Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States

Concerts, motorcycle rallies, world-class shopping, and extensive beaches all lend to Myrtle Beach’s reign as a top vacation destination in not just South Carolina, but all of the United States. Over 14 million annual visitors flock to Myrtle Beach’s subtropical climate and subtropical recreation. Countless golf courses glitter the area, along with water and amusement parks, museums, historical sites, and more. Sail the coast or relax on the soft sand of the beaches and get to know this most exciting of vacation spots.

Population:

28,292

Currency:

$1 US =100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

911

Opening Hours:

Standard operating hours are between 10am and 9pm Mondays through Saturday, and 11am to 7pm on Sundays.

Newspapers:

The Sun News
North Myrtle Beach

The City

Myrtle Beach's economy is built almost entirely on tourism, which brings around 14 million visitors to the area each year, in addition to millions of dollars. With a subtropical climate and average highs in the mid-80s to low-90s (ºF), who wouldn't want to spend the day in the sun playing on the beach? The city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was incorporated in 1957, but, from a tourism standpoint, North Myrtle Beach, Atlantic Beach, Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach, Pawleys Island, Little River, Loris, Aynor, and Conway are all considered part of the Myrtle Beach region. Myrtle Beach is the main city located on the Grand Strand, a stretch of beaches that extends over 60 miles over the South Carolina coastline.

The area was once inhabited by Waccamaw Indians, but little is known about their lives prior to European settlement. After European colonization, the area that is now Myrtle Beach was pretty much uninhabited until after the Revolutionary War. Even then, only a few families who had land holdings set up residences here. It was not until the turn of the 20th century that tourist development began. In 1901, the Burroughs & Collins Company opened the Seaside Inn, the first hotel of the beach community that was then called simply, "New Town." It was later renamed "Myrtle Beach" by founder Burroughs' wife after the Southern Wax Myrtle, a shrub that is abundant in the area.

The area continued to develop into the vacation hot spot recognized by tourists around the world today, and no expense has been spared to make sure that anyone who visits Myrtle Beach will want to come back time and time again. There is a multitude of things to do, aside from relaxing on the beach, to occupy your time. Myrtle Beach's attractions include the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Myrtle Waves water park, Family Kingdom Amusement Park, The Carolina Opry, and a multitude of annual events hosted each year at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Myrtle Beach is also home to over 1,900 restaurants, approximately 460 hotels, and 100 golf courses, giving it the distinction by some of the "Golf Capital of the World."

Do & See

Whether you are honeymooning, taking a family vacation or just having some alone time, Myrtle Beach has countless things to see and do. Frolic on the beaches, visit a water park, or play some mini-golf. Myrtle Beach is home to a number of famous attractions, including the SkyWheel, Myrtle Waves Water Park, Family Kingdom Amusement Park, and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Additionally, the Myrtle Beach Convention Center is the gathering place for a variety of conventions, trade shows, and other events each year.

Dining

With countless places to eat, you will have your choice of dishes, ingredients and styles - a veritable smorgasbord ranging from hearty American favorites to Mediterranean cuisine, Italian classics to Chinese staples, and everything in between. Myrtle Beach is home to over 1,900 restaurants, and the industry is always expanding. Indulge in the fun of the themed restaurants or expand your culinary palette at a local spot with a masterful chef at the helm.

Cafés

Myrtle Beach's cafes offer a friendly atmosphere, great service, delicious food, and above all, great coffee. Visitors can enjoy a fresh cappuccino by the beach at the numerous seaside cafes, or sip strong espressos at hip joints in the city. Several places are also known for their decadent pastries and should not be missed.