Here’s the thing about North Myrtle Beach. It gives you everything!
Wide beaches, epic seafood, funky nightlife, beach volleyball, waterfront cocktails, but without the shoulder-to-shoulder chaos of bigger resort towns. It’s nine glorious miles of South Carolina coastline where people actually relax, eat well, and occasionally break into a dance called the Shag at 11 p.m. on a Tuesday.
Yes, really. More on that in a minute.
Part of the famous Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of beach running along the South Carolina coast, North Myrtle Beach formed in 1968 when four historic beach communities merged: Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill. Each neighborhood still carries its own personality. Together, they make one seriously fun vacation destination.
The Beach: Nine Miles of Atlantic Perfection
Let’s talk about the sand first, because it’s the whole point. North Myrtle Beach’s shoreline runs wide and flat, ideal for morning jogs, afternoon naps, and everything in between. The waves suit most swimmers comfortably, and the water warms up beautifully by summer. Families love it. Couples love it. People who just need to stare at the ocean for three days straight love it most of all.
Cherry Grove Beach, at the northern tip, tends to attract families seeking a quieter vibe and excellent fishing off Cherry Grove Pier. Ocean Drive stays livelier, with beach music literally spilling out of clubs onto the sand. Crescent Beach sits in between, gorgeous, uncrowded, and just far enough from the action to feel peaceful. Meanwhile, Windy Hill wraps up the southern end with its own intimate charm. Each neighborhood offers public beach access points with parking. Aim for early arrivals in peak season, spots fill fast.
Rentals: Skip the Hotel, Live Like a Local
Renting a condo or beach house in North Myrtle Beach genuinely changes the trip. Local companies like Grand Strand Resorts and Thomas Beach Vacations offer everything from cozy one-bedroom oceanfront condos to sprawling five-bedroom penthouses. Most properties come with full kitchens, washer/dryer access, free Wi-Fi, and fresh linens.
Many resort complexes take things further. Popular properties feature lazy rivers, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, kiddie pools, fitness centers, and private oceanfront balconies. The Barefoot Resort area, Avista Resort, Baywatch, and Crescent Shores all draw consistent praise for amenities and location. Some resorts even include oceanfront grilling areas and sundeck access, because vacation should feel this good.
Renting also makes grocery runs worthwhile. Stock the kitchen with breakfast basics, local shrimp from a seafood market, and snacks for the beach. Suddenly, your trip costs considerably less per day and feels infinitely more comfortable.
Beach Gear and Water Rentals: Get Out There
Bringing kayaks and paddleboards from home sounds great until you’re ratcheting them onto a roof rack at 5 a.m. Don’t do that. North Myrtle Beach has multiple local outfitters renting kayaks, paddleboards, surfboards, and bikes throughout the season. Several companies also offer guided kayak tours through the area’s stunning coastal waterways, peaceful, wildlife-rich, and genuinely memorable.
Fishing remains wildly popular here. Cherry Grove Pier gives you easy access without a boat. Alternatively, charter fishing trips leave from area marinas for offshore or nearshore action. Whatever your speed, the water here wants your attention.
Beach Volleyball and the LuLu’s Scene
Here’s where things get genuinely fun. LuLu’s, founded by Lucy Buffett (yes, sister of that Buffett) and located at Barefoot Landing on the Intracoastal Waterway, is equal parts restaurant, playground, and party. The complex includes a sandy beach area with volleyball courts, an arcade, a 48-foot-tall Mountain of Youth ropes course with 26 obstacles, live music, and a waterfront deck where cocktails flow freely.
LuLu’s volleyball draws a lively crowd of vacationers and locals. Just show up, grab a drink, and join a game. The menu runs from fried blue crab claws and shrimp and grits to jerk chicken sandwiches and hearty burgers. Hours run Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday until 10 p.m., perfect for a casual lunch that somehow becomes a three-hour afternoon adventure.
Beyond LuLu’s, beach volleyball pops up informally along the shore throughout the summer. Check the oceanfront parks in Ocean Drive and Crescent Beach for nets and pickup games.
The Shag: North Myrtle Beach’s Greatest Secret
Okay. Deep breath. You need to know about the Shag.
The Carolina Shag is South Carolina’s official state dance, and North Myrtle Beach is its undisputed birthplace. The dance took off along Ocean Drive in the 1940s when college kids on spring break started improvising a smooth, six-count swing-style move to beach music. The rest is history, delightful, foot-tapping history.
