North Myrtle Beach Travel Guide

Explore North Myrtle Beach with our comprehensive guide. Discover the top attractions, activities, food, accommodations, and travel tips for a memorable trip to this beautiful coastal city in South Carolina.


Introduction to North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach is located in Grand Strand, South Carolina, situated in the northeastern part of the state, bordering North Carolina. This coastal city is renowned for its beautiful pristine beaches, fantastic outdoor attractions, rich cultural heritage, and excellent cuisine.

North Myrtle Beach is a perfect destination for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to unwind and have a good time. Whether you want to relax and soak up the sun on the beach, explore the local culture and history, enjoy thrilling outdoor activities, or savor delicious seafood, North Myrtle Beach has something for everyone.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we will take you on a journey through North Myrtle Beach, highlighting the top attractions, activities, food and drink scene, accommodations, local culture, safety, and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations. Let’s get started!

List of Places to Visit in North Myrtle Beach

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

North Myrtle Beach is rich in cultural heritage, and there are numerous historical places and museums that are worth visiting.

  • Cherry Grove Beach Pier: One of the most popular landmarks of North Myrtle Beach, this pier offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, fishing opportunities, and various shops and restaurants.
  • Heritage Shores Nature Preserve: This nature preserve offers a scenic trail for hiking, birdwatching, and seeing various wildlife species, including alligators and turtles.
  • Alligator Adventure: A must-visit for animal lovers, visitors can see hundreds of alligators, snakes, and crocodiles, and feed them if they dare.
  • North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum: This museum offers fascinating insights into the history of North Myrtle Beach and showcases the local culture and heritage.

Natural Attractions of North Myrtle Beach: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

North Myrtle Beach boasts some of the best outdoor attractions on the East Coast, including stunning beaches, state parks, and recreational areas.

  • Myrtle Beach State Park: A beautiful state park that covers over 300 acres of lush forests, beaches, and trails. It offers various recreational activities like hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, and taking nature walks.
  • T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station: A fantastic wildlife preserve that offers visitors the chance to see tigers, baby tigers, and other exotic animals up-close.
  • Alabama Theatre: Catch a live performance at the renowned Alabama Theatre and be entertained by some of the best musicians and artists in the country.
  • Alligator Adventure: A must-visit for animal lovers, visitors can see hundreds of alligators, snakes, and crocodiles and feed them if they dare.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach offers some of the best hiking and biking routes in South Carolina, with excellent trails that offer splendid scenery and breathtaking views.

  • Cherry Grove Beach Nature Trail: This trail runs through the Cherry Grove Beach area and offers visitors the chance to see various wildlife species and stunning landscapes.
  • McLean Park Trail: This trail is an easy hike and offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy some picturesque views of the marshes and natural wildlife.
  • Possum Trot Trail: This trail is a 1-mile loop that is enjoyable for both hiking and biking. Visitors can take in the beautiful surroundings and catch glimpses of the local flora and fauna.

Best Things to Do in North Myrtle Beach: Activities and Tours

North Myrtle Beach offers an abundance of exciting activities and tours to keep visitors busy and entertained.

  • Barefoot Landing: A shopping and dining paradise, offering hundreds of shops, restaurants, and live entertainment.
  • Horseback Riding: Explore the local scenery, beaches, and trails on horseback with guided tours and rides.
  • Parasailing: Soar high above the beautiful coastline of North Myrtle Beach with experienced instructors and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and city.
  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Get up close and personal with the local flora and fauna by taking a guided kayak or paddleboarding tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for North Myrtle Beach

For visitors planning to spend a week in North Myrtle Beach, we have created a comprehensive itinerary to explore the best attractions, activities, food, and accommodations.

DAY 1: Arrive, check into a hotel, and explore the local area. DAY 2: Spend the day at North Myrtle Beach and enjoy the sun, sand and surf. DAY 3: Visit the Alligator Adventure and T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station. DAY 4: Take a guided Kayak or Paddleboard tour of the area. DAY 5: Explore the Myrtle Beach State Park and the surrounding areas. DAY 6: Check out the local culture and visit some museums and historical places. Day 7: Wrap up your trip by experiencing the local cuisine and shopping for souvenirs.

Food and Drink Scene of North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach is renowned for its fantastic seafood, Southern-style cooking, and delicious local cuisine.

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Calabash shrimp: North Myrtle Beach is famous for Calabash-style seafood, and the shrimp is the crown jewel. Fried in a light batter, served with hushpuppies and coleslaw.
  • She-crab soup: A creamy, flavorful soup made with crabmeat and roe.
  • Oyster roast: Visitors can participate in this Southern tradition where buckets of oysters are steamed over an open fire, and everyone gathers around to shuck and eat them.
  • Low Country Boil: A delicious South Carolina dish made with shrimp, sausage, crab, corn, and potatoes.

