Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and family-friendly attractions. Located in the northeastern part of the state, Myrtle Beach is a major component of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of coastline that attracts millions of visitors each year. To help you navigate this vibrant city, we've put together a comprehensive guide to the map of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Introduction to Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is situated in Horry County, approximately 95 miles north of Charleston, South Carolina. The city has a population of around 34,000 residents, but during the peak summer months, the population swells to over 400,000 people. Myrtle Beach is a major hub for tourism, with a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and activities to suit all interests and budgets.
Neighborhoods and Districts
Myrtle Beach is divided into several distinct neighborhoods and districts, each with its own unique character and charm. Some of the most popular areas include:
- Downtown Myrtle Beach: This vibrant area is home to many restaurants, shops, and attractions, including the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, a 1.2-mile oceanfront promenade.
- Myrtle Beach Resort Area: This area is located along Ocean Boulevard and features a high concentration of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals.
- Market Common: An upscale neighborhood with a mix of shops, restaurants, and residential areas, Market Common is a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
- Socastee: A scenic area located just west of Myrtle Beach, Socastee is known for its natural beauty, with the Intracoastal Waterway running through it.
| Neighborhood | Description |
|---|---|
| Downtown Myrtle Beach | Vibrant area with restaurants, shops, and attractions |
| Myrtle Beach Resort Area | High concentration of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals |
| Market Common | Upscale neighborhood with shops, restaurants, and residential areas |
| Socastee | Scenic area with natural beauty and the Intracoastal Waterway |
Beaches and Waterways
Myrtle Beach is famous for its stunning beaches, with over 60 miles of coastline offering a wide range of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and fishing. The city is also surrounded by several waterways, including the Intracoastal Waterway, which provides a scenic route for boating and kayaking.
Beach Access Points
There are numerous beach access points throughout Myrtle Beach, making it easy to find a spot to soak up the sun or take a dip in the ocean. Some of the most popular beach access points include:
- Myrtle Beach State Park: A 312-acre park with a beach, campground, and nature center.
- Surfside Beach: A picturesque beach with a pier and a range of amenities, including restaurants and shops.
- Garden City Beach: A quiet beach with a mix of residential and commercial areas, perfect for those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.
| Beach Access Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Myrtle Beach State Park | 312-acre park with beach, campground, and nature center |
| Surfside Beach | Picturesque beach with pier and amenities |
| Garden City Beach | Quiet beach with mix of residential and commercial areas |
Attractions and Activities
Myrtle Beach is a city that offers something for everyone, with a wide range of attractions and activities to suit all interests and ages. Some of the most popular attractions include:
- Brookgreen Gardens: A 9,100-acre sculpture garden featuring over 1,400 works of art.
- Myrtle Waves Water Park: A fun-filled water park with slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
- Ripley’s Aquarium: An interactive aquarium with a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Brookgreen Gardens | 9,100-acre sculpture garden with over 1,400 works of art |
| Myrtle Waves Water Park | Water park with slides, wave pool, and lazy river |
| Ripley's Aquarium | Interactive aquarium with marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles |
What is the best time to visit Myrtle Beach?
+The best time to visit Myrtle Beach is from March to May or from September to November, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
How do I get to Myrtle Beach?
+Myrtle Beach is accessible by car, with several major highways and interstates connecting the city to other parts of the country. The Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) also offers flights to and from several major airports.
What are some popular activities to do in Myrtle Beach?
+Some popular activities to do in Myrtle Beach include swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing, and golfing. The city is also home to several amusement parks, water parks, and mini-golf courses.
