Cherished and transformational are two words that describe what the Gay Dolphin means to the Myrtle Beach community of visitors and locals. While Myrtle Beach has changed over the years, the one place that has remained a constant staple of the Boardwalk is the Gay Dolphin. Starting out as a small gift shop back in 1946, the owner, Justin Plyer, had a vision for what Myrtle Beach could be – an affordable beach town where families can gather, and traditions can take shape. His entrepreneurship set the tone for Myrtle Beach as he owned and…

One of the many perks to the beach and coastal region is our beautiful natural habitats and animals that reside in them. Alligators are indigenous to the Myrtle Beach area, and they typically live in our freshwater marshes and rivers, away from people. But, every so often, it is possible that an alligator might make its way to the ocean. We recently met with Mike Walker, Interpretive Ranger at Huntington Beach State Park, to discuss the reasons why alligators can make their way into the ocean. First, many alligators that end up in the ocean…

Juneteenth is a national holiday that marks the liberation of slaves after the Civil War. On June 19, 1865, U.S. Army Major General Gordon Granger traveled to Galveston, Texas, to announce the Civil War was over and that slavery had ended. At that time, many African Americans were unaware that Congress had passed the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery and that Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862. Major General Granger’s announcement helped spread this momentous declaration in history throughout the most rural parts…

While pools do not have a current like the ocean does, a pool or waterpark may seem like a safer option for less experienced swimmers. Many resorts offer pools and waterparks with extravagant slides, lazy rivers, and other exciting features for all ages. It is easy to enjoy a lovely day at the pool or waterpark, while keeping these pool safety tips in mind. Watch Children Children can struggle to swim in the pool in a matter of seconds, so it is important to always watch your children while they are swimming and never leave them unattended.…

The Grand Strand is a very popular destination that attracts millions of visitors throughout the year. With 60 miles of beaches, exciting attractions, and a variety of restaurants, there is something for everyone to enjoy. As the Memorial Day holiday weekend approaches, there are a few things that you need to be aware if you are planning a visit. The Myrtle Beach Police Department shared their expert safety information with us, so you know what to expect when traveling to The Beach. Amy Prock, Chief of Police for the City of Myrtle Beach,…

We are Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – or as we like to say, The Beach! We are home to 14 unique communities and 60 miles of sandy beaches, exciting attractions, lush golf courses, shopping and thousands of restaurants all across the Grand Strand. While we are known for our attractions and adventure, we also welcome our visitors to relax and soak in the salty air and inviting southern hospitality. Whether you are looking for an action-packed family vacation, a golf paradise, or a romantic getaway, you’ll find where you belong at The Beach! The…

This past year will be forever remembered as a year like no other. The pandemic shut down the world. Hotels were closed for almost two months, events were cancelled, and many of our attractions were closed most of the year. Tourism is the economic lifeblood of the Myrtle Beach area providing $7 billion in economic impact throughout our 14 communities. This year, there is more reason than ever to celebrate the collective strength of the U.S. travel and tourism industry and its dynamic workforce. The 38 th National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW)…

All of us at The Beach are celebrating the recent announcement that Southwest Airlines will be offering 10 destinations from the Myrtle Beach International Airport! Now it is even easier to travel to the Myrtle Beach area – and find where you belong at The Beach. With this announcement, our friends from Baltimore, MD, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Nashville, TN, Pittsburgh, PA, Atlanta, GA, Columbus, OH, Indianapolis, IN, Kansas City, MO and St. Louis, MO, will have access to new year-around, non-stop service with Southwest Airlines. Wow – that’s a…

Fans of the Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) have rallied behind the South Carolina airport, enabling MYR to secure the title “Best Small Airport” in the 2021 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards . The annual USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the best of the best in the travel industry and nominees in all categories were chosen editorially by a panel of experts in partnership with 10Best editors, while the top ten winners were determined by popular vote. Voting took place over four weeks in January and drew together…

Visit Myrtle Beach is excited to announce its support for National Plan for Vacation Day (NPVD), the annual day for Americans to plan their vacation for the entire year at the start of the year--on January 26. Studies show that people who take vacations are healthier and happier in both their professional and personal lives compared to non-travelers! Though many Americans are not ready or able to take a trip just yet, there is a wealth of information that says simply planning a vacation can increase happiness. In fact, 97% of survey respondents…