Vacationing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, involves certain rituals that virtually every visitor adheres to – a day of sun, sand and surf at the beach, an evening of watching fireworks explode over the ocean, and a round of putt-putt or real golf on the Grand Strand. That list also includes a trip to one of the many arcades for some family-friendly fun.
Of course, arcades have changed dramatically over the years as a result of technology. Pool tables and pinball machines have in many cases given way to high-tech virtual-reality games. But just as vacationing in Myrtle Beach never goes out of style, the local arcades feature everything from the old-school amusements for the older generations to cutting-edge games for the kids.
With several popular arcades located along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, guests at Bay View on the Boardwalk are in particularly good position to enjoy this time-honored tradition. Simply take a stroll to the downtown district, or hop in the car to visit some of the newer gaming establishments on the Strand. Here are five of our guests’ favorite arcades to visit:
* Dave & Buster’s: The biggest name in arcades/sports bars is the latest addition to Broadway at the Beach, where guests can “Eat, Drink and Play” under one very large roof. Dave & Buster’s is jam-packed with high-tech video games, many of which you will not find at any other establishment. Dave & Buster’s has exclusive rights to several popular phone apps that have been adapted into video games, as well as sports- and entertainment-themed games and classic amusements. Patrons can purchase an Eat & Play Combo pass for food, drinks and a designated number of arcade games.
* Fun Plaza: Guests at Bay View on the Boardwalk are steps away from this legendary downtown hangout. Located directly on the oceanfront, Fun Plaza is home to lots of gaming action, including vintage pinball machines, crane games and carnival-style amusements like Skee-Ball. Fun Plaza also features modern and retro video games, and players can earn tickets to trade for a souvenir. Preserve the memory with some cotton candy and a visit to the old-timey photo booth.
* Fun Warehouse: This Surfside Beach multi-plex has it all – roller skating, laser tag and a huge arcade with all the latest games. Fun Warehouse also has a long list of classic games like Pop-A-Shot and Skee-Ball, so parents can let the kids skate and tag while the grown-ups enjoy the old-school amusements and play some vintage video games like Pac Man and Space Invaders.
* Boardwalk Arcade at Gay Dolphin Gift Cove: This classic arcade adjoins the famed Gay Dolphin Gift Cove, the oldest and largest souvenir shop in Myrtle Beach. Take a break from shopping in the Gay Dolphin for some fun and games on the Boardwalk. Play antique pinball machines and crane games, or check out the latest in high-tech amusements. Collect tickets and redeem them for prizes to remember the experience.
* Ultimate California Pizza Game Zone: Dinner and games under one roof? That’s the theme of this Restaurant Row pizzeria/arcade, where patrons can purchase combination cards for a personal pizza and game tokens. UCP Game Zone has classic carnival-style amusements as well as the latest video games. There’s also an adjoining sports bar where adults can take a break from all the bells and whistles.
Of course, there are always fun and games going on at Bay View on the Boardwalk. With on-site pools and water attractions, as well as easy access to the beach and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, good times are never more than a few steps away for our guests at Bay View on the Boardwalk.