Myrtle Beach Visit Planner
Myrtle Beach isn’t just another stretch of sand. It’s a 60-mile ribbon of coastline that pulls in over 18 million visitors every year. That’s more than the population of Scotland. So, is it worth it? The answer isn’t yes or no-it’s Myrtle Beach depending on what you’re looking for.
It’s not a quiet escape
If you’re hoping for solitude, seclusion, or a quiet morning walk with only the sound of waves, Myrtle Beach will disappoint you. The boardwalk runs the length of the main strip, packed with arcades, ice cream stands, and street performers. In July, parking costs $15 an hour. The beach itself? You’ll need to claim your spot by 9 a.m. if you want more than three feet of space.
But here’s the twist: that energy is the point. Families come here because it’s one of the few places in the U.S. where kids can ride go-karts, play mini-golf under neon lights, and eat funnel cake-all within a 10-minute walk. The vibe isn’t luxury. It’s loud, messy, and unapologetically fun.
The beach itself? Surprisingly good
Don’t let the crowds fool you. The sand is soft, white, and wide. The water is warm enough for swimming well into October. Unlike some East Coast beaches with rocky outcrops or strong rip currents, Myrtle Beach has a gentle slope and low tide zones perfect for kids. In 2024, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control rated 97% of its beach water samples as safe for swimming-better than Daytona Beach or Outer Banks.
Early morning or late afternoon are your best bets. That’s when the sun glows gold over the Atlantic, the crowds thin out, and locals walk their dogs or jog along the shoreline. You’ll see fishermen casting lines near the piers, and sometimes, a pod of dolphins rolling just beyond the breakers.
It’s not all about the beach
Myrtle Beach has more than sand. The Myrtle Beach State Park, just north of the main strip, offers nature trails, salt marsh boardwalks, and a 112-foot observation tower. You can spot ospreys, herons, and even the occasional sea turtle nest in summer.
Then there’s the Historic Conway Riverwalk. It’s quiet, shaded, and full of local flavor-coffee shops, bookstores, and live jazz on Friday nights. It’s where you’ll find the best shrimp and grits in town, not at a tourist trap, but at a family-run spot called Harbor Lights, tucked behind a gas station.
And don’t skip the Brookgreen Gardens. It’s America’s first public sculpture garden, with over 2,000 pieces set among live oaks and azaleas. It’s peaceful. It’s beautiful. And most tourists never even hear of it.
Costs are lower than you think
Myrtle Beach isn’t cheap, but it’s cheaper than most coastal destinations. A decent beachfront hotel in July runs $200-$300 a night. But in April or October? You can find the same room for $80-$120. Even the Grand Strand’s top seafood restaurants serve full dinners-shrimp, crab cakes, collard greens-for under $25.
Free stuff? Plenty. The free beach access points (there are 14 of them) are open all day. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk has free live music most weekends. The weekly fireworks show over the ocean? Free. And it’s worth staying up for.
What you’ll hate
Let’s be honest. The traffic is brutal. US-17 turns into a parking lot by 4 p.m. in summer. The shopping centers are full of chain stores you can find anywhere. And if you’re here for fine dining or a quiet spa day, you’ll feel out of place.
There’s also the “tourist trap” problem. Some attractions charge $30 for a 10-minute ride on a bumper car. The plastic souvenirs? Overpriced and made in China. But you don’t have to fall for it. Skip the giant inflatable slide at Family Kingdom. Go to the free beach instead.
Who should go
Myrtle Beach is perfect for:
- Families with kids under 12-there’s something for every age, every mood, every budget
- Groups of friends who want to laugh, eat, and not overthink their vacation
- Anyone who wants to dip their toes in the ocean without flying across the country
- Couples who don’t mind a little noise-if you can find a quiet spot at sunset, it’s magical
It’s not for:
- People seeking silence or luxury resorts
- Those who hate crowds or long lines
- Anyone who thinks a beach vacation means lounging on a towel with a cocktail and no plans
Best time to go
May and September are the sweet spots. The weather is warm-mid-70s to low 80s-but the school crowds are gone. Hotels drop prices by 40%. The ocean is still warm enough for swimming. And the humidity? It’s bearable.
June through August? It’s hot, busy, and expensive. But if you’re okay with that, you’ll get the full experience: fireworks, live bands, and the smell of saltwater and funnel cake in the air.
October? Still warm enough for the beach. Fewer people. The seafood is at its peak. And the leaves on the live oaks start turning gold. It’s the quietest, most beautiful time to be here.
Final verdict
Is Myrtle Beach worth visiting? Yes-if you want a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s not elegant. It’s not quiet. But it’s real. It’s alive. You’ll find kids laughing in the waves, grandmas selling homemade fudge on the boardwalk, and fishermen who’ve been coming here for 50 years.
It’s not the kind of place you go to feel fancy. It’s the kind of place you go to feel like you’re part of something bigger-a summer tradition, a family ritual, a loud, messy, perfect beach day.
If you’re looking for that? Myrtle Beach delivers. Just don’t expect peace. Expect joy.
Is Myrtle Beach safe for families?
Yes, absolutely. Myrtle Beach has a low violent crime rate compared to other coastal cities. Most incidents happen in the late-night hours on the main strip, away from residential areas. Families stick to the boardwalk, state parks, and beachfront hotels-areas that are well-lit and patrolled. The Myrtle Beach Police Department even runs a family safety program with free wristbands for kids and beach safety tips.
Can you swim in Myrtle Beach in October?
Yes. Water temperatures in October average around 72°F (22°C), which is still comfortable for swimming, especially for kids. The air is cooler-low 70s-but the sun is strong. Many locals swim through early November. The water is clearer, too, because summer algae blooms have faded.
Are there free beaches in Myrtle Beach?
Yes. There are 14 public beach access points with free parking and no entry fees. The best ones are at the Myrtle Beach State Park, the end of 14th Avenue North, and the 44th Street access. These spots are less crowded than the ones near the boardwalk and have public restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.
What’s the best way to avoid crowds?
Go early. Arrive before 8 a.m. on weekdays, and you’ll have the beach to yourself. Or head south-beyond 14th Avenue, the crowds thin out dramatically. Try the areas near North Myrtle Beach or Cherry Grove. They’re quieter, just as clean, and still have great seafood. Avoid weekends in July and August if you want space.
Is Myrtle Beach good for couples?
It depends. If you want candlelit dinners and oceanfront spas, look elsewhere. But if you’re okay with ice cream walks, sunset strolls, and laughing over cheap shrimp baskets, then yes. The best romantic spots are the free beach at sunset, the quiet boardwalk benches near the pier, or a picnic at Brookgreen Gardens. Skip the flashy shows-go for simple moments.
How many days do you need in Myrtle Beach?
Three days is enough to get the feel. Day one: beach and boardwalk. Day two: Brookgreen Gardens and Conway Riverwalk. Day three: Myrtle Beach State Park and a seafood lunch. If you’ve got kids, add a day for mini-golf or the aquarium. Four days lets you relax without rushing. More than that? You’ll start repeating yourself.