See Why Your Perfect Oceanfront Escape Starts Here

May is one of the best months to visit Myrtle Beach—it offers warm weather, smaller crowds, and lower hotel rates before the peak summer season begins.

While Myrtle Beach itself is beautiful, Huntington Beach State Park is often considered the prettiest beach in the area, with natural dunes, fewer crowds, and scenic views.

Myrtle Beach is famous for its 60-mile stretch of sandy coastline, family-friendly attractions, vibrant entertainment options, golf courses, and its iconic oceanfront Boardwalk.

Staying in central Myrtle Beach near the Boardwalk offers easy access to the beach, shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it ideal for first-time visitors and families.

January and February are typically the cheapest months to visit Myrtle Beach, with the lowest hotel and flight prices, though some attractions may have limited hours.

Swimming season in Myrtle Beach usually begins in late May and lasts through September, when ocean temperatures are warm enough for comfortable swimming.

North Myrtle Beach and the Ocean Boulevard Boardwalk area tend to be the most expensive, especially for beachfront accommodations and upscale resorts.

Myrtle Beach is known for its Calabash-style seafood, which features lightly battered and fried fish, shrimp, and shellfish, often served in buffet-style or dockside restaurants.

Myrtle Beach can be affordable or pricey depending on your travel style. It’s generally budget-friendly compared to other beach destinations, but costs can add up with premium lodging or attractions.

You can enjoy the highlights of Myrtle Beach in three to five days, but a full week allows time to relax, explore nearby towns, and enjoy a wider variety of attractions.

Before visiting Myrtle Beach, it’s helpful to know that parking can be limited in some areas, summer crowds are high, and certain activities may require advance booking—especially during peak season.

Whether it's cheaper to fly or drive depends on your starting location. For those within a 5–8 hour drive, driving is often more economical, while flying may be cheaper if you book in advance and travel light.

Access to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is free, but individual attractions, rides, and food vendors along the Boardwalk may have separate costs.

Myrtle Beach is especially known for fresh shrimp, flounder, oysters, and blue crab, often prepared in Southern or Calabash-style.

Myrtle Beach has a party scene, especially during spring break and summer weekends, but it also offers plenty of family-friendly areas, making it a mix of nightlife and relaxation.

While a car is helpful for exploring beyond the beach, you can get by without one if you stay in central Myrtle Beach—trolleys, shuttles, and rideshare services cover most tourist areas.

No, open containers of alcohol are not allowed on the Boardwalk or public beaches in Myrtle Beach. Drinking is permitted only in licensed establishments.

Yes, Myrtle Beach is one of the most family-friendly beach destinations on the East Coast. With amusement parks, mini-golf, aquariums, interactive museums, and calm beach areas, there's something for kids, teens, and adults to enjoy.

Myrtle Beach has a mild subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and cool, short winters. Summer temps often hit the high 80s to low 90s °F, while winter days average in the 50s to 60s °F.

Absolutely. From romantic sunset walks on the beach to waterfront dining, scenic boat tours, and spa days, Myrtle Beach offers plenty of relaxing and romantic activities for couples.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, swimwear, flip-flops, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. If you’re visiting off-season, bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Yes, but with restrictions. Dogs are allowed on the beach before 10 AM and after 5 PM from May 1 through Labor Day. In the off-season, dogs are welcome at more times of the day. Leashes are required at all times.

Beyond the beach, try a sunset cruise in Murrells Inlet, explore the sculpture trails at Brookgreen Gardens, visit Atalaya Castle, or bike through The Market Common and Grand Park.

Yes! Myrtle Beach hosts year-round events like the Carolina Country Music Fest, Sun Fun Festival, Blue Crab Festival, Myrtle Beach Bike Week, and seasonal fireworks at Broadway at the Beach.

The downtown and Boardwalk area is highly walkable with shops, restaurants, and attractions close together. However, to explore other neighborhoods and attractions outside of that zone, a car or rideshare is helpful.

While Myrtle Beach doesn’t have many traditional all-inclusive resorts, several hotels—including Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort—offer vacation packages with bundled amenities and on-site dining, activities, and beach access.

Myrtle Beach has a vibrant nightlife scene, including beach bars, live music venues, dance clubs, and lounges. Broadway at the Beach and the MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet are two of the most popular nightlife hubs.