Putt-Putt, But Make It Epic
Sure, some of these courses may very well be your grandpa’s mini golf—beloved, timeworn, and full of fiberglass animals that haven’t moved since the Nixon administration. But if you’re looking for mini golf on the East Coast that goes way beyond windmills and clown mouths, you’re in the right place. But the ones on this list? They take things to a whole new level.
We’re talking lava bridges, pirate caves, giant sea serpents, and in at least one case, a working Ferris wheel hole. This roundup focuses on mini golf on the East Coast (and a few wildcards nearby), curated for families looking to turn a quick detour into a core road trip memory.
To make the cut, each course needed to bring one or more of the following:
- Extravagant themes
- Elaborate obstacles (moving parts, water features, oversized props)
- Immersive environments that spark joy, laughter, and maybe a little friendly competition
Our rankings are based on publicly available reviews, guidebooks like Fodor’s and USA Today, and the deep-dive passion of mini golf experts like Dan Caprera and the team behind A Couple of Putts.
Note on Selection & Rankings: Over-the-top appeal is subjective. This list reflects a mix of expert reviews, family-friendly themes, and standout features as described at the time of writing. Conditions and course quality may evolve—some courses update frequently, others may fade, so your mileage (or your putt) may vary.
And if you’re wondering why Myrtle Beach shows up so often—it’s not favoritism, it’s legend. With more than 30 wild and wonderfully themed courses, Myrtle Beach, SC proudly claims the title of miniature golf capital of the world. You’ll find volcanoes, pirates, waterfalls, and at least one animatronic sea serpent waiting for you along its sun-soaked shores.
And if you’re craving more pirate adventures, don’t miss our Pirate-Themed Family Road Trip.
🏌️♂️ 10 Outrageous Mini Golf Courses to Visit on the East Coast
Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Golf – Myrtle Beach, SC
- Description: Located in Myrtle Beach, the “mini golf capital of the world,” this course offers two 18-hole layouts with a mystical Atlantic theme. Players putt through waterfalls, past sea serpents, and over greens five stories high with ocean views. A hole-in-one on the 19th hole earns a spot on the Wall of Awesomeness and free play for life.
- Why It’s Over the Top: The dramatic elevation, theatrical sea creature props, and the fiery volcano from nearby Hawaiian Rumble add to the over-the-top coastal vibe.
- Address: 707 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Par-King Skill Golf – Lincolnshire, IL (Wildcard)
- Description: Often called “The Taj Mahal of Mini Golf,” Par-King features two 18-hole courses with 19 moving obstacles, including a working Ferris wheel, a roller coaster hole, and mini replicas of famous landmarks like the Sears Tower.
- Why It’s Over the Top: The sheer number of mechanical features and precision design elevate it into mini golf legend territory. Ages 8+ only.
- Address: 21711 N Milwaukee Ave, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Around the World / Around the USA – Lake George, NY
- Description: Two separate 18-hole courses let players travel from the Eiffel Tower to the Statue of Liberty. The handmade scenery includes international landmarks and quirky Americana like a Paul Bunyan statue and a giant cowboy boot.
- Why It’s Over the Top: It’s a visual and cultural overload packed into 36 holes, each one with a personality.
- Address: 72 Beach Rd, Lake George, NY 12845
Hawaiian Rumble – Myrtle Beach, SC
- Description: This tropical-themed course features lush landscaping and a towering volcano centerpiece that erupts every 20 minutes. It’s also the annual site of the Mini Golf Masters.
- Why It’s Over the Top: Competitive-level design meets immersive island vibes, plus that roaring volcano!
- Address: 3210 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf – Myrtle Beach, SC
- Description: Inspired by Peter Pan, this fantasy-style course includes waterfalls, pirate ships, and glow-in-the-dark caverns. Players navigate through Skull Cave and Hook’s secret lair.
- Why It’s Over the Top: It combines storytelling with elaborate sets and effects for a theatrical putt-putt experience.
- Address: 2205 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Philly Mini Golf – Philadelphia, PA
- Description: Located in Franklin Square, this course showcases 18 Philly icons including the Liberty Bell, LOVE statue, and Boathouse Row. Even the SEPTA trolley makes an appearance.
- Why It’s Over the Top: It’s a mini history lesson and hometown tribute wrapped in one.
- Address: 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Lava Links Golf Club – D’Iberville, MS (Wildcard)
- Description: This tropical-turned-apocalyptic course features lava bridges, steam effects, and animatronic dinosaurs.
- Why It’s Over the Top: Between glowing magma and Jurassic beasts, it’s a sensory explosion.
- Address: 3780 Sangani Blvd, D’Iberville, MS 39540
Safari Golf – Berlin, CT
- Description: This jungle-themed course immerses players in a lush environment filled with life-sized animal sculptures, cascading waterfalls, and dense foliage.
- Why It’s Over the Top: The combination of realistic safari elements and challenging holes creates an adventurous experience that stands out among mini golf courses.
- Address: 1225 Berlin Turnpike, Berlin, CT 06037
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf – Orlando, FL
- Description: A Disney-themed mini golf course with two sides—one winter, one summer—centered around Santa’s vacation adventures. Expect sandcastles, snowmen, and Christmas lights year-round.
- Why It’s Over the Top: Classic Disney magic meets kitschy holiday overload.
- Address: 1701 W Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Gilligan’s Island Funland – Garden City, SC
- Description: Embracing the classic TV show’s theme, this course offers a tropical island adventure with shipwrecks, bamboo huts, and lagoon-style water features.
- Why It’s Over the Top: The nostalgic theme, combined with detailed set pieces and interactive elements, provides a unique and entertaining mini golf experience.
- Address: 3009 S Highway 17, Garden City, SC 29576
🌟 Honorable Mentions
- Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf – Various Locations: Waterfalls, pirate ships, and treasure hunts.
- Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf – Myrtle Beach, SC: Ride a mining train to the first hole.
- Congo River Golf – Orlando, FL: Live gators + jungle obstacles.
- Haunted Golf – Ocean City, NJ: Indoor, spooky, and family-friendly.
- Monster Mini Golf – Multiple States: Indoor glow golf with campy monsters.
- Jungle Golf – Virginia Beach, VA: Fiberglass animals and retro jungle theme.
- Captain Jack’s Pirate Golf – Bethany Beach, DE: Boardwalk-style pirate fun.
- Shipwreck Golf – Cortland, NY: A full-size shipwreck centerpiece.
I still think back to those mountain-side mini golf showdowns with my dad holding the scorecard like a tour official, and my brother and I scheming like it was the Masters. We never quite beat him, at least not officially, but that wasn’t really the point. He played the part, made it a moment, and gave us a memory we’d laugh about for years.
That’s what miniature golf on a family road trip is really about, not just the wild props and erupting volcanoes, but the joy of hitting pause on the miles, picking up a putter, and launching your very own family championship.
🗺️ Tips for Mini Golf Stops
- Check hours before you go. Some courses (like Par-King) are seasonal.
- Bring quarters. Many courses have arcades and prize machines.
- Indoor glow golf = rainy day hero.
- Pair it with food. Mini golf + milkshakes is peak road trip energy.
- On a road trip? Check out my 25 Best Road Trip Tips
🎉 Final Thoughts: Why Mini Golf on the East Coast Rules
Whether you’re hitting ocean-view holes or descending into haunted basements, mini golf on the East Coast brings the charm, chaos, and creativity that makes family road trips unforgettable. These larger-than-life courses are proof that sometimes, the best detours come with a putter.
