Baltimore, MD
A Journey guide to
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach, SC, US
Quick Guide to Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is the undisputed capital of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile arc of Atlantic coastline stretching along the northern South Carolina coast. It is one of the most visited beach destinations on the East Coast, drawing tens of millions of visitors each year with a combination of wide sandy beaches, a bustling boardwalk, and an entertainment corridor unlike anything else in the region. The city wears its resort identity proudly and without apology.
Golf is woven into the very fabric of Myrtle Beach. The Grand Strand area is home to more than 80 golf courses, ranging from championship layouts designed by legends like Arnold Palmer and Greg Norman to accessible public tracks that welcome beginners. This density of courses has made Myrtle Beach one of the top golf destinations in the United States, attracting dedicated players from across the country and internationally.
Beyond the beach and the fairways, Myrtle Beach delivers a full-throttle entertainment experience. Broadway at the Beach is a sprawling open-air complex of restaurants, shops, and attractions. The SkyWheel on the boardwalk offers panoramic views over the Atlantic. Ripley's Aquarium, mini-golf courses, arcades, and live music venues fill out an itinerary that keeps families and groups occupied well beyond the shoreline.
The dining scene leans heavily into the local seafood tradition. All-you-can-eat seafood buffets are a regional institution, but the area also supports a growing roster of chef-driven restaurants serving Low Country staples like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried flounder. Myrtle Beach attracts families, golf groups, couples seeking a laid-back beach escape, and budget-conscious travelers looking for maximum value on the Atlantic coast.
Quebec, Canada
New Orleans, LA
Folly Mojave, CA
Baltimore, MD
Quebec, Canada
New Orleans, LA
Folly Mojave, CA
Joshua Tree, CA
Comfort, TX
New Orleans, LA
Lexington, KY
Joshua Tree, CA
Comfort, TX
New Orleans, LA
Lexington, KY
Sumba, Indonesia
Newport, RI
Dolores, CO
Dolores, CO
Sumba, Indonesia
Newport, RI
Dolores, CO
Dolores, CO
Guerneville, CA
Wimberley, TX
Johnson City, TX
Dolores, CO
Guerneville, CA
Wimberley, TX
Johnson City, TX
Dolores, CO
Yucca Valley, CA
Malibu, CA
Heber City, UT
Dolores, CO
Yucca Valley, CA
Malibu, CA
Heber City, UT
Dolores, CO
Hi, we’re Journey.
Journey connects travelers to a curated network of boutique hotels and distinctive residences around the world, all united under one rewards program. Explore handpicked stays for your trip while earning points, unlocking exclusive offers, and receiving rewards across the Journey collection.
Overview
Myrtle Beach sits along the northern coast of South Carolina, anchoring the Grand Strand, a continuous stretch of barrier beach that runs from the North Carolina border south toward Georgetown County. The city proper is compact and densely developed along Ocean Boulevard, but the broader destination encompasses a network of communities including North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, and Murrells Inlet, each with its own character and pace.
The landscape here is defined by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and a system of tidal creeks, salt marshes, and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west. The terrain is flat and low-lying, characteristic of the South Carolina coastal plain. The Waccamaw River and its associated lakes, including Lake Waccamaw and Lake Busbee, thread through the inland areas, and Huntington Beach State Park to the south preserves some of the most ecologically significant coastal habitat in the Carolinas.
Historically, the Grand Strand was rice plantation country in the 18th and 19th centuries, with the Waccamaw Neck region producing significant agricultural wealth before the Civil War. The shift to tourism began in earnest in the early 20th century with the arrival of the railroad, and by mid-century Myrtle Beach had established itself as a working-class resort town beloved by families from the Carolinas and Virginia. The legendary shag dance, South Carolina's official state dance, was born in the beach clubs of the Grand Strand in the 1940s.
Today, Myrtle Beach operates as a full-scale resort economy. The hospitality and tourism industry dominates, supported by a massive infrastructure of hotels, condominiums, restaurants, and attractions. The city has steadily upgraded its offerings over the decades, attracting a broader mix of travelers while retaining its reputation for accessible, unpretentious beach fun. For visitors, the atmosphere is energetic and unapologetically commercial in the best beachside tradition, a place built entirely around the pleasure of being at the coast.
