May ushers in one of the best seasons along the Grand Strand, not only for ocean swims but also for the kickoff of our premier farmers markets. Before tourism dominated Horry County (home to Myrtle Beach), agriculture fueled the local economy. Today, thriving farms continue to supply exceptional seasonal produce, meats, eggs, honey, and more. The Waccamaw Market Cooperative coordinates these vibrant markets across the county, each growing in popularity and quality. Theyre perfect for families—m

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is an ideal destination to embrace shelling. Boasting over 60 miles of uninterrupted shoreline, you can wander diverse beaches hunting for exquisite seashells. Even seasoned enthusiasts acknowledge lucks role, but proven strategies can significantly improve your odds. Laura Rusinko, President of the Grand Strand Shell Club, shared these expert insights:Equip Yourself ProperlyA bucket or bag is essential for collecti

Myrtle Beach is a premier destination year-round, but Memorial Day weekend amps up the excitement with events like the Atlantic Beach Bikefest, parades, and the Sun Belt Conference. Expect large crowds from May 24-27. Special traffic adjustments ensure safety for Bike Week participants and vacationers. Heres expert advice for seamless navigation and a memorable holiday. Memorial Weekend Traffic Updates Temporary road closures and patterns prioritize safety and flow. Hotels and attractions remai

Memorial Day weekend signals the start of summer, and Myrtle Beach offers an ideal spot to enjoy the long holiday. Expect warm 80s temperatures, perfect for sunbathing along our 60-mile Grand Strand beaches or diving into diverse attractions. If youre visiting the Myrtle Beach area, dont miss these highlighted events (note: dates reference 2019; verify current schedules):Military Appreciation Days Parade and Family PicnicSaturday, May 25, 2019M

Myrtle Beach is renowned for its beaches and sunshine, but its also a premier shopping destination. Visitors love discovering diverse options from local boutiques to national retailers, outlets, and malls—perfect for souvenirs or outfits for a night out. Dive into our top summer shopping spots:Coastal Grand Mall2000 Coastal Grand CircleMyrtle Beach, SC 29577South Carolinas second-largest mall features over 100 stores, a large movie theater, and expansive food court. Conveniently near the ocean a

The Sun Fun Festival, one of Myrtle Beachs most beloved and historic events since 1951, returns May 31 through June 2, 2019, in downtown Myrtle Beach at Plyler Park (1309 North Ocean Boulevard). This annual celebration officially launches summer along the Grand Strand, drawing locals and visitors with its timeless fun, live entertainment, and beachfront vibes. Hosted by the Oceanfront Merchants Association in partnership with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, the festival features top

The Grand Strand, encompassing 60 miles of South Carolina coastline, features unique neighborhoods like Little River—the oldest town in the area, located 20 miles north of bustling Myrtle Beach. This picturesque fishing village captivates residents and visitors with its relaxed pace, fresh seafood, fishing charters, the annual Blue Crab Festival, casino boats, pirate history, and ancient live oak trees. Planning a visit? Here are must-do experiences in Little River: Explore Vereen Historic Mem

Nestled just a short drive west of the Intracoastal Waterway from Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest is a thriving master-planned community. This rapidly growing area features extensive new residential construction alongside top-tier restaurants, recreation centers, shopping outlets, and championship golf courses.Situated between Myrtle Beach and Conway, Carolina Forest is conveniently accessible via Highway 501 or Robert Grissom Parkway, which tran

Long before Myrtle Beach became a premier vacation spot, inland towns like Loris drove activity in Horry County, South Carolina. Established as a railroad hub for the lumber industry in the late 1880s, Loris sits just a short drive inland from the northern Grand Strand, near the North Carolina border. It delivers an authentic Southern small-town experience full of charm and tradition.Loris is renowned as the birthplace of chicken bog—a beloved

Since its incorporation in 1964, Surfside Beach, SC, has proudly upheld its reputation as a true family beach. Serene, tree-lined residential neighborhoods invite thoughts of permanent residency, while the towns natural beauty and sweeping ocean vistas captivate all. What truly sets Surfside apart is its warm community of residents and dedicated locals. Beaches are cleaned daily and monitored by police and lifeguards. Multiple access points feat

