Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort sits in a prime location on South Ocean Boulevard, directly across from Family Kingdom Amusement Park and right on the sand. If you are hoping to park the car and forget about it for most of your stay, this part of Myrtle Beach makes that very easy. Within a short walk or quick ride-share, you can reach classic seaside rides, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, SkyWheel, oceanfront restaurants, mini golf, and a mix of family-friendly and late-night spots.
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Getting Oriented Around Westgate Myrtle Beach
Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort is located at 415 South Ocean Boulevard, in what many locals still consider the heart of Myrtle Beach. The resort fronts the beach, with direct sand access from the pool deck, and faces Family Kingdom Amusement Park across Ocean Boulevard. This means that within a five to ten minute walk in either direction you are already passing arcades, small beachwear shops, pizza windows, and casual bars. You can realistically build entire days of activities without driving more than a mile.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk officially starts a short walk north of the resort and runs roughly 1.2 miles along the oceanfront, from around 2nd Avenue North up to 14th Avenue North. In practice, that means you can reach the southern end of the Boardwalk area by walking about ten to fifteen minutes from Westgate, passing oceanfront hotels and piers as you go. From there, SkyWheel Myrtle Beach and many of the busiest restaurants and attractions sit concentrated between about 8th and 14th Avenue North, another ten to fifteen minutes farther on foot.
Because Westgate is only about three miles from Myrtle Beach International Airport, ride-share fares from the terminal to the resort often fall in the modest range for a beach city, depending on season and demand. Once you arrive, many visitors choose to leave their car in the hotel garage and rely on walking, short ride-shares, or occasional use of the local Coast RTA buses to reach farther-flung attractions like Broadway at the Beach or Tanger Outlets.
On-site, Westgate offers a few practical advantages that make car-free days easier. There is an oceanfront pool and small water play area, a fitness room, and casual dining including Drafts Sports Bar & Grill and Beachside Bistro, so you can grab burgers, wings, or breakfast without going off property if you are having a slower day or if afternoon storms move in off the Atlantic.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park Right Across the Street
Family Kingdom Amusement Park is one of the classic fixtures of Myrtle Beach and it sits almost directly across Ocean Boulevard from Westgate’s main entrance. You can cross at the light and be inside the park in just a few minutes. This makes it very easy to pop over for a couple of evening rides after dinner, rather than committing to a full day. The park features more than thirty rides and attractions, from traditional kiddie rides and a family log flume to larger attractions for thrill seekers.
The wooden Swamp Fox roller coaster, operating since the 1960s and recognized locally as a historic structure, remains the signature ride. Its out-and-back layout delivers plenty of airtime and ocean views from the lift hill. Families with younger children often gravitate toward the antique carousel, bumper cars, tilt-a-whirl, and small steel coasters, as well as the Ferris wheel which gives a nice view of both the ocean and the Westgate towers. There are also midway-style games with prizes, which can quickly become a nightly ritual for kids determined to win a stuffed shark or dolphin.
Family Kingdom generally operates a pay-per-ride system with optional wristbands sold on many days. Ticket prices vary by season and promotions, but in recent summers, an all-day unlimited ride wristband has typically been priced in a moderate range that makes sense if you plan to ride more than a handful of attractions. Food stands inside the park lean toward fair classics such as funnel cakes, corn dogs, cotton candy, and lemonade, so many guests choose to eat dinner either at Westgate or at a nearby sit-down restaurant, then head into the park for rides and snacks afterward.
For guests at Westgate, a practical tip is to take advantage of the short distance and visit Family Kingdom during two windows: earlier in the afternoon when lines are often shorter, and then again after dusk when the park lights come on and temperatures cool. Since you do not have to deal with parking or long walks, you can easily go back to your room to rest or change clothes between sessions.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and SkyWheel Within Easy Reach
From Westgate, walking north along the oceanfront brings you toward the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. The walk to the southern end near 2nd Avenue Pier usually takes about ten to fifteen minutes at a relaxed pace. As you continue north, you move onto the raised wooden and concrete walkways that define the official Boardwalk, passing oceanfront hotels, souvenir shops, arcades, and small snack bars. The entire Boardwalk stretches about 1.2 miles, ending near Pier 14, so plan for a pleasant, breezy stroll with plenty of chances to stop for ice cream or a cold drink.
