North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach offers a charming coastal escape with beautiful beaches, diverse dining, and family-friendly attractions, perfect for a relaxing va...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
North Myrtle Beach
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
North Myrtle Beach offers a charming coastal escape with beautiful beaches, diverse dining, and family-friendly attractions, perfect for a relaxing vacation.
"Cherry Grove offers a quieter, more relaxed vibe than the main strip, perfect for a peaceful beach vacation."
🌅 Sunset Views
Catch breathtaking sunsets from waterfront spots like Joe's Bar & Grill.
🐎 Beach Horseback Riding
Inlet Point Plantation offers year-round beach rides for all skill levels.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cherry Grove Beach
North Myrtle Beach
Serene shores and a quieter atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing beach day. Free parking available after 5 PM.

Barefoot Landing
North Myrtle Beach
A vibrant entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, and attractions along the Intercoastal Waterway.

Inlet Point Plantation Stables
North Myrtle Beach
Experience a unique horseback ride along a private beach with stunning ocean views.
Joe's Bar & Grill
Windy Hill, North Myrtle Beach
Enjoy waterfront dining with a hidden outdoor bar known for friendly raccoons.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Book Accommodations Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Views
Catch breathtaking sunsets from waterfront spots like Joe's Bar & Grill.
🐎 Beach Horseback Riding
Inlet Point Plantation offers year-round beach rides for all skill levels.
🎶 Live Music & Events
Check out Barefoot Landing for live music and events, especially at Big Chill Island House.
🚗 Parking Tips
In July, consider ride-shares or head to Cherry Grove for free parking after 5 PM.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Views
Catch breathtaking sunsets from waterfront spots like Joe's Bar & Grill.
🐎 Beach Horseback Riding
Inlet Point Plantation offers year-round beach rides for all skill levels.
🎶 Live Music & Events
Check out Barefoot Landing for live music and events, especially at Big Chill Island House.
🚗 Parking Tips
In July, consider ride-shares or head to Cherry Grove for free parking after 5 PM.
🚩 Beach Safety
Heed red flag warnings for hazardous conditions; lifeguards are on duty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise North Myrtle Beach for its beautiful, less crowded beaches compared to other Myrtle Beach areas, especially Cherry Grove. The dining scene, particularly waterfront options, receives positive mentions, and attractions like Barefoot Landing offer diverse entertainment. Some find parking challenging during peak season.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
North Myrtle Beach is accessible by car via major highways. The nearest major airport is Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), about a 40-minute drive away. Many visitors drive in, especially from surrounding states.
Having a car is recommended for exploring North Myrtle Beach and its surrounding areas. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available, especially useful for avoiding parking hassles in busy areas.
Public transportation options are limited in North Myrtle Beach. The main focus is on personal vehicles and ride-sharing services for getting around.
The Ocean Highway (US-17) runs along the coast, offering scenic views. The 'Golden Mile' is a less crowded stretch with no high-rises, providing a more natural coastal experience.
North Myrtle Beach is roughly a 1.5-hour drive from Charleston, SC, a 3-hour drive from Charlotte, NC, and a 4-hour drive from Raleigh, NC, making it a popular road trip destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the public beaches in North Myrtle Beach is generally free. However, some attractions within Barefoot Landing or other entertainment venues may require tickets.
Operating hours vary significantly by attraction. Barefoot Landing venues and restaurants typically open mid-morning and close in the evening. It's best to check the specific hours for any attraction you plan to visit.
While specific passes aren't widely advertised, look for package deals or seasonal promotions at Barefoot Landing or individual attractions. Following social media accounts of attractions can sometimes reveal special offers.
You can book hotels in North Myrtle Beach SC directly through hotel websites, or use online travel agencies. For vacation rentals, consider platforms like VRBO or local realty sites. Booking early is recommended.
Barefoot Landing itself is a shopping and entertainment complex, so there's no general entrance fee. You pay for individual shops, restaurants, and attractions within the complex.
🎫 🏖️ Beach & Outdoor Activities
Cherry Grove Beach is known for its quieter atmosphere and free parking after 5 PM. Other popular stretches include Ocean Drive and Windy Hill.
Yes, Inlet Point Plantation Stables offers horseback riding tours on a private beach year-round. It's a popular activity for beginners and offers great photo opportunities.
Water conditions can vary. Lifeguards are present, and it's important to pay attention to flag warnings. Red flags indicate hazardous conditions like strong currents or high surf.
While not as prominent as in some other beach towns, you can find opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding, especially along the Intracoastal Waterway. River Island Adventures offers rentals.
Besides the beach, consider mini-golf at Mayday Golf, exploring the attractions at Barefoot Landing, or visiting the Alligator Adventure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Joe's Bar & Grill is famous for its waterfront dining and unique outdoor bar. Big Chill Island House at Barefoot Landing is praised for its lobster roll and salads.
Absolutely! Many waterfront restaurants offer fresh seafood. Look for places along the coast or on the Intracoastal Waterway for the best selections.
Barefoot Landing offers a diverse range of dining, from casual cafes like Salty Brews (known for nachos) to upscale restaurants with waterfront views.
Joe's Bar & Grill's Raccoon Cove Bar, where friendly raccoons might visit, offers a quirky dining experience. Mission BBQ also has a daily noon ceremony.
Look for casual eateries, beach cafes, or consider packing picnics for beach days. Some restaurants may offer happy hour specials.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunsets over the ocean or Intracoastal Waterway are stunning. Horseback riding on the beach offers unique photo ops. Barefoot Landing's waterfront and unique architecture are also great for pictures.
The 'Golden Mile' offers a less crowded, more natural coastal view without high-rises. The Raccoon Cove Bar at Joe's Bar & Grill provides a quirky wildlife photo opportunity.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the best natural light for photography. Sunsets over the water are particularly spectacular.
Ripley's Illusion Lab on the boulevard features optical illusions and immersive rooms perfect for fun, quirky photos.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is useful for capturing beach scenes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens can be great for landscapes. Don't forget waterproof protection for beach photography!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a unique experience, horseback riding on the beach with Inlet Point Plantation Stables is a memorable adventure for all ages. Many resorts, like Avista Resort, are family-friendly and offer amenities like pools and easy beach access.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for free parking options, especially in areas like Cherry Grove after 5 PM. Many casual eateries and beach cafes offer more affordable dining options compared to upscale restaurants. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for potentially lower accommodation rates.
couples
Take a leisurely stroll along the beach during the golden hours, or opt for a unique experience like horseback riding on the beach for a memorable adventure together. Consider a stay at a resort with ocean views for added ambiance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Barefoot Landing
Key attractions include the Alabama Theatre, House of Blues, and Alligator Adventure, providing entertainment for all ages. The complex is situated along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, making it a picturesque spot for a stroll.
Pro-tip: Check the schedules for live music at venues like Big Chill Island House, and consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the largest crowds, especially during summer weekends.
North Myrtle Beach Real Estate
Areas like Cherry Grove are particularly popular for their beach access and community feel. The keywords 'houses for sale North Myrtle Beach' and 'North Myrtle Beach real estate' indicate strong interest in property ownership.
Whether you're interested in buying or renting, working with local North Myrtle Beach realty professionals can provide valuable insights into the market trends and available properties.
Beach Safety and Conditions
A red flag signifies hazardous conditions, including strong currents and high surf, meaning swimming is not advised. Other flags indicate varying levels of risk, so always be aware of the current conditions before entering the water.
When planning your beach day, check the weather and tide forecasts. Even on calm days, be mindful of rip currents, which can be a danger. Staying informed and cautious ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
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