Myrtle Beach does beach days well—but when you need a break from the sand (or just want to mix things up), the zoos and aquariums along the Grand Strand deliver way more than you'd expect. Think up-close animal encounters, surprisingly solid indoor aquariums, and spots that are actually worth carving time out for.
The move? Stay somewhere central so you can bounce between the beach and these attractions without overthinking logistics. Captain's Quarters Resort puts you right in the middle of it all, with easy access up and down the Grand Strand and enough on-site amenities to keep downtime just as fun.
Here's where to go when you want to swap saltwater for something a little 'wilder'.
1. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
- 1110 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC
- ripleys.com/attractions/ripleys-aquarium-of-myrtle-beach
Located in the Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex, Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach promises year-round fun for the whole family, inviting guests on a journey of discovery through a world of aquatic enchantment.
This 87,000-square-foot facility houses over 10,000 marine animals across diverse ecosystems. Plan 2.5 to 3 hours to explore.
The crown jewel of the aquarium is the 330-foot reef tunnel, where guests stroll through a colossal 750,000-gallon exhibit for face-to-face encounters with majestic sharks, giant sawfish, Gabby the green sea turtle, and over 14,000 fish.
The captivating Sloth Valley lets visitors meet Cleo and Rico, the adorable two-toed sloths, while the Penguin Playhouse offers a chance to witness a charming community of South African penguins in action.
Exhibits, Events, and Experiences
At the heart of the aquarium, the Discovery Center features touch tanks where visitors can get up close to jellyfish and other fascinating sea creatures, and Norman’s Water Lab transforms science into an interactive playground.
Beyond the exhibits, the aquarium hosts sleepovers, Junior Aquarist Camps, and Fin and Tonic evening events, while mermaid shows and dive shows run throughout the day.
During the winter season, the aquarium transforms with the enchanting Festival of Trees, featuring South Carolina’s largest collection of Christmas trees with over 50 beautifully adorned trees spread throughout the aquarium.
Purchase tickets online in advance to save time and secure the best prices for your group.
2. Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens
- 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC
- brookgreen.org
Brookgreen Gardens is a one-of-a-kind destination in South Carolina where stunning sculpture gardens, rich history, and a fully accredited zoo come together in one extraordinary place.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens has thoughtfully re-created habitats for otters, foxes, alligators, and deer.
Its mission is to connect people with nature through authentic wildlife experiences that foster genuine appreciation and conservation of the natural world.
The Aviary at Brookgreen Gardens is home to bald eagles, egrets, herons, owls, and hundreds of other species native to the Myrtle Beach region.
Red Wolf Ridge is another highlight: a four-acre habitat dedicated to one of the world’s rarest and most endangered canids, offering visitors a rare, close view of these remarkable animals.
Brookgreen Gardens also hosts special events and guided tours throughout the year, so check the calendar before your visit to plan your full experience and save on tickets where available.
3. Alligator Adventure
- 4604 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC
- alligatoradventure.com
At one of the largest reptile zoos in the world, Alligator Adventure in North Myrtle Beach, you can meet Utan, the largest crocodile in captivity in the United States, a 2,000-pound, 18-foot croc originally from Thailand.
Located at Barefoot Landing near the Intracoastal Waterway, this wildlife park is a thrilling place to spend a few hours and is perfect for people of all ages.
In addition to hundreds of reptiles, Alligator Adventure is home to bobcats, flamingos, hyenas, squirrel monkeys, and more.
Live shows let guests watch expert handlers feed and interact with these powerful animals up close, making for the kinds of photos and memories that last long after your Myrtle Beach vacation ends.
Alligator Adventure is located about 25 minutes from central Myrtle Beach and is well worth the short drive up the coast.
4. Thompson Farm and Nursery Petting Zoo
- 100 Brickyard Pl, Conway, SC
- thompsonfarmandnursery.com
For families with young children, the Thompson Farm and Nursery Petting Zoo in Conway is one of the most fun and charming stops near Myrtle Beach.
This classic petting zoo lets kids feed goats, cuddle miniature babydoll sheep, and spend quality time with friendly farm animals of all kinds, making it a wonderful place for the next generation to connect with nature in a meaningful, hands-on way.
A hayride out to the pasture gives the whole family a close look at larger animals like American bison and water buffalo, while a seasonal corn maze, mini zip line, and jump pads keep children entertained well beyond the animal encounters.
It is a place that fosters genuine curiosity and a love of the natural world in a relaxed, family-friendly environment that guests of all ages can enjoy together.
5. Myrtle Beach State Park
Photo Credit: MarynaG
- 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach State Park is one of the best places in South Carolina to enjoy organic, undisturbed wildlife right on the edge of a bustling beach town.
The Sculptured Oak Nature Trail offers a rare view of one of the last remaining stands of maritime forest on the northern coast of the state, home to a wide variety of animals that thrive in this protected natural environment year after year.
Birdwatchers will find no shortage of species to spot along the salt marshes and shorelines, and if you cast a line at the pier, there is a good chance you will enjoy the fun of watching dolphins play in the surf nearby.
Park rangers also host special events throughout the year where guests can meet native snakes and small mammals up close, so check the calendar and save the dates that interest you most before heading out for the day.
6. Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruises
Photo Credit: ZuzanaCh
- 4473 Mineola Avenue, Little River, SC (Sea Screamer)
- 1522 Watson Avenue, Little River, SC (Sea Thunder)
- myrtlebeachdolphincruises.com
A dolphin cruise is one of the most memorable ways to experience wildlife in Myrtle Beach, combining sea breezes, natural beauty, and the thrill of spotting bottlenose dolphins in the wild.
The Sea Screamer and Sea Thunder offer two-hour cruises that begin by winding through the Intracoastal Waterway before reaching high speeds on the open ocean, with capacity for up to 141 passengers and covered seating available.
Narrated tours share the history and ecology of the Intracoastal Waterway, making each trip as educational as it is exciting for every person on board.
Book your reservation in advance to save your spot, especially during peak summer months when tours fill up fast.
7. Murrells Inlet Bird Watching Eco Tour
- 4079 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC
- https://visitmurrellsinlet.com/cruises/bird-watching-eco-tour
Salt Water Marsh Eco Tour offers guided bird-watching expeditions along the saltwater estuary, teaching guests about the rich and diverse bird population throughout the Myrtle Beach area.
These tours are perfect for nature lovers who want to engage with local wildlife in a relaxed, sustainable way that respects the natural rhythms of the Lowcountry ecosystem.
Kids especially love the live crab portion of the tour, where the onboard biologist brings local shellfish on board for a hands-on, close-up look.
It is one of the most fun and educational experiences available near Myrtle Beach, and a reservation can easily be made online to secure your spot ahead of time.
Plan Your Myrtle Beach Wildlife Adventure
With so many incredible wildlife experiences located within a short drive of Captain’s Quarters Resort, there is truly something for every kind of nature lover in Myrtle Beach.
From the world-class sea life at Ripley’s Aquarium to the conservation-focused exhibits at Brookgreen Gardens, the area offers a safari of experiences that go far beyond the beach. Reserve your room at Captain’s Quarters Resort today and get ready to discover the wild side of South Carolina.