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Overview
Myrtle Beach sits at the heart of the Grand Strand, a nearly 60-mile arc of Atlantic coastline in northeastern South Carolina. Despite a resident population of around 31,000, the city swells dramatically during summer when millions of visitors come for its wide, sandy beaches, warm ocean water, and a resort infrastructure built around family-friendly leisure.
The city is organized into several distinct districts. Downtown and the Boardwalk area offer the densest concentration of amusements, restaurants, and bars. North Myrtle Beach and South Myrtle Beach (sometimes called The Strip) each have their own character—the former is quieter and more residential, the latter more commercial. The Myrtle Beach area is also one of the most golf-dense destinations in the United States, with well over 80 courses within a short drive.
Myrtle Beach is a genuinely unpretentious, activity-oriented destination. Visitors who expect a quiet, untouched shoreline may be surprised by the density of hotels, chain restaurants, and tourist attractions along US-17 (Business). Those who embrace the carnival atmosphere—mini-golf, arcades, live theater, water parks, and fresh seafood buffets—tend to enjoy it enormously.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Myrtle Beach is a domestic US destination. International travelers entering the United States should check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official US Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) for current entry requirements, as rules vary significantly by nationality.
Weather
Myrtle Beach has a humid subtropical climate. Summers (June–August) are hot and humid, with daytime temperatures commonly reaching the upper 80s°F (low 30s°C) and sea-surface temperatures warm enough for comfortable swimming. Hurricanes and tropical storms are a genuine seasonal risk from June through November; monitor NOAA forecasts if traveling during this period. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and lower humidity. Winters are mild by mid-Atlantic standards but can have chilly stretches; many attractions operate on reduced schedules or close entirely between December and February.
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen — UV exposure is intense on the open beach
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for summer visits
- A rain layer; afternoon thunderstorms are common June through August
- Water shoes if you plan to walk the shoreline near rock jetties
- An extra layer for winter evenings, which can dip into the 40s°F
Health
No vaccinations are required for domestic US travel. Jellyfish and stinging sea nettles appear seasonally; check beach flag warnings before swimming. Rip currents are a hazard along this stretch of coast—always observe the posted flag system and swim near a lifeguarded beach.
Getting There
By Air
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is served by several US carriers with nonstop flights from many East Coast and Midwest cities, as well as select other domestic markets. Verify current routes and schedules directly with airlines, as service is highly seasonal. The airport is located within the city limits, roughly 3 miles from the beachfront.
By Car
The majority of visitors drive to Myrtle Beach. From the north, Interstate 95 connects to US-501 or SC-31 (Carolina Bays Parkway), which feeds directly into the Grand Strand. From Charlotte (approximately 3 hours) and Raleigh (approximately 4 hours), US-74 and US-501 are common routes. Parking in summer is competitive along Ocean Boulevard; many hotels charge daily parking fees. Verify parking policies when booking.
By Bus
Greyhound and other intercity bus services connect Myrtle Beach to larger regional hubs. Schedules and stops change; verify current service on the carrier's official website before booking.
By Train
Myrtle Beach does not have Amtrak service. The nearest Amtrak station is in Florence, South Carolina (roughly 75 miles west), which sits on the Silver Service/Palmetto and Carolinian corridors.
Getting Around
Car
A personal vehicle or rental car is the most practical way to navigate the Grand Strand. The main north–south corridors are US-17 Business (Ocean Boulevard / Kings Highway near the beach), US-17 Bypass (faster but inland), and SC-31. Summer traffic on US-17 Business can be very slow, especially on weekend afternoons. Build extra time into any itinerary.
Rideshare and Taxis
Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) operate in Myrtle Beach and are generally reliable in the main tourist zones. Availability may be limited late at night or during peak events.
The Strand
The Coast RTA (Ride The Strand) operates fixed-route bus service throughout the Grand Strand, including routes along Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway. It is a low-cost option for getting between neighborhoods without driving. Verify current routes, fares, and schedules at coastrta.com or locally.
Bicycles and Golf Carts
Rental bicycles and street-legal golf carts are popular for short trips along the beachfront. Confirm local ordinances before operating a golf cart on public roads, as regulations apply.
Things to See & Do
The Beach
The beach itself is the primary draw. Ocean Boulevard runs parallel to the shoreline through the heart of the city, and beach access points are plentiful. Lifeguards are on duty at designated areas during summer; always check the beach flag system before entering the water. Surfing, paddleboarding, parasailing, jet skiing, and kayak rentals are widely available from beachfront operators—verify pricing and licensing requirements locally.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk stretches approximately 1.2 miles along the oceanfront between 2nd Avenue Pier and 14th Avenue North. It is a genuine public promenade with ocean views, restaurants, amusements, and the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach—a large enclosed Ferris wheel. The Boardwalk is free to walk; individual attractions have their own admission fees.
Golf
The Myrtle Beach area hosts more than 80 golf courses ranging from municipal-style tracks to nationally ranked resort layouts. Many golf vacation packages bundle lodging with rounds; compare options through local golf booking services and verify current green fees directly with courses.
