Beaches in Myrtle Beach, SC

1. Myrtle Beach

Of course, no list can possibly be complete without a mention for Myrtle Beach itself. Known as the heart of the Grand Strand coastline, Myrtle Beach is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in all of America. There's so much to do here that it would be impossible to list every single activity, but some of the main highlights are:

• The iconic SkyWheel Myrtle Beach;
• the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk;
• many excellent restaurants and bars. Map

Good to know: In South Carolina, the following may park for free at any public-operated parking meter:

• Any vehicle displaying a valid Handicap Placard;
• Purple Heart;
• Disabled American Veterans;
• Medal of Honor license tag;
• Or a valid and official handicapped hang tag.

2. Litchfield Beach

There's a bit of an exclusive, luxury kind of vibe up at Litchfield Beach. The surrounding area is home to all kinds of upscale resorts, but the area has managed to retain a quaint coastal village kind of charm in spite of its branded shopping district and fancy golf courses.

• There's a really relaxed atmosphere at Litchfield Beach, with some great hiking and cycling trails to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
• The beach itself is soft, warm, and welcoming, with small to medium waves crashing softly onto the shores and providing a beautiful natural soundtrack to your seafront adventures.
• Come to this beach if you’re looking for relaxation, as well as some excellent photo opportunities.
• The beach is pet friendly but dogs must be leashed.
• Click here for beach hours.

Litchfield Beach is a 30-minute drive from Myrtle Beach.

3. Myrtle Beach State Park

If you're in the Myrtle Beach area and looking to do some wildlife spotting, Myrtle Beach State Park is the place to be. This is the sort of park that really helps people feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the cities and allows everyone to get in touch with nature like never before.

• First-come, first-serve parking is limited.
• Myrtle Beach State Park is home to all kinds of wildlife, including endangered sea turtles that have selected this area as one of their favorite nesting spots.
• Take an educational walking tour and admire the beauty of the beach while also learning a lot about the turtles and local environment.
• There's a great fishing pier here too and soft, soothing sands that are just right for long, lazy sunbathing sessions.

4. Garden City Beach

The main Myrtle Beach beaches tend to get quite busy and lively, with lots of activity going on at all times of day, but if you're in need of more of a peaceful, relaxing kind of beach along the South Carolina coast, Garden City Beach could be exactly what you're looking for.

Colorful, charming little residences can be found dotted along the shoreline and there are plenty of good eateries and amenities in the area, but this beach never gets overly crowded. It does liven up in the evenings though, with live music being shown after the sun goes down, but there's a really laid-back vibe at this beach and the local Garden City area is equally relaxing and chilled out.

5. Huntington Beach State Park

One of the major state parks in the Myrtle Beach area, Huntington Beach State Park offers a totally different experience when compared to the crowds and excitement of Myrtle Beach itself. It's an amazing spot for nature lovers of all ages, being home to countless species of migratory birds and other animals. The local historical site of Atalaya Castle is one of the main reasons people visit this park as well, and the nearby Brookgreen Gardens also have so much to offer. There are lots of great walking and cycling scenic trails to be followed, along with patches of soft sand for sunbathing and picnics with all the family.

6. Cherry Grove Beach

Cherry Grove Beach is certainly a special place to visit. After all, who wouldn’t want to enjoy a trip to one of the country’s top beaches and the best beach in South Carolina for two years running? Cherry Grove Beach’s history dates back to the 1700s when the town was established and named after the plantation located within it. Today Cherry Grove Beach is bustling with activity and is home to popular attractions like the Cherry Grove Pier and incredible local cuisine care of restaurants like The Shack and Filet’s on the Water. Moreover, Cherry Grove Beach has a ton of recreational adventures to enjoy and some of the most stunning and luxurious beach-front accommodations in the entire state.

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina