Some like to get wet and wild in the open-air, while others prefer their aquatic fun to take place under cover. Whatever your water-based predilections, there’s a waterpark for you in South Carolina.
(Photo: Crown Reef Beach Resort)
If you’re visiting South Carolina and find yourself seeking some respite from its vast shoreline of subtropical beaches and marshlike sea islands, then a trip to a waterpark is likely to be a sure-fire winner – particularly if you’re travelling with kids. Offering the perfect excuse for cooling off in the face of the humid climate, the state is home to a wide range of indoor and outdoor waterparks. We’ve picked out five of the best below.
Crown Reef Beach Resort
Situated on Myrtle Beach, the crown jewel of South Carolina’s 60-mile stretch of pristine white-sand shoreline, Crown Reef Beach Resort features a thrilling oceanfront waterpark complete with two four-story slides and Salty’s Splash House with kiddie slide and silly sub. There are also heated outdoor pools and the chance to lounge in jetted tubs for some relaxation. Nearby, the Loco Gecko Beach Shak serves pizza, salads, burgers, and other casual dishes for lunch and dinner.
2913 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach
Check out Groupon for deals at this waterpark and other South Carolina waterparks.
Dunes Village Resort
(Photo: Dunes Village Resort)
Set within another oceanfront resort on Myrtle Beach, the area’s largest indoor waterpark offers a grand total of 22 enthralling rides and attractions. Guests can be as active as they wish, whether it’s swimming laps in the pool or playing aquatic basketball of volleyball in the teen pool. Kids can also embark on a deep-sea adventure in the Silly Submarine, or pick up the pace on a speed slide or wild winding slide, while adults may be keen to relax in one of the three whirlpools.
5200 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach
Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark
Offering seasonal, island-style water play for all ages spread across over 15-acres of outdoor space, this water park features multiple attractions such as the triple fusion Tailspin water slide, and the Washout, in which two 65-foot slides provide near-vertical climbs, plunges twists, and turns. Other park highlights include the Big Kahuna Wave Pool, three Inner Tube Slides, and a six-lane Mat Racer where visitors can compete against their friend
North Charleston Wannamaker County Park, 8888 University Boulevard, North Charleston
Wild Water & Wheels
(Photo: Wild Water & Wheels)
This popular 16-acre park on Surfside Beach is brimming with more than 33 exciting rides, including high-speed flumes, a Wipe Out wave pool, waterfalls, a water playground for kids, and a lazy river. There’s also a food court where visitors can refill those energy reserves after hours of sapping aquatic action, as well as go-karting for a change of scenery. Guests can also chill out and relax in a private cabana, which are available for up to 12 people.
910 US-17 BUS, Surfside Beach
Discovery Island
This seasonal, family-friendly waterpark draws large crowds to Greenville County with its waterslides, pool, tube slide and simulated wave surfing. Older children can test their balance surfing on the park’s FlowRider Perpetual Wave (the only wave-generating ride for surfing in South Carolina), while kids of all ages will enjoy floating in tubes along the 270-foot lazy river. There are also rentable cabanas, perfect for parents to relax under while their children burn off all their energy.
417 Baldwin Road, Simpsonville