The Best Mini Golf Courses Near North Myrtle Beach: A Local’s Guide
You’re visiting the Miniature Golf Capital of the World. That’s not a marketing gimmick — the Grand Strand has more mini golf courses per square mile than anywhere else on earth. Over 50 courses line Highway 17 between North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, and this area has been the epicenter of American mini golf culture for more than 50 years.
The USPMGA Masters Championship — miniature golf’s version of Augusta — is held right here in North Myrtle Beach every October. There’s even a Myrtle Beach Mini Golf Trail with a free digital passport covering 30+ courses.
From our condo at 601 Hillside Dr N, every course in this guide is within a 3–20 minute drive along Highway 17. Here’s how to find the perfect one for your family — and how to play more while spending less.
Best Value: All-Day Play Passes
Before we get to the courses, let me share the tip that saves families the most money: the Paradise Adventure Golf pass system. Three courses — Mutiny Bay, Molten Mountain, and Cancun Lagoon — are owned by the same family and share an incredible pass structure:
| Pass Type | Adult Price | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Single Round | $13.00 | 18 holes at one course |
| All-Day Pass | $19.50 | Unlimited golf 9am–11pm at ONE location |
| Hopper Pass | $25.00 | Unlimited golf at ALL 3 locations for one day |
| Paradise Passport | $32.00 | 3-day unlimited at ALL 3 locations (pick 3 days within 7) |
Children 8 & under: $9.50 for a single round.
The All-Day Pass is the sweet spot. For just $6.50 more than a single round, play in the morning, leave for the beach, come back after dinner, and play again. At courses that are 3–5 minutes from the condo, that’s an easy back-and-forth all day.
The Hopper Pass ($25) is incredible for mini-golf-obsessed families — that’s up to 99 holes across three completely different themed adventures in one day.
Read our complete All-Day Pass guide →
The Courses: Ranked by Distance from the Condo
| Course | Theme | Holes | Indoor? | Drive | All-Day Pass? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutiny Bay | Pirates | 36 | No | 3 min | $19.50 | Spinner fun, families |
| Mayday Golf | Jungle Crash | 36 | No | 3 min | No | Families, animatronics |
| Molten Mountain | Volcano | 36 | YES (AC!) | 5 min | $19.50 | Rainy days, hot days |
| Prof. Hacker’s Lost Treasure | Treasure Hunt | 36 | No | 5 min | No ($6 2nd round) | Train ride, young kids |
| Dinosaur Adventure | Dinosaurs | 36 | No | 5 min | No ($6 2nd round) | Dino-loving kids, night play |
| Hawaiian Rumble | Hawaiian | 18 | No | 7 min | Ask at counter | Serious putters, beauty |
| Hawaiian Village | Hawaiian | 18 | No | 7 min | — | Very young children |
| Black Pearl | Pirates | 18 | No | 8 min | No | Cherry Grove, ice cream |
| Tribal Island | Tropical | 36 | No | 15 min | No | Less crowded, relaxed |
| Cancun Lagoon | Mayan | 36 | Partial | 20 min | $19.50 | Hopper Pass completionists |
Course Profiles
Mutiny Bay — Our #1 Pick
301 Hwy 17 S, NMB | 3 min | 36 holes | Pirate theme
The closest course to the condo and our top recommendation. The massive Jolly Roger pirate ship is visible from Highway 17, and you actually putt ON the ship. Every 30 minutes, a pirate battle erupts with cannon fire, water sprays, and sound effects.
The star attraction is the Mischief Spinner on the Barbados course. At every other hole, a spinner assigns a wacky challenge — putt with your eyes closed, swing behind your back, use the wrong end of the club. It levels the playing field between kids and adults and creates the kind of vacation memories that stick.
Two courses: Port Royal (classic) and Barbados (spinners). Play both with the All-Day Pass.
Read the full Mutiny Bay review →
Molten Mountain — The Rainy Day Hero
1010 Vereen Dr, NMB | 5 min | 36 holes | Volcano theme
The only mini golf in North Myrtle Beach with 18 holes of indoor, air-conditioned play. When a thunderstorm rolls in or the July heat becomes unbearable, Lava Louie’s Challenge course lets you keep putting in cool comfort.