SkyWheel Myrtle Beach rises above the midsection of the Boardwalk at roughly 11th Avenue North and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. Standing about 187 feet tall, it features enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas that can typically hold up to six adults. The attraction normally operates daily, with posted hours in warm months often starting late morning and running until around midnight, though hours can vary with season and weather. A standard ticket usually covers a multi-revolution “flight” that lasts around ten to twelve minutes.
Because the SkyWheel uses enclosed gondolas with clear glass, it is comfortable in both hot and cooler weather, and is a good option for multi-generational groups or anyone who prefers a secure, seated ride over open-air thrills. For guests staying at Westgate, a popular strategy is to walk the Boardwalk in late afternoon, ride the SkyWheel around sunset to watch the sky change over the Atlantic, then stay to see the nightly LED light show on the wheel. Ticket bundles and occasional seasonal promotions may slightly lower the per-person cost if you plan ahead or visit during special events.
Around the base of SkyWheel you will find small food and drink stands and quick access to several Boardwalk-area restaurants, as well as Plyler Park where free concerts and festivals often take place during the peak summer months. Since everything is clustered tightly here, visiting the SkyWheel can anchor an entire car-free evening: stroll up from Westgate, grab dinner, ride, wander the arcades, and then walk or ride-share back to the resort.
Beach Time and Oceanfront Activities Steps from Your Room
One of the biggest advantages of Westgate’s location is that the beach is effectively your backyard. From most rooms, you can be on the sand in just a few minutes, and the public beach in front of the resort connects seamlessly with miles of shoreline in both directions. This makes it easy to structure your days around short beach sessions rather than committing to long, exhausting blocks of time in the sun, which is a big help for families with young kids or older travelers.
During the main season, you will typically find beach chair and umbrella rentals set up along this stretch of sand, operated under city-approved vendors who charge by the day or half day. Rates can vary year to year, but you can generally expect to pay a moderate fee for two chairs and an umbrella for a full day. Many families offset that cost by bringing their own simple folding chairs and umbrellas purchased from local beach stores on Kings Highway, which are also reachable by a short ride-share.
Simple oceanfront activities like boogie boarding, sandcastle building, and surf fishing are all common on this section of Myrtle Beach. If you want more structured fun without driving, consider a morning beach walk north to the 2nd Avenue or 14th Avenue piers, both within a mile or so, where you can often pay a small fee to fish or simply enjoy the views from above the water. Several independent vendors along the Grand Strand also offer surf lessons, stand-up paddleboard sessions, or banana boat rides, and some will meet clients close to your hotel, though you should confirm exact pickup spots and policies when booking.
Back on property, Westgate’s oceanfront pool deck, kiddie splash area, and hot tubs give you options when the ocean is rough or when flags indicate hazardous surf. Many families settle into a rhythm of early beach time, midday pool break with lunch at Beachside Bistro, and then a return to the sand in late afternoon when the sun is less intense. Since you do not have to drive or re-park, it is easy to run back to the room for sunscreen, snacks, or naps as needed.
Golf and Mini Golf You Can Reach Without a Long Drive
Myrtle Beach is famous for championship golf, and while most full-size courses require a short drive or ride-share from Westgate, you can still keep travel times modest. Several 18-hole courses sit within a ten to twenty minute drive, including layouts toward the Market Common area, central Myrtle Beach, and the north end of the Grand Strand. Many of these courses offer early-morning tee times and twilight rates in the late afternoon that can bring costs down compared to peak mid-morning play, especially in summer.
If you want to mostly avoid driving, mini golf is the easier option. Along Kings Highway and Ocean Boulevard within a short ride-share or brisk walk, you will find themed miniature golf parks with pirate ships, volcanoes, and waterfalls. Specific courses change ownership and branding from time to time, but it is common to see posted rates for an 18-hole round that are affordable for families, with discounts for children and combo tickets for multiple courses. Mini golf works well as an after-dinner outing because many locations are lit at night and stay open late in peak season.
For guests who arrive without a car, staff at Westgate’s front desk or concierge can often suggest which nearby mini golf spots are closest on foot and which are easier to reach with a short ride-share. Because the Ocean Boulevard corridor is compact, most mini golf and small attractions are only a few minutes away. If you plan a morning round of full-size golf, you can use a ride-share service, schedule your tee time early to avoid heat, and be back at the resort by lunchtime.
