Living in Myrtle Beach my whole life, I’ve walked every inch of these shores: from the lively boardwalks of downtown Myrtle Beach to the quiet inlets up north near Little River.
When friends ask me where to go, I always tell them the same thing: the Grand Strand isn’t just one beach. It’s 60 miles of uninterrupted coastline stretching across South Carolina, with each section bringing its own flavor to the table.
In this guide, I’m sharing my neighborhood spots and walking you through what makes each stretch of the Myrtle Beach area special. Plus, I’ll point you toward some of the best places to stay so you can make the most of your time on the South Carolina coast.
North Myrtle Beach Beaches
I often head north when I want wider beaches, slightly calmer traffic than downtown, and that small town charm you just can’t find in the busier areas. North Myrtle Beach actually blends several named beach neighborhoods together, and while there’s plenty of nearby attractions and restaurants, the vibe feels more residential and laid-back compared with central Myrtle.
What I love about this coastal strip is the variety. You can catch live music and shag dancing one evening, then find a peaceful stretch of soft sand for a quiet morning walk the next day.
My favorite accommodation options to recommend to visiting friends and family who want to stay in the north are Ocean Creek or Beach Cove.
Cherry Grove Beach
Cherry Grove sits at the northernmost stretch of North Myrtle Beach, just below the North Carolina state line. This is where I go when I want a relaxed, residential vibe with lots of vacation homes and low-rise condos instead of towering hotels.
The Cherry Grove pier is the main attraction here. I love arriving early for sunrise photos when the pier is quiet and the light is perfect. The beach itself has soft white sand with a gentle slope into the calm waters, making it ideal for families with little ones.
Ocean Drive Beach (OD)
Ocean Drive Beach, which we call “OD” locally, is where I go for that old-school beach town energy. This is the heart of Carolina Shag history, and the beach clubs here still host shag dancing to classic beach music most weekends.
The beach itself is wide and active, with easy access to Main Street. If you want to split your time between the sand and the bars, arcades, and ice cream shops, OD is your spot. The crowd here skews mixed ages during the day but gets more nightlife-oriented after dark.
Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach is the quieter, mostly residential area. When I want North Myrtle without being in the middle of the Main Street action, this is where I head.
The beach here is wide with room for beach games, and there’s usually less noise and traffic compared with OD, especially on weekdays. Most public beach access is via neighborhood walkways and smaller parking areas, so I often park a block or two inland and walk in.
Windy Hill Beach
Windy Hill anchors the southern end of North Myrtle Beach and sits close to major attractions like Barefoot Landing. I often pair a morning at Windy Hill Beach with an afternoon of shopping, dining, and live music at Barefoot Landing.
The beach itself is a good compromise between activity and relaxation. There’s usually room to spread out, but you’re never far from a frozen drink at nearby resort bars.
Central & Downtown Myrtle Beach
This is the “classic” Myrtle Beach that most visitors picture. It’s where you’ll find the Oceanfront Boardwalk, the SkyWheel, and the dense strip of hotels and resorts that puts you center stage for everything.
The Golden Mile
The Golden Mile is a prestigious stretch of beach in Myrtle Beach known for its exclusive, low-rise beachfront homes and private mansions.
Unlike the bustling central areas, this section offers fewer crowds and a more tranquil atmosphere. This makes it a perfect spot for visitors seeking a quieter experience with stunning ocean views and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean.
Book your stay at The Caravelle for unbeatable access to this popular part of our coastline.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The Boardwalk is where I take friends visiting for the first time who want the full tourist energy: neon lights, arcades, cotton candy, rides, and easy access to the sand.
The beach itself is wide but can get crowded in midsummer, especially in front of big hotels. Lifeguards are on duty, chair and umbrella rentals are everywhere, and there’s constant activity from sunrise to well past sunset.
For central accommodation that’ll have you on the Boardwalk in moments, choose a room at Hotel BLUE, Captain’s Quarters, or Landmark Resort.