Best Time to Visit
Choosing when to visit Myrtle Beach comes down to what kind of trip you want. The destination operates on a clear seasonal rhythm, and each window offers a meaningfully different experience.
Late spring, specifically May and early June, is widely considered the sweet spot for most travelers. The beaches are open and inviting, the full roster of attractions and restaurants is operating, and the summer crowds have not yet arrived in full force. Hotel rates are more reasonable than peak summer, and the boardwalk and Broadway at the Beach are enjoyable without the shoulder-to-shoulder congestion of July.
Summer, from late June through August, is peak season in every sense. Families on school schedules flood the Grand Strand, occupancy rates hit their highest levels, and prices reflect the demand. The beach scene is at its most energetic, water parks and amusement attractions are running at full capacity, and the nightlife and dining scene are in full swing. Travelers who prioritize atmosphere and activity over cost and convenience will find summer delivers the quintessential Myrtle Beach experience.
September and October represent a strong value window for those with flexibility. The summer crowds thin noticeably after Labor Day, rates drop, and the beaches remain pleasant well into October. Golf groups in particular favor the fall season, when course conditions are excellent and tee times are easier to secure. The full lineup of courses across the Grand Strand is accessible without the advance planning required in peak months.
Winter draws a quieter, more budget-oriented crowd. Many attractions operate on reduced hours or close entirely, but travelers seeking a peaceful coastal retreat or a focused golf trip will find Myrtle Beach accommodating and affordable from December through February. Spring break in March and April brings a surge of college students and families, adding energy but also crowds to the shoulder season.
Neighborhoods & areas to explore
1
The heart of Myrtle Beach's resort identity, the Boardwalk District stretches along the oceanfront and pulses with energy day and night. The SkyWheel, arcades, live music venues, and a steady parade of visitors make this the city's most recognizable and lively stretch. It is the place to be for first-time visitors who want the full, unfiltered Myrtle Beach experience.
2
Built around a central lake, Broadway at the Beach is a sprawling open-air entertainment and retail complex that anchors the midtown area of Myrtle Beach. Dozens of restaurants, specialty shops, Ripley's Aquarium, and seasonal attractions draw families and groups looking for an evening beyond the sand. The atmosphere is festive and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to spend several hours wandering from one venue to the next.
3
Developed on the grounds of a former Air Force base, Market Common is Myrtle Beach's most polished and walkable neighborhood. Tree-lined streets connect a curated mix of boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants, a cinema, and residential lofts that give the district a genuine live-work-play feel. It draws a slightly older, more local crowd and offers a welcome contrast to the boardwalk's high-energy hustle.
4
Just north of the main city, North Myrtle Beach is a quieter, more residential stretch of the Grand Strand with its own distinct character rooted in the shag dancing tradition of Ocean Drive. The beaches here feel less crowded, the pace is slower, and the dining scene leans toward unpretentious seafood shacks and local favorites. It is a natural choice for travelers who want Atlantic coast relaxation without the sensory overload of the central strip.
Signature Experiences
Myrtle Beach has a handful of experiences so deeply tied to its identity that they define what it means to visit the Grand Strand.
The Grand Strand Shoreline
Sixty miles of uninterrupted Atlantic coastline is the foundation of everything Myrtle Beach offers. The beach here is wide, flat, and exceptionally accessible, making it one of the most family-friendly stretches of coast on the Eastern Seaboard. Sunrise walks, afternoon waves, and evening strolls along the water's edge are rituals that draw visitors back year after year.
Golf on the Grand Strand
No destination in the American South rivals Myrtle Beach for golf. The concentration of more than 80 courses within a short drive, combined with favorable weather for much of the year, has made this the go-to destination for dedicated golf travelers. Courses like Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, TPC Myrtle Beach, and Pawleys Plantation carry national reputations. Golf groups plan entire trips around the area's variety and value.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Experience
The boardwalk is the social spine of the city. Stretching along the oceanfront, it anchors the classic American beach resort experience: funnel cake stands, souvenir shops, live performers, and the iconic SkyWheel rising above it all. Riding the SkyWheel at sunset, with the Atlantic spreading out below, is one of those simple moments that defines a Myrtle Beach trip.
