Myrtle Beach is the heart of the Grand Strand, some 60 miles (97 km) of almost unbroken sandy beach on the South Carolina coast between the North Carolina line and Pawleys Island. It is one of America’s classic family beach vacations: wide, gently sloping beaches, an oceanfront boardwalk and the SkyWheel, rows of high-rise resorts with lazy rivers, mini-golf on every corner, outlet malls, theaters and dozens of golf courses within a short drive. Away from the neon there are quieter sides too, from the maritime forest of Myrtle Beach State Park to the salt marshes, seafood restaurants and sculpture gardens of Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island to the south. Summer is busy, hot and lively; spring and fall bring warm sea, lower prices and room on the sand. Hurricane season runs from June to November.
Right now in Myrtle Beach
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Myrtle Beach at a glance
- Best for: family beach vacations, golf, amusements and shows, fishing piers, seafood and easy, good-value resort stays.
- How long: a long weekend for the beach and boardwalk; a week to add golf, state parks, Murrells Inlet and a day in Charleston.
- Best time: May, early June and September to October, with highs of 76–85 °F (24–29 °C) and warm water; July and August are hottest and busiest.
- Getting there: Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is right in town; most visitors drive, via Interstate 95 and US 501 or SC 22.
- Getting around: a car is close to essential; Kings Highway and Ocean Boulevard are the main roads.
- Before you go: entry rules and ESTA, money, tipping and driving are in our United States travel guide.
Grand Strand areas and who each one suits
The City of Myrtle Beach sits in the middle of the Grand Strand, in Horry County (pronounced “OR-ee”). Ocean Boulevard runs along the beach behind the hotels, Kings Highway (US 17 Business) parallels it a few blocks inland, and US 17 Bypass and SC 31 (the Carolina Bays Parkway) carry through traffic. Where you stay matters, because beach rules, taxes and atmosphere change from town to town.
Downtown and the oceanfront Boardwalk
The busiest stretch, around the Boardwalk and the SkyWheel, is packed with high-rise hotels, souvenir shops, arcades, bars and restaurants. Everything is walkable and lively late into the evening in summer. Best for first-timers, teens and anyone who wants to be in the middle of the action; it can be noisy.
North Myrtle Beach and Barefoot Landing
A separate city to the north, North Myrtle Beach has lower-rise condos, beach houses and a calmer pace, plus Barefoot Landing, a waterfront shopping and dining village on the Intracoastal Waterway, and Cherry Grove, with its pier and marsh. Good for families who want space and quieter evenings.
Market Common, Surfside Beach and Garden City
South of downtown, the Market Common is a walkable shopping district built on the old air force base near the airport and Myrtle Beach State Park. Beyond, Surfside Beach and Garden City are relaxed family beach towns with rental homes and fishing piers.
Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island
At the southern end of the Strand, Murrells Inlet is a fishing village known as a seafood capital, with restaurants along the MarshWalk boardwalk, and Pawleys Island is an old, low-key resort of weathered beach houses and hammock shops. Huntington Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens lie between them. Best for couples, nature lovers and anyone who prefers marsh views to neon.
Top things to see in Myrtle Beach
Prices and hours below were checked on the official sites in October 2026, unless we say otherwise; check again before you go.
The beach
The main attraction is the beach itself: wide, firm, pale sand that slopes gently into the Atlantic, with warm water from late May to October and public access points every block or two along Ocean Boulevard. Lifeguards and beach-service stands that rent chairs and umbrellas operate in season. Swimming is usually gentle, but rip currents form on any day, so swim near a lifeguard and learn the flag system. See our beaches guide.
The Boardwalk and the SkyWheel
The oceanfront Boardwalk runs for over a mile (about 2 km) through downtown, from the 14th Avenue Pier to the 2nd Avenue Pier, mixing a wooden promenade over the dunes with shops, bars and restaurants. Its landmark is the SkyWheel, a giant observation wheel with enclosed gondolas that turns over the beach and is lit up at night. Plaza and park areas along the way host free concerts and fireworks in summer; check the city’s events calendar.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Right in town, south of downtown, this South Carolina state park protects about a mile of undeveloped beach in an otherwise built-up county, with a maritime forest of live oaks and wax myrtles, nature trails, a campground, cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and a fishing pier (a separate charge applies for pier fishing). As of October 2026, admission is $8 for adults, $5 for South Carolina seniors (65+) and $4 for children aged 6–15; under-6s are free. From March to November the park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Huntington Beach State Park and Atalaya
About 25 miles (40 km) south, near Murrells Inlet, Huntington Beach State Park has 3 miles of unspoiled beach, salt marsh and freshwater lagoons with alligators, and more than 300 species of birds, making it one of the best birding spots on the East Coast. It also holds Atalaya, the Moorish-style winter home of the philanthropist Archer Huntington and the sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington. As of October 2026 park admission is $8 for adults, $5 for South Carolina seniors and $4 for ages 6–15, and Atalaya costs an extra $2 per person aged 6 and over. The park opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m., extended to 9 p.m. during daylight saving time; Atalaya is open 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (5 p.m. during daylight saving time). An arts and crafts festival has been held here every September for more than 40 years.
