Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is one of the most popular destinations for Americans to visit in their own country - 14 million people visit this warm, sandy destination by the sea each year and is becoming more popular with international tourists. When you visit you will know why straightaway.
With over sixty miles of pristine sandy beaches, warm sunshine and plenty of things to do for everyone in every age group Myrtle Beach is the ideal vacation destination.
Starting with the beaches...
North Myrtle Beach:
The true jewel of Carolina's coastline, North Myrtle is a stunning natural landscape of unspoilt beaches, great resorts, plenty of golfing facilities, shopping and fine dining. There is a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes from hotels to vacation rentals.
Surfside Beach:
A two-mile beach just south of Myrtle Beach, on the Atlantic Ocean, and in the heart of the Grand Strand. You will find a lively community of restaurants, shopping and activities close by.
Garden City:
Situated between Murrells Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean, Garden City offers fishing and golf plus a variety of attractions and activities aimed especially at families. Garden City lies ten miles of Myrtle Beach.
Attractions:
Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach:
The ONLY seaside amusement park in Myrtle Beach. Plenty of rides for all ages which will be sure to get your adrenalin pumping.
Family Kingdom Water Park, Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach:
A great seaside waterpark with waterslides galore. Everyone loves a waterslide and this place suits all ages.
Air Boingo (bungee jumping)Chester Street Myrtle Beach:
Speaks for itself. For true adventure seekers.
Live Shows:
- Carolina Opry, 8901 Hwy 17, Myrtle Beach. (THE show to see!)
- Dixie Stampede, 8901 B Hwy 17 Business, Myrtle Beach
- High Steppin Country, 5901 S. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach
- Legends in Concert, 301 Hwy 17 South, Surfside Beach
Day Trips:
- Capt. Dicks Deep Sea Fishing & Water Sports, Waterfront Bus. Hwy 17, Murrells Inlet
- Great American Riverboat Co., Barefoot Landing, Myrtle Beach
- Marlin Quay Marina - Sport Fishing & Parasailing, 1319 South Waccamaw Dr Garden City Beach
- Ripley's Aquarium (Sea Aquarium),Broadway at the Beach 1110 Celebrity Square Myrtle Beach
Golf:
Myrtle Beach is synonymous with all things golfing. There are 100 golf courses in the Strand area and a variety of packages and golfing schools to choose from.
- Buccaneer Bay Miniature Golf ,6001 S. Kings Hwy. Myrtle Beach
- Gilligan’s Island Funland, 3009 Hwy 17S, Garden City
- Harbor Light Golf, 701 Hwy 17N, Myrtle Beach
- Jungle Caverns Miniature Golf, 4201 N. Kings Hwy. Myrtle Beach
- Pelican Point Mini Golf, 4600 Hwy. 17 S. N. Myrtle Beach
Shopping:
Head out to Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach for some great shopping. Plenty of smaller specialty shops as well for those who like to spend.
Eating Out:
With over 2000 restaurants here you will never go hungry. Everything from Italian, to steakhouses, to traditional country cooking to the areas well known seafood restaurants. Make sure you book your tables in advance though as these places are popular!
Nightlife:
Dance the night away in one of the many nightclubs or see a live show. Tip: Nightclubs charge an average of $10.00 admission.
Some things to remember when visiting Myrtle Beach:
- Swimming is prohibited beyond 50 yards from the beach or over shoulder depth unless otherwise stated by a lifeguard. Jumping or diving from the piers is not permitted at all. Only canvas rafts may be used in the ocean and must be equipped with safety ropes. Swimwear is subject to city ordinances in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach. Thong/G-string bathing suits are strictly prohibited.
- Glass containers of any kind are prohibited on the Beach
- It is illegal for any person under 21 years of age to buy, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages. Open containers or beer or liquor are prohibited in any public place including streets, sidewalks and in the beach areas.
Getting Here:
By Air: Most airlines flying into Myrtle Beach fly into the Atlanta hub of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. US AIR and DELTA provide the majority of the services to Myrtle Beach. They can get you to Myrtle Beach from most places in the USA and Europe. US AIR connections are via Charlotte, DELTA connections are through Atlanta.
By Car:
U.S Highways 17 and 501, and S.C Highways 9 and 544 provide direct access to the Myrtle Beach area. An additional route, Veterans Highway ( SC 22 ), opened in 2001 and provides easy access from U.S. 501 ( west of Conway ) to U.S. 17 Business at the north end of Myrtle Beach. Interstate travelers use I-95 or I-20 to arrive within close proximity to the Grand Strand, where they pick up a direct route to the area. Once in Myrtle Beach, Ocean Blvd and Kings Hwy ( also known as Business Hwy 17 ) run north and south along the Grand Strand parallel to the Atlantic Ocean. Highway 17 Bypass, a busy section of highway referred to by locals as simply 'the Bypass', is the Grand Strand's westernmost route running parallel to the ocean.
Around Myrtle Beach:
The local bus service in Myrtle Beach is available through Lymo which offers transportation along major thoroughfares and also to and from the Grand Strand and neighboring towns. The Lymo buses travel on 22 routes servicing the Coastal Carolina region, including Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Conway, Loris, and Aynor.
Photo courtesy of Myrtle Beach Tourism
