Fantastic weather, stunning beaches, fun, unique experiences, and more make South Carolina, the Palmetto state, a great destination for families.
To get the most out of your family vacation in South Carolina, why not stay at an all-inclusive resort that caters to making your family’s experience unique and memorable? This will ensure you and your family experience all this beautiful state has to offer.
Read on to learn more about the best resorts in South Carolina for families:
Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes Myrtle Beach Marriott Vacation Club
This beautiful beachfront location, Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes, features a pristine stretch of beach, offering easy access to the sandy shores as well as impressive views. The spacious villas provide ample space for families with multiple bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and welcoming living areas.
The only drawback to this location, though it is not much of one, is the fact that Myrtle Beach can get crowded during peak season due to its popularity as a family destination.
Just know that it can get a bit hectic and isn’t necessarily always peaceful. Let’s face it: if you are taking the kids along, this is likely a foregone conclusion anyway because no matter how much we love them, kids do, in fact, bring chaos.
This particular location is known for its luxurious feel and has a reputation for pampering families from the time they check in until they check out.
There are also many activities to enjoy to keep kids occupied. This, along with the resort’s abundance of swimming pools, splash pads, playgrounds, water slides, whirlpools, and more spread over three stories, makes this a paradise on earth for families.
In addition to all the amenities of this family resort, they also feature on-site restaurants as well as a coffee shop! I know where I plan on visiting daily to be sure.
There is also a Sand Dollar Pool Bar and the Woodsy Grill & Pool Bar, which are ideal for kids in wet bathing suits who don’t want to be bothered to change to go to eat.
The Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes also offers free WiFi and free parking, along with the absence of pesky resort fees.
Hilton Head Island Resort by Disney
Of course, as with anything created and operated by the famed brand Disney, you can expect only the best when it comes to a fun, family experience when staying at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, and you won’t be disappointed. This resort caters to guests of all ages and features 12 miles of beautiful beach to explore.
The hotel, which is designed to pay homage to a 1940s hunting and fishing lodge, features multi-room villas, ideal for an entire crew to enjoy. If you are anything like me, this is a must when booking a place to stay with kids as differing bedtimes and sleep preferences require a bit of distance and privacy in order to get any sort of productive sleep.
When staying on-site, you and your entire family can enjoy many fun activities, including golf lessons, biking, tennis, and more, and even experiences like swimming with dolphins. The entire hotel underwent refurbishment in 2023, making it a practically brand-new property to enjoy this year.
Dining options while staying at this Disney hotel include quick-service options, so you and your family can enjoy spending time doing fun activities or just exploring the beach.
However, being located in the Hilton Head area, you are close to many types of restaurants, including those that are more formal and dine-in varieties.
Specific recreational activities that you can take advantage of as a guest at Hilton Head Disney include activity programs for both kids and teens where kids can play games, partake in nature programs, or make crafts.
Family activities also include campfires, Goofy Bingo, movies under the oaks, showing, of course, classic Disney films under the stars, along with fishing and crabbing.
The Big Dipper Pool and Waterslide are also noteworthy as they include a heated 72,000-gallon pool, along with a Water Tower Slide that wraps around and spills into the pool.
There is also a smaller pool called the Little Dipper Pool designed for younger kids or “tadpoles,” including frogs that spit water and other whimsical additions you would expect of Disney.
Montage Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton
Situated along the state’s low-country on the May River is this unique and noteworthy luxury resort, Montage Palmetto Bluff, described as a classic southern escape. Its unique location, tucked into a nature preserve, gives this 20,000-acre property a different feel, offering families an interesting way to get away.
The resort property houses two villages, a marina, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. In addition, there are freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities and/or experiences, as well as an abundance of boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding options as well.
I personally love the 20 miles of walking and biking trails nestled within the resort’s beautiful grounds.
Dining options include some signature low-country-inspired fare combined with an abundance of southern hospitality. The Octagon, River House, and the Hush Bar all offer an amazing dining experience in a breathtaking setting.
Adding to this the Fore & Aft, Buzz, FLAME, Canteen, and Melt, which are more casual options for breakfast and lunch, along with in-room dining options means you don’t have to leave the property to enjoy a variety of dining experiences.
In addition to all the features already outlined, the marsh at Moreland on the property in Wilson Village features a fabulous tree house your kids are sure to love. This treehouse wraps around live oaks and includes a rope ladder, a metal slide, a wooden boardwalk, and a nearby swing set and hammocks.
Kids will love the spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness and waterways they can enjoy from the high perch of the tree house.
Last but certainly not least, I could not fail to mention the Montage Merits. This kid-focused program allows kids who stay at the resort to earn merit badges by completing various activities like catching a fish, hiking a trail, roasting a marshmallow, and spotting wildlife.
