Where To See An Alligator In Myrtle Beach SC

About the Alligators of Myrtle Beach

Residents in South Carolina share their space with an estimated 100,000 alligators. The mating season for American Alligators starts in April and can last until May or June, where males will put on a show to attract females. Displays such as making water dance on their backs, blowing bubbles, making a deep growl called a “bellow,” and slapping the water with their tail are typical of alligators during this time.

Once a female chooses a partner, she will create a nest around June or July where she will lay up to 50 eggs. Alligator moms are highly protective of their babies and will continue to watch over them for up to three years. Unfortunately, it is during these times that alligators are most dangerous since they will become territorial.

While serious injuries are rarely a result of alligator bites, it’s still best to observe them from a safe distance and avoid feeding them. Alligators can quickly become conditioned to people, especially when food is involved. As a result, they can become aggressive, so it’s illegal to interact with and feed American Alligators in South Carolina.

Top Places to See Alligators in Myrtle Beach

1. Alligator Adventure

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to see alligators, Alligator Adventure lets you see these majestic creatures in captivity. Here, you can take a self-guided walk through the boardwalk located behind the House of Blues. Because this marshy area sits close to the oceanfront, it attracts various animals such as birds and alligators throughout the year.

You’ll find Alligator Adventure at 48th S. Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, near the Apache Pier, where you can witness live feeding shows and see a 20-foot crocodile named Utan. This rehabilitation center is also home to various exotic animals, including cats, birds, reptiles, and lemurs. Of course, the main attraction here is the alligators, with hundreds residing within and around the site.

Alligator Adventure is also known for its rare specimens of other reptiles, such as snakes; the Snake House displays snakes native to the Carolinas as well as venomous snakes from around the world. It’s a favorite among locals, with new exhibits regularly added, such as Galapagos tortoises, mountain lions, and alligator hatchlings. Be sure to make your way here if you’re looking for the ultimate alligator experience, with tickets ranging from $19.99 for kids to $29.99 for adults. It's open seven days a week.

2. Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park is a part of the Grand Strand with a pristine and welcoming stretch of sandy shoreline — it’s also one of the most recognizable landmarks in South Carolina. Here, you can spend your days camping or surf fishing in the finest waters that South Carolina has to offer. You can even enjoy some of the best bird-watching experiences on the East Coast, but that’s not all that this stunning beach park has to offer.

This park is a nature lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of programs, including the chance to see loggerhead turtles and other endangered species up close. Huntington Beach State Park is also home to a freshwater lake where you will most likely see alligators in their natural habitat, as well as minks. Visitors are often thrilled to see the big alligators that call this place home, often seen bathing in the sun along the lake’s shoreline.

One activity for thrill-seekers is walking along the causeway where alligators lie just 10 feet away from the water’s edge — without a barrier in between you. After your dose of adrenaline, explore other park landmarks, such as Atalaya Castle, the picturesque home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. For a unique combination of a relaxing, yet heart-pumping weekend getaway, head over to Huntington Beach State Park.

3. Brookgreen Gardens

At Brookgreen Gardens, you’ll see gorgeous views that include acres of gardens, miles of walkways, beautiful statues, lakes, and plenty more. This magical place has something for everyone: trees, flowers, animals, and even a zoo with numerous indigenous species such as foxes, herons, and alligators. You’ll also witness alligators in the wild as they sunbathe on the banks along the lakes, which you can also view from the center’s river cruiser.

Brookgreen Gardens is another great site to visit if you’re looking for an up-close experience with alligators. Visitors are welcome to meet Cowboy, the garden’s resident alligator. This gentle giant has lived at Brookgreen Gardens for more than 50 years, and you can observe one of the zookeepers present a talk during his exhibit, available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 1:45 PM from May through September.

For the most value, purchase a ticket for access throughout Brookgreen Gardens. For just $14 per adult (family packages are also offered), you can use your ticket for six days, with guided tours available. Shuttle buses make rounds every 20 minutes, traveling to and from the zoo and the Welcome Center. A restaurant and cafe are also inside the site for breaks.

4. Grand Strand

If you’re looking for a golfing experience that’s a little on the wild side, many of the golf courses along the Grand Strand (specifically The Dunes Club) are a good place to see alligators. It’s also home to another stunning state park on the East Coast: Myrtle Beach State Park. Located on the south side of the city of Myrtle Beach, the Myrtle Beach State Park is a 350-acre oceanfront paradise that offers hiking trails, beaches, and a fishing pier.

Myrtle Beach State Park has an on-site nature center that features exhibits on native species, tours, and educational programs. Here, you’ll find exotic birds and alligators, among others. Recently, giant reptiles have been seen more frequently around the Grand Strand. Due to recent dry weather, alligators have been on the move, making them easier to spot.

Another reason for their increased activity is habitat loss due to development. These creatures live in wetlands and swamps, but these environments are being destroyed by homes, malls, and other structures. If you see an alligator in the Grand Strand, observe from a safe distance, and never feed them.

5. Barefoot Landing

Barefoot Landing, located at 4898 Hwy 17 S. North Myrtle Beach, SC, is a busy shopping, dining, and entertainment district in Myrtle Beach. It runs along the Intracoastal Waterway in stunning North Myrtle Beach, combining beauty and nature. It’s also home to Alligator Adventure, where you’ll come face to face with some of the most beautiful yet fiercest animals that nature has to offer.

Outside of this park, you’ll also spot exotic fish along the shores of Barefoot Landing, along with hundreds of migratory birds in the air and other wildlife. Spend a few hours observing wildlife while window shopping at the retail stores around the area. Here, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: watching wildlife in their natural habitat while enjoying the fine things that life has to offer.

Conclusion

Alligators are some of the most fascinating animals on earth, and we can’t blame you if your inner adrenaline junkie wants to see them. By all means, go out there and find the adventure of a lifetime. There’s no need to fly to Florida to see these beasts; Myrtle Beach is an excellent alternative. If you’re looking for something different to do when summer comes, visit the places featured above. You can be sure to get the best alligator experiences that you and the whole family will enjoy!