The outdoor Pele’s Revenge course wraps around a 50-foot volcano that erupts with real fire and steam every 30 minutes. Spinners on the outdoor course add extra fun. Open year-round (weekends only Jan–Feb) — making it one of the only NMB courses available in the off-season.
Read the full Molten Mountain review →
Hawaiian Rumble — The Best Course in the World
3210 Hwy 17 S, NMB | 7 min | 18 holes | Hawaiian tropical garden
Rated the #1 mini golf course in the world and permanent home of the USPMGA Masters Championship held every October. This is the Augusta National of putt-putt — manicured greenery, live parrots, a 40-foot volcano with real flames, and Jimmy Buffett-style Hawaiian music. All holes are par 2, focused on pure putting skill.
The Masters is free and open to the public every October — $25,000 cash purse, green jackets, and the best mini golfers in the world competing on the holes you played that morning. The course has been featured on NBC’s Today Show and in the 1993 film “Chasers.”
Also on site: batting cages with speeds up to 70 MPH. Military discount available.
Read the full Hawaiian Rumble review →
Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure — The Kid Magnet
1705 Hwy 17 S, NMB | 5 min | 36 holes | Treasure hunt theme
The one with the train ride. A mining train takes you to the top of the mountain, building excitement as it winds past waterfalls and caves. Then you putt your way DOWN through the story of Professor Duffer A. Hacker on the Gold and Diamond courses — through caves, over bridges, past an 85-foot beached steamship.
The train is pure magic for young kids. Discounted second round (~$6) lets you play both courses without breaking the budget. The “Mystery Hole” changes daily — ace it and win a free round.
Part of a family: also operates Dinosaur Adventure (dino-themed, spectacular at night) and Mayday Golf (jungle crash theme, animatronic pirate).
Read the full Professor Hacker’s review →
Dinosaur Adventure Golf
701 Hwy 17 S, NMB | 5 min | 36 holes | Prehistoric jungle
Giant dinosaur replicas, cascading waterfalls, dense jungle foliage, and an 85-foot beached steamship you play on and through. Two courses: T-Rex and Raptor. A solid course during the day, but play at night when every dinosaur lights up in dramatic colors — it transforms into one of the most visually stunning courses on the Grand Strand.
Black Pearl Mini Golf
614 Sea Mountain Hwy, NMB (Cherry Grove) | 8 min | 18 holes | Pirate treasure
Family-owned gem near Cherry Grove Pier. Pirate-ship decor, waterfalls, caves, and spin-the-wheel modifiers that add fun twists. The real draw: an attached 65-game arcade, Lollipop Candy Shop, and Mermaid’s Dream Ice Cream. Mini golf → ice cream → arcade, all in one stop. Well-lit for night play.
Mayday Golf
Near Ocean Drive, NMB | 3 min | 36 holes | Jungle crash theme
Journey through the jungle where Professor Hacker’s plane crashed. 36 holes with an erupting volcano and an animatronic pirate who tells jokes and interacts with players. Waterfalls and cascading scenery. The closest Professor Hacker course to the condo.
Hawaiian Village
Near Hawaiian Rumble, Hwy 17, NMB | 7 min | 18 holes | Hawaiian tropical
Sister course to Hawaiian Rumble but less challenging — more casual, more leisurely. Hawaiian-inspired setting without the championship difficulty. Perfect for very young children or a gentle warm-up before tackling the world’s #1 course next door.
Tribal Island
Harbor View Golf Complex, Little River | 15 min | 36 holes | Tropical/tribal
Located on the far north end near Little River. Two courses: Tiki Bay and Volcano Valley. Not the most challenging but perfectly suited for fun family play. The main draw: it’s less crowded than the Highway 17 courses. When everything else has a wait, Tribal Island is a reliable fallback.
Cancun Lagoon
2101 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach | 20 min | 36 holes | Mayan pyramid
The third Paradise Adventure Golf course, furthest from the condo but included on the Hopper Pass ($25 for all three). A 50-foot Mayan pyramid with indoor sections, colorful wall paintings, and the signature spinners. They sell beer and mini-margaritas, and the course stays open until 11 PM. Best as the third stop on a Hopper Pass day.
