Myrtle Beach is a well-known coastal destination located on the eastern shoreline of South Carolina in the United States, within Horry County and directly facing the Atlantic Ocean. It forms part of the Grand Strand, a long coastal belt of roughly 95–100 kilometres extending from Little River in the north to the Waccamaw Neck area in the south. The central Myrtle Beach section is characterised by a broad expanse of pale, golden sand, bordered by low dunes, large hotel complexes, and a developed boardwalk area.
Sea conditions are generally moderate with waves suitable for recreational swimming for much of the year. Water temperatures quite vary by season, typically ranging from about 15 °C in winter to nearly 28 °C during summer months. Management of the beach area falls under the City of Myrtle Beach and Horry County authorities, working together with the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. These bodies are responsible for routine maintenance, lifeguard supervision, and enforcement of environmental and coastal use regulations.
Myrtle Beach receives a very high volume of visitors each year, estimated at over nineteen million, attracted by its beaches as well as entertainment districts, golf facilities, and attractions aimed at families. Its location along the U.S. East Coast, combined with extensive transport links and accommodation capacity, has made it one of the main economic centres of coastal tourism in the region. At the same time, long-term concerns such as shoreline erosion and water quality are addressed through ongoing beach nourishment and coastal management programme.
Unique Feature of Myrtle Beach
A notable aspect of Myrtle Beach is its continuous oceanfront boardwalk and promenade, extending for close to 2.4 kilometres. This path runs beside the shoreline and contain a dense mix of the retail shops, eating establishments, amusement arcades as well as the SkyWheel observation attraction, which stands at around 57 metres in height. From this structure, visitors obtain wide views over the coastline and nearby urban area. The boardwalk functions as the main centre of activity and entertainment, combining direct beach access with built-up facilities, a feature that clearly differentiates Myrtle Beach from many other Atlantic coast beaches that remain largely undeveloped and natural in form.
Things to Do at Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach offers a wide selection of leisure, outdoor, and entertainment activities suited to different age groups and interests. Visitors commonly spend time swimming or resting on the broad sandy shoreline, where lifeguard services are provided during the main season. Various water-based activities are available through local operators, including parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and stand-up paddleboarding, depending on weather conditions.
The oceanfront boardwalk, extending for about 2.4 kilometres, is frequently used for walking or cycling and passes a number of shops, amusement arcades, and the SkyWheel, which provides elevated views over the coast. Golf is a major attraction in the area, with more than eighty championship courses located in and around Myrtle Beach, many of them designed by well-known course planners.
Other popular visits include Broadway at the Beach, a large shopping and entertainment area, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Myrtle Beach State Park, which offers quieter surroundings for short walks and bird observation. Food choices in the area are fairly broad especially close to the shoreline, where many restaurants serve seafood, regional Southern meals, as well as a mix of other international dishes. Prices for a standard main course usually fall in the range of about USD 15 to 30 but this can also vary bit by location and season. During the evening hours many visitors choose to spend time at entertainment venues such as the Carolina Opry or the House of Blues, where live shows and music are regularly scheduled. It is also possible to make short trips to nearby places like Brookgreen Gardens or Huntington Beach State Park, which are valued mainly for their natural settings and cultural displays, though facilities there are more limited compared to the main resort area.
Access to Myrtle Beach
Reaching Myrtle Beach is quite generally straightforward with several transport options available. Air travellers usually arrive at Myrtle Beach International Airport, which also usually has some direct services from a number of large U.S. cities; the transfer from the airport to the beachfront area normally takes around ten to fifteen minutes by taxi or ride-share, with fares commonly in the range of USD 15 to 25.
Those travelling by road often come via U.S. Route 17, either from Charleston to the south or Wilmington to the north, while longer inland journeys are supported by connections from Interstate 95 and U.S. 501. Long-distance bus services operated by companies such as Greyhound and Jefferson Lines also stop in Myrtle Beach, linking it with cities including Atlanta and New York, although travel times can be lengthy.
There are public parking areas near the beach, which usually require a daily fee of about USD 5–10, although spaces may be limited during busy times.
Practical Advice
In the summer months and on major holidays, it is recommended to book hotels and popular attractions ahead of time, because spots can fill up quickly. Both U.S. dollars and major credit cards are commonly accepted, and automated teller machines are readily found in the boardwalk area and nearby commercial zones.
Protection from the sun is important because of strong glare from sand and water; high-factor sunscreen, along with hats and sunglasses, should be considered necessary rather than optional. Lifeguard services are typically provided from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and swimming is best restricted to clearly marked areas.
Places to stay near the beach include a range of options, from simple motels costing around USD 80–150 per night, to medium-level hotels and more expensive resorts with rates roughly USD 200–500. Visitors are encouraged to follow environmental rules, avoid leaving litter, and use reef-safe sunscreens.
