Riding High on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

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One of the most spectacular sights on the Myrtle Beach skyline also happens to offer one of the most scenic views.

See the entire Grand Strand from atop the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, a 190-foot, modern-day Ferris wheel that allows passengers a birds’-eye view of the Atlantic Ocean and the downtown Myrtle Beach district.

The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, the tallest of its kind east of the Mississippi River, is the centerpiece of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Adorned with rotating neon lights that create colorful patterns on the side, the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel serves as the centerpiece of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, a 1.2-mile oceanfront walkway that attracts countless visitors to the downtown district.

The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel provides the best views and photo opportunities of the Grand Strand and the Atlantic Ocean available. From the peak, passengers can see as far north as the North Carolina border and as far south as Pawleys Island, a 60-mile span of coastal terrain and high-rise hotels.

The view through the non-reflective windows of the climate-controlled gondolas is crystal clear so your photos will come out picture perfect. It’s a great place to take photos and make memories that will last a lifetime. The 42 state-of-the-art gondolas comfortably seat up to six adults, but a VIP gondola is available for a longer, roomier ride that is often reserved for honeymoon couples and suitors looking for a romantic spot to pop the big question.

Passengers through Jimmy Buffett's Land Shark Landing, a Caribbean-style bar, grill and gift shop named after Buffett’s own line of beer. Enjoy excellent seafood and frozen drinks on the rooftop lounge, just the way Jimmy does, and pick out a souvenir to remember your ride. It's a great place to relax under the neon SkyWheel and surrounding attractions.

The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is located at 1110 North Ocean Boulevard in downtown Myrtle Beach. Ticket prices are $13 for adults and $9 for children. The SkyWheel is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to midnight. For more information, call 843-839-9200 or visit the website at www.myrtlebeachskywheel.com.

(posted 6/18/14)