Beaches in Myrtle Beach: Which Stretch Suits Your Day?

The central Myrtle Beach oceanfront is the simplest choice if you want to spend your beach time in the city. Sea Dunes Oceanfront is oceanfront, and its guest rooms are at the coast.

City rules affect how you plan a visit. The City of Myrtle Beach says animals are not allowed on public beaches from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from May 1 through Labor Day, with an exemption for service animals.

Beach equipment left between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. may be removed by the governing agency. Wheeled vehicles, including motor vehicles, motorcycles and golf carts, are prohibited on the beach and beach access, except for essential vehicles.

For a different local outing, the city’s state park has its own beach, trails and visitor planning details; the Myrtle Beach State Park guide covers those options.

Surfside Beach is the stronger choice when you want specific public access and accessibility details, while Garden City Beach follows Horry County rules.

Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach has 36 public access points. Restrooms are at 3rd Avenue North and 13th Avenue South. Wheelchair access is available at 3rd Avenue North, Surfside Pier, 3rd Avenue South, 13th Avenue South and Melody Lane. Walking mats are provided at 3rd Avenue North, Surfside Pier, 16th Avenue North, 3rd Avenue South and 13th Avenue South.

Special beach wheelchairs are available through the Surfside Beach Police Department at 811 Pine Drive; the town gives 843-913-6368 as the contact number. Availability and arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.

Surfside advises swimmers to stay no deeper than chest-deep and no farther than 50 yards from shore. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on its public beach. Dogs and other domestic pets are prohibited from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from May 1 through Labor Day.

Garden City Beach

South of Surfside Beach’s town limits, Horry County beach rules apply through Garden City Beach to the Georgetown County line. Beach items must be removed between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.; circular umbrellas can be no more than 7 feet 6 inches across. Dogs must be on leashes no longer than 7 feet.

Surfing rules depend on location and season in Surfside Beach: from May 15 through September 15, surfing is permitted only in designated areas from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Outside that season, surfing is allowed from sunup to sundown, except within 300 feet of the fishing pier.

North Myrtle Beach has an extensive network of public beach accesses and parking locations, making it a practical area to compare if access is your priority.

The city’s Parks and Grounds division manages more than 240 beach accesses, and there are more than 50 public parking locations for beach access. Beach wheelchair rentals are available through Beach Services; the city gives 843-280-5684 as the contact number. Check the city’s official information before making plans, since rental arrangements and local rules can change.

Huntington Beach State Park offers a coastal outing within a state park setting, rather than another town beach-access network.

If you are weighing a park visit against a town beach day, factor in the different setting and plan the park as its own stop. The Huntington Beach State Park day-trip guide focuses on planning that visit.

Before choosing a beach, check the rules for that exact stretch: access, pets, beach equipment and water activities can differ by town or county.

For Surfside Beach, use the town’s access and accessibility information to choose a suitable entrance, and keep its swimming guidance in mind. If you are heading south into Garden City Beach, Horry County rules apply; do not assume that the rules match Surfside’s town beach.

At Myrtle Beach, plan around the city’s restrictions on animals, overnight equipment and wheeled vehicles. For seasonal conditions, the Myrtle Beach weather guide can help you think through what to pack and plan.

Which beaches near Myrtle Beach have accessibility features?

Surfside Beach has wheelchair access, walking mats and special beach wheelchairs. North Myrtle Beach offers beach wheelchair rentals through Beach Services.

Where can you find public beach access in North Myrtle Beach?

The city manages more than 240 beach accesses and has more than 50 public parking locations for beach access.

Are dogs allowed on the beach in Surfside Beach?

Dogs and other domestic pets are prohibited on Surfside Beach’s public beach from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from May 1 through Labor Day. Garden City Beach is under Horry County rules.

What should you know about beach equipment in Myrtle Beach?

In Myrtle Beach, beach equipment left between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. may be removed. Garden City Beach has the same removal window under Horry County rules, along with a size limit for circular umbrellas.