Myrtle Beach
Go for the wide Atlantic beaches, the boardwalk and golf, with a resort-town pace that suits families and groups.
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Myrtle Beach is a resort city on the Atlantic coast of northeastern South Carolina, in the middle of a long run of sand called the Grand Strand. The city grew around its beaches, and the main beachfront is lined with hotels, condominiums, shops and restaurants. Most visitors spend the day on the sand and in the surf, then head to the boardwalk, miniature golf, arcades and amusement rides after dark. The area also has many golf courses, so a round fits easily between beach days.
The area suits family vacations, beach weekends, golf trips and groups of friends. Brookgreen Gardens, a sculpture garden and nature preserve in Murrells Inlet, is a short drive south, and the historic city of Charleston is about two hours away by car. Summer is the busiest and warmest season, while spring and early fall bring milder weather and smaller crowds. Plan at least three or four days to cover the beaches, the boardwalk and one day trip.
Myrtle Beach in five
- Book a summer room earlyHotels and rentals along the Grand Strand fill on summer weekends and holidays. Book before you fly and read the cancellation terms.Where to stay
- Fly into Myrtle Beach International (MYR)The airport is small, so nonstop routes are limited. Charleston (CHS) and Wilmington (ILM) are the main alternatives, about two hours and about 1.5 hours by car from the beach.Getting around
- Drive the Highway 17 Bypass with extra timeMost hotels, shops and beach access points sit along the Highway 17 Bypass and Ocean Boulevard. Allow extra time at busy hours and for parking near the beach.
- Set up data before you landSet up an eSIM or a US plan before you land, so maps, rideshare apps and booking links work from the airport.Phones and eSIM
- Check the National Hurricane Center before you flyAtlantic hurricane season runs June to November, and the coast can see storms in that period. Check the National Hurricane Center forecast and your cancellation terms before you book.
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- ESTA for Visa Waiver travelers, a visa for most others Read more
- Emergency
- 911 for police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Customary at restaurants and bars, usually 15 to 20 percent
- Time
- UTC-5 (Eastern), UTC-4 in daylight saving, March to November
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryCool, quiet
- MarchSpring break crowds
- AprilMild, pleasant
- MayWarm, pleasant
- JuneHot, peak crowds
- JulyHot, peak crowds
- AugustHot, storm season
- SeptemberWarm, storm season
- OctoberWarm, fewer crowds
- NovemberCool, quieter
- DecemberCool, quiet
Right now in Myrtle Beach
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
17
- Feels like
- 17°
- Humidity
- 92%
- Wind
- 14 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 2%
Myrtle Beach
12:02 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today24°16°2%Tuesday: Clear. High 24°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Wed26°19°1%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 1%.
- Thu27°20°6%Thursday: Cloudy. High 27°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Fri23°18°24%Friday: Rain. High 23°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 24%.
- Sat22°14°8%Saturday: Cloudy. High 22°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Sun24°16°12%Sunday: Cloudy. High 24°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 12%.
Updated 11:54 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.119 USD
Rates from Nov 3, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Charlestonabout 2 hours by carA historic harbor city with a walkable old district, best as a long day or a night out.
- Brookgreen Gardensabout 30 min by carSculpture gardens and a wildlife area near Murrells Inlet, a calm half day.
- Wilmingtonabout 1.5 hours by carA river city in North Carolina with a historic downtown and an easy walk along the water.
Before you go to Myrtle Beach
Rules for Myrtle Beach, checked
- Most visitors need an ESTA or a visa before flying to the US. Check eligibility at travel.state.gov before you buy a fare.Source
- The legal drinking age is 21, and bars and liquor stores check photo ID. Carry your passport or a driver's license when you go out.
- Hotel and rental bills add state and local taxes on top of the nightly rate. Check the total price before you book.
Plan around Myrtle Beach
The state, its coast and the roads between towns
Read the guideAll of the USAEntry rules and regional pages for the wider US trip
Read the guideGetting aroundDriving the coast and transfers from the airport
Read the guideMoney and costsCards, cash and typical prices in US dollars
Read the guideWhere to stayOceanfront, Broadway at the Beach and quieter towns
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs an ESTA and who needs a visa
Read the guideMyrtle Beach FAQ
How many days do you need in Myrtle Beach?
Three to four days cover the beach, the boardwalk and one day trip. Add a day for a golf round or a longer stay in Charleston.
Is Myrtle Beach worth visiting?
Yes for a beach holiday with plenty of restaurants, golf and family attractions. It suits travelers who want the sea more than historic streets or quiet walking towns.
When is the best time to visit Myrtle Beach?
April to May and October bring warm weather and fewer crowds. June to August is hot and busiest, and hurricane season runs June to November.
Do you need a car in Myrtle Beach?
Usually yes for the wider coast, since the beach towns are spread out along the highway. The oceanfront strip is walkable to the boardwalk and many restaurants.
Is Myrtle Beach safe for tourists?
Most visits are uneventful. Stay alert on the boardwalk and at night, and do not leave valuables in a parked car.
Is Myrtle Beach walkable?
The oceanfront boardwalk is walkable, and so is Broadway at the Beach. Other areas are spread out along the highway and need a car or rideshare.