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Myrtle Beach is a coastal city in Horry County, South Carolina — not North Carolina, despite sitting close to the state line. It anchors the Grand Strand, a roughly 60-mile arc of barrier-island beaches along the Atlantic coast. The city is one of the most visited tourist destinations on the East Coast, drawing millions of visitors each year primarily for its beaches, golf, and family-oriented entertainment.
The city itself has a distinctly commercial character: Ocean Boulevard and US-17 are lined with hotels, outlet malls, mini-golf courses, go-kart tracks, and chain restaurants. That density of activity makes it particularly popular with families and groups looking for a self-contained vacation hub where attractions are easy to reach without much planning.
Beyond the boardwalk atmosphere, Myrtle Beach also has a sizable year-round community, functioning state parks, nature preserves, and access to tidal creeks and waterways that offer a quieter side of the Grand Strand. Visitors willing to explore slightly beyond the main strip will find more variety than the resort-heavy center suggests.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Myrtle Beach is a US destination. For visa and entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) or the US Department of State (travel.state.gov). Requirements vary significantly by nationality.
Weather and Seasons
- Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, with temperatures frequently in the upper 80s to low 90s°F. Peak tourist season — expect higher accommodation prices and larger crowds. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
- Spring and Fall: Generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and thinner crowds. Hurricane season officially runs June 1–November 30; the peak threat period is August through October.
- Winter (December–February): Mild by East Coast standards but not beach weather. Many attractions scale back hours or close seasonally. Some visitors come specifically for the quiet and lower rates.
What to Pack
Sunscreen with high SPF is essential year-round. Beach footwear, light clothing in summer, and a layer or light jacket in spring and fall are advisable. If visiting during peak summer, insect repellent can be useful near coastal marshes.
Getting There
By Air
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is the primary gateway and is served by several major and regional carriers with direct flights from many US cities. Verify current routes and schedules directly with airlines, as seasonal service varies considerably.
By Car
Most visitors drive to Myrtle Beach. The city is accessible via US Highway 17 running along the coast, and US-501 and SC-22 (the Carolina Bays Parkway) connecting to I-95 inland. From Charlotte, NC, the drive is roughly 3.5–4 hours; from Columbia, SC, approximately 2 hours. Traffic on US-17 through the resort strip can be very slow during summer peak periods.
By Bus
Greyhound and other intercity bus services connect Myrtle Beach to regional cities. Verify current schedules and stops on the operators' official websites before travel.
Getting Around
Car
A personal vehicle or rental car is the most practical way to get around Myrtle Beach and explore the broader Grand Strand. Parking availability varies significantly by season — oceanfront lots and garages fill quickly in summer.
The Myrtle Beach Area Regional Transit Authority (BCDCOG / Coast RTA)
Coast RTA operates bus routes throughout the Myrtle Beach area. The system is most useful for travel along the main coastal corridor. Verify current routes, fares, and schedules at the official Coast RTA website before relying on this option.
Rideshare and Taxis
Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) operate in Myrtle Beach and are generally reliable in the more densely visited areas. Traditional taxis are available but less prevalent than rideshare.
Biking and Walking
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade — stretching roughly 1.2 miles along the oceanfront — is a pleasant pedestrian area. The broader city, however, is car-oriented and not particularly walkable between major attractions.
Where to Stay
Myrtle Beach has an enormous inventory of accommodation, ranging from large oceanfront resort hotels and condo-style rental towers to budget motels along US-17, vacation rental homes, and campgrounds. The choice largely depends on budget, group size, and how central a location you want.
Oceanfront properties on or near Ocean Boulevard command premium prices in summer and offer direct beach access. Properties a block or two inland are typically less expensive but still within easy walking distance of the beach. The northern end of the Grand Strand (North Myrtle Beach) and the southern end (Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island) tend to be quieter and less commercial than central Myrtle Beach.
Book well in advance for summer travel, particularly around major holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day) when availability tightens significantly and prices rise. Verify current rates and cancellation policies directly with properties or through reputable booking platforms.
Things to See & Do
Beaches and Outdoors
- Myrtle Beach State Park: A preserved stretch of beachfront south of the main tourist strip, with maritime forest, nature trails, fishing, and camping. One of the quieter beach access points in the area.
