Spring Break in Myrtle Beach: Mini Golf Galore & A Pirate’s Voyage

Last month we took our first ever trip to Myrtle Beach. Traditionally we’ve made the journey out to San Diego for spring break, but for a variety of reasons, this year that just wasn’t in the cards. We were definitely in need of some salty ocean air and sand between our toes, so we packed up the car and headed to the East coast.

To be completely honest, I knew very little about the area, but what I did find with the minimal research I did in advance was that Myrtle Beach is the mini-golf capital of the world. That alone is actually what sealed the deal for me.

You see, my kiddo is just putt putt golf obsessed. While I definitely wanted some beach time, the most important thing for this particular trip was for him to have fun, and it seemed like MB was just the kind of place that would be magical for a 6-year-old.

And boy, was that certainly the case. Archer was IN HEAVEN. There is a mind-boggling number of miniature golf courses all within a stone’s throw of each other. The most difficult part of our trip was narrowing down our choices!

Our first golf game of the trip at Jungle Lagoon

In four days we played seven different courses!

Those were: Mt. Atlanticus, Dragon’s Lair, Cancun Lagoon, Captain Hook’s Adventure, Treasure Island, Spy Glass, and Jungle Lagoon. Archer’s favorites were Mt. Atlanticus and Cancun Lagoon, so if you find yourself in MB and only have time for a couple, we’d highly suggest those. (I also personally liked Jungle Lagoon if you have time to squeeze in another.)

Archer’s favorite part of Captain Hook’s miniature golf course was this smoking skull!

One of our favorite courses, Cancun Lagoon

Yes, this trip was all about the sun, the waves, golf, golf, and more golf.

But we also participated in something none of us had ever done before – dinner theater!

A few days before we were leaving on our trip, my friend Kristin and I were chatting and she mentioned that Pirates Voyage, a part of The Dollywood Company, was there in Myrtle Beach. I’m telling you, this trip was planned so last minute that I really was not my usual thorough researcher/planner self. I had never even heard of this experience, but I was super excited as you guys know how much fun we had last year at Dollywood!

Kristin knows Archer well, so she knew he’d be all about this show. His love of all things scary (particularly skeletons and zombies), costumes, and swords is pretty apparent if you’ve been around him for any length of time or watched my Instagram stories!

We went into this experience not really knowing what to expect, but it actually ended up being the highlight of our entire trip.

We arrived about 30 minutes before show time as they have the “pirates village” set up with some fun things to do in advance of being seated in the main theater. In addition to trying out several new weapons, Archer also insisted on getting a tattoo – a skeleton of course.

Once we did walk through the main doors, we were in awe of the huge pirate ships in a hidden lagoon.

Obviously, kiddo was absolutely enthralled with the show, but even my husband and I had a blast. Seriously, I had no idea I’d have this much fun!

The acrobatics and aerial feats were breathtaking, the sea lion bit was really cute, and when things took a darker turn (not going to give anything away!), we were captivated. It was like this show was made for my kid. I was so happy that he was so happy, and completely mesmerized by every little thing.

Photo provided by Pirates Voyage

Of course, since I’m a food blogger, I have to mention the food! I’ll be honest. I didn’t go into this with high expectations. I mean, it’s a dinner theater, not a Michelin starred restaurant. But, wow. Everything I was able to eat was great. I phrased it that way because I couldn’t possibly eat all of the food served, as it was a HUGE meal!

We started with creamy vegetable soup (I drank every last drop) and a roll that was reminiscent of a cheddar bay biscuit (and c’mon, who doesn’t love those??) before moving on to the main course of half roasted chicken (perfectly cooked with crispy skin) and pulled pork with an herb basted potato (so good) and corn on the cob. Dessert was a warm apple turnover. I passed on the bbq & the corn on the cob, but I ate every last bite of everything else.

From start to finish, our Pirates Voyage experience was absolutely wonderful, and I highly encourage you to go if you’re in the Myrtle Beach area with your family. If my recommendation isn’t enough, take it from our mini-golf obsessed kiddo, as he said it was the best part of the trip. EVEN BETTER THAN MINIATURE GOLF. This is quite the endorsement.

He definitely isn’t giving up this Pirates Voyage flag

Sad to say goodbye to the beach!

Pirates Voyage

8907 N. Kings Highway
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets to Pirates Voyage but as always, all opinions are my own. Free stuff doesn’t make me say nice things. Things that impress me make me say nice things!