Beaches and Communities

It's easy to see why Myrtle Beach isn't just any beach, it's The Beach! Filled with wide beaches, top-notch restaurants, dazzling theaters, thrilling attractions, excellent accommodations and more, Myrtle Beach is the perfect beach destination. With so much to see and do, everyone can find their best self here at The Beach!

Spanning nine scenic miles of coastline, North Myrtle Beach blends timeless charm with sun-soaked adventure. Since its founding in 1968 – when the communities of Cherry Grove, Windy Hill, Ocean Drive and Crescent Beach came together – this beach town has grown into one of the most beloved destinations along the Grand Strand. 

It’s the birthplace of shag dancing, a hub for live entertainment and a place where generations of families return year after year to make new memories. Whether you’re casting a line off Cherry Grove Pier, grooving to beach music in Ocean Drive, or sipping something local at Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach is where the good times roll.

Incorporated in 1964, Surfside Beach has long been known throughout the Grand Strand as a “family beach.” For a game of tennis, bocce, shuffleboard and much more, you don’t have to look further than the town’s seven public parks. Surfside’s pristine beaches are cleaned daily and supervised by lifeguards and police, and there are several beach access points that offer showers, restrooms and accessible ramps for persons with disabilities. In 2016, the Surfside Beach town council signed a proclamation to make Surfside Beach the first autism-friendly travel destination, thus further establishing their reputation as a beach for families.

One of the oldest towns in South Carolina, Conway has all the charm and grace of a historic Southern community. Oak tree-lined streets run through the picturesque historic district, inviting visitors to stay and learn more. The Conway Riverwalk, set along the beautiful Waccamaw River, offers visitors a tour of the downtown area that is beautiful in all four seasons.

The fishing village of Murrells Inlet was once the lair of the infamous pirate Blackbeard. Today, it’s an outdoorsman’s dream. No matter your boating preference, there is an experience for every taste. And when visiting what is known as the “seafood capital of South Carolina,” you know a delicious meal awaits after a fun-filled day.

Founded more than a century ago, the small town of Aynor is located 35 miles inland on Highway 501. Celebrated for its friendliness, the community is referred to as “Little Golden Town.” 

September brings the famed Harvest Hoe-Down Festival to Aynor, where country living is celebrated with food, games, music and fun for the entire family.

Nicknamed "The Black Pearl", Atlantic Beach is a four-block oceanfront gem between Windy Hill and Crescent Beach in North Myrtle Beach. Founded in the early 20th century by Gullah Geechee families and Black entrepreneurs, it became a rare haven during segregation – where culture, freedom and community thrived. 

Today, that proud legacy is alive and evolving. Atlantic Beach blends rich history with fresh momentum offering a one-of-a-kind getaway with soul, style, and staying power.

Just minutes inland from Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest is one of the fastest-growing communities along the Grand Strand – a modern, master-planned neighborhood that blends suburban comfort with unexpected adventure.

Known for its family-friendly vibe and tight-knit spirit, this thriving area is home to top-rated schools, diverse neighborhoods and a wave of new restaurants, shops and local businesses that give it a suburban feel. But it’s not just a great place to live – it’s a great place to visit. With premier golf at Legends and Myrtle Beach National, retail therapy at Tanger Outlets and plenty of outdoor escapes, the area delivers big on recreation, convenience and quality of life.

Whether you’re exploring nature or just grabbing tacos and catching a game, Carolina Forest makes every day feel like home with perks that rival any beachside stay.

Established in 1978, Litchfield Beach continues to be popular with residents and visitors alike because of its quiet, natural beauty. Here you’ll find world-class golf courses, fine dining and a relaxed pace of life. Soft sand and sea oats take center stage as beaches are more sparsely populated here. Thus, a long walk along the shore is a perfect way to erase all of life’s cares. Plus, runners, walkers and bikers enjoy the 26-mile-long Waccamaw Neck Bikeway, which is part of the East Coast Greenway. For them, there is no better way to experience the natural beauty of this unique beach area.

On the north end of the Grand Strand, the fishing community of Little River is the oldest of the 14 communities. It’s one of the few places left where life moves slowly, offering a relaxing, laid-back destination. Deep-sea fishing charters leave at sunrise, taking anglers to some of the best fishing spots on the coast. Shorter fishing and party boat cruises are also available, and if you’re feeling lucky, take an evening trip on a casino boat. Enjoy fresh seafood that comes off fishing boats throughout the day and is served up at many quality restaurants.

Located in the northern end of the Myrtle Beach area and just a short drive inland, Loris began as a railroad town serving the lumber industry in the late 1880s. Loris is also the birthplace of chicken bog, a traditional Southern dish consisting of rice, chicken, sausage and spices. In celebration of this scrumptious dish, the community hosts the annual Loris Bog-Off Festival each year which draws thousands to the area. Additionally, a revitalized downtown offers shopping, dining and a local farmer’s market with a feast of fresh produce and home baked goods.

Found at the southernmost end of the Grand Strand, Pawleys Island is one of the most historic resort communities on the east coast. It was once the summer home to wealthy pre-Civil War rice planters, and there are still twelve residences, which date from the late 1700s to the mid-1800s, intact in the historic district. Pawleys Island is proudly referred to as “arrogantly shabby,” as residents revel in its simple charms and natural beauty. Those charms rub off on visitors who enjoy the community’s unique shops, restaurants, and slower pace.

Socastee is located just west of the Myrtle Beach International Airport, between Rt. 17 and the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge. Historic Socastee is home to one of only 10 swing bridges in the state. Built in 1935, the bridge swings on a regular schedule. The town also hosts the Socastee Heritage Festival, which draws significant crowds in April of each year. The Intracoastal Waterway runs right through Socastee, so enjoy fun watersports at Island Adventure Watersports, near the swing bridge.