Myrtle Beach & the Grand Strand
About 60 miles of South Carolina coast with a boardwalk, over-the-top mini golf, Calabash-style seafood and state parks where the beach still feels wild.
Find your Myrtle Beach trip
Take advantage of exclusive offers and enjoy more for less.
Oceanfront hotel deals in Myrtle Beach
Live rates for 3 nights and 2 adults along the Grand Strand.
From the boardwalk to the gardens
Carnival fun downtown, marshes and sculpture to the south, fishing piers to the north.
- May–JunWarm water before peak season
- ≈ 60 miOf Grand Strand beaches
- ≈ 10 minMYR airport to the beach
- 79–82 °FSummer Atlantic water
Myrtle Beach in photos
Umbrella-packed beaches, the oceanfront Ferris wheel and the fantasy mini golf courses that made this coast famous.
- A summer day on the beach · Loadmaster (David R. Tribble) This image was made by Loadmaster (David R. Tribble). Email the author: David R. Tribble Also see my personal gallery at Google Photos (CC BY-SA 3.0)
- Classic roadside mini golf · The Library of Congress (No restrictions)
- Dinosaurs and windmills on the course · The Library of Congress (No restrictions)
- The SkyWheel by the sea · DiscoA340 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Rides lit up at night · David (CC BY 2.0)
- Wild shoreline at Huntington Beach · DogsRNice (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Myrtle Beach FAQ
Seasons, flights, where to stay and what to do on the Grand Strand.
When is the best time to visit Myrtle Beach?
May to early June and September bring warm water and fewer crowds than midsummer. July and August are peak season, hot and humid. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June to November, with the highest risk from August to October. In winter hotel rates drop sharply, but the ocean is cold.
How do I get to Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach International (MYR) sits inside the city, about 10 minutes from the beach, with flights from many US cities. There are no nonstop flights from Mexico; most travelers connect in Charlotte, Atlanta or another hub. Another option is flying into Charleston (CHS) and driving about two hours up the coast.
What documents do I need?
From Mexico, a valid passport and a US tourist visa; you clear immigration at your first US stop. If you live in the US and fly domestically, you need a REAL ID-compliant license or a passport.
Which area should I stay in?
Downtown Myrtle Beach, near the boardwalk and SkyWheel, has oceanfront hotels, restaurants and nightlife. North Myrtle Beach is quieter and family-oriented, with Cherry Grove Pier and Barefoot Landing. To the south, Surfside Beach, Garden City and Murrells Inlet are laid-back and close to the state parks.
How many days do I need?
Four or five days covers the beach, an evening on the boardwalk, shopping at Broadway at the Beach and a trip to Murrells Inlet. If you are here to golf, or with kids who want water parks and mini golf, a full week is well spent.
What is there to do?
Ride the SkyWheel, walk the boardwalk, play one of the many themed mini golf courses, visit Ripley's Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach, spot alligators and birds at Huntington Beach State Park, wander the sculptures at Brookgreen Gardens and eat seafood on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk. Golf is another big draw.
What should I eat?
Calabash-style seafood, lightly battered and fried, is the Grand Strand tradition. Try shrimp and grits, hushpuppies and South Carolina oysters too, and head to the MarshWalk for dinner over the salt marsh.
Do I need a car?
In most cases, yes. The Grand Strand is long and attractions are spread along Ocean Boulevard, US-17 and the US-17 Bypass. Near the boardwalk you can walk, but for North Myrtle Beach or Murrells Inlet you will want a car or rideshare.
What is the ocean like?
It is open Atlantic, with moderate waves and rip currents on some days. Summer water is around 79 to 82 °F; winter water is much colder. Swim near lifeguards, follow the flags and check local rules, since some beaches restrict umbrellas, pets or alcohol.
How will I get my booking confirmation?
Once payment is complete, your confirmation arrives by email. Change and cancellation conditions depend on each hotel and rate and are shown before you pay.
Keep your Myrtle Beach hotel and flights on your phone, with alerts for every booking.