Fat Harold’s Beach Club on Main Street houses the Ocean Drive Shag Club and offers weekly lessons for newcomers.
Duck’s Dance Club packs the floor with live bands and DJs most nights. Both spots welcome first-timers with genuine warmth; plenty of regulars will grab your hands and walk you through the steps. The Society of Stranders (SOS) hosts major Shag festivals twice yearly, the Spring Safari around late April and the Fall Migration in mid-September, drawing thousands of dancers from across the country for ten days of nonstop music, dancing, and live events.
Even if dancing isn’t your thing, watching skilled shaggers move is worth an evening out.
Where to Eat: The Best Bites on the Strand
North Myrtle Beach punches hard in the food department. Here’s the rundown you actually need.
Flying Fish Public Market & Grill at Barefoot Landing tops most locals’ lists for seafood. Waterfront Intracoastal views, fresh catch daily, smoked fish dip, crab legs, and creative cocktails make this a consistent winner. Dog-friendly patio, too.
Blueberry’s Grill, also at Barefoot Landing, earned the 2025 Best Breakfast & Brunch award from The Sun News. The blueberry hush puppies alone justify the visit. Florentine broccolini benedicts and crab cake sandwiches round out the morning menu. It opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m. daily.
Greg Norman’s Australian Grille delivers upscale waterfront dining on the Intracoastal. Fresh fish, lobster ravioli, and a first-class wine list make this the spot for a properly special dinner. Reservations strongly recommended.
Boardwalk Billy’s keeps things casual with an open-air ICW deck, crab legs, ribs, and cold beer. This is exactly the spot for a long, loud, fun group dinner.
21 Main at North Beach Resort earns consistent awards for upscale steakhouse dining, including recognition from Grand Strand Magazine and OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice. An in-house sommelier and refined Southern hospitality make this a standout for celebrating something, or just treating yourself.
Practical Planning: What You Need to Know
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) sits about 20 minutes from most North Myrtle Beach properties. Many drivers arrive from Charlotte (about three hours), Raleigh (three and a half hours), and Atlanta (around five hours). Summer runs peak crowds and peak prices; May and September offer significantly better rates with equally gorgeous weather.
Over 1,800 restaurants operate along the Grand Strand, plus more than 110 championship golf courses for anyone wanting to combine a beach trip with time on the fairways. Also note: the Grand Strand has no shortage of grocery stores and convenience options, so stocking a vacation rental fridge is genuinely easy.
North Myrtle Beach won’t shout at you or overwhelm you like Myrtle Beach sometimes will. Instead, it hands you a beach chair, points you toward the ocean, and asks what you’d like for dinner. Then, after sunset, it might just teach you to dance.
Pack light. Eat the crab legs. Learn the Shag.
You’ll be back.
For more Carolina vacation area guides and Carolina coastal travel inspiration, keep exploring explorecarolinabeaches.com
FAQ
Is North Myrtle Beach good for families with young children?
Yes. North Myrtle Beach is one of the most family-friendly destinations on the Grand Strand, offering wide beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, family attractions, and fewer crowds than central Myrtle Beach.
When is the best time to visit North Myrtle Beach?
April through June and September through October offer warm weather, pleasant beach conditions, and smaller crowds. Summer is the busiest season and ideal for swimming and family vacations.
Are dogs allowed on North Myrtle Beach?
Yes. Dogs are permitted on the beach, though seasonal restrictions and leash requirements apply during peak summer months. Check current city regulations before visiting.
Is parking free at North Myrtle Beach?
Some public beach accesses offer free parking, while others use paid lots or metered parking during the busy season. Parking availability varies by location and time of year.
How far is North Myrtle Beach from Charlotte, Raleigh, Cleveland, and Nashville?
Charlotte: about 185 miles (3–3.5 hours)
Raleigh: about 205 miles (3.5–4 hours)
Cleveland, Ohio: about 710 miles (11–12 hours)
Nashville, Tennessee: about 610 miles (9–10 hours)
What is North Myrtle Beach known for?
North Myrtle Beach is famous for its wide sandy beaches, family-friendly atmosphere, golf courses, fishing, shopping, and its role as the birthplace of the Carolina Shag, South Carolina’s official state dance.
What are the best restaurants in North Myrtle Beach?
Popular local favorites include SeaBlue Restaurant & Wine Bar for upscale coastal cuisine, Hoskins Restaurant for classic beach-town fare, Flying Fish Public Market & Grill for seafood and waterfront views, and Buoy’s on the Boulevard for casual dining near the beach.
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