Grand Stranding in South Carolina

Myrtle Beach and its surrounding shoreside communities make up a destination that has many RV parks, services, sunshine and more.

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Words by Myrtle Beach Tourism

South Carolina has a number of renowned attractions. There’s the prominent golfing of Hilton Head Island, the charm of Charleston, and many insightful sites that commemorate its rich history. Another claim to fame for the Palmetto State is its 97 km (60 mi) coastline along its northeast coast that consists of expansive sand beaches appropriately named the Grand Strand. It’s where time can be well spent swimming in the warm waters or walking and tanning along its welcoming shores.

Although Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach are considered the most popular with many family activities, entertainment, and nightlife, it’s worthwhile to visit the variety of other ‘sand-based Xanadu’s’ along this coast if your plans include visiting this popular snowbird destination during the winter months.

Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach

It will be hard to pass up the attractions of Myrtle Beach since it’s one of the most recognizable beaches in the State. The kids (and adults who are young at heart) will be drawn to the many water-based activities, the boardwalk not to mention the 37-story SkyWheel that dominates the shore, offering incredible views of the area. Following a day of relaxing on the sand and in the warm waters, sample some local seafood fare at one of the many restaurants or browse the unique shops that are minutes from the shore.

About 30 minutes up the coast is North Myrtle Beach. While it shares the same soft sand and sparkling, inviting waters as its sister community, it has an active nightlife with live entertainment along Main St. almost every night and many exciting restaurants and bars. It’s also worth visiting the area’s four smaller beach communities including Cherry Grove, Windy Hill, Ocean Drive and Crescent Beach.

Surfside Beach

Long known for being family-oriented, Surfside lies just south of Myrtle Beach in the ‘south strand,’ and consists of 3.2 km (2 mi) of oceanfront that extends to the Highway 17 Bypass. Surfside is approximately 15 minutes from the majority of local RV parks and the kids or grandchildren will love Wild Water & Wheels water park and Shoreline Watersports, offering water-based activities including banana boat rides as well as parasailing for the more adventurous.

What makes Surfside unique is that it was declared the first autism-friendly travel destination in the world in January 2016 to assist children with special needs. In addition to many extra services, staff at participating hotels and restaurants are trained to offer the necessary support and the clean, expansive beach has lifeguards to ensure an extra measure of safety.

Surfside is also home to great seafood restaurants and shopping in its downtown district.

Garden City

Although beach vacation rentals, restaurants and shops line the shoreline in this area of the Grand Strand, there are many access points to Garden City’s sandy waterfront including the pier at Hawes St, plus Calhoun, Rainbow, Sea Breeze, Oak, and Pine streets. Although sand and sun are commonly the order of the day here, its pier is another main attraction. It stretches 203 m (668 ft) off the coast and features a tackle shop (as fishing is allowed off the pier), live entertainment and a cafe. Other dining choices include a diner-style eatery called Sam’s Corner or Conch Café and Gulfstream Cafe where you can indulge in the local seafood. (*Ed note: at the time of publication the Conch Café was temporarily closed so be sure to inquire about hours of operation).

As Garden City is also located in an inlet just off of the Atlantic, its calmer waters are great for fishing, various watersports and crabbing.

Litchfield Beach

With fewer crowds and shorelines with sprawling private vacation homes, Litchfield is the place to go if you want to enjoy a slower pace. While strolls along its shore are popular among residents and visitors (as is swimming and tanning), runners and cyclists will appreciate the 42 km (26 mi) Waccamaw Neck Bikeway, which is part of the East Coast Greenway.  More activity can be found on the many immaculate golf courses (and throughout the Grand Strand area) to practise your game - so be sure to bring along your clubs.

Other Areas to Access the Sand

To further enjoy the sun, sand, and shores, perhaps visit the two State Parks in the Myrtle Beach region including Myrtle Beach State Park, which spans .6 km (1 mi) and Huntington Beach State Park, located in nearby Murrells Inlet that consists of a wide-open beach and plenty of salt marshes to explore. This State Park consists of 1,011 ha (2500 ac) of the coastal land preserve, offers some of the best bird watching in the area and its campground has 139 campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 40 feet. Each RV site also has power/water, a picnic table, fire ring, and grill.

Top Facts You May Not Know about Myrtle Beach

  1. Myrtle Beach is located right in the middle of this famously spectacular coast. The entire region is known as “The Grand Strand” which runs from Georgetown County to almost the North Carolina state line.
  2. The name Myrtle Beach comes from the thousands of wax myrtle trees that once lined the shore.
  3. The swing dance called the Shag (that was popular in the 1950s and 60s) originated in North Myrtle Beach. Live ‘beach music’ can still be enjoyed on certain nights and locals are more than happy to teach a few basic dance steps to visitors. The area also hosts the National Shag Dance Championship competition every year.
  4. The renowned publication - Sports Illustrated - was founded in Myrtle Beach at the  Pine Lakes Country Club in 1954 by publishing magnate Henry Luce. A placard commemorating the magazine's launch is located on the grounds.
  5. Myrtle Beach’s oceanfront was essentially empty before 1901 when the Seaside Inn opened as the first hotel.
  6. A plot of oceanfront property cost $25 in 1901 that included another plot of land at no cost if a house was built on the first plot.
  7. Myrtle Beach State Park was the first park of its kind in South Carolina and is still considered one of the most beautiful state parks in the U.S.
  8. The area is known as the ‘Mini-Golf Capital of the World’ and is home to the U.S. Pro Mini Golf Association's Masters Tournament.
  9. Myrtle Beach is also claimed to be ‘The Golf Capital of the World’ as it consists of more than 100 golf courses.
  10. One of the largest cats in the world is located in Myrtle Beach. The liger, which is a tiger and lion hybrid cat, can be observed at the T.I.G.E.R.S., The Institute for Greatly Endangered Species in Myrtle Beach.

Murrells Inlet: Visit the Seafood Capital of South Carolina

Approximately 21 km (13 mi) south of Myrtle Beach and 6 km (4 mi) from Garden City is Murrells Inlet, a historic fishing village that’s known as the Seafood Capital of South Carolina. Its featured MarshWalk - and the immediate area - has a handful of casual dining options that serve many freshly caught favourites plus contemporary and traditional classics. Be sure to visit any number of the popular establishments including Drunken Jack’s, the Dead Dog Saloon, Wicked Tuna, and Mojo’s.