Attractions Within 15 Minutes of Ocean Lakes
Most Ocean Lakes guests spend the whole week inside the gates because there’s enough to do without leaving. But every family has one day where they want a change of pace, or a rainy afternoon that needs an indoor activity, or an evening plan that isn’t grilling on the porch. This is the list of what’s actually within 15 minutes of the Ocean Lakes gate at 6001 South Kings Hwy.
I’m Shawn. I rent 34 houses at Ocean Lakes and I’ve sent guests to most of these places.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park (about 10 minutes north)
South Carolina’s only beachfront amusement park. Over 35 attractions ranging from kid rides to the Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster. Located on Ocean Boulevard just off the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
Best for: kids 4-14, evening family visits (open late in summer, park lights are the vibe)
Cost: general admission plus ride tickets or an unlimited-ride wristband. Check the current 2026 pricing on their site.
Drive time from Ocean Lakes: about 10 minutes via US-17 north.
Myrtle Beach State Park (5 minutes north, next door)
Located at 4401 South Kings Highway, essentially neighbors with Ocean Lakes. Real state park with pier fishing, nature trails, an educational center, and a completely different beach vibe (public, wider, more open). If you want a beach experience that isn’t the private Ocean Lakes beach, this is the alternate.
Best for: morning nature walks, pier fishing, families who like state-park feel
Cost: small parking fee per vehicle, no fees for pier walking or beach access.
Drive time from Ocean Lakes: 5 minutes.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade (10-12 minutes north)
Runs 1.2 miles along the beachfront in downtown Myrtle Beach. Free to walk. Attractions along the way include the SkyWheel (200-foot Ferris wheel), Ripley’s Aquarium (a few minutes off the boardwalk), arcades, souvenir shops, ice cream stands, and restaurants.
Best for: evening walks, teenagers who want their own space, first-time Myrtle Beach visitors
Cost: free to walk; individual attractions ticketed separately.
Drive time from Ocean Lakes: about 12 minutes to Boardwalk parking areas.
Medieval Times Myrtle Beach (about 15 minutes north)
A two-hour live tournament with jousting, sword fighting, pageantry, and a four-course dinner served without utensils. Purpose-built for kids who love knights and horses.
Best for: kids 5-12, birthday celebrations, unique evening plans
Cost: ticketed with dinner. Reserve ahead, especially in peak summer.
Drive time from Ocean Lakes: 15 minutes north on US-17.
Ripley’s Aquarium (10-12 minutes north)
Indoor aquarium off the Broadway at the Beach complex. Includes a walking tunnel through a shark tank plus interactive touch tanks. Rainy-day standby for a lot of Myrtle Beach families.
Best for: rainy days, kids 3-12, indoor break from heat
Cost: ticketed, prices on their site
Drive time from Ocean Lakes: 10-12 minutes.
Broadway at the Beach (10-15 minutes north)
Outdoor shopping and entertainment complex with restaurants, mini golf, WonderWorks (indoor amusement park), Hollywood Wax Museum, movie theater, and lakeside walking paths. Central hub for a lot of Myrtle Beach off-day activity.
Best for: dinner plus after-dinner walking, teens, indoor and outdoor mixed plans
Cost: free to enter, individual attractions ticketed.
Drive time from Ocean Lakes: 15 minutes north on US-17.
Myrtle Beach Watersports (within 15 minutes)
Dolphin watching tours, jet ski rentals, pirate ship cruises, pontoon boat rentals. Multiple launch points along the Grand Strand.
Best for: kids 8+, active families, “we want to do something different this trip”
Cost: varies by activity, dolphin tours start around $30-$50 per person.
Drive time from Ocean Lakes: 10-15 minutes depending on launch location.
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Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Haunted Adventure, Marvelous Mirror Maze
Cluster of Ripley’s attractions on Ocean Boulevard for the older kid or teen who wants weird and slightly spooky. Each is ticketed separately.
Drive time from Ocean Lakes: 10-12 minutes.