Brookgreen Gardens
Across US 17 from Huntington Beach, the Huntingtons also founded Brookgreen Gardens in 1931 on the grounds of four former rice plantations. It is one of the country’s largest collections of American figurative sculpture, set among live oaks, formal gardens and lily ponds, with a small zoo of native animals and creek boat tours through the old rice fields that explain the lives of the enslaved people who worked them. Check its website for current prices and opening hours.
Broadway at the Beach and other attractions
- Broadway at the Beach: a large dining, shopping and entertainment complex around a lake, with an aquarium, a wax museum, mini-golf and nightlife.
- Murrells Inlet MarshWalk: a boardwalk along the marsh lined with seafood restaurants and bars, lovely at sunset.
- Live shows: theaters along the Strand stage variety, music and dinner shows year-round.
- Mini-golf and water parks: dozens of themed mini-golf courses, plus water parks and amusement rides in summer.
Other things to do in Myrtle Beach
Golf
The Grand Strand is one of America’s biggest golf destinations, with dozens of public courses from budget-friendly layouts to championship designs. Spring and fall are peak golf seasons, when stay-and-play packages book up; summer and winter rates are often lower. Book tee times early in the day in summer to avoid the heat and afternoon storms.
Fishing and boat trips
Several ocean piers along the Strand, including the one at Myrtle Beach State Park, sell daily fishing passes. Charter boats and party boats leave from Murrells Inlet and Little River for inshore and deep-sea trips, and dolphin-watching cruises, pirate-ship trips for children and kayak tours of the marshes are popular. See our boat trips guide.
Surfing and water sports
Waves are usually small, making it a good place for beginners, with surf schools and rentals along the Strand; fall storms bring the best swells. In the city, surfers must wear a leash no longer than 7 feet, and no water activity of any kind is allowed within 75 yards (69 m) of a pier. Parasailing, jet skis and banana-boat rides run from the beach and the waterway in summer. See our surfing guide.
Seafood
“Calabash-style” fried seafood (lightly battered shrimp, fish and oysters), Lowcountry boils, she-crab soup and fresh local shrimp are the staples. The all-you-can-eat seafood buffets are a Myrtle Beach tradition; for fresher, simpler cooking head to Murrells Inlet or Little River.
Day trips from Myrtle Beach
Charleston
Charleston, about 95 miles (153 km) south on US 17, a 2- to 2½-hour drive, is the best day trip or onward stop: historic streets, Fort Sumter, plantations and great restaurants. See our Charleston travel guide. On the way, the small port town of Georgetown has a pretty historic waterfront and rice museum.
Conway and the Waccamaw River
Inland, the old county seat of Conway has a riverwalk along the blackwater Waccamaw River, shaded by cypress and live oaks, and a small historic downtown. Kayak and boat tours explore the river’s swamps.
Wilmington and the North Carolina coast
About 75 miles (121 km) north, Wilmington, North Carolina, has a riverfront historic district and the battleship USS North Carolina, with Wrightsville and Carolina beaches nearby.
Nearby destinations
- Charleston142 km
- Hilton Head Island243 km
- Savannah278 km
Getting there and getting around
By air
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is on the south side of the city, just a few minutes from the oceanfront, and has nonstop flights from many US cities, with more routes in summer. Rental cars, taxis and rideshares are available at the terminal. Larger airports within driving distance are Charleston (about 2 hours) and Wilmington, North Carolina (about 1½ hours).
By car
Most visitors drive. From Interstate 95, take US 501 from Dillon via Conway, or SC 22 (the Veterans Highway) into the north end of the city; US 17 runs the length of the coast. On summer Saturdays, when weekly rentals change over, US 501 and the bridges over the Intracoastal Waterway are heavily congested; travel early or late. There is no passenger rail service to Myrtle Beach.
