Myrtle Beach is a gorgeous 60-mile coastal strip located at the heart of the Grand Strand, Horry County, in the northeast part of South Carolina. It is home to the most stunning beaches in the region, dozens of luxury neighborhoods, upscale resorts, retail outlets, and golf courses. With average ocean temperatures of 80°F in the summer, it is the perfect getaway for sun-seekers craving fun in the sand. Here’s a roundup of the 10 best beaches near Myrtle Beach.
1. Burkes Beach
Located in Hilton Head, South Carolina, Burkes Beach is a haven for weary city dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Myrtle Beach attracts droves of visitors from within and outside the state, so it can get pretty crowded. No one likes that.
Burkes Beach is one of the few beaches near Myrtle Beach that hardly ever gets crowded, even during peak seasons. It is the perfect serene getaway for anyone looking for peace and quiet on the beach.
The crystal clear blue waters of the Atlantic offer gentle surf, great for swimming or snorkeling. If you would rather not get wet, you can lie on the beach and soak up the sun. Remember to bring a picnic basket with you. Burke’s Beach is a little secluded, so the closest food vendor will be far away.
Recommended nearby stay in Central Myrtle Beach: View listing
2. Edisto Beach State Park
Tucked away on Edisto Island off State Cabin Road is Edisto Beach. This little paradise is perfect for camping enthusiasts who plan to spend the night on this pristine oceanfront.
Its four-and-a-half-mile palmetto-lined coastline is breathtaking and offers some of the most magnificent views ever. The sunsets, in particular, are so spectacular; you’ll wish they lasted forever. They are the perfect antidote to life’s stressors and perpetual exhaustion.
Edisto Beach State Park boasts an intricate network of scenic hiking trails to explore the island’s natural wonders. It is also home to an 18-hole golf course where you can hit some balls when you’re not whiling away time on the beach.
Make a point to visit the Edisto Island Museum to learn about the region’s rich history. You can also go on a boat tour to get an up-close view of marine wildlife and meet some friendly dolphins while you’re at it.
Recommended nearby stay in Crescent Beach: View listing
3. Folly Beach
As you search for the best beaches near Myrtle Beach, consider adding Folly Beach to your list of potential destinations. Aptly christened the “edge of America,” Folly is quite popular with the locals.
Everything from the expansive white sandy beach to the clear blue waters of the Atlantic spells fun and relaxation. The powerful ocean swells make it one of the top tropical destinations for surfers.
The number of activities you can do here is virtually limitless. You can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, or go paddle boarding. If quiet relaxation is more your vibe, you can sunbathe or picnic as you enjoy the refreshing breeze.
The sunrises at Folly Beach are a sight to behold. Stay overnight at a place nearby and head to the beach early enough to see it. There’s nothing quite like it.
Recommended nearby stay in Crescent Beach: View listing
4. Garden City Beach
The five-and-a-half-square-mile Garden City is a 10-mile drive from Myrtle Beach. Its stunning coastline extends five miles and is dotted with quaint little homes and charming eateries that add to its aesthetic appeal.
Due to the massive size of Garden City Beach, it never feels congested, even during the peak summer months. It’s the perfect beach destination for anyone that’s not too crazy about crowded places.
The Garden City Pier is a must-see while you’re here. This massive 700-foot structure has some of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean, the beach, and surrounding areas. If you go in the summer, you’ll be treated to live music and other forms of entertainment, so you’re in for a good time.
Recommended nearby stay in Crescent Beach: View listing
5. Litchfield Beach
Litchfield Beach is located off Ocean Highway on Pawleys Island, Georgetown County, South Carolina. Its laid-back atmosphere, serene surroundings, and proximity to Myrtle Beach are all part of its charm.
Litchfield is the perfect getaway for anyone looking for a more tranquil, nuanced adventure. It is surrounded by numerous seafood eateries, high-end resorts, and 18-hole luxury golf courses if you want a change of scenery from the gorgeous seashores.
Litchfield offers some of the most picturesque ocean views around. The crashing waves against the backdrop of clear blue skies provide a feeling of relaxing solitude. When you visit, stick around for the sunset. The sun’s golden glow as it sets on the horizon, casting soft reflections on the ocean waves, will leave you feeling like time has stopped. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve seen it before. Every sunset feels like the first time.
If serene, coastal village vibes describe your ideal holiday destination; you will love everything about Litchfield Beach.
