6 Hotel Water Parks in Myrtle Beach That Are Making a Splash

Try something new this summer.

ByABC News
June 25, 2016, 1:44 AM
Dunes Village in Myrtle Beach.
Dunes Village in Myrtle Beach.
Oyster.com

— -- Florida and California may come to mind first when contemplating beach destinations, but don't ignore Myrtle Beach. Located in South Carolina, the city brings in a high number of tourists every year -- 17.2 million in 2015, in fact. Why? Well, there's an average of 218 sunny days per year, ocean temperatures that reach the 80s, and beachfront hotels with water parks galore. The last, which appeals to travelers of all types, offers an added benefit to the typical beach destination vacation. That being said, we've rounded up a list of some of the best in Myrtle Beach.

Dunes Village ResortDunes Village Resort may be the best hotel water park in Myrtle Beach because it has not one, but two indoor options (they're located in each tower). Beyond the basic lazy river, there’s a submarine for kids, five indoor hot tubs, several water buckets, tunnels, animal-themed water stations, and four water slides. In addition to the water park, the resort offers some great perks for families, including rooms with kitchens. There’s also an on-site spa and multiple restaurants. A beach location is a nice feature, as are outdoor activities like a pirate-themed playground, basketball and tennis courts, and game room areas.Crown Reef at South Beach Resort There’s a lot going on at the Crown Reef at South Beach Resort’s water park. Not only is there a water-filled Splash House with buckets and a submarine, but there’s also a children’s water slide. Even more impressive is the 287-foot water slide that allows two riders at a time in inner tubes. The hotel is able to enclose the water park during colder months, so it (thankfully) remains open year-round. The H20-focused amenities are the highlight of the hotel, as the other features -- a restaurant, bar, and game room -- are commonly found in other resorts located on the beach. Rooms are pretty standard, though some do offer kitchens and ocean views.Caribbean Resort and Villas The water park at the Caribbean Resort and Villas isn’t the largest in Myrtle Beach, but it does include a looping outdoor water slide, water submarine for younger children, indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, and hot tub. As far as the hotel goes, there’s an arcade, small gym, and a Starbucks that parents might appreciate. Rooms are slightly more updated than similar hotels, like the Long Bay Resort, and most have kitchens. While not the most luxurious spot, there are enough affordable amenities to satisfy families.Landmark Resort Although kids will certainly enjoy the water buckets, waterfalls, wading pool, and lazy river, most of the water features at the Landmark Resort have a more mature vibe. Waterfalls cascade down an Aztec-like temple, while palm trees and tiki huts fill the wading pool. There’s also an adult-friendly lap pool and eight-foot deep hot tub. A mini-golf course adds to the kid-friendly amenities, and an indoor crosswalk to Myrtle Beach, free shuttle, and gym are convenient features for any visitor.Captain's Quarters Resort Though the Captain’s Quarters Resort water park lacks water slides, it does have a neat pirate shipwreck -- decked out with water cannons -- in a shallow outdoor pool. Water buckets, two lazy rivers, and five hot tubs round things out nicely. Beyond the water-centric amenities, the beachfront location also offers a bowling alley and arcade. And although suites are the only room types with kitchenettes, all come with microwaves and mini-fridges.Sand Dunes Resort & Spa Water park-wise, the Sand Dunes Resort & Spa is top-notch for little ones. There’s a large playground with water buckets, fountains, and three small slides. Inner tubes are available for lazy rivers and there’s even a bubble pool. The water park (plus rooms with kitchenettes and ocean views) attracts many families with kids. Take note, however: the rooms are dated and the hotel can be particularly noisy during the high season.