Getting around and parking
A car is the easiest way to explore the Strand; distances are long and public transport is limited. Downtown and on the oceanfront, the city charges for parking at meters and lots in season; most hotels have their own parking, sometimes for a fee. Ocean Boulevard is slow in summer evenings; Kings Highway and the bypasses are quicker. Walking, bikes and rideshares work well within downtown and the Boardwalk area.
Myrtle Beach beach rules
Beach rules are set by each town and differ along the Strand. These are the City of Myrtle Beach’s ordinances, as published by the Myrtle Beach Police Department in October 2026; violations can lead to fines.
- No alcohol: possessing or drinking beer, wine or liquor on the public beach is prohibited.
- No glass: no glass bottles or glassware on the beach or beach accesses.
- No fireworks on any public beach in the city.
- Dogs: not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. between May 1 and Labor Day; at other times they must be on a hand-held leash no longer than 7 feet. Service animals are exempt from the time limits.
- Tents and umbrellas: shade devices may be up to 12 by 12 feet (144 square feet) and 9 feet high, at least 10 feet from any other, and must not block lifeguards’ view; from Memorial Day through Labor Day only round umbrellas are allowed.
- Piers: no swimming, surfing or other water activity within 75 yards of a pier.
North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and the unincorporated parts of Horry County have their own rules; check the local government’s site where you stay.
When to go and how long to stay
Myrtle Beach has hot, humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and mild winters with occasional cold snaps. The table uses NOAA’s 1991–2020 climate normals for the weather station at the North Myrtle Beach airport (Grand Strand Airport), which is representative of the beachfront: average daily highs and lows, and days with at least 0.1 inch (2.5 mm) of rain.
| Season | Average high / low | Wet days per month | What it’s like | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 56–59 °F (13–15 °C) / 37–40 °F (3–4 °C) | 5–6 | Cool and quiet; some attractions on reduced hours | Golf, low rates, long-stay “snowbird” deals |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 65–79 °F (18–26 °C) / 45–62 °F (7–17 °C) | 4.5–6 | Warming fast; sea still cool until May | Golf, the first beach days, spring festivals |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 85–88 °F (29–31 °C) / 70–74 °F (21–23 °C) | 7–8 | Hot and humid, with afternoon storms; peak crowds | Beach, water parks, boat trips |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 83 °F falling to 66 °F (28–19 °C) / 68 °F falling to 46 °F (20–8 °C) | 5–6 | Warm sea in September and October; peak hurricane risk early on | Beach, golf, fishing, lower prices |
The station averages about 48.5 inches (1,231 mm) of rain a year, and August and September are the wettest months, with over 6 inches (150 mm) each. Sea temperatures are warmest in August, in the low 80s °F (27–28 °C).
Hurricane season: according to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October and the peak around September 10. The Grand Strand has seen major storms, including Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hurricane Florence’s flooding in 2018. If a storm threatens, follow the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service, know your evacuation zone, obey evacuation orders from the governor and Horry County (the main evacuation routes are US 501 and SC 22), and consider travel insurance.
Events worth planning around
- May: motorcycle rallies bring big crowds and noise to parts of the Strand; check dates if you want a quiet stay.
- Summer: regular fireworks and free concerts along the Boardwalk and at Broadway at the Beach.
- September: the arts and crafts festival at Huntington Beach State Park.
- November and December: holiday light shows and festivals around the area.
How long to stay: 3, 5 and 7 days
3 days: two beach days with the Boardwalk, SkyWheel and Broadway at the Beach in the evenings, plus a morning at Myrtle Beach State Park. 5 days: add Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens and sunset dinner on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, and a round of golf or a fishing or dolphin trip. 7 days: add a day trip to Charleston and a quiet afternoon in Pawleys Island or on the Waccamaw River at Conway.
Where to stay in Myrtle Beach and the hotel taxes
- Oceanfront downtown: high-rise resorts with pools and lazy rivers, walking distance to the Boardwalk.
- Ocean Boulevard north of downtown: slightly quieter oceanfront resorts and condos.
- North Myrtle Beach: condos and beach houses for families and groups.
- Surfside, Garden City, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island: rental homes, quieter beaches and better seafood.
- Inland along US 501 and Kings Highway: cheaper chain hotels a short drive from the sand.
