Fun Plaza, located at 902 N. Ocean Blvd. in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has served as a continuous entertainment destination since its establishment in 1938. Initially opened as a duckpin bowling alley by Mr. and Mrs. A.E. Jackson, the original wooden structure was rebuilt a decade later, with Johnny Burroughs joining to oversee a bingo parlor alongside Jackson’s snack bar and bowling alley. Known as “Sloppy Joe’s” in the 1940s, the venue played a role in shaping Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a lively vacation spot for both soldiers and college students.
Today, the arcade remains a significant fixture on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk, offering a blend of nostalgic and contemporary amusements. It is home to over 200 games, notably featuring 38 vintage Williams Baseball machines from 1957, alongside modern racing simulators, claw games, Skee-Ball, and video games such as “Tomb Raider” and “HALO Fireteam Raven”. Now operated by the third-generation Waldorf family, Fun Plaza continues to be a cherished family attraction, maintaining its historical charm while adapting to modern conveniences like cashless payment systems. It stands as one of the area’s oldest arcades, drawing generations of visitors year-round to its lively atmosphere.