Once they complete a task, they are given a merit pin and can eventually earn their “Gilbert The Gator” status (and a special prize) by completing all 12 achievements.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Situated about an hour drive away from the beloved and historic city of Charleston, that state’s largest city, you can find Kiawah Island Golf Resort, a perfect family getaway.
This five-star resort, committed to environmental sustainability, is replete with first-class amenities, such as enjoying world renowned golf courses.
Kiawah Island, which spans 10 miles of oceanfront beach, also features meandering lagoons, a river, a maritime forest, and pristine marshlands.
Bike excursions, art classes, paddle boarding and kayaking are all part of the experience when staying at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. In addition, this exclusive resort also provides a camp program for kids, keeping them occupied so you and your partner can enjoy the spa, beaches, and other activities alone.
Kamp Kiawah is the themed day camp for kids aged 3 to 7 years of age. The next camp level up is for ages 8 to 12 and includes activities to keep kids engaged and having fun, including team building games, scavenger hunts, and sports.
Available seasonally is the resort’s Adventure Camp for ages 8 to 15, featuring all sorts of fun adventures, including archery, boogie boarding, paddle boarding and much more.
If you are like me, though, and would prefer to spend the day with your kids having fun and adventuring but would very much welcome a nice evening out, you will want to know about the resort’s Kids Night Out program.
This program allows kids to enjoy a bonfire and s’mores. This, along with the Sanctuary Splash Bash, which is an evening full of pool, pizza, and fun, can ensure you get at least one proper date night when staying on the property.
Speaking of dates, Kiawah Island Golf Resort features an abundance of dining options that are most certainly worthy of a date-night visit. The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary, a five-star premier steakhouse, and The Atlantic Room at The Ocean Course, serving locally caught seafood are just two of the many choices.
When staying at this breathtaking location, your family can choose from a hotel room, a villa, or even a house. Therefore, you can truly decide how close you want to be, all while enjoying the many amenities of the resort and the natural surroundings that are second to none.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Oceanfront Resort, Myrtle Beach
As another resort located in the family-friendly city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Oceanfront Resort also deserves a place on our list.
This prime beachfront location offers direct access to the beautiful shores, which, if your family is anything like mine is a lifesaver as a trip to the beach looks like we are moving in for a week!
The resort also offers an abundance of activities that apply to all ages, ensuring the whole family has a fun and memorable experience. One of the most notable amenities is the exhilarating water park designed especially for kids, Currents Waterpark.
This on-site waterpark gives older kids the ability to climb to the top of the Super Splash Water Slide while younger kiddos can enjoy the splash bucket, multiple smaller slides, and the water playground.
Of course, there are cabanas for the adults to enjoy at the resort’s pool, providing other opportunities for family fun.
In addition to the pools, water park, and direct beach access, the Embassy Suites by Hilton also has a kid’s activity lawn with daily activities listed.
Also worth mentioning is the hammock garden, where you and your family can spend an afternoon gently swaying back and forth, feeling the ocean breeze on five comfy hammocks.
As you might imagine, the Embassy Suites by Hilton specializes in suites, offering 255 separate units, all of which have a dedicated living space and pull-out couches. In addition, to make life easier, you can visit the Coastal Grill & Bar, on-site for breakfast, as well as the complimentary evening reception throughout your family’s stay.
The Inn & Club at Harbour Town, Hilton Head South Carolina
As the only four-star resort on Hilton Head Island, The Inn & Club at Harbour Town at The Sea Pines Resort offers a luxurious feel to your family-friendly getaway. This property has enjoyed high ratings by both local and national media and is classified as a luxury boutique hotel, but still appeals to kids as well.
Bike riding, craft cove, nighttime shore excursions, freshwater fishing and the Forest Preserve Wagon Journey are just some of the family-friendly activities and experiences that make this a great family resort.
The level of service provided to resort guests is second to none and includes complimentary valet parking, in-room dining, a luxurious serenity pool, attentive butler services, and an all-day bar service.
Being situated in Harbour Town, this location means that in addition to the activities on-site at the resort, which are notable on their own, you can visit Harbour Town as well, which is one of Hilton Head’s most beloved locations.
Here, you and your family can visit the beautifully striped red and white lighthouse, Harbour Town Lighthouse.
The iconic lighthouse includes a museum-like review of Hilton Head Island, complete with a view achieved after climbing up 144 steps to the top. Kids 5 and under can enter the museum and climb the lighthouse for free!
In addition, Harbour Town has an incredibly cool tree, the famed Liberty Oak, which has been situated in the Gregg Russell Playground for over 40 years.
Isle of Palms: Wild Dunes Beach Resort, Charleston
Offering amazing amenities, convenient beach access, as well as proximity to downtown Charleston, the Wild Dunes Beach Resort is the ideal resort for families that appreciate access to many potential activities and a level of luxury, without being pretentious.
Amenities on site at this resort include a tennis center, a full-service spa, an onsite restaurant, and an award-winning golf course. With over 1,600 acres to explore, this resort features a mixture of relaxation and adventure to appeal to any family, no matter their vacation goals.
