×

the USA🇺🇸 | beachesMyrtle BeachMile-long boardwalk, SkyWheel, state park dunes, Broadway district | things to do and best time to go

Explore Kaanapali BeachExplore Ocean City Beach

Backpacking in Myrtle Beach
👌 Worth visitingbeach ranked #14
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026

Myrtle Beach hands you sixty miles of free, public sand, so the cheapest day out on the Grand Strand costs nothing but sunscreen. It sits on the coast of South Carolina in the southeastern United States, northeast of Charleston. The beach is wide, flat and groomed, with calm shallow water, though high-rises, mini golf and traffic crowd the strip behind it. I fed the meter in coins at a beachfront lot, then walked the Boardwalk at dawn and got a quiet pier and a coffee before the crowds. Budget motels and buffets are plentiful. Families and easygoing groups will love it; those chasing empty beaches or big surf won't.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 the USA Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for United States
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for United States
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for United States
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for United States
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for United States
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for United States
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for United States
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for United States
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #14 beach in the USAWhy Myrtle Beach should be on your travel list

Myrtle Beach works as a pause on the Carolina coast, and the reasons are practical. The beach itself is public, wide and easy to reach on foot from dozens of older, cheap motels, so you can sleep near the sand without a resort bill. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and its 1.2-mile stretch gives you a flat, lit walk with arcades, snack stands and pier views, which is handy when you want an easy evening. Then there is the social side: Broadway at the Beach and the strip nearby keep people moving late, so solo travelers rarely eat alone. It also connects Charleston and the North Carolina coast, making it a convenient reset between longer stops.

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

  1. Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade: The 1.2-mile oceanfront walkway is the place most people picture, with arcades, ice cream, and a long view of the surf. It works best at sunrise, when joggers outnumber crowds.
  2. Myrtle Beach SkyWheel: The 187-foot Ferris wheel gives a wide view over the coastline and the grid of hotels. Its enclosed gondolas are climate-controlled, and the evening lights make the ride worth the ticket.
  3. Pier fishing and pier walks: The long wooden piers let you walk out above the breakers, watch anglers, and look back at the skyline. Some charge a small fee for fishing or entry.
  4. Myrtle Beach State Park: South of the main strip, this park has a quieter beach, maritime forest trails, and a fishing pier. It is the best place to see dunes and sea oats without the high-rises.
  5. Broadway
… read more 👉
  1. Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade: The 1.2-mile oceanfront walkway is the place most people picture, with arcades, ice cream, and a long view of the surf. It works best at sunrise, when joggers outnumber crowds.
  2. Myrtle Beach SkyWheel: The 187-foot Ferris wheel gives a wide view over the coastline and the grid of hotels. Its enclosed gondolas are climate-controlled, and the evening lights make the ride worth the ticket.
  3. Pier fishing and pier walks: The long wooden piers let you walk out above the breakers, watch anglers, and look back at the skyline. Some charge a small fee for fishing or entry.
  4. Myrtle Beach State Park: South of the main strip, this park has a quieter beach, maritime forest trails, and a fishing pier. It is the best place to see dunes and sea oats without the high-rises.
  5. Broadway at the Beach: This outdoor entertainment district has lakeside walking, aquarium visits, restaurants, and evening shows. Walking around is free, and it stays lively after dark.
Myrtle Beach is best met first on the Boardwalk at sunrise, since it shows both the beach and the strip in one easy walk.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Myrtle Beach

Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Myrtle Beach

Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Myrtle Beach

4.7(2547) 2h
From €61
per personViator
Waccamaw River Nature and Wildlife Tour

Waccamaw River Nature and Wildlife Tour

4.9(1449) 2h
From €45
per personViator
Original Motown Tribute Show

Original Motown Tribute Show

4.8(1031) 2h
From €58
per personViator
The Escape Game at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach

The Escape Game at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach

5.0(528) 1h 15m
From €41
per personViator
Award Winning Las Vegas-Style Magic Show! Charles Bach Wonders!

Award Winning Las Vegas-Style Magic Show! Charles Bach Wonders!

4.8(636) 1h 30m
From €38
per personViator
Music and Memories at Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre

Music and Memories at Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre

5.0(405) 2h
From €45
per personViator
Legends in Concert Myrtle Beach Admission

Legends in Concert Myrtle Beach Admission

4.6(644) 2h
From €48
per personViator
Best Magic Show in Myrtle Beach! Comedy & Magic Michael Bairefoot

Best Magic Show in Myrtle Beach! Comedy & Magic Michael Bairefoot

4.9(299)
From €32
per personViator
Surf Lessons in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Surf Lessons in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

4.9(247) 2h
From €59
per personViator
Catamaran Dolphin Cruise in Myrtle Beach with Barrier Island Stop

