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Are you planning a visit to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina? If so, you are probably thinking about looking for oceanfront rentals, spending time shopping on the boardwalk, and even going for a stroll down the Grand Strand!
Myrtle Beach is popular because there are plenty of family-friendly activities, amazing water sports, lots of golf courses, and big waves! At the same time, you might be interested in the best beaches in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Regardless of whether you are visiting North Myrtle Beach or Myrtle Beach itself, take a look at some of the top beachfront locations you need to explore and take full advantage of the Atlantic Ocean during your next beach vacation.
1. Central Myrtle Beach
The Grand Strand is more than 60 miles long, and Central Myrtle Beach is at the heart of it all. There are plenty of safe spots to go sunbathing, you can certainly try your hand at surfing, and you can even visit the local amusement park. There are lots of other fun activities as well, including kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, and scuba diving. If you want to rent a canoe or kayak, you can certainly do it here.
Keep in mind that it can get very busy here during the summer. Therefore, if you want to set up a base of operations on the beach during the day, be sure to get out there early. Then, when you have had your fill of the beach, you may want to check out one of the pools in the area! Or, you may want to go shopping at the local shopping mall.
Of course, you shouldn’t miss out on an opportunity to check out Family Kingdom Amusement Park! There is a giant amusement park right on the beach! Or, you may want to check out some of the unique sea creatures on display at nearby Ripley’s Aquarium. There is always something to do in Myrtle Beach, just don’t forget to reapply sunscreen during the day! Parking can be a bit of a challenge, but the beach is all around you!
2. North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach is not quite in the same place as Myrtle Beach proper, but there is still plenty to do in North Myrtle Beach. There are plenty of fun beach clubs, lots of restaurants, plenty of shopping, and beautiful resorts. If you are looking for a beach that has a lot of action, this is definitely the place to go. You will form plenty of unforgettable memories in this area!
You have more than 10 miles of beachfront with which to work, so you can definitely enjoy long walks! When the sun begins to set, be sure to head over to Main Street. The shag still thrives in this area, and you might be able to check out an amusement park as well!
3. Surfside Beach
If you are looking for another popular beach in the local area, you may want to check out Surfside Beach. It is approximately 10 miles south of Myrtle Beach, so you should be able to find it easily. In particular, this area is known for its 2-mile stretch of sheet-white beach and its numerous attractions that are perfect for children. For example, you may want to visit the water park or head to the local mini-golf course.
One of the major advantages of this beach for families with children is that there are lots of lifeguards on duty. It also has a gentle slope to it, so there are plenty of safe spaces for young children to splash in the water. Then, when you are ready for something different, you may want to head into town to check out the bars and restaurants. You also have the opportunity to rent beach chairs and umbrellas! If you are really feeling brave, you may want to sign up for some surfing lessons as well.
You can find Surfside Beach a few miles south of Myrtle Beach, and there is usually parking available if you get there in the morning.
4. Cherry Grove Beach
If you are looking for a beach that gives you a bit of everything, then you may want to check out Cherry Grove Beach. It is known for its soft sand, its beautiful sunsets, and its relatively relaxed vibe. It is approximately 20 miles north of downtown Myrtle Beach, but it is the perfect place for friends, children, and retirees who are looking for a quieter vacation.
In addition to relaxing on the beach, you should swing by a fishing pier! This is one of the most popular places in the local area to go fishing, and Cherry Grove is home to some of the biggest catches in the world! Then, don’t forget to check out a restaurant or two if you are looking for a great place to grab lunch or a beer.
There is plenty of parking in the area, and you can find Cherry Grove Myrtle Beach located on the northern edge of North Myrtle Beach proper.
5. Murrells Inlet Beach
Are you looking for the best seafood in the local area? If so, you may want to head to the saltwater Marsh known as Murrells Inlet. It is a few miles south of Myrtle Beach, located near Garden City Beach. This is a pristine location where you can get in touch with nature, watch the sunset, and enjoy some of the best seafood around. You can also try your hand at some of the local fishing holes that are hidden from the tourists in the heart of Myrtle Beach.
People call Murrells Inlet the seafood capital of South Carolina. There are lots of boats that dock here to unload their fresh seafood, which means you get your first pick of everything if you decide to eat here. This is a great place to relax with a cold drink, dig into some fresh seafood, and take some pictures as the sun goes down.
6. Myrtle Beach State Park
If you are looking for a vacation that focuses more on nature, then you will definitely want to visit Myrtle Beach State Park. It is home to some of the biggest sand dunes in the local area, and the white sand is incredibly soft. Furthermore, you have about a mile of beachfront where you can simply kick back and relax. You also have lots of public restrooms and outdoor showers.
During your visit to the park, you should take a few minutes to explore some of the local wildlife. If you look carefully, you might even spot a few sea turtles. Keep in mind that they are probably looking for a spot to build their nest, so do not disturb their hatchlings or the eggs. At night, you might even be asked to turn off your lights to make it easier for sea turtles to find their way back to the water.
You can find Myrtle Beach State Park located at 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575, USA.
7. Litchfield Beach
If you are looking for an upscale resort that your family will enjoy, then you will want to check out Litchfield Beach. It is located very close to the heart of Myrtle Beach, but it provides you with a sense of privacy that you might not get anywhere else. Furthermore, the quaint coastal villages are great locations to go souvenir shopping.
The waves are a bit smaller here, which makes this a great location for families with young children. You can also go sunbathing, surfing, kayaking, and fishing. If you want to take full advantage of Litchfield Beach, you should try to arrive early in the morning. It is a popular beach, and there are only two beach access points in the area, and parking is very limited.
8. Pawleys Island
Are you looking for a way to get away from the crowds? If so, you simply need to cross over the causeway and pass over the salt marsh to reach Pawleys Island. The instant you reach this area, you should feel your stress evaporate. It is one of the oldest summer resort destinations on the Eastern Seaboard, and you can still access the laid-back kind of barefoot, carefree life you have always dreamt of.
You can kick back on the beach, read a book, take a nap, or try your hand at crabbing! This is also one of the best places on the East Coast to look for seashells. You might even want to try your hand at building a sandcastle!
9. Garden City Beach
Finally, situated just a few miles south of Myrtle Beach, you will find Garden City Beach. This is a relaxing, peaceful beach experience with more than five miles of golden sand.
One of the main attractions is the colorful houses that dot the entrance to the beach. You may even want to swing by the pier to see if there is some fresh seafood available. This is one of the most popular locations for people to go fishing and surfing, so consider catching a few waves! Then, when the sun goes down, consider doing a bit of dancing to the live music in town!
Find the Best South Carolina Beaches in the Myrtle Beach Area
Regardless of whether you are looking for Crescent Beach, Huntington Beach State Park, or Central Myrtle Beach itself, there are plenty of sandy beaches to enjoy next to the small towns that dot the SC coast.
If you are looking for a friendly beach, consider swinging by a beach town or two! Then, don’t forget to try your hand at fishing off the Cherry Grove Pier! These beaches might not have the reputation of Charleston or Hilton Head Island, but a getaway to the Myrtle Beach area could be just what you need! Find the best vacation rentals this beach destination has to offer!
