Myrtle Beach was incorporated as a town in 1938 and became a city in 1957. Its name comes from the wax myrtle, a shrub that grows abundantly in the area. Our 25,000 permanent residents welcome millions of visitors to this full-service resort community.  Guests come to enjoy the wide beaches, the Atlantic Ocean, and an incredible range of activities, entertainment, golf, shopping and dining.

History records that the first tourists here were a party of Spaniards from Hispaniola, who landed about 50 miles north of present-day Myrtle Beach and, in 1526, eventually established the first European settlement in the U.S. about 30 miles to the south.  That settlement, San Miguel de Guadalupe, was abandoned the following year, though, and the group returned to Hispaniola.

In the next three centuries, the region's population grew, but slowly.  In the late 1800s and early 1900s, people began to "vacation" here, although it was quite rustic.  Houses and camps were sparse, and there were only few permanent residents at the turn of the century.  But, drawn by the ocean, sand and trees, people began to call Myrtle Beach "home" as the 1900s progressed.

Myrtle Beach, SC
Points of Interest

 Little River

Just north of North Myrtle beach near the North Carolina border lies this little area of the Grand Strand. Just off route 90 lies the La Belle Ami winery for a taste of South Carolina. This picturesque setting provides a quiet and peaceful respite from the fast pace of Myrtle Beach. Right on route 17 is a somewhat hidden treasure with a large marina and restaurants. Our perfect day ended with a bountiful Italian dinner overlooking the marina lighthouse.

North Myrtle Beach

While Myrtle Beach is filled with large hotels, North Myrtle Beach is where you find most of the private homes and condos. There is still plenty to do with an abundance of amusement parks, Put-Put Golf courses, restaurants, shopping and more. Within North Myrtle beach lies Barefoot Landing, the home of the Alabama Theatre, House of Blues, Mad Boar Brew Pub and many shops and restaurants.

Myrtle Beach

The Grand Daddy of the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is filled with things to do, places to eat and shop, stroll the beach, play arcades and on and on. The Pavillion Amusement park marks the southern beginning of the business section with Ripley's Believe it or Not museum across the street. Shops of every variety line the streets with ample selections of restaurants mixed in. Our favorite restaurant was The Sea Captain on 30th Ave, a can't miss.

A major new attraction in Myrtle Beach is Broadway on the Beach. It's not really on the beach as it sits several miles inland at the intersection of route 17 and 21st Avenue. None the less this 400+ acre complex of restaurants and shops has the feel of Disneyland where you wander through themed areas such as Charleston Boardwalk, New England fishing villages and more. You could spend days here and never be bored. The Celebrity Square area is where many of the big name Hot Sports reside such as the Hard Rock Cafe.

Surfside Beach and Garden City

Just south of Myrtle Beach are the areas of Surfside Beach and Garden City. These areas have the beachy feel of piers and cottages. We strolled the Surfside Beach Pier and watched fisherman looking for Whiting and families trying their hand at crabbing.

Murrells Inlet

Further South lies Murrells Inlet where there are many seafood restaurants with picturesque marsh and inlet views. At the turn off of 17 on the way to Murrells inlet is the southern office of the Myrtle beach area Chamber of Commerce. 

Georgetown

Not really part of the Grand Strand, but nearby lies the small historic town of Georgetown. This fishing village is charming and caringly maintained. Lunch at the River Room makes a perfect stop on a shopping or scenic tour.

Myrtle Beach, SC
Climate

Average Daily Temperature

Warm Season 80
Cool Season 60
Average Water Temperature 66

Average High Temperature (Fahrenheit):

         High    Water              High    Water

    Jan   57      49           Jul   89      83

    Feb   60      51           Aug   88      80

    Mar   67      56           Sep   84      77

    Apr   76      66           Oct   76      72

    May   83      71           Nov   69      60

    Jun   87      78           Dec   59      50

Myrtle Beach, SC
Trivia and Fun Facts

 These are little tidbits of information about Myrtle Beach, South Carolina history, local life and lure, and other interesting facts. Want to sound like a native? Show your friends and family that you know more about the Grand Strand than they do? Then read on...

The Name Game ...

Myrtle Beach received its name after the Crape Myrtle Tree native to the area.

The Grand Strand was coined by Claude Dunnagan in his newspaper column December 3, 1949. The term has come to include an entire string of communities from the fishing village of Little River to historic Georgetown.

Oceanfront Property News!

Oceanfront lots in Myrtle Beach were $25 in 1905. If you built a property for at least $500 you received a second lot for free.

Over 1400 Restaurants

Serving up everything from seafood Calabash style to Japanese. But for a local specialty, try a restaurant which offers Lowcountry-style cooking - simmered slow and rich in spices - dining at its best!

Over 3,300,000 golf rounds played in 1993

Intra-Coastal Waterway

Was originally built in order to be used as a secret passageway during World War II.

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