Local Beverages:

  • Sweet Tea: This tea is a southern staple and is synonymous with South Carolina.
  • Palmetto Moonshine: Made from home-grown corn, this moonshine is a must-try for visitors who enjoy strong alcohol.
  • Myrtle Beach Brewing Company: A local brewery that offers a variety of handcrafted beers and ales.

Where to Stay in North Myrtle Beach: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

North Myrtle Beach offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, and everything in between.

  • Mar Vista Grande: A luxurious oceanfront hotel with spectacular views, spacious rooms, and premium amenities.
  • Avista Resort: A family-friendly resort with comfortable rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, and proximity to the beach.
  • Beach Cove Resort: A beautiful oceanfront resort that features suites with stunning balcony views, on-site dining, and a pool complex with multiple hot tubs.

What to Buy in North Myrtle Beach: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

North Myrtle Beach is a shopper’s paradise, with an abundance of shops and boutiques for all kinds of souvenirs and local products.

  • T-shirts and beachwear: Visitors can find an array of colorful t-shirts, hats, and other beachwear.
  • Seashells: North Myrtle Beach’s beaches are teeming with seashells that visitors can collect and take back home.
  • Handcrafted items: Visitors can purchase handcrafted items like artwork, jewelry, and pottery made by local artists.

Local Culture and Customs of North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions. Some local customs and practices include:

  • Southern Hospitality: North Myrtle Beach is known for its warm people who welcome visitors with open arms.
  • Beach Etiquette: Visitors are expected to adhere to beach rules and regulations, like no littering, no pets allowed, and no alcohol on the beach.
  • Religious Values: North Myrtle Beach is a predominantly Christian community, and visitors should respect local religious values and traditions.

Best Time to Visit North Myrtle Beach

The best time to visit North Myrtle Beach is between May and September when the weather is warm, and the beaches are open. However, the peak tourist season is from June to August, and visitors should expect large crowds and higher prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of North Myrtle Beach

In North Myrtle Beach, visitors should follow some important do’s and don’ts to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Do:

  • Do bring sunscreen, hats, and other sun protection gear when visiting the beach.
  • Do respect the privacy of other visitors on the beach.
  • Do clean up after yourself and dispose of trash properly.
  • Do follow local traffic rules and regulations.

Don’t:

  • Don’t drink and drive.
  • Don’t litter on the beaches or other public areas.
  • Don’t ignore beach rules and regulations.
  • Don’t leave valuable items unattended on the beach.

Safety and Health

Safety in North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach is generally a safe destination, but visitors should take some precautions to ensure their safety.

  • Do not leave valuable items in your car.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
  • Keep a close eye on children and stay within designated swim areas on the beach.
  • Follow local traffic laws and regulations.

Health in North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach is a relatively healthy destination, but visitors should take some precautions to avoid health issues.

  • Wear sunscreen and protective gear when spending time outdoors.
  • Drink bottled water, and avoid consuming water from unknown sources.
  • Seek medical attention if you experience any signs of sickness or illness.

Getting to North Myrtle Beach: Transportation Options and Logistics

North Myrtle Beach is easily accessible via air, road, or bus.

Airports Near North Myrtle Beach

  • Myrtle Beach International Airport: This airport is located 17 miles south of North Myrtle Beach and offers domestic flights from major US cities.

Bus Stations Near North Myrtle Beach

  • Greyhound Bus Lines: Provides regular bus services to North Myrtle Beach.

Other Options

  • Driving: Visitors can reach North Myrtle Beach via Interstate 95 and other major highways.

How to Get Around in North Myrtle Beach

Visitors can get around North Myrtle Beach using various transportation methods:

  • Rental Cars: Visitors can rent a car to explore North Myrtle Beach.
  • Biking and Walking: North Myrtle Beach offers excellent trails and sidewalks for bicycling and walking.
  • Taxis and Shuttles: Visitors can use taxis or shuttle services to get around North Myrtle Beach.

Where to Go Next from North Myrtle Beach: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

North Myrtle Beach is a gateway to several beautiful destinations and excursions in South Carolina and neighboring states.

  • Charleston: A beautiful city that is rich in history, architecture, and culture. It is located about two hours from North Myrtle Beach.
  • Wilmington: A coastal city that is renowned for its beautiful beaches, art galleries, and historic sites. It is located about one hour from North Myrtle Beach.
  • Myrtle Beach: A neighboring city that is equally beautiful and offers fantastic attractions, activities, and dining spots.

Conclusion

We hope this comprehensive tour guide has been helpful in planning your trip to North Myrtle Beach. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, good food, or relaxation, North Myrtle Beach has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and experience all that North Myrtle Beach has to offer!