Sun, sand, and endless fun on South Carolina's Grand Strand
Myrtle Beach is a classic American beach resort city stretching along 60 miles of Atlantic coastline in South Carolina, drawing millions of visitors each year with its wide sandy beaches, warm waters, and lively boardwalk atmosphere. The city blends family-friendly attractions with a vibrant nightlife scene, making it popular with everyone from young families to spring breakers and retirees.
Beyond the shore, Myrtle Beach offers a surprisingly rich mix of entertainment including world-class golf courses, outlet shopping, live music theaters, and amusement parks. The area known as the Grand Strand encompasses a string of smaller beach communities, each with its own character, giving visitors plenty to explore up and down the coast.
- •Myrtle Beach Boardwalk — lively oceanfront promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and the iconic SkyWheel
- •Broadway at the Beach — sprawling entertainment complex with dining, nightlife, and Ripley's Aquarium
- •Brookgreen Gardens — stunning sculpture garden and wildlife preserve just south of the city
- •Myrtle Beach State Park — quieter natural escape with hiking trails and pristine shoreline
- •The Carolina Opry — beloved live entertainment venue showcasing music, comedy, and variety shows
- •Barefoot Landing — waterfront shopping and dining district with live outdoor concerts in North Myrtle Beach
Getting around: Myrtle Beach has no passenger rail service, but the Waccamaw Regional Transit Authority operates local bus routes covering the Grand Strand. Most visitors rely on personal vehicles or rental cars for convenience, as attractions are spread across a long coastal corridor. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available, and taxis operate throughout the resort area, especially near the boardwalk and major hotels.
Best time: Late spring (May to early June) and early fall (September to October) offer warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower hotel rates compared to the peak summer season.
Local food: Try fresh Low Country boil — a hearty mix of shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes — along with local seafood staples like calabash-style fried shrimp and fresh-caught flounder at the many waterfront restaurants along the Grand Strand.
This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.