Money-Saving Tips
Monster Coupon Book: Free at hotel lobbies, gas stations, and visitor centers all over the Grand Strand. Contains $1–2 off per person at most courses. This should be your first pickup on day one.
Myrtle Beach Mini Golf Trail: A free digital passport at visitmyrtlebeach.com/minigolf covering 30+ courses with discounts and rewards. Sign up before your trip to start saving immediately.
MyrtleBeach.com Digital Coupons: Check for Molten Mountain, Black Pearl, and other course-specific deals.
All-Day Pass ($19.50): Play twice at one course and you’ve saved vs. buying two rounds. Play three times and you’re getting the third round essentially free. Available at Mutiny Bay, Molten Mountain, and Cancun Lagoon.
Hopper Pass ($25): All three Paradise courses in one day. If you have mini-golf-obsessed kids, this is 99 holes across three different themes for $25.
Paradise Passport ($32.00): Three days of unlimited play at all three Paradise courses. Choose your 3 days within a 7-day window. The ultimate value for week-long stays.
Second Round Discounts: Professor Hacker’s offers ~$6 second rounds. Play both the Gold and Diamond courses for under $20.
Play Before 6 PM: Several courses offer early-bird discounts. Check the coupon books for specifics.
Staying at 601 Hillside Dr N puts Mutiny Bay 3 minutes away and Molten Mountain 5 minutes away — close enough to use that All-Day Pass twice in a day without feeling like you’re driving all over the Strand. Check availability for your trip →**
When to Play
Morning (9–11 AM): Less crowded, sometimes cheaper (early bird specials). Good for getting a round in before the beach.
Afternoon (1–4 PM): Hottest, most crowded time. If it’s July, head to Molten Mountain’s indoor course or save mini golf for evening.
Evening (7–9 PM): The sweet spot. Cooler temperatures, great lighting effects, fewer crowds than midday. Volcano eruptions and pirate battles are more dramatic after dark.
Night (9–11 PM): The hidden gem. Courses are least crowded, temperatures are comfortable, and the lighting transforms courses like Dinosaur Adventure and Molten Mountain into something magical. Arrive by 9 PM for a full round before the 11 PM close.
The Mini Golf Masters Championship
Every October, the USPMGA Masters Championship comes to Hawaiian Rumble — the same 18 holes you can play any day of the week. Professional mini golfers compete for a $25,000 cash purse and a green jacket, just like Augusta. The tournament is free and open to the public.
Watching the best putters in the world sink impossible shots on the same greens you struggled with yesterday is a humbling, entertaining experience. If you’re planning an October or early November trip, check the USPMGA schedule and build a morning around it.
Hawaiian Rumble’s celebrity history includes TV appearances on NBC’s Today Show (2002, with Katie Couric and Matt Lauer), the Crook & Chase show (1992), and a filming location for the movie “Chasers” with Dennis Hopper and Tom Berenger (1993).
A Perfect Mini Golf Week
| Day | Course | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Mutiny Bay (All-Day Pass) | Play AM, beach PM, play again after dinner |
| Tuesday | Prof. Hacker’s Lost Treasure | Train ride + both courses with $6 second round |
| Wednesday | Molten Mountain (All-Day Pass) | Indoor AC if hot/rainy, outdoor course at dusk |
| Thursday | Hawaiian Rumble | Championship course, batting cages |
| Friday | Dinosaur Adventure at night | Dinos light up after dark — spectacular |
| Saturday | Black Pearl + ice cream | One-stop Cherry Grove evening |
Six evenings of mini golf. Total per-person cost with All-Day Passes and second-round discounts: roughly $80 for a week of entertainment. That’s the value of vacationing in the Miniature Golf Capital of the World.
Ready to Putt? Book Your Stay First.
601 Hillside Dr N puts you minutes from every mini golf course in this guide — and just a 0.65-mile walk through the Ocean Keyes complex to the beach when you’re done putting. Book your stay and challenge the family to a putt-putt showdown.
Check Availability & Book Your Stay
Questions? Email chad@beachgolflife.com or call (919) 758-4340. I play these courses regularly — happy to help you pick the perfect ones for your family.
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