.

This story was originally published March 15, 2025 at 6:00 AM.