All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Buffets
This is a Myrtle Beach institution that exists nowhere else quite like it does here. Restaurants along Restaurant Row and throughout the city serve sprawling buffets of steamed crab legs, fried shrimp, clam strips, and Low Country staples. It is unpretentious, generous, and completely specific to this place. For many visitors, the seafood buffet is not just a meal but a tradition they return to every trip.
Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach delivers one of the most activity-packed resort destinations on the East Coast, offering something for every type of traveler across a wide range of categories.
Outdoor Recreation
The beach itself is the centerpiece. Miles of wide, flat Atlantic shoreline invite swimming, sunbathing, surfing, kayaking, and parasailing. Anglers can cast from piers or charter offshore fishing trips, while cyclists and joggers enjoy the beachfront paths that run along the Grand Strand. Watersports rentals are available at numerous points along the coast.
Golf
With more than 80 courses spread across the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is one of the premier golf destinations in the United States. Championship layouts designed by Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, and other legends sit alongside welcoming public courses for players of every skill level. Dedicated golf packages draw players from across the country year-round.
Cultural Attractions and Family Entertainment
Myrtle Beach punches well above its weight for family-friendly attractions. Ripley's Aquarium brings the ocean indoors with interactive exhibits and shark tanks. The SkyWheel on the boardwalk offers sweeping panoramic views of the Atlantic. Arcades, go-kart tracks, and dozens of mini-golf courses round out a full day of family activities.
Arts and Entertainment
Broadway at the Beach is the hub of Myrtle Beach's entertainment scene, a sprawling open-air complex housing live music venues, comedy shows, themed restaurants, and specialty shops. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade connects the SkyWheel to Pavilion Park and hosts seasonal events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year.
Food and Dining
Seafood is the cornerstone of the local dining scene. All-you-can-eat seafood buffets are a beloved regional tradition, and the area supports a growing number of chef-driven restaurants serving Low Country classics like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried flounder. Casual waterfront spots and upscale dining options coexist comfortably throughout the city.
3-day sample itinerary
Day 1
Start your morning with a walk along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, grabbing breakfast at one of the oceanfront cafes. Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on the wide sandy beach and take a ride on the iconic SkyWheel for sweeping Atlantic views. In the evening, head to Broadway at the Beach for dinner, shopping, and live entertainment.
Day 2
Tee off early at one of the Grand Strand's championship golf courses - options like Caledonia Golf and Fish Club or TPC Myrtle Beach offer world-class layouts. After your round, clean up and head to a classic Myrtle Beach seafood buffet for a hearty lunch. Spend the late afternoon at Ripley's Aquarium, then enjoy a Low Country dinner of shrimp and grits at a local restaurant.
Day 3
Explore the quieter side of the Grand Strand with a morning visit to Murrells Inlet, a charming fishing village just south of Myrtle Beach known for its fresh seafood and scenic MarshWalk boardwalk. After lunch at a waterfront restaurant, head back north to browse the shops and galleries in the Myrtle Beach Market Common district. End the trip with a sunset stroll on the beach.
Seasonal Events
Myrtle Beach pulses with a lively calendar that reflects its identity as a coastal resort town with deep roots in music, sport, and Southern seafood tradition. Spring kicks off the season with golf tournaments drawing enthusiasts from across the country, a fitting tribute to the Grand Strand's reputation as one of America's premier golf destinations. As temperatures warm, the boardwalk fills with festivalgoers, live music spills out across open-air venues, and the city's appetite for celebration grows alongside the crowds.
Food and Dining
Myrtle Beach wears its seafood identity as proudly as its resort status. The dining scene along the Grand Strand is anchored by a deep-rooted tradition of coastal Southern cooking, where fresh-caught Atlantic seafood takes center stage. All-you-can-eat seafood buffets are a regional institution here, a beloved ritual for families and groups who pile plates high with steamed shrimp, crab legs, fried flounder, and oysters. These sprawling buffets are as much a cultural experience as a meal.