Where to Play Mini Golf beyond Ocean Lakes
If Sandy Harbor’s 18-hole course inside the campground isn’t enough, there are 40+ mini golf courses across Myrtle Beach. Two closest to Ocean Lakes:
– Molten Mountain Mini Golf (North Myrtle Beach direction, further drive)
– Mulligan’s Lagoon on Highway 17 South, opened fall 2024
Best for: competitive families, second mini-golf outing of the week
Drive time: 10 to 20 minutes depending on course.
Prestwick Country Club (1 mile from Ocean Lakes gate)
Ocean Lakes’ sister property, an award-winning Pete and P.B. Dye designed course. Ocean Lakes guests get preferred rates. Book through Ocean Lakes’ Recreation Office.
Best for: adult day-off from the campground, serious golf
Drive time: 1 mile from Ocean Lakes’ front gate.
Grocery stops within 15 minutes
Since you’re staying for a week and Sandy Mart inside the campground handles basics but not full grocery shops:
– Food Lion: closest full grocery, about 5 minutes outside the gate
– Lowes Foods: 10 minutes, larger selection
– Walmart Supercenter: 10-15 minutes, everything plus pharmacy
– Publix: 15 minutes, upmarket grocery
What about the airport?
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is about 10-15 minutes from Ocean Lakes. Not a “destination” but useful to know for arrival day timing and pickup runs if extended family is flying in.
What’s NOT within 15 minutes of Ocean Lakes
– Charleston (about 2 hours south)
– Wilmington, NC (about 1.5 hours north)
– Brookgreen Gardens (about 25 minutes south, worth the drive if you have a full day)
– North Myrtle Beach specific attractions (about 30 minutes north)
Which Myrtle Beach attractions are best in bad weather?
Ranked for indoor factor:
- Ripley’s Aquarium
- WonderWorks (Broadway at the Beach)
- Medieval Times (indoor arena, dinner theater)
- Hollywood Wax Museum
- Any of the Broadway at the Beach shopping and covered dining
Outdoor attractions like Family Kingdom, mini golf, and boat tours are weather-dependent.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Family Kingdom from Ocean Lakes?
About 10 minutes north via US-17.
What’s the closest thing to Ocean Lakes?
Myrtle Beach State Park, 5 minutes north at 4401 South Kings Hwy.
Is Medieval Times worth it?
For kids 5-12, yes. For adults on their own, less so unless you’re into it medieval games, eating a whole leg of turkey, and drinking a beer in a goblet. 😂
What’s the biggest indoor attraction near Ocean Lakes?
Ripley’s Aquarium or WonderWorks depending on age. Both are solid rainy-day picks.
Are there movie theaters near Ocean Lakes?
Yes, at Broadway at the Beach (15 min north) and a few standalone theaters along US-17.
Do I need to drive, or can I get to attractions by shuttle?
You need to drive. Myrtle Beach public transportation is limited. Uber and Lyft operate but rides add up if you’re going back and forth.
Can I do Broadway at the Beach in an evening?
Yes, especially for dinner plus a walk. Add an attraction and you’ll need 3-4 hours minimum.
What about the Boardwalk at night?
It’s alive but family-friendly through about 9 PM. After that it skews to teens and adults.
Sources
– Family Kingdom Amusement Park overview: Family Kingdom Amusement Park Wikipedia
– Myrtle Beach State Park location and details: publicly listed at 4401 South Kings Hwy
– Prestwick Golf partnership with Ocean Lakes: Ocean Lakes Prestwick page (https://www.oceanlakes.com/things-to-do/prestwick-golf/)
– Ocean Lakes address and location: Ocean Lakes Family Campground (https://www.oceanlakes.com/)
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Last updated: October 20, 2026
About the author: Shawn Huffines runs Dune Life Rentals at Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, SC. He has personally been to every attraction on this list at least once, usually because a guest asked which was the best pick for a rainy Tuesday. Text or call Shawn at 336-382-1415.