Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · Accessibility score 0.9/5
Address: 1110 N Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone: (843) 839-9200
About
The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel rises 187 feet above the boardwalk, making it one of the tallest observation wheels on the East Coast and the centerpiece of the Myrtle Beach oceanfront. Since opening in 2011, it's become the defining landmark of the Grand Strand - visible for miles along the coast and instantly recognizable in any Myrtle Beach photo.
Each ride consists of three revolutions in an enclosed, climate-controlled gondola, lasting roughly 10 to 12 minutes. The gondolas seat six to eight passengers comfortably, with large windows providing unobstructed views in every direction. On clear days, you can see miles of coastline stretching north toward Cherry Grove and south past Surfside Beach.
The experience shifts dramatically between day and night. Daytime rides offer the classic beach panorama - the Atlantic stretching to the horizon, the boardwalk buzzing with activity below, and the coastal skyline extending in both directions. After dark, the SkyWheel itself becomes the show, with over a million LED lights creating animated color displays visible from across the Grand Strand. Night rides provide a completely different perspective, floating above the glowing boardwalk and neon-lit shore.
VIP gondolas with glass floors are available for those who want an extra thrill. The SkyWheel complex at its base includes shops, restaurants, and a bar area where you can enjoy a drink with a wheel-side view.
The SkyWheel sits at the heart of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, within easy walking distance of other attractions including Ripley's Aquarium, numerous restaurants, and the beach itself. Combine a sunset ride with dinner on the boardwalk for an ideal Myrtle Beach evening.
Children under two ride free, and there's no minimum height requirement, making it one of the few attractions the whole family can enjoy together regardless of age.
Accessibility
The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is committed to accessibility and accommodates visitors with mobility challenges. All standard gondolas are fully accessible and can accommodate wheelchairs and scooters - the only exceptions are the VIP gondolas (#21 and #42), which are not accessible.
The loading platform is at ground level, and staff assist guests with mobility devices during boarding and exiting. The wheel pauses during loading to allow adequate time for guests who need extra assistance getting situated.
The SkyWheel participates in the Travel Card program, which offers sensory-friendly accommodations including priority boarding (getting to the head of the line) and allowing an extra revolution for guests who have difficulty with transitions.
The surrounding boardwalk area is paved and generally flat, making wheelchair navigation straightforward. Accessible restrooms are available at the SkyWheel complex and at intervals along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
Accessible parking is available in nearby lots and garages. The Myrtle Beach area offers beach wheelchair programs through local beach services - contact the Myrtle Beach Convention Center at (843) 918-1000 for information about beach wheelchair availability.
For specific accessibility questions about the SkyWheel, contact them directly at (843) 839-9200.
More accessible places in South Carolina
- Broadway at the Beach (Myrtle Beach)
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach (Myrtle Beach)
- Family Kingdom (Myrtle Beach)
- Family Kingdom Amusement Park (Myrtle Beach)
- Myrtle Waves Water Park (Myrtle Beach)
- Congaree National Park (Hopkins)