Summer weeks and holiday weekends are the most expensive, and many condos and houses rent Saturday to Saturday. Room rates are quoted before tax. According to the South Carolina Department of Revenue, lodging pays the 5% state sales tax plus a 2% state accommodations tax, plus local sales taxes; in the City of Myrtle Beach these include Horry County’s 1% education and 1% transportation taxes and the city’s 1% Tourism Development Fee, for a state-collected total of 10%. The city also collects a 0.5% local accommodations tax and a 1% hospitality fee, and Horry County’s 1.5% hospitality fee applies inside the city too, according to the City of Myrtle Beach: about 13% in total as of October 2026. Rates differ in North Myrtle Beach and other towns. Many resorts add a nightly resort fee; check the full price before you book.
Practical tips for Myrtle Beach
- Avoid Saturday traffic: arrive and leave midweek if you can, or very early on Saturdays.
- Read the beach flags: rip currents are the main hazard; if caught, swim parallel to the shore and signal for help.
- Sun and heat: the summer sun is strong; use high-factor sunscreen, drink plenty of water and seek shade at midday.
- Fill holes and leave no trace: deep holes in the sand are dangerous for people and nesting sea turtles; take your trash and gear home.
- Safety: the oceanfront is busy and generally safe; use normal city sense late at night around downtown bars, don’t leave valuables on the beach or in sight in cars, and swim near lifeguards.
- Tipping and taxes: 18–22% is usual at sit-down restaurants. According to the city, the total tax on a restaurant meal inside city limits is 11.5%. More in our United States travel guide.
- Emergencies: call 911.
What to pack for Myrtle Beach
Pack swimwear, a rash guard for children, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and plenty of reef-friendly, high-factor sunscreen; a beach bag, sandals and a refillable water bottle are useful every day. Bring light, breathable clothes for summer, a compact umbrella or rain jacket for thunderstorms and a light sweater for air-conditioned restaurants and theaters. Golfers should pack their own shoes and a cap, and anglers a hat and polarized glasses. From November to March, add a warm jacket for evenings. Insect repellent helps at dusk near the marshes and in the state parks.
Myrtle Beach travel FAQ
Is alcohol allowed on Myrtle Beach?
No. City ordinances ban possessing or drinking alcohol on the public beach, and glass containers are banned on the beach and beach accesses too.
Can I take my dog on the beach in Myrtle Beach?
Yes, outside 10 a.m.–5 p.m. from May 1 to Labor Day, and at any time the rest of the year, on a leash no longer than 7 feet. North Myrtle Beach and other towns have their own rules.
Are tents allowed on Myrtle Beach?
From Memorial Day through Labor Day only round umbrellas are allowed. At other times, shade devices up to 12 by 12 feet and 9 feet high are allowed, at least 10 feet apart.
What is the hotel tax in Myrtle Beach?
About 13% inside the city as of October 2026: 10% collected by the state (state sales and accommodations taxes, county taxes and the city’s Tourism Development Fee), plus the city’s 0.5% accommodations tax and 1% hospitality fee and the county’s 1.5% hospitality fee.
How much does Myrtle Beach State Park cost?
As of October 2026, $8 for adults, $5 for South Carolina seniors and $4 for children aged 6–15; under-6s are free. Pier fishing costs extra.
When is the best time to visit Myrtle Beach?
May, early June, September and October bring warm weather and sea with fewer crowds and lower prices. July and August are hottest and busiest.
When is hurricane season in Myrtle Beach?
From June 1 to November 30, according to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October. Follow forecasts and obey evacuation orders.
Do I need a car in Myrtle Beach?
Almost certainly. Downtown and the Boardwalk are walkable, but the Grand Strand is long, attractions are spread out and public transport is limited.
How far is Myrtle Beach from Charleston?
About 95 miles (153 km) on US 17, a 2- to 2½-hour drive depending on traffic.
Plan your trip
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Sources
Researched and last reviewed on October 4, 2026. Beach rules: the City of Myrtle Beach (Myrtle Beach Police Department); state park fees and hours: South Carolina State Parks; accommodations and sales taxes: the South Carolina Department of Revenue and the City of Myrtle Beach; hurricane season: NOAA’s National Hurricane Center; climate: NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for the North Myrtle Beach airport station. Brookgreen Gardens and SkyWheel prices were not verified; area descriptions, distances, airline routes, golf course counts and event dates are general references and flagged for checking. Prices, hours and rules change, so check the official sites before you go. For entry rules, money and general safety, see our United States travel guide.
Data: Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch · Rates: ECB · Holidays: Nager.Date · Costs: World Bank ICP and price levels · Wikidata (CC0)