Getting There
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is just 2 miles from the oceanfront
making it the most convenient arrival point, with direct flights on American, Delta, Southwest, and United, plus rental cars and rideshares available immediately outside baggage claim.
US-501 East is the primary inland approach from Interstate 95
connecting drivers from the west and from major Southeast cities like Charlotte and Atlanta, with the drive from Charlotte running approximately 3.5 hours.
US-17 runs the full length of the Grand Strand
making it the main coastal highway for travelers arriving from Wilmington, NC to the north or Charleston, SC to the south, with Myrtle Beach sitting roughly 90 miles northeast of Charleston.
Greyhound and FlixBus serve Myrtle Beach with intercity bus routes
connecting the city to Charlotte, Columbia, and other regional hubs, with the bus station located near downtown for travelers who prefer not to drive.
The closest Amtrak station to Myrtle Beach is in Florence, South Carolina
about 75 miles west of the coast, so rail travelers will need to arrange a rental car or rideshare for the final leg of the journey.
Getting Around
Ocean Boulevard runs parallel to the beach through the heart of the resort strip
and is walkable between the boardwalk and nearby hotels, making it easy to reach the SkyWheel, restaurants, and beach access points on foot if you are staying in the central corridor.
Broadway at the Beach and most golf courses are 2 to 5 miles inland
so a rental car or rideshare is necessary for reaching these attractions, as they fall outside any practical walking distance from oceanfront accommodations.
Uber and Lyft are both active in Myrtle Beach
and are a convenient and affordable option for short hops between the boardwalk, Broadway at the Beach, and the restaurant corridor along Kings Highway (US-17 Business).
Coast RTA operates local bus routes throughout Horry County
but service runs infrequently and does not cover all major tourist areas, so it is best used as a supplement rather than a primary transportation strategy.
Summer weekend traffic on US-17 and Ocean Boulevard can cause significant delays
so plan drives to golf courses or evening dining before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to avoid the heaviest congestion along the Grand Strand corridor.
Travel Tips
Book oceanfront hotels and condo rentals as early as possible for summer visits, particularly for July 4th week, when properties sell out months in advance. Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) offer a strong value window with warm temperatures, smaller crowds, and lower nightly rates. Golf tee times at popular courses like TPC Myrtle Beach or Caledonia Golf and Fish Club should be reserved at least two weeks ahead during peak season. Standard tipping applies at restaurants, typically 18 to 20 percent, and is expected at seafood buffets where servers bring drinks and clear plates. Sunscreen is essential from May through September, as the South Carolina sun is intense even on overcast days. The beach is free and publicly accessible throughout the Grand Strand. For navigation and rideshare, Uber and Lyft apps work reliably across the area. Tap water is safe to drink throughout Myrtle Beach.
FAQs
Most visitors find 3 to 5 days ideal for Myrtle Beach. That gives you enough time to enjoy the beach, explore the boardwalk, visit Broadway at the Beach, and fit in a round of golf. Families with kids may want to stretch to a full week to cover attractions like Ripley's Aquarium, mini-golf, and the SkyWheel without feeling rushed.
Myrtle Beach is best known for its wide sandy beaches along the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of Atlantic coastline in South Carolina. It is also famous for world-class golf, with more than 80 courses in the area, as well as its lively boardwalk, the SkyWheel, Broadway at the Beach, and a strong tradition of all-you-can-eat seafood buffets.
Yes, Myrtle Beach works well as a weekend getaway, especially for travelers driving from the Southeast or mid-Atlantic states. Two nights gives you time to hit the beach, walk the boardwalk, and enjoy a seafood dinner. It is not enough time to explore everything, but the destination is easy to navigate and delivers a satisfying short break.
Myrtle Beach is one of the more budget-friendly beach destinations on the East Coast. Accommodation ranges from affordable motels to full-resort condos, dining options include inexpensive all-you-can-eat seafood buffets, and many beach and boardwalk activities are free or low cost. Golf packages can add up, but overall the destination offers strong value compared to other Atlantic resort towns.
Late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October) offer the best combination of warm weather, manageable crowds, and lower prices. Summer is the busiest and hottest season, while fall brings milder temperatures and a quieter atmosphere.
