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Article

Top South Carolina Beaches are Located in Myrtle Beach

  By  Visit Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach coastline aerial

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is home to 60 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. There are many reasons why people call Myrtle Beach – “The Beach" – but one reason is our abundance of beaches, of course, all with soft sand, warm waves and plenty of sunshine. The ocean temperature says warm for the majority of the year with a summer average water temperature of 80°F. Perfect for all kinds of beach activities, you can find where you belong at The Beach, whether that's relaxing in the sand or parasailing off the coast. Here are the six famous South Carolina beaches located in the lovely Grand Strand.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach proper is the most recognizable beach with the Boardwalk and SkyWheel next to the beach. Filled with family-friendly fun, it is hard to be bored in Myrtle Beach with all the attractions and amusement parks. Fly high at the Funplex on the tallest ride in North America or learn about sea life and the cutest penguins at Ripley's Aquarium. Then, head on over to the iconic Sea Captain's House for an unbeatable ocean view and delicious fresh seafood, a Myrtle Beach staple. Check out On Location: Myrtle Beach for more on all the fun things to do in Myrtle Beach.  

 

Myrtle Beach coastline aerial

North Myrtle Beach

There’s more of what you love up north, including live music and dancing along Main Street every night. North Myrtle Beach is comprised of four smaller beach communities: Cherry Grove, Windy Hill, Ocean Drive and Crescent Beach all with quaint beach town vibes, but not compromising on amazing restaurants and accommodations. A few of the theaters in the Grand Strand are also located in North Myrtle Beach offering world-class entertainment that is the perfect break from the sun. For a relaxing evening, visit Crooked Hammock Brewery in Barefoot Landing, for locally brewed beverages, yard games, and even a bar with swings instead of seats. Check out On Location: North Myrtle Beach for more.

 

Atlantic Beach

Known as “The Black Pearl”, this small but vibrant community is home to stunning coastal views and is a popular destination for young and old alike. Atlantic Beach is a popular beach to get married, as it is typically less crowded than other beaches in the Grand Strand. Check out On Location: Atlantic Beach for more.

 

Surfside Beach

Surfside has long been known as a family beach, and they have also been proclaimed the first autism-friendly travel destination. In Surfside, you will see families out riding their golf carts going to and from the beach or popular restaurants, and just enjoying the beautiful sunshine and casual atmosphere. The community of Surfside Beach always celebrates holidays to the most, with festive golf cart parades, fireworks and festivals throughout the year. The Surfside Beach Pier reopened in March 2024 after being destroyed by a hurricane a few years ago, it is back and better than ever! Check out On Location: Surfside Beach for more.

Oceanfront hotel with pier in Surfside Beach

Garden City Beach

The Inlet meets the ocean in Garden City, so this is a great, calmer spot for watersports, fishing, and crabbing. A beach town filled with vacation rentals and beach nostalgia, Garden City will make you feel right at home. The Garden City Pier is one of the best places for pier fishing, so grab some bait and see what you can catch! For some after sun fun, visit the Garden City Pavilion Arcade and play some of your favorite arcade games like Whack-a-mole and Pac Man. Check out On Location: Garden City Beach for more family-fun.

 

Litchfield Beach

It’s a little quieter in Litchfield Beach, perfect taking in the natural beauty of the area. Litchfield Beach is the perfect place along the Grand Strand to sit down in your beach chair with your favorite book, or even take a good long nap in the sun. Play golf at one of the renowned courses or bike along the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway - Litchfield has all the best outdoor activities. For more information on Litchfield, check out On Location: Litchfield Beach in our blog. 

 

Bonus!

There are two state parks in the Myrtle Beach area that also have public beach accesses. The first state park in South Carolina, Myrtle Beach State Park, spans for one mile in the heart of Myrtle Beach and offers campsites, educational activities, and even a pier for fishing. Then, Huntington Beach State Park, down in Murrells Inlet, is home to a wide-open beach, the historic landmark, Atalaya Castle, and plenty of salt marshes waiting to be explored either on the boardwalk or by kayak.

 

Ashley Daniels

Ashley Daniels of Myrtle Beach is a full-time freelance writer, editor, wife, and mother of three sons and two fur babies. Most recently, she also became a published author of "100 Things to Do in Myrtle Beach Before You Die," part of a bestselling national series. A native of Eastern PA, Ashley received her bachelor’s in English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh and her MA in Writing from Coastal Carolina University. Today, her folio boasts nearly 25 years of regional and nationally published printed magazine features, blogs, and web copy for a roster of clients, and ADDY award-winning copywriting. For more info, visit www.ashleymdaniels.com