Catamaran Dolphin Cruise in Myrtle Beach with Barrier Island Stop

4.7(301) 2h
From €36
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

  • Summer (June to August): Highs of 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F), warm 26 to 28°C (79 to 82°F) water, daylight past 8 pm, and the biggest crowds and highest rates.
  • Shoulder Months (April to May, September to October): Highs of 21 to 29°C (70 to 84°F), thinner crowds, lower prices, and ocean water still swimmable into October.
  • Winter (November to March): Highs of 11 to 16°C (52 to 61°F), early dark, quiet sand, and the cheapest rooms. Swimming is for the brave.
  • Hurricane Season: June to November, with peak risk in September.
Book Myrtle Beach for mid-September, when the water is still warm and rates drop sharply after Labor Day.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: good for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: good for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
when-to-go

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutthe USA Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for United States
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for United States
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for United States
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for United States
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for United States
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for United States
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for United States
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for United States
The digital guide (451 pages) contains:
✅ 159 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 14, 21 & 30-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ Local customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

The best base for backpackers near Myrtle Beach is the central oceanfront strip between roughly 8th Avenue North and 20th Avenue North, where you can walk to the sand, the Boardwalk, and the SkyWheel. Rooms are mostly motels and budget hotels rather than dorms, so the savvy move is splitting a room with two or three people. Expect US$50 to 100 a night off-season and US$120 to 250 in July. The strip is lively, with food within a few blocks and an easy social scene along the Boardwalk. Surfside Beach, about 15 minutes south, is calmer, cheaper, and family-oriented, though a car or rideshare helps. … read more 👉
The best base for backpackers near Myrtle Beach is the central oceanfront strip between roughly 8th Avenue North and 20th Avenue North, where you can walk to the sand, the Boardwalk, and the SkyWheel. Rooms are mostly motels and budget hotels rather than dorms, so the savvy move is splitting a room with two or three people. Expect US$50 to 100 a night off-season and US$120 to 250 in July. The strip is lively, with food within a few blocks and an easy social scene along the Boardwalk. Surfside Beach, about 15 minutes south, is calmer, cheaper, and family-oriented, though a car or rideshare helps. North Myrtle Beach suits you if you want bars and beach music in Barefoot Landing and Ocean Drive.
Best hostels in the USA


Best quality hotels in the USA

🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

Myrtle Beach is a well-managed beach with lifeguards on duty in summer and a color flag system, so check the flag before you wade in. Rip currents are the main hazard, especially after storms or when winds are strong, and they show up as darker, choppy channels pulling seaward. If caught, swim parallel to shore. Jellyfish and the occasional stingray appear in summer, so shuffle your feet in shallows. Shark bites are rare. The sun is intense from May through September, so reapply sunscreen often. Crowds are thick, so keep phones and wallets in a bag or locked up rather than left on your towel.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is reached by flying into Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), about 10 minutes from the oceanfront by rideshare for roughly US$15 to 25. Greyhound-style buses are limited, so many backpackers fly into Charleston, about 2 hours south by car, or Wilmington, about 1.5 hours north, and rent a car or use a shuttle. Driving from Charlotte takes about 3.5 hours. Local buses run along Kings Highway and Ocean Boulevard but are infrequent.
Myrtle Beach is excellent for swimming from May to early October, when the Atlantic reaches 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F) and lifeguards patrol. Surfing is mild, with small waves best in late summer and fall storm swells, and boards can be rented for about US$15 to 30 a day. Snorkeling is poor because the water is murky and sandy. Bring a rash guard in summer for jellyfish and sun.
Yes, Myrtle Beach is free to visit, since the public beach has no entrance fee and access points line the coast along Ocean Boulevard. Parking is the main cost, with metered street spots and lots running about US$1 to 3 an hour or US$10 to 30 a day in summer. Chair and umbrella rentals cost roughly US$15 to 40 a day. The Boardwalk is free to stroll, and you only pay for rides and attractions.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other American beaches near Myrtle Beach

Explore more nearby:

  • Ocracoke Island—Ferry access, 1823 lighthouse, Banker ponies, Springer’s Point, dark skies| 309 km away
  • Virginia Beach—Oceanfront boardwalk, King Neptune, cypress trails, dolphin tours| 439 km away
  • Daytona Beach—Drive-on sand, Speedway tours, wooden pier, coquina bandshell| 538 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for the USA including Myrtle Beach and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all beaches

Or checkout all the USA has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore the USA
Country photo of the USA
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Myrtle Beach suits families, road-trippers and budget travelers who want easy sand, cheap food and a bit of kitsch more than solitude. I would book an older motel a few blocks back, walk the Boardwalk early, and save the state park for a quieter afternoon.

✈️ When did I visit the USA?
In January 2023 I visited New York. Many years before, before digital cameras existed, I discovered most of the national parks in the West.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in the USA, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story