Dining options on-site at Wild Dunes include a mixture of restaurants ranging from sit-down, high-end dining options to casual, rooftop, and lunch locations.
This means, if you would like, you don’t even have to leave the resort to eat while you enjoy fun in the sun. Of course, you are also close to Charleston and the city’s award-winning restaurants.
Wild Dunes also offers a wide range of activities for families to enjoy, including the Get Creative with Oysters class. This experience teaches kids all about the natural elements all around this as well as a little bit about low country culture. All of this is topped off by allowing kids to think outside the box a bit as they decorate an oyster shell, giving these ordinary mollusks a whole new life.
The Breakers Resort, Myrtle Beach
As yet another Myrtle Beach offering, The Breakers Resort, with its central location on the Grand Strand on Ocean Boulevard and its commitment to creating a fun environment for the young and young at heart, might go a step above other family-themed resorts.
This large resort encompasses 700 feet of shoreline and features five different towers, with everything from beautiful suites to multi-room condos.
The pool at the Breakers is impressive enough to merit a mention on its own as it is unlike others. It features its own water play areas, pirate ship, and kids’ area, making it ideal for families, especially those with younger kids.
In total, The Breakers Resort boasts 19 separate water attractions, including one of the largest outdoor pool decks on the entire Grand Strand.
Add to this the lazy river, the on-site water park, and the Kid’s Club, which provides kids with games and activities, and you can see why this is a win for families.
Dining options at the Breakers Resort include full-service restaurants, a Starbucks, and what is sure to be my family’s favorite, a Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Parlor right on-site. Each condo or suite features modern accommodations with an oceanfront location.
In addition to its location within the Grand Strand and its impressive water amenities, Breakers also offers some super fun activities, games, and more. Cornhole, shuffleboard, bingo and trivia nights and a Pool Deck Dance Party featuring DJ ICE Box.
Your family will also enjoy discounted admission to some of Myrtle Beach’s most popular attractions through the Breakers Brittain Rewards Program.
Charleston Place Hotel: Luxe Charleston
Located in the heart of historic Charleston, one of America’s oldest cities, this relatively young hotel offers a luxurious experience within the heart of the city, the Charleston Place Hotel. While the hotel itself is full of amenities, the city offers shopping opportunities on King Street, as well as art galleries, museums, and amazing restaurants within the French Quarter.
When entering this spectacular hotel, your kids will instantly be drawn to the Georgian staircase that will tempt them to race up and down. Admittedly, I might be tempted to have a go at them myself!
The lobby space at this classically designed hotel is known as Charleston’s living room, thanks to a comforting space where strangers can become friends.
This luxurious stay with historic Charleston views offers rooms designed to rejuvenate and relax. The spaces, ranging from 400 to 1,000 square feet, feature exclusive products, plush bedding, and even nightly turn-down service.
Experiences at The Charleston Place Hotel include walking tours, biscuit-making classes, crabbing, yacht charters, and afternoon tea.
While this location is supremely beautiful, and the accommodations are lush providing a high level of service, this isn’t marketed as a kid’s resort.
However, the location does welcome children, and the city itself is full of opportunities and activities that your entire family will enjoy.
If you want to immerse your family in the historic landscape and architecture of a beloved city, this classically and beautifully designed hotel can offer a very different experience than the typical “family resort.”
Dunes Village Resort Myrtle Beach
The beachfront location at The Dunes Village Resort offers suites with spacious layouts, displaying amazing views of beautiful Myrtle Beach with three, two, and one-bedroom suites.
Each room features high-speed complimentary WiFi and multiple big screens, which will hopefully settle the typical sibling arguments over control of the TV.
The Dunes Village Resort amenities include on-site dining options with a variety of eateries, ranging from sit-down to a tiki bar, an indoor waterpark, a fitness center, full in-room kitchens, and spacious balconies as well as outdoor pools and waterslides.
As the home to Myrtle Beach’s best indoor waterpark, you and your family can stay on-site and enjoy The Dunes Resort and never even leave the property, if that is your goal.
Older kids will enjoy the fact that this resort features a teen pool for older kids, and younger ones will like the Silly Submarine Sea Adventure area.
This, in addition to the wild winding and speed slides as well as the relaxing whirlpools, promotes relaxation and adventure in equal measures.
As if all the cool indoor and outdoor water activities were not enough, Dunes also offers their own kid’s activity program called the Dunes Village Kids Club. As part of this program, your kids will enjoy an abundance of fun in the sun activities, including arts and crafts, pool games, treasure hunts, and more.
This is not a “leave your kid to be watched program” as parents are required to be present for all children’s activities, making it a cost-effective and budget-friendly way to keep your kids occupied and engaged while on vacation.
I personally love this as it is a great way to spend even more quality time as a family while learning something new and perhaps making some new friends in the process.