Another option within a reasonable ride-share distance is Topgolf-style entertainment venues located a short drive inland. These are not within a comfortable walking distance from Westgate, but they do keep transportation times relatively short and are approachable for mixed groups where some guests are new to golf and others are more experienced.
Restaurants and Bars Near Westgate Myrtle Beach
One useful aspect of staying at Westgate is that you have several food and drink choices on-site before you even start exploring the neighborhood. Drafts Sports Bar & Grill, located within the resort, serves burgers, wings, salads, and pub classics, often with televised sports and a casual atmosphere that works for families and small groups. Beachside Bistro and the on-site marketplace provide quick breakfasts, coffee, and grab-and-go options that are handy if you are heading to the beach early.
Step outside and you are quickly in the middle of an informal dining corridor. Within a ten to twenty minute oceanfront walk or a very short ride-share, you can reach a mix of Boardwalk and Boulevard restaurants that lean heavily toward seafood platters, fried shrimp baskets, fish tacos, burgers, and pizza. Some of the piers near the Boardwalk house their own restaurants or bars, where guests can order a basket of hush puppies and a cold drink while looking directly over the Atlantic. Casual seafood houses slightly inland along Kings Highway may offer daily specials on items such as local shrimp, flounder, or seasonal fish, often with sides like coleslaw, fries, and hush puppies included.
Closer to SkyWheel and the central Boardwalk, you will find oceanfront grills and rooftop bars serving mixed drinks and light bites. Many visitors choose a simple plan: walk from Westgate toward the Boardwalk around late afternoon, stop at a beachfront restaurant near the SkyWheel area for dinner, then continue strolling the promenade as lights come on. For families, early dinners are often less crowded and can come with kids’ menus featuring familiar items like chicken tenders, grilled cheese, or pasta.
For guests with dietary restrictions, more places around central Myrtle Beach are beginning to offer options such as grilled rather than fried seafood, salads with protein add-ons, or basic vegetarian pastas and flatbreads. It is still wise to check menus in advance or ask host staff when you arrive, especially if you need gluten-conscious or strictly vegan choices. Since most restaurants in this strip do not require a long commute from Westgate, you can easily pivot to another spot if a particular menu does not suit your group.
Nightlife and Evening Entertainment Close By
The area around Westgate and the nearby Boardwalk offers a spectrum of evening options, from mellow to lively, without requiring long drives. On property, the bar at Drafts often stays active into the evening, giving you a convenient place for a nightcap steps from your room. Some nights, you may find casual karaoke or live music at small bars and lounges along Ocean Boulevard within a block or two of the resort.
Walk north toward the Boardwalk and the nightlife scene picks up. Many oceanfront bars between about 5th and 14th Avenue North feature open-air decks, live bands, or DJs in summer, with drink specials and beach views. Crowds tend to build later in the evening, especially on weekends and during peak vacation periods like July and early August. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider going earlier in the night, choosing venues with indoor seating away from speakers, or sticking to restaurant bars instead of dedicated nightclubs.
Plyler Park, near the SkyWheel, often hosts free seasonal concerts, festivals, or family movie nights. These events provide an easygoing alternative for those who want to be out after dark without stepping into a louder bar environment. Since the park sits directly off the Boardwalk, you can listen to live music, grab ice cream or a funnel cake from nearby stands, and then walk back toward Westgate along the beach.
For couples or groups looking for a late-night scene, ride-share services can take you from Westgate to other nightlife hubs such as Broadway at the Beach or Barefoot Landing in roughly fifteen to thirty minutes, depending on traffic. Those destinations are not within walking distance, but they remain reasonably close if you want to sample a different environment one evening while still using Westgate as your oceanfront home base.
Practical Tips for Getting Around Without Driving Far
Staying at Westgate makes it realistic to minimize driving, but a bit of planning helps. First, think in terms of “zones” for your days. One day might focus on Family Kingdom and the immediate Ocean Boulevard strip, which you can cover entirely on foot. Another day can revolve around the Boardwalk and SkyWheel area, where you walk north from the resort, spend several hours exploring, and then either walk back along the sand or take a short ride-share.
