Here’s what nobody tells you about the Grand Strand before your first visit: sixty miles of South Carolina coastline, a boardwalk humming with energy, and more beach bars than you can responsibly attempt to conquer in one trip.
Myrtle Beach isn’t just a family beach destination. It’s a genuine beach-bar paradise, where frozen daiquiris meet live bands, rooftop ocean views, and that specific kind of salty-air happiness you can’t manufacture anywhere else. Whether you want to dance on a rooftop at midnight or nurse a cold beer watching pelicans cruise the shoreline, the Grand Strand delivers.
Let’s get into it.
Ocean Annie’s Beach Bar: Shore Drive, Myrtle Beach
This is the one. If you ask anyone who’s been to Myrtle Beach more than twice, Ocean Annie’s comes up within the first thirty seconds. Open since 1984/85, this legendary oceanfront bar at Sands Ocean Club on Shore Drive has outlasted hurricanes, literally. Hurricane Hugo rolled through in 1989 and couldn’t take her down. Decades later, Ocean Annie’s keeps pulling crowds that dwarf every other beach bar on the Strand.
The setup is a massive dual-layered deck directly off the beach with ocean views in every direction. During summer, live music runs from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Moreover, there’s a public pool right on the deck, so guests alternate between dancing, swimming, and ordering another round. Servers work the crowd directly, so you rarely need to chase down a drink. The vibe is zero-fuss, maximum fun: no shirt, no shoes, no problem.
Signature drinks include Annie’s Punch (rum, pineapple, OJ, sour, and grenadine) and the Myrtle Beach Sunset. Arrive early on summer weekends, and crowds get serious.
Good for: The classic Myrtle Beach beach-party experience. Locals, tourists, everyone.
Location: 9550 Shore Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
RipTydz claims the title of the largest dining attraction on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and the numbers back it up: over 17,000 square feet and 500 seats spread across a multi-level, nautical-inspired building. The rooftop terrace sits at the top of it all, putting you directly above the Atlantic with unobstructed views that genuinely stop first-timers mid-sentence.
Beyond the views, the food earns its keep. The menu covers fresh seafood, prime steaks, and coastal favorites: think bacon-wrapped halibut over Carolina stone-ground cheddar grits, hand-breaded citrus fried shrimp, and whole red snapper. Cocktails come in half-gallon sizes perfect for sharing, or not sharing, depending on your day.
Live music runs Friday and Saturday evenings, and daily happy hour keeps the good times math working in your favor. Additionally, local craft taps from Grand Strand Brewing and Tidal Creek Brewing keep the beer side interesting. This place works equally well for a long beach lunch or a full evening out.
Good for: Groups, serious food + views combo, rooftop fans.
Location: 1210 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Tin Roof: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The Tin Roof brand started on Nashville’s Music Row over twenty years ago and built a national reputation on one simple promise: great live music, cold drinks, and a room that feels like a party even on a Tuesday. The Myrtle Beach location arrived in 2018 and quickly earned its place as one of the best spots on the Boardwalk.
Perched on the third floor of the BLVD building at 1410 N Ocean Blvd, the open-air rooftop patio looks straight out over the Atlantic. Three full bars keep the drinks moving, and an indoor stage with a proper dance floor means rain doesn’t ruin anyone’s plans. Weeknights feature acoustic sets from local and regional acts. Weekend nights bring some of the country’s best touring bands in to keep the dance floor packed until last call.
Furthermore, a DJ spins in the Green Room simultaneously: two entertainment options under one roof. The food menu earns the “Better Than Bar Food” tagline: hand-breaded chicken tenders, house-made wing sauces, tacos, burgers, and quesadillas. Also worth noting: Tin Roof has launched a Nashville Hits the Roof country music series, bringing up-and-coming Nashville artists to the beach stage.
Good for: Live music lovers, late-night crowd, rooftop drinks with serious views.
Location: 1410 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
LandShark Bar & Grill: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Some spots just nail the assignment. LandShark Bar & Grill sits right next to the iconic Myrtle Beach SkyWheel at 1110 N Ocean Blvd, inspired by the classic oceanfront beach joints that once lined the Atlantic Coast. The combination of cold LandShark draft, the SkyWheel light show overhead, and the steady rhythm of beach music playing in the background creates something genuinely hard to replicate.
The menu covers American beach food done well: coconut shrimp with Cajun remoulade, LandShark beer-battered fish and chips, crab cakes, a seafood boil, and an ahi tuna poke bowl that holds its own against the more casual offerings. Frozen cocktails come in creative combinations worth exploring past the first round. The outdoor seating opens directly onto the boardwalk and the ocean beyond. In the evening, the SkyWheel’s light show turns the backdrop into something spectacular. It’s the most central, boardwalk-classic beach bar experience on the Grand Strand.