Socastee, an unincorporated community in Horry County, South Carolina, lies just west of Myrtle Beach International Airport at the intersection of highways 707 and 544. Once a quiet enclave for personnel from the nearby Myrtle Beach Air Force Base—now redeveloped as The Market Common—it has evolved into a vibrant neighborhood since the bases closure in 1994. Today, Socastee boasts expanding residential areas and a bustling commercial hub. Nestled along the Intracoastal Wa

Garden City Beach lives up to its idyllic name as a serene resort town just 10 miles south of Myrtle Beach on the Grand Strand. This charming destination offers wide sandy shores lined with colorful vacation rental homes, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Explore town amusements, arcades, shops, and restaurants, with the 668-foot Garden City Pier as the community centerpiece. Enjoy prime fishing, panoramic ocean views, an on-site arcade, gift shop, restaurant,

A highly recommended day trip from Myrtle Beach is a short drive to Conway, South Carolina. This historic river town sits just 15 miles inland from downtown Myrtle Beach. As the county seat of Horry County—which encompasses most of the Grand Strand—Conway offers rich history, vibrant culture, and timeless charm.Founded in 1732, many downtown homes exceed 100 years old, showcasing stunning architecture. Iconic live oak trees, some of the towns oldest

Just 22 miles south of Myrtle Beach lies Pawleys Island, a stunning barrier island and the southernmost neighborhood of the Grand Strand. As one of the East Coasts oldest resort destinations, it drew plantation owners in the 1700s and 1800s seeking fresh ocean breezes and a healthier escape from summers heat and humidity. Original historic homes still grace the islands ruggedly beautiful landscape. Incorporated in 1986, Pawleys has preserved its charm with strict no-commercial-development ordin

Litchfield Beach, a refined coastal enclave just 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach, forms part of the Pawleys Island region within the Grand Strands 14 distinct neighborhoods. Named after a historic 18th-century rice plantation, this carefully zoned community preserves its unspoiled natural allure. Founded in 1978, Litchfield Beach delivers upscale beachfront vacation homes and a tranquil, family-oriented lifestyle. A scenic stretch of the 26-mile Waccamaw Neck Bikeway winds through the area

Nestled about 30 miles inland from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the quaint town of Aynor embodies a warm, welcoming community spirit. Incorporated in 1913, it was once a thriving hub for turpentine, tobacco, and cotton production. Known locally as the Little Golden Town, Aynor retains its agricultural roots.Experience its vibrant culture at the Golden Town Market, held from June 1 to August 31 on Main Street, featuring fresh produce, homemade

Every neighborhood along the Grand Strand boasts a unique history, but Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, stands out with its compelling story. This compact coastal town, spanning just 128 acres and about four blocks long, sits nestled within North Myrtle Beach. In the 1960s, when nearby beach communities merged to form North Myrtle Beach, Atlantic Beach chose independence to safeguard its rich heritage.During the era of segregation, Atlantic Beac

While Myrtle Beach dazzles with its 60-mile coastline and thrilling attractions, the Grand Strand region boasts a captivating history rooted in Horry County (pronounced "O-ree"). The Horry County Museum in Conway offers visitors and locals an enriching gateway to this heritage through immersive exhibits and educational programs.Explore the lands once inhabited by Native American tribes, pivotal events from the Revolutionary and Civil

Cant You Sea? is a compelling exhibit at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, on view through September 8, 2019. It raises awareness of one of the planets most urgent environmental crises—plastic pollution in oceans—through artworks crafted from plastics collected from coastal regions worldwide. Six acclaimed artist-activists—Dianna Cohen, Alejandro Duran, Sayaka Ganz, Pam Longobardi, Aurora Robson, and Kirkland Smith—repurpose discarded plastics as both medium and message. St

After a couple of days enjoying the beach, its time to escape the midday sun or rainy weather. The Myrtle Beach area offers exceptional indoor activities that families love, ensuring endless entertainment along the Grand Strand, rain or shine. From interactive museums to thrilling adventures, these expert-recommended attractions provide safe, engaging fun for kids of all ages. Top Attractions WonderWorks 1313 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 This