South Strand: Surfside, Garden City & Murrells Inlet
The “South Strand” sits just south of downtown and offers more of that family beach, small-town vibe without completely leaving the tourist zone. I often hop between these spots in a single day, enjoying beach time in the morning, fresh seafood for lunch, and an evening stroll along the water.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach State Park is my go-to when I want natural beauty and some shade without driving too far from the city. It’s just a few minutes south of the central strip but feels like a different world.
Opened in 1936, this state park preserves about a mile of undeveloped beachfront plus a maritime forest with nature trails, picnic shelters, and a long fishing pier, which I love for sunrise or evening strolls.
For accommodation near Myrtle Beach State Park, check out Crown Reef.
Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach has earned its nickname as “The Family Beach.” With an oceanfront lined with beach houses, small condos, and low-key restaurants, it’s exactly where I take my crew when we want soft sand, calm waters, and easy access for everyone.
The rebuilt Surfside Pier anchors the downtown district and serves as a focal point for grabbing food, people-watching, and letting kids play.
Garden City Beach
Garden City Beach sits just south of Surfside with a slightly more vintage beach-town feel that I love for casual evenings. The Garden City pier is free to walk and often features live music in summer. I’ve spent countless evenings there with a cold drink, watching the perfect waves roll in.
Murrells Inlet & the MarshWalk
Murrells Inlet isn’t on the open ocean. It’s an inlet and historic fishing village, but I always include it in my “beach day” loop because of the seafood and marsh views.
The MarshWalk is a wooden boardwalk along the salt marsh lined with restaurants and bars. After a beach afternoon, this is where I head for dinner, live music, and sunsets over the water. The area is known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” with boats bringing in fresh catch daily. So come with an appetite!
Quieter Southern Beaches: Huntington, Litchfield & Pawleys Island
When I want to feel like I’m truly away from Myrtle without driving hours, I head to these quieter beaches. They feel more natural and less commercial, and they’re my personal favorites outside peak holiday weekends.
This area is 30–45 minutes south of central Myrtle Beach (depending on traffic), so I usually make it a half-day or full-day outing rather than a quick stop.
Huntington Beach State Park
Huntington Beach State Park is one of the wildest-feeling stretches of coastline near Myrtle. Wide dunes, few places with buildings in sight, and long, open beaches with sea oats swaying in the breeze.
I come here when I want wildlife and photography. Birdwatching is incredible, with over 300 species recorded here. You’ll spot alligators in freshwater areas and may see sea turtle nesting sites (viewed from a respectful distance, of course).
Litchfield Beach
Litchfield Beach is a peaceful, upscale-but-unfussy area north of Pawleys Island. Dunes, fewer high-rises, and a calm atmosphere make this spot perfect for slow beach walks and reading under an umbrella.
Parking is limited here with just a couple of public access points, so I usually arrive early (especially on summer weekends). The beach draws a mix of couples, retirees, and families who prefer a quieter scene with fewer crowds.
Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island is one of the oldest resort communities on the East Coast, about 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach. Famous for its laid-back, barefoot charm and historic beach cottages, this is where I go when I really want to slow down.
The beaches here are long and quiet, lined with low-rise homes and limited commercial development. There are no big shopping centers on the island itself, just beautiful sandy beaches, natural beauty, and the sound of waves.
Discover Myrtle Beach’s Best Beaches
After walking these shores my whole life, I can tell you there’s no single “best” beach on the Grand Strand: it all depends on what you’re looking for.
The best Myrtle Beach beaches aren’t just about sun and surf. They’re about finding your perfect spot, whether that’s a fishing pier at sunrise, a state park trail through maritime forest, or a few places where you can spread out on soft sand without another soul in sight.
Ready to plan your beach getaway? Browse and book the best places to stay and find the perfect home base for exploring everything the Grand Strand has to offer.
