· US

North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States

North Myrtle Beach, located in South Carolina, is a charming coastal city that offers something for everyone. With its beautiful beaches, exciting attractions, and rich history, it's no wonder this destination is a popul…

#Beach destination#Tourist spot#Family-friendly#Golf courses#Water sports
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into North Myrtle Beach.

Top Hotels in North Myrtle Beach

Top Flights to North Myrtle Beach

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in North Myrtle Beach.

Tours

Visit McLean Park

A peaceful park with walking paths, tennis courts, and picnic areas.

Enjoy Duplin Winery

Visit the renowned winery for wine tasting and vineyard tours.

Shopping

Explore Barefoot Landing

A vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment district by the waterfront.

Shop at Tanger Outlets

A premier outlet shopping destination with dozens of brand-name stores.

Outdoor

Relax at Cherry Grove Beach

A beautiful stretch of sand, perfect for sunbathing and surf fishing.

Golf at Tidewater Golf Club

Play a round of golf at one of the top courses in the Myrtle Beach area.

Kayak at the Waccamaw River

Enjoy a peaceful kayaking adventure on the scenic Waccamaw River.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in North Myrtle Beach.

Currency
$ | USD | US Dollar
Population
20.3 thousand
Languages
English, English
Average weather
North Myrtle Beach
Jan
clear
12°2°
Feb
clear
14°3°
Mar
cloud
18°7°
Apr
sun
23°11°
May
sun
27°16°
Jun
hot
30°21°
Jul
hot
32°23°
Aug
hot
31°23°
Sep
sun
28°20°
Oct
clear
24°14°
Nov
cloud
19°8°
Dec
clear
15°4°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on North Myrtle Beach.

What people love

North Myrtle Beach, located in South Carolina, offers a variety of benefits for travelers looking for a beach vacation destination. Some of the pros of traveling to North Myrtle Beach include:

  1. Beautiful Beaches: North Myrtle Beach boasts stunning stretches of sandy beaches that are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. The beaches are less crowded compared to other popular beach destinations, allowing for a more relaxing and peaceful experience.

  2. Outdoor Activities: Visitors to North Myrtle Beach can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, and parasailing. The area also offers opportunities for fishing, golfing, and biking, making it a great destination for active travelers.

  3. Family-Friendly Atmosphere: North Myrtle Beach is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with plenty of attractions and activities suitable for all ages. Families can enjoy amusement parks, mini-golf courses, and water parks in the area.

  4. Dining and Shopping: The city of North Myrtle Beach offers a variety of dining options, ranging from casual beachfront eateries to upscale restaurants serving fresh seafood and other cuisines. Visitors can also explore the local shops and boutiques for unique souvenirs and gifts.

  5. Entertainment and Nightlife: North Myrtle Beach has a vibrant entertainment scene, with live music venues, theaters, and nightlife options to suit different tastes. Visitors can enjoy concerts, shows, and events throughout the year.

  6. Proximity to Attractions: North Myrtle Beach is located close to popular attractions such as Myrtle Beach, which offers even more entertainment, dining, and shopping options. Visitors can easily explore nearby areas and attractions during their stay.

Overall, North Myrtle Beach offers a mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, family-friendly amenities, and entertainment options, making it a great vacation destination for travelers seeking a beach getaway.

Enjoy your trip to North Myrtle Beach!

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to North Myrtle Beach in South Carolina may include:

  1. Crowds: North Myrtle Beach is a popular tourist destination, especially during the peak summer months. This means that the beaches, restaurants, and attractions can get very crowded, which may not be ideal for travelers seeking a more peaceful and secluded experience.

  2. Traffic: Like many popular beach towns, North Myrtle Beach can experience traffic congestion, especially on weekends and holidays. Navigating the area by car may be difficult at times, and finding parking near popular attractions can be a challenge.

  3. Weather: South Carolina's coastal location means that the weather can be unpredictable, with the potential for hurricanes, thunderstorms, and high humidity. Travelers should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and plan accordingly.

  4. High Costs: Being a popular tourist destination, prices for accommodations, activities, and dining in North Myrtle Beach can be higher compared to less touristy areas. Travelers on a budget may find it challenging to find affordable options.

  5. Limited Public Transportation: North Myrtle Beach does not have an extensive public transportation system, so travelers may need to rely on taxis or rental cars to get around. This can add to the overall cost of the trip.

It's important to note that these potential cons may vary depending on the time of year, individual preferences, and specific circumstances. It's always a good idea to research and plan ahead to mitigate any potential drawbacks of traveling to North Myrtle Beach.

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a coastal city in Horry County, part of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of Carolina coastline. It was formed in 1968 from four existing municipalities: Cherry Grove Beach, Ocean Drive Beach, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill Beach. Each of these areas has its own unique history and contributed to the development of North Myrtle Beach as a whole.

  1. Early History:

    • The area that is now North Myrtle Beach was originally inhabited by the Waccamaw and Winyah Native American tribes. European settlers arrived in the region in the late 1600s and early 1700s.
    • During the 18th and early 19th centuries, the area was primarily used for agriculture, particularly indigo and rice cultivation, due to the fertile land and the nearby Waccamaw River.

  2. Development of the Beach Communities:

    • Cherry Grove Beach: Known for its fishing pier and the Cherry Grove Pier, built in the early 1950s. The pier has been a popular fishing and sightseeing destination.
    • Ocean Drive Beach: Famous for being the birthplace of the Shag dance, a style of swing dancing that originated in the 1940s. The Ocean Drive Pavilion and the Spanish Galleon nightclub are notable landmarks related to this cultural heritage.
    • Crescent Beach: Developed as a residential and vacation area, known for its wide beaches and family-friendly atmosphere.
    • Windy Hill Beach: Initially developed in the 1950s and 1960s, it is now home to the popular Barefoot Landing shopping and entertainment complex.

  3. Incorporation and Growth:

    • In 1968, the four individual beach communities were incorporated to form the city of North Myrtle Beach. This consolidation was aimed at enhancing municipal services and providing better infrastructure for residents and tourists.
    • The city has since grown into a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and family-friendly attractions.

  4. Important Landmarks:

    • Alabama Theatre: Located at Barefoot Landing, it is a major entertainment venue offering musical performances and shows.
    • Barefoot Landing: A large shopping, dining, and entertainment complex situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
    • House of Blues: A live music venue and restaurant that hosts a variety of performances and events.
    • North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex: Offers numerous recreational facilities, including walking trails, sports fields, and an amphitheater.

  5. Cultural and Historical Contributions:

    • The Shag dance continues to be a significant cultural element, with annual festivals and events celebrating this local tradition.

Throughout its history, North Myrtle Beach has transformed from a small collection of beachside communities into a vibrant city known for its hospitality and recreation. The development of tourism and hospitality industries has been a key factor in its growth, attracting millions of visitors each year.