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Even without the gambling, Myrtle Beach can seem like Las-Vegas-by-the-sea. The town is usually full of crowds, traffic and tacky souvenir shops - so its hard to have a quiet, nature-filled vacation here. Your best bet is not to fight the town too hard: check into a hotel, buy some cheesy souvenirs, and take a long swim in the Atlantic.

Modern history

Way back in the 1940s and 50s, Myrtle Beach was only a few open-air pavilions and dance halls along the ocean front of the Grand Strand. The town did have one early claim to fame, however: somewhere in the dance halls the popular 'shag' dance was born.

Recent history

Just a couple of decades ago, Myrtle Beach was still a one-traffic-light town. According to one local, you could drive down Ocean Boulevard at night and not see a soul. Today, Myrtle Beach is one of the fastest growing communities in the US, and several dozen traffic lights try to control the cars and crowds, which flow in like the tide all summer long, and only ebb in the depths of winter.

Top Accommodation

Top Restaurants

Although Myrtle Beach has its share of Carolina heat (as well as the humidity), the cool ocean breezes keep its summers from getting too hot and too humid too much of the time. Rainfall tends to peak in late summer and early spring. Winters tend to be quite mild, with daily averages around 14°C (57°F), but it's only in May that the beach weather kicks in, lasting all the way through to October.

Average weather

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Transport

Getting there and away

Myrtle Beach International Airport is within the city limits.

Greyhound buses (511 7th Ave N) arrive and depart Myrtle Beach from Charleston, Atlanta and New York City.

Getting around

Coastal Rapid Public Transport runs infrequent services up and down the resort district.

If you're driving into town, be aware that the amount of traffic coming and going on Hwy 17 Business (also called Kings Hwy) can be infuriating. To avoid the Strand altogether, stay on Hwy 17 bypass, or take Hwy 31 (Carolina Bays Parkway), which parallels Hwy 17.