Myrtle Beach, United States travel guide

The Grand Strand: 60 miles of sand, boardwalk fun, golf galore and family-friendly Atlantic shores.

Best time to visit: April-June & September-October (warm, fewer crowds)
Average daily budget: $120 to $250 USD
Ideal trip length: 3 to 5 days

Myrtle Beach is the heart of South Carolina's Grand Strand, some 60 miles of wide Atlantic sand backed by a lively boardwalk, the towering SkyWheel, amusement parks, mini-golf courses and one of the highest concentrations of golf courses anywhere. It's a classic American beach holiday: family-friendly, affordable and endlessly entertaining, with quieter state parks and nature just beyond the buzz. Joy Plus balances the boardwalk and beach with the golf, the nearby nature and the best seafood spots.

Myrtle Beach itinerary

Day 1, Get oriented

Morning: Relax on the Grand Strand beaches. Miles of wide, gently sloping sand perfect for swimming, sunbathing and family beach days.

Afternoon: Explore The Boardwalk & Downtown, The lively oceanfront promenade with the SkyWheel, arcades, shops and the classic beach-town atmosphere.

Evening: Ride the SkyWheel and walk the Boardwalk. The 187-foot observation wheel and the lively oceanfront promenade are the heart of the action.

Day 2, Go deeper

Morning: Play a round of golf. Choose from around 90 courses, earning Myrtle Beach its reputation as a golf capital.

Afternoon: Explore North Myrtle Beach, A more relaxed, family-oriented stretch with wide beaches and the shag-dancing scene of Main Street.

Evening: Explore Murrells Inlet's MarshWalk. Stroll the boardwalk over the salt marsh and feast on fresh local seafood.

Day 3, Hidden side

Morning: Escape to Huntington Beach State Park. Pristine beach, birdlife and the Atalaya Castle just south of the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Market Common, An upscale, walkable district of shopping, dining and parks built on a former air base.

Evening: Brookgreen Gardens, a vast sculpture garden and former rice plantation.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Best neighbourhoods

The Boardwalk & Downtown: The lively oceanfront promenade with the SkyWheel, arcades, shops and the classic beach-town atmosphere.
North Myrtle Beach: A more relaxed, family-oriented stretch with wide beaches and the shag-dancing scene of Main Street.
Market Common: An upscale, walkable district of shopping, dining and parks built on a former air base.
Murrells Inlet: The 'seafood capital,' a fishing village with a scenic MarshWalk and waterfront restaurants.
Surfside & Garden City: Quieter, residential beach communities popular with families to the south.

Must-do experiences

Relax on the Grand Strand beaches: Miles of wide, gently sloping sand perfect for swimming, sunbathing and family beach days.
Ride the SkyWheel and walk the Boardwalk: The 187-foot observation wheel and the lively oceanfront promenade are the heart of the action.
Play a round of golf: Choose from around 90 courses, earning Myrtle Beach its reputation as a golf capital.
Explore Murrells Inlet's MarshWalk: Stroll the boardwalk over the salt marsh and feast on fresh local seafood.
Escape to Huntington Beach State Park: Pristine beach, birdlife and the Atalaya Castle just south of the crowds.

Hidden gems

Brookgreen Gardens, a vast sculpture garden and former rice plantation.
The quieter, nature-rich beach at Myrtle Beach State Park.
Sunrise over the Atlantic from the fishing piers.
Fresh shrimp and oysters at the Murrells Inlet waterfront shacks.

Daily budget

$120 to $250 USD per day.

What to eat

Fresh Lowcountry seafood and shrimp
Calabash-style fried seafood
Southern barbecue and comfort food
Boardwalk treats and saltwater taffy

Getting around

A car is the most practical way to get around Myrtle Beach, as the Grand Strand stretches for some 60 miles and attractions, golf courses and beaches are spread out. The main coastal highways link the communities, and rideshare works for shorter hops and nights out. The boardwalk and individual beach areas are walkable once you're there, but you'll want wheels to move between North Myrtle Beach, downtown, Market Common and Murrells Inlet.

Safety

Myrtle Beach is a generally safe, family-oriented destination, with normal precautions sufficient in the busy tourist areas, especially at night around the boardwalk and nightlife. The main risks are environmental: protect against the strong sun, stay hydrated, watch for rip currents and heed beach flags and lifeguards when swimming. Hurricane season runs June to November, so monitor forecasts if visiting in late summer or early autumn.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Myrtle Beach?

Three to five days is ideal for a relaxed beach holiday. A few days cover the beach, the boardwalk and SkyWheel and some dining, while extra days let you play golf, explore North Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, visit Brookgreen Gardens or a state park, and simply enjoy more time on the sand. It suits a long weekend or a full week.

Is Myrtle Beach safe for solo travellers?

Yes, it's a generally safe, family-oriented destination where normal precautions are enough. Use standard awareness at night around the boardwalk and nightlife areas, and keep valuables secure on the beach. The bigger risks are sun, heat and ocean conditions, so use sun protection, stay hydrated and respect rip currents and beach flags.

When is the best time to visit Myrtle Beach?

April to June and September to October are ideal, with warm weather, ocean swimming and fewer crowds than midsummer. July and August are hottest and busiest, peak family season with higher prices. Spring and autumn offer the best balance, and golfers especially favour these milder shoulder months. Winter is mild but quieter, with cooler water.

Do you need a car in Myrtle Beach?

Yes, a car is recommended. The Grand Strand stretches about 60 miles, so attractions, golf courses and the different beach communities are spread out. While individual areas like the boardwalk are walkable and rideshare covers short trips, a car gives the flexibility to move between North Myrtle Beach, downtown, Market Common and Murrells Inlet.

Is Myrtle Beach good for families?

Very. Myrtle Beach is one of America's classic family beach destinations, with wide, gently sloping sand, a lively boardwalk, the SkyWheel, amusement and water parks, mini-golf and plenty of family-friendly dining and accommodation. Quieter communities like North Myrtle Beach, Surfside and Garden City, plus state parks, add calmer options for younger children.

Is Myrtle Beach really a golf destination?

Absolutely. Myrtle Beach is one of the world's great golf destinations, with around 90 courses along the Grand Strand, many designed by famous architects. Golf packages are widely available and good value, and the mild spring and autumn weather makes it a year-round draw for golfers, earning it the nickname the 'Golf Capital of the World.'

Is Myrtle Beach expensive?

No, Myrtle Beach is one of the more affordable major US beach destinations, with reasonable accommodation, abundant dining options and good-value golf and attraction packages. Save by visiting in the shoulder seasons, enjoying the free beaches and boardwalk, and choosing condo or resort deals. Prices peak in the busy summer months.

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