Best Beaches in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The Grand Strand stretches 60 miles along South Carolina’s coast, with Myrtle Beach as its beating heart. Whether you’re seeking family fun, peaceful solitude, or adrenaline-pumping waves, Myrtle Beach’s diverse shoreline delivers. Each section of beach offers distinct characteristics—from bustling promenades to serene coastal parks.

Best for Families

North Myrtle Beach is the top choice for families. Quieter than central Myrtle Beach, it offers calm waters ideal for young swimmers. The North Myrtle Beach State Park provides ample parking (metered), boardwalk access, and plenty of nearby restaurants. The beach here is wider than central sections, giving families plenty of room to spread out. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months, and the nearby Marina Inlet offers protected swimming areas.

Surfside Beach, just south of Myrtle Beach proper, is another family favorite. The 1-mile-long pier is a major draw—it’s free to walk on and offers ocean views, plus a small arcade and bait shop at the base. Parking is available at the pier and along the adjacent streets. The beach is wider here, and the atmosphere is noticeably calmer than downtown Myrtle. Many families return year after year to this consistent, well-maintained beach.

Best for Relaxation & Quiet

Pawleys Island sits 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach and feels like a different world. This 4-mile barrier island is quieter, more upscale, and less commercialized. Huntington Beach State Park at the southern end provides excellent parking and a peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds. The island’s residential character means fewer beachfront bars and souvenir shops, making it ideal if you want to escape the Myrtle Beach rush. Shelling is exceptional here after storms.

Myrtle Beach State Park, on the north edge of the broader Myrtle Beach area, offers a protected environment with boardwalks, nature trails, and dedicated parking areas. The park entrance fee is modest, and it includes restroom facilities, picnic areas, and a boat launch. The beach here is less crowded than downtown sections because many tourists focus on the central boardwalk area.

Best for Water Sports

North Myrtle Beach, particularly around Barefoot Landing, is the epicenter for water sports. Jet ski rentals, parasailing, and paddleboard outfitters line the access points. The breaking waves attract bodyboarders and surfers, especially in fall and winter when Atlantic swells are strongest. Several shops rent equipment and offer lessons.

South end Myrtle Beach, near the boardwalk’s southern tip, hosts more experienced surfers and paddleboarders. The jetty here creates interesting swell patterns. Early morning sessions (before 9 AM) are typically the calmest and least crowded. Rental shops are abundant in the surrounding commercial district.

Beach Tips

  • Parking: Most of central Myrtle Beach charges metered parking ($1.50–$3 per hour). State parks charge entrance fees ($5–$8) but include facilities. Arrive early on weekends, especially in summer, or use the pay parking lots near the boardwalk.
  • Season: May–September is peak season; expect crowds and higher lodging costs. April and October offer mild weather with fewer people. Winter water temperatures drop to 50°F, but diehards still surf.
  • Currents: Rip currents can form suddenly. Swim near lifeguards and never fight a rip current—swim parallel to shore instead.
  • Wildlife: Sea turtles nest June–August. Respect any closed beach sections and report turtle activity to authorities.
  • Riptides: Check conditions at the National Weather Service or ask lifeguards before entering water.

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