Family Attractions
- Broadway at the Beach: A large outdoor shopping and entertainment complex with restaurants, mini-golf, an aquarium (Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach), and live entertainment venues. Verify current tenants and hours locally.
- Myrtle Waves Water Park and Wild Water & Wheels (check seasonal operation status): Outdoor water parks popular with families in summer.
- Pavilion Nostalgia Park: A small amusement area near the Boardwalk referencing the former Myrtle Beach Pavilion.
- Myrtle Beach State Park: Located about 3 miles south of downtown, this 312-acre park offers a less-developed beach section, nature trails through maritime forest, fishing, and camping. South Carolina State Park pass or day-use fee applies; verify at southcarolinaparks.com.
Live Entertainment
Myrtle Beach has a long tradition of live theater and music venues. Productions at venues like the Alabama Theatre and the Carolina Opry have drawn visitors for decades; verify current show schedules and ticket prices directly with each theater as programming changes seasonally.
Fishing
Several fishing piers operate along the Grand Strand, including the Second Avenue Pier and Apache Pier (one of the longer wooden piers on the East Coast). Pier fishing typically requires a daily fee; verify locally. Offshore and nearshore charter fishing trips depart from several marinas in the area.
Food & Drink
Seafood
Fresh and fried seafood is central to the local food culture. Myrtle Beach is particularly known for its all-you-can-eat seafood buffets, a format that has been a regional institution for decades. Offerings typically include crab legs, shrimp, oysters, and fried fish alongside Southern side dishes. Quality varies considerably; asking locals or checking recent reviews is worthwhile.
Beyond buffets, the area has a growing number of independent restaurants serving Low Country cuisine—dishes rooted in the culinary traditions of coastal South Carolina and Georgia. Shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, Lowcountry boil, and fried green tomatoes appear on many menus.
The Restaurant Landscape
US-17 Business and the roads around Broadway at the Beach have a heavy concentration of national chain restaurants. Independent and locally owned options tend to cluster in the Boardwalk area, along Ocean Boulevard, and in the quieter neighborhoods of North Myrtle Beach. The Family Kingdom and Murrels Inlet areas (south of the city) have reputations for more characterful, local dining.
Drinking
South Carolina allows liquor sales at licensed establishments; bars and restaurants on the Boardwalk and along Ocean Boulevard can be lively at night, particularly in summer. The legal drinking age in the United States is 21; valid government-issued ID is required. A handful of craft breweries operate in the greater Myrtle Beach area—verify current locations and hours locally.
Shopping
Myrtle Beach is a significant retail destination for the region. The two Tanger Outlets complexes (one near the Coastal Grande Mall area, one at Hwy 501) offer a wide selection of factory-outlet stores. Verify current store directories and hours at tangeroutlet.com.
Broadway at the Beach functions as an outdoor lifestyle shopping and entertainment district with a mix of national and novelty retailers. The Boardwalk area has souvenir and beach goods shops in abundance.
For local crafts, artwork, and antiques, the areas south of the city—particularly Murrels Inlet and Pawleys Island—offer smaller galleries and independent shops that are a departure from the resort-strip aesthetic.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In the United States, dial 911 for all police, fire, and medical emergencies. The Grand Strand Medical Center is one of the area's main hospitals; verify the nearest urgent care facility to your accommodation on arrival.
Tipping
Tipping is customary and expected in the United States. Standard practice is 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, a few dollars per night for hotel housekeeping, and a similar amount for taxi and rideshare drivers.
Internet and Connectivity
Wi-Fi is widely available at hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops throughout the city. US mobile networks (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) provide generally strong coverage in the beachfront and main commercial areas. International visitors should verify roaming agreements with their home carrier.
Accessibility
Myrtle Beach has made efforts toward beach accessibility. Beach wheelchairs are available through the city's recreation department at certain access points during summer months—verify current locations and any reservation requirements through the City of Myrtle Beach's official website (cityofmyrtlebeach.com). The Boardwalk surface is paved and generally accessible.
Seasonal Closures and Events
Several major events draw large crowds and affect hotel pricing and availability significantly—among them Bike Week (spring and fall), Carolina Country Music Fest, and various golf tournaments. If you are not attending these events, checking the event calendar before booking your dates is advisable.
Safety
Myrtle Beach is a heavily visited tourist destination, and like any such area it experiences petty theft, vehicle break-ins, and occasional more serious incidents. Exercise standard urban precautions: do not leave valuables visible in parked cars, be aware of your surroundings at night on and around Ocean Boulevard, and keep an eye on belongings on the beach.
Ocean safety is a meaningful concern. Rip currents account for the majority of beach rescues along the Grand Strand. Always swim at lifeguarded beaches, understand the beach flag warning system (red = high hazard, yellow = moderate hazard, purple = dangerous marine life present), and never swim alone or at night when lifeguards are off duty.
During hurricane season (June–November), monitor the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) if a storm develops in the Atlantic. South Carolina has established evacuation routes and zone systems; familiarize yourself with the zone for your accommodation and follow all official guidance if an evacuation order is issued.