- Huntington Beach State Park: Located about 16 miles south near Murrells Inlet, it is widely regarded as one of South Carolina's finest state parks, with excellent birding, an estuary, and a broad undeveloped beach.
- Brookgreen Gardens: Adjacent to Huntington Beach State Park, this National Historic Landmark features one of the largest outdoor sculpture collections in the United States, set within formal gardens and wetland habitats. Admission fees apply — verify current pricing on the official site.
Boardwalk and Amusements
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk connects the SkyWheel (a large Ferris wheel) to Plyler Park and the downtown area. The surrounding blocks contain arcades, carnival-style rides, souvenir shops, and restaurants — the classic seaside amusement district experience.
Golf
The Grand Strand region has over 80 golf courses, making it one of the most concentrated golf destinations in the United States. Courses range from resort-style championship layouts to more affordable public options. Many offer online tee-time booking.
Water Activities
Kayak and paddleboard rentals, parasailing, fishing charters, and jet ski rentals are available through numerous operators along the beachfront and at area marinas. Verify operator licensing and safety practices before booking.
Food & Drink
Myrtle Beach's dining scene is dominated by casual, family-friendly restaurants and seafood-centric establishments. Fresh seafood is the local specialty — shrimp, flounder, crab, and oysters feature heavily on menus across the area.
Murrells Inlet, about 12 miles south of central Myrtle Beach, is known locally as the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina." The inlet's MarshWalk is a waterfront boardwalk lined with independent seafood restaurants that offer a noticeably less commercialized dining atmosphere than the Myrtle Beach strip.
The main resort strip along Ocean Boulevard and US-17 Business is lined with chain restaurants alongside local spots. All-you-can-eat seafood buffets are a long-standing Myrtle Beach tradition, though the quality varies considerably — local reviews and recent visitor feedback are the best guide.
For a broader range of cuisine, the Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex and the Market Common district (a redeveloped former Air Force base with a walkable town-center layout) both have collections of dining options worth exploring.
Shopping
Shopping is a major draw for many Myrtle Beach visitors. The area hosts several large outlet and retail destinations:
- Tanger Outlets: There are two Tanger Outlet centers in the Myrtle Beach area (Hwy 17 and along US-501). These large outlet malls include a wide range of national brand stores. Verify current tenants and hours on the Tanger website.
- Broadway at the Beach: A large open-air entertainment and retail complex near the center of the city, featuring specialty shops, chain stores, restaurants, and attractions.
- Market Common: A more neighborhood-oriented shopping district built on the site of the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, with a mix of national retailers and local businesses in a walkable setting.
- Barefoot Landing (North Myrtle Beach): A waterfront retail and entertainment complex in the northern part of the Grand Strand with shops, restaurants, and live entertainment venues.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
For any emergency in the United States, call 911. This connects to police, fire, and medical emergency services.
Connectivity
Cell coverage from major US carriers is generally reliable throughout Myrtle Beach. Free Wi-Fi is widely available at hotels and many public areas.
Tipping
Standard US tipping customs apply. A gratuity of 18–20% is customary at sit-down restaurants; tipping housekeeping, bellhops, and tour operators is also standard practice.
Accessibility
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is paved and accessible. Many hotels have ADA-compliant rooms and facilities. Beach wheelchair rentals are available through some local organizations — verify availability with Horry County or local nonprofits before your visit.
Taxes
South Carolina has a state sales tax, and Horry County and Myrtle Beach levy additional local and accommodations taxes on top of state rates. Verify current rates through official county and state tax authority sources.
Safety
Myrtle Beach is a heavily visited tourist destination and is generally safe in the main resort and boardwalk areas, particularly during daytime hours. Like any large tourist city, petty theft and opportunistic crime can occur in crowded areas — keep valuables secured and be aware of your surroundings.
Ocean swimming carries inherent risks. Rip currents are present along the Grand Strand and are responsible for most water-related emergencies. Pay close attention to posted beach flag warnings:
- Green: Low hazard
- Yellow: Medium hazard
- Red: High hazard — swimming not advised
- Double red or purple: Water closed to swimmers or dangerous marine life present
Always swim near a staffed lifeguard station when possible. Lifeguard coverage is seasonal — verify which beaches are staffed during your visit.
Hurricane preparedness: If visiting during hurricane season, monitor the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) and follow any local evacuation orders promptly.