Footwear matters on long boardwalk and beach days. Comfortable walking sandals or sneakers will make the fifteen to thirty minute walks between Westgate, the Boardwalk, and SkyWheel feel much easier, especially in summer heat. Many sidewalks along Ocean Boulevard are exposed to full sun, so carrying water and wearing hats or using sun umbrellas can help. When possible, time your longer walks for earlier morning or later evening when temperatures are lower.
For those who prefer not to walk as much, short ride-share trips are widely used in central Myrtle Beach. The distance from Westgate to the central Boardwalk or SkyWheel area is modest, so fares are typically reasonable compared with longer cross-town rides. If you are open to public transit, the local Coast RTA bus routes run along portions of Kings Highway and to some major attractions, though schedules can vary by season and may require planning transfers.
Finally, factor seasonal patterns into your plans. Summer crowds around holidays like the Fourth of July can make Boardwalk walks more crowded and restaurant waits longer, but they also bring extra events like fireworks shows over the ocean that you can watch from the beach in front of Westgate. Shoulder seasons in late spring and early fall often offer warm ocean temperatures, fewer people, and slightly lower lodging prices, while still keeping most attractions, including Family Kingdom and SkyWheel, operating on robust schedules.
FAQ
Q1. How far is Family Kingdom from Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort?
Family Kingdom Amusement Park sits directly across Ocean Boulevard from Westgate’s main entrance. Walking from the resort lobby to the park gates usually takes only a few minutes at a relaxed pace.
Q2. Can I walk from Westgate Myrtle Beach to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk?
Yes. The southern end of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is roughly a ten to fifteen minute walk north from Westgate along the oceanfront or Ocean Boulevard sidewalks. From there, you can continue farther north into the busier SkyWheel section.
Q3. Is SkyWheel Myrtle Beach within walking distance of Westgate?
SkyWheel is walkable for many visitors who are comfortable with a longer stroll. Expect around twenty to thirty minutes on foot from Westgate to the SkyWheel area, depending on your pace and route along the beach or sidewalk. Ride-shares are also widely available if you prefer a quick ride.
Q4. Do I need a car to enjoy attractions near Westgate Myrtle Beach?
You do not strictly need a car for many of the core attractions. Family Kingdom, the beach, several restaurants, the Boardwalk, and even SkyWheel are all walkable or reachable by a short ride-share. A car becomes more useful only if you plan to visit farther-flung golf courses, outlet centers, or entertainment complexes.
Q5. Are there family-friendly restaurants within walking distance of the resort?
Yes. In addition to Drafts Sports Bar & Grill and Beachside Bistro inside Westgate, there are numerous casual spots along Ocean Boulevard and the Boardwalk serving burgers, pizza, seafood baskets, and kid-friendly menus that are within a fifteen to twenty minute walk.
Q6. What is the best time to visit Family Kingdom from Westgate?
Many guests like visiting Family Kingdom in late afternoon and again after dark. It is close enough to walk over in the early evening when temperatures drop and ride lights come on, then head back to the resort whenever younger travelers tire out.
Q7. Can I play golf near Westgate Myrtle Beach without driving far?
Yes. Several full-size golf courses are located within a ten to twenty minute ride-share from the resort, and multiple themed mini golf courses are even closer along Kings Highway and Ocean Boulevard, making them easy to reach without long drives.
Q8. What evening entertainment is available near the resort besides bars?
Beyond bars, you can enjoy evening walks on the Boardwalk, ride the SkyWheel at night, watch seasonal fireworks over the ocean, visit arcades, or attend free concerts and events at places like Plyler Park during peak seasons.
Q9. Is the area around Westgate walkable for families with strollers?
Generally yes. Sidewalks run along Ocean Boulevard, and the Boardwalk is stroller-friendly, though some sections include ramps and slight slopes. Many families comfortably push strollers between Westgate, Family Kingdom, and the Boardwalk area.
Q10. When is a good time of year to stay at Westgate if I want fewer crowds?
Late April through May and September into early October often provide warm weather and open attractions with lighter crowds than peak midsummer. During these shoulder seasons, it is usually easier to walk into restaurants and move around the Boardwalk comfortably.