North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a popular coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant entertainment, and family-friendly atmosphere. Located along the northern end of the Grand Strand, North Myrtle Beach offers a mix of bustling tourist attractions and quieter residential neighborhoods, making it a favorite destination for both vacationers and full-time residents. The city boasts a wide range of amenities, including championship golf courses, water sports, shopping centers, and a thriving dining scene. Real estate options vary from oceanfront condominiums and luxury beach homes to more affordable family residences in charming neighborhoods, making North Myrtle Beach appealing to various lifestyles and budgets.
With miles of pristine beaches and a warm subtropical climate, North Myrtle Beach is an ideal location for outdoor activities and relaxation. The city is also famous for its rich cultural heritage, particularly as the birthplace of the Carolina Shag dance. Local festivals, live music, and entertainment venues, such as the popular Barefoot Landing, ensure that there’s always something happening in this dynamic coastal community.
North Myrtle Beach is known for its wide, sandy beaches, which are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports. The city’s four main beaches—Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill—each offer their own unique charm. Cherry Grove is especially popular with families and those who enjoy fishing, thanks to the Cherry Grove Pier, while Crescent Beach and Windy Hill are known for their quieter, more relaxed vibe.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy a variety of activities beyond the beach. The area is home to several excellent golf courses, including the Greg Norman-designed course at Barefoot Resort & Golf. Additionally, the Intracoastal Waterway provides opportunities for boating, kayaking, and jet skiing, while the many parks and nature reserves offer scenic hiking and biking trails.
North Myrtle Beach is known for its lively community events that celebrate the region’s culture and bring residents and visitors together. One of the most famous events is the annual SOS (Society of Stranders) festivals, which celebrate the Carolina Shag dance with beach music and dance competitions. The city also hosts the North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, a large family-friendly event that draws thousands of attendees every March. Other popular events include the Music on Main concert series, where locals and tourists gather to enjoy live music during the summer, and the annual Mayfest on Main, which features art vendors, food, and live entertainment.
North Myrtle Beach offers a wealth of water sports and recreational activities for people of all ages. In addition to swimming and surfing at the beach, visitors can rent jet skis, paddleboards, or kayaks to explore the Intracoastal Waterway. Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of options, including pier fishing at Cherry Grove, deep-sea fishing charters, and inshore fishing along the marshes and creeks.
For a more leisurely experience, boat tours and sunset cruises along the waterway offer stunning views of the coastline and wildlife. The area also features several water parks, like Shark Wake Park, where families can enjoy wakeboarding, a floating obstacle course, and other water-based fun.
North Myrtle Beach boasts a diverse dining scene, with many restaurants serving up fresh seafood and traditional Southern fare. Oceanfront dining is a popular option, allowing patrons to enjoy views of the Atlantic while indulging in local specialties like crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and Lowcountry boils. There are also numerous casual eateries, steakhouses, and international restaurants to cater to all tastes. For shopping, Barefoot Landing is a major attraction, offering a mix of specialty shops, boutiques, and restaurants, all set along a scenic boardwalk overlooking a lake. Nearby, visitors can explore Tanger Outlets for discounted brand-name goods, or visit local surf shops, antique stores, and galleries for unique finds.
North Myrtle Beach has a rich cultural history, particularly tied to its status as the birthplace of the Carolina Shag dance. The Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach is considered the center of the Shag culture, with many dance clubs and events dedicated to preserving this beloved tradition.
Beyond dance, the city is also close to several historic sites and cultural attractions. Just a short drive away, the Alabama Theatre and the House of Blues at Barefoot Landing offer live performances, from concerts to variety shows. The nearby town of Little River and Brookgreen Gardens provide additional opportunities to explore the region’s natural beauty and historical significance.
North Myrtle Beach offers a wide range of real estate options, from luxurious oceanfront homes and high-rise condos to more affordable inland properties. Many properties offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway, making them highly desirable for both primary residences and vacation homes. For retirees, families, or those seeking investment opportunities, North Myrtle Beach’s thriving real estate market has something for everyone. Ocean Drive and Cherry Grove are popular areas for those seeking beachfront properties, while communities like Barefoot Resort offer golf course homes and modern townhomes. The mix of resort-style living and traditional neighborhoods, combined with the area’s year-round mild weather and abundant amenities, makes North Myrtle Beach an attractive place to live.
North Myrtle Beach has a unique history that is closely tied to the development of tourism along the Grand Strand. The area originally comprised four smaller beach communities—Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill—each with its own distinct identity. In 1968, these communities were consolidated to form the city of North Myrtle Beach, which has since grown into one of the most popular destinations in South Carolina.
The town became famous in the mid-20th century as the birthplace of the Carolina Shag, a smooth dance that evolved from jitterbugging and became synonymous with beach music. North Myrtle Beach continues to honor this legacy with dance clubs, festivals, and events dedicated to keeping the Shag tradition alive.
Over the decades, North Myrtle Beach has developed into a major resort destination, while maintaining its family-friendly appeal and community-oriented atmosphere. Today, it is known for its pristine beaches, world-class golf, lively entertainment, and a strong sense of local culture, making it a premier destination along the Grand Strand.
Cherry Grove Beach
A beautiful, family-friendly beach known for its wide sandy shores and a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and fishing.
Ocean Drive Beach
Famous for its lively atmosphere, Ocean Drive Beach features beachfront activities and access to nearby shops and restaurants.
Barefoot Landing
A shopping and entertainment complex along the Intracoastal Waterway offering dining, shopping, and attractions like Alligator Adventure.
The Carolina Opry
A popular theater known for its high-energy musical shows, comedy performances, and seasonal productions.
North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex
A large park featuring sports fields, walking trails, and a playground, perfect for family outings and community events.
Local Fishing Charters
Experience deep-sea and inshore fishing with local charters, offering guided trips for all skill levels.
The Surf Golf and Beach Club
A historic golf course that provides a scenic layout and challenging play for golf enthusiasts.
The North Myrtle Beach Museum
Learn about the history of the area through exhibits showcasing local heritage and culture.
Shagging on the Beach
Experience the local dance scene with shag dancing events held at various venues along the beach, celebrating the region’s dance heritage.
Annual North Myrtle Beach Fun Fest
Celebrate the local community with this annual festival featuring live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities.
