Myrtle Beach’s Top Arcades Offer Lots of Fun and Games

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Guests at Paradise Resort on the Myrtle Beach oceanfront have so many things to do and see right outside their doors that it might be hard to find time for off-site fun. Between the indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, lazy river and other water attractions, as well as the jumbo chessboard and cornhole court on the oceanfront deck, families can have loads of fun without leaving the property. But for those looking for a little extra excitement, just follow all the bells and whistles. Arcades are a tradition in Myrtle Beach, dating back to the early pinball amusement halls and Skee-Ball tracks near the Pavilion in the 1950s. But as the Grand Strand has grown, so has the sophistication of the modern video arcades that have sprung up over the years. They all have one thing in common – good times for the young and the young at heart. For an action-packed family night out full of fun and games in Myrtle Beach, check out these arcades – and get ready for some good-natured competition: * Dave & Buster's: This national chain of arcades/sports bars opened last summer at Broadway at the Beach to the open arms of local and visiting gamers. Dave & Buster's lives up to its motto “Eat, Drink, Play & Watch Sports” with a restaurant, sports bar and massive arcade. Dave & Buster's features high-tech video games you won't find anywhere else, including virtual-reality and sports-themed amusements. Purchase an Eat & Play Combo pass to save money on food and games. * Fun Plaza: Take a walk down the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and a stroll down arcade memory lane to this establishment that has been providing family fun on the oceanfront for more than 60 years. This venue houses historic pinball machines and Skee-Ball tracks, as well as retro-cool and modern video games. The carnival atmosphere includes tickets you can exchange for prizes and concession stands serving corn dogs and snow cones. * Fun Warehouse: This Surfside Beach hot spot has tons of fun under one roof. In addition to a full-sized skating rink and a two-story laser tag course, Fun Warehouse boasts one of the best arcades on the Grand Strand. Patrons can take a time-out from the more physical activities to test their skills on video games, Pop-a-Shot, and retro-cool icons like Pac-Man and Galaga. Packages offer discounts by combining skate and laser tag time with free tokens and food from the grill. * Gay Dolphin Gift Cove: This historic beachwear store on Ocean Boulevard is best known for the T-shirts and seashells it sells by the seashore, but longtime visitors know about the adjoining arcade where generations of kids have killed time and tokens while waiting for their parents to shop at the gift store. Old-timey pinball machines and carnival-style amusements mix with modern video games in a fun and festive atmosphere. Pick up a souvenir and climb to the top of the spiral staircase for a breathtaking view of the ocean and downtown district. * Ultimate California Pizza Game Zone: Pizza and games? It's a winning combination for kids who prefer an action-filled evening out over dinner at a traditional restaurant. The local chain Ultimate California Pizza operates this pizzeria/arcade on Restaurant Row, providing a fun alternative for families with active kids. Set them up with a personal pizza and play card combo, and watch the little ones have a big time playing the games. Parents can join in the fun or take shifts visiting the adjoining sports bar. After a day filled with fun and games, head back to Paradise Resort for more good times during your Myrtle Beach vacation.