Recommended nearby stay in Crescent Beach: View listing
6. Murrells Inlet
Once upon a time, the charming coastal village of Murrells Inlet was once home to Blackbeard—the infamous pirate whose claim to fame was his role in the historic 1718 siege of Charleston Harbor, SC. Today, the town is a paradise for every outdoor enthusiast.
As the state’s seafood capital, Murrells Inlet’s fresh, mouth-watering cuisines are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds after a fun-filled day of beach activities. It offers plenty of opportunities for saltwater and freshwater fishing, entertainment, dining, and watersports.
Your day’s itinerary can kick off with a kayaking adventure before going on a deep-sea fishing excursion, which will likely take up the better part of the day. You can then head to MarshWalk and relish the live entertainment from the waterfront establishments as you enjoy the cool, refreshing ocean breeze.
Before you leave, make a point to visit Brookgreen Gardens and explore the nation’s largest variety of outdoor American art and sculptures.
Recommended nearby stay in Crescent Beach: View listing
7. Myrtle Beach State Park
South of the City of Myrtle Beach is Myrtle Beach State Park. If you are a nature lover, you’ll feel right at home here. There are plenty of things to do to ensure you make the most out of your vacation.
For starters, you can go on a boat tour out to the sea for some saltwater fishing. You should have no problem finding a food vendor on the shore willing to transform your day’s catch into a tantalizing meal.
If fishing isn’t up your alley, there are plenty of activities to do away from the water. You can hike the nature trails and explore everything Myrtle Beach State Park offers. The Yaupon and Sculptured Oak nature trails are excellent options if you’re looking for something easy before heading out to the beach for swimming and relaxation.
If walking doesn’t appeal to you and you would rather cycle, you can rent a bike from the concession stand and hit the biking trails. Horseback riding is also pretty popular here.
Recommended nearby stay in Central Myrtle Beach: View listing
8. Pawleys Island
Perched on the southern tip of the Grand Strand is Pawleys Island. This laid-back coastal village is one of the oldest oceanside communities in the nation. You’re met with an immaculate, serene ambiance that melts your stress away from the moment you first arrive. The island’s grandeur and antiquated homes render a rustic appeal to the place, transporting you back to a different era.
Pawleys Island’s pristine white sandy beaches against the backdrop of the Atlantic’s clear blue waters and crashing waves will instantly put you in vacation mode. You can sunbathe on the shores, swim, snorkel, or build sandcastles with your little ones.
When you’re not soaking up the sun, you can head to Brookgreen Gardens and enjoy the art displays and the lush foliage.
Recommended nearby stay in Crescent Beach: View listing
9. Surfside Beach
Surfside is about nine miles from Myrtle Beach and boasts two miles of a gorgeous, white, sandy coastline. It is the closest to the city and is ideal for families with young kids planning a family beach vacation. The strategically stationed lifeguards, the shallow waters, the gently sloping shores, and the nearby waterpark make Surfside Beach one of the most kid-friendly beaches near Myrtle Beach.
There are plenty of activities to do while you’re there, including paddle boarding, jet skiing, parasailing, surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and other fun things. Visit the neighboring restaurants and food vendors to grab a bite. The Cheesesteak Factory is a popular eatery and offers a wide variety of mouth-watering cheesesteaks. You can’t go wrong with the classic beef and chicken Philly.
Recommended nearby stay in Crescent Beach: View listing
10. Myrtle Beach
Last but certainly not least, on our list is Myrtle Beach. It would not be possible to review the best beaches near Myrtle Beach without exploring Myrtle Beach itself and everything it brings to the table. It is, after all, “America’s favorite beach,” so if that’s not worth a mention, we don’t know what is.
Myrtle Beach is the central attraction on the 60-mile-long Grand Strand. Visitors to the city can’t resist its allure, and with its stunning white sandy beaches, it’s easy to see why. There’s so much to do here and many sights to take in. Whether you want to lie on the beach and sunbathe or get your adrenaline going on the surf waves, there’s something to do for everyone.
If you need a break from the sun, sand, and water, you can stroll on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and sample the delicious cuisines from the restaurants. There are tons of retail outlets as well if the shopping bug bites.
Looking for a family beach vacation? Those with young children can take them to the nearby Ripley’s Aquarium and watch them marvel at the beautiful underwater marine life. There’s also an amusement park nearby, so there’s no chance of them getting bored on this Myrtle Beach vacation.
Recommended nearby stay in Central Myrtle Beach: View listing
In the meantime, check out our top picks for the best beaches in Tennessee.