Good for: Families, boardwalk strollers, classic beach-bar energy right in the heart of the action.
Location: 1110 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
8th Ave Tiki Bar: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
Tiki bars either commit fully to the concept or they don’t bother. The 8th Ave Tiki Bar commits. Located on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, this funky, eclectic spot specializes in frozen cocktails, tropical drinks, and people-watching from a prime oceanfront position. The back deck offers direct ocean views. Inside, the fun continues with an energy that stays surprisingly consistent regardless of the hour.
The menu gets creative. Over 50 beers including rotating seasonal taps, signature 2-foot skewers for sharing (or for making a statement), an 8th Avenue Schnitzel, Deep Fried Mac & Cheese, and an Israeli Greek Salad, round out a menu that refuses to take itself too seriously. The Jeffrey, a shot combining 18 different liquors, light beer, OJ, and Sprite, serves as the house dare. Live bands play throughout the year. Consequently, this is one of the rare Grand Strand beach bars that works just as well at noon as it does at 10 p.m.
Good for: Tropical drink fans, adventurous snackers, anyone up for The Jeffrey.
,Location: 708 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
Grand Strand Brewing Company: Downtown Myrtle Beach
Not every great beach bar needs to sit on the sand. Grand Strand Brewing Company opened in March 2021 in downtown Myrtle Beach’s Arts & Innovation District, inside a restored 13,000-square-foot building originally constructed in 1952 as the Edwards Five & Dime Store. The result is one of the most genuinely fun spots on the entire Grand Strand.
The brewery keeps 12 taps rotating constantly, with standouts including the Airbrush Hazy IPA, Salty Golfer Pineapple Blonde, Jolene Red Ale, and Beach Easy Belgian Wheat. Exposed brick, rustic decor, an outdoor beer garden with games, board games at indoor tables, live music, and a kid-and-pet-friendly policy make this a rare multi-generational hit. Additionally, the bourbon selection earns its own mention from regulars. It’s not beachfront, but it’s a ten-minute walk to the Boardwalk. For craft beer fans who want something beyond the frozen daiquiri circuit, Grand Strand Brewing is the answer.
Good for: Craft beer nerds, mixed groups, anyone who wants a genuinely local experience.
Location: 819 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
A Few Grand Strand Beach Bar Tips
Hit the boardwalk bars early on summer weekends. Ocean Annie’s, RipTydz, and Tin Roof draw serious crowds after 6 p.m. Arrive before dinner for the best seats and shorter waits.
Shore Drive vs. the Boardwalk. The Boardwalk bars draw a more tourist-heavy crowd. Shore Drive (home to Ocean Annie’s) skews more local and laid-back. Both are great, they’re just different vibes.
Check live music calendars in advance. Tin Roof and RipTydz post their lineups online. Planning your visit around a good show makes an already great night considerably better.
Embrace the frozen drinks. Rum runners, piña coladas, and tropical punches exist at every Grand Strand beach bar for a reason. The heat is real. The drinks work.
Sixty miles of beach, endless live music, and cold drinks at every turn, the Grand Strand does beach-bar culture better than almost anywhere on the East Coast. Come thirsty. Leave with sand in your shoes and a song stuck in your head.
For more places to eat and explore, keep searching explorecarolinabeaches.com
FAQ
Are beach bars on the Grand Strand worth visiting?
Yes. The Grand Strand is known for its oceanfront bars, live music venues, rooftop decks, and waterfront hangouts that combine beach views with a fun coastal atmosphere.
When is the best time to visit Grand Strand beach bars?
Late afternoon through sunset is the most popular time. Many bars feature happy hour specials, live music, and excellent ocean views during the evening.
Do Grand Strand beach bars allow families?
Many do during daytime hours, especially restaurants with beachfront patios. Some transition to a more adult-oriented nightlife atmosphere later in the evening.
Is parking available at most beach bars?
Yes. Most beach bars offer nearby public parking, though fees may apply in busy areas, particularly during the summer tourist season.
Which areas have the best beach bars?
Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk area feature some of the region’s most popular beachfront and waterfront bars.
What is the Grand Strand known for besides beach bars?
The Grand Strand is famous for its 60 miles of beaches, golf courses, seafood restaurants, fishing piers, entertainment venues, shopping, and family attractions.
What are the best beach bars on the Grand Strand?
Local favorites include Ocean Annie’s Beach Bar for live music and oceanfront fun, Tin Roof for rooftop views, RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar for beachfront dining, and Dead Dog Saloon for waterfront entertainment along the MarshWalk.
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