Best Beaches in Myrtle Beach

A dazzling display of sun-kissed sandy beaches and sparkling waters, the Grand Strand stretches along the northern South Carolina coast. You’ll find beachside amusement parks, glorious golf courses, and endless opportunities for fishing – but the draw is Myrtle Beach’s sandy stretches, which makes this a top getaway destination year round.

With so many beaches to choose from, where do you begin? As your gateway to unforgettable coastal experiences, Ocean Creek Resort unlocks the best Myrtle Beach has to offer. It will be your home away from home as you check these gems off your beach bucket list!

So, pack your swimsuit, grab your towel, and get ready to dive into these top notch local beaches.

 

Ocean Creek Resort Beach Access

Photo Credit: Eric Foye

Best for: Quick access to the sand from the resort

If you choose to stay with us at Ocean Creek, resort guests have private beach access to our wide, sandy shores.

While the other options on this list might be enticing for a day trip, most guests at Ocean Creek prefer the tranquil slice of sand right in front of the resort. This means you and your family can hop from the pool to sea in just steps and you don’t have to worry about packing up your car for the day with all your beach gear.

Where to Eat

Open seasonally, The Beach Club Bar and Grill at Ocean Creek sits oceanfront, right next to the Beach Club swimming pool.

Enjoy lunch, dinner, live entertainment, and a fantastic sunset in the summer. With full meals and quick bites, there’s something here to satisfy all appetites.

 

Windy Hill Beach

Photo Credit: BeachBikers

Best for: Calm currents and beach play

Windy Hill Beach is one of the closest options to Ocean Creek Resort. It marks the southernmost part of North Myrtle Beach, SC.

This beach sits in a quiet residential area, offers beautiful white sand, calm currents (great for families!), and access to all the water sports and excitement of North Myrtle Beach, including Barefoot Landing with its shops, restaurants, and live shows.

Where to Eat

Although not on the beach but on the Intracoastal Waterway, Barefoot Landing is a quick drive from Windy Hill Beach. Barefoot Landing is full of restaurants, shops, bars, and entertainment options. While there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, we recommend LuLu’s for delicious coastal cuisine.

 

Myrtle Public Beach Access

Photo Credit: Jeremy Blanton via Flickr CC2.0

Looking for more options around town? Myrtle Beach is part of the Grand Strand’s sandy 60 miles of beaches. The City of Myrtle Beach has 114 public beach access points that are free for anyone to enjoy.

Some offer nearby restrooms and other amenities like parasailing and other watersports. There is metered parking along most access points with varying hourly costs or fixed-rate all-day meters available.

Don’t miss the SkyWheel on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. This 187-foot observation wheel has enclosed gondolas that elevate you for breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Myrtle Beach coastline.

Some of the most popular access points are:

• Along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk


• Surfside Beach


• Myrtle Beach State Park


• 67th Avenue North


• Hurl Rocks Park

Where to Eat

Grab a bite at any of the many restaurants that line the Boardwalk and Promenade. In this area, you won’t lack for good options. Pier 14 Seafood Restaurant is a great choice for a great meal and even better ocean views.

 

The Golden Mile

Best for: For lots of room to play sand sports.

Located between 31st Avenue North and 52nd Avenue North the Golden Mile fronts some of the most luxurious oceanfront homes in Myrtle Beach.

There aren’t many hotels along this area, so it is a quieter stretch of sand to plant your umbrella for the day. Extra space means this is an ideal location to toss the frisbee or football and perfect for a family day building sandcastles.

Access points can be found every 2 to 3 homes along the way.

Where to Eat

There are plenty of places to catch coffee or a casual meal just one street back from this mile long stretch of sand. You’ll find Beach Hippie Coffee for a quick caffeine fix or Sugami for fresh catch sushi, and the 42nd Street Bar and Grill for American classic fine dining.

 

Myrtle Beach State Park

Photo Credit: Chuck Lawhon

Best for: Hiking and nature with a side of beach lounging.

Myrtle Beach State Park is the perfect blend of natural beauty and land—and water-based recreational activities. A planked boardwalk path leads to the wide and open beach, which is a favorite for sunbathing, swimming, and strolling along the shoreline.

Its relatively untouched maritime forest backdrop adds a serene, natural element to the beach experience, distinguishing it from the more developed areas of Myrtle Beach.

Where to Eat

While there aren’t a ton of dining options that are easily accessible in this area, do yourself a favor and save your biggest meal of the day for Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen inside The Market Common. They are celebrated for their modern take on scratch made Southern dishes.

 

North Myrtle Beach

Photo Credit: PQK

Best for: A day filled with water activities.

There's no shortage of things to do in North Myrtle Beach. If you're looking for an exciting day at the beach, you can try parasailing, jet skiing, or go on a dolphin-watching tour. Parasailing companies are abundant along the coast, and booking is a breeze. You can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, or surfboards.

The swimming conditions in North Myrtle Beach are generally good, with gentle waves perfect for families with young children. However, it's always a good idea to check the beach conditions before heading out, especially rip current warnings. Not sure about the conditions? Ask a lifeguard.

Where to Eat

There are plenty of restaurants in North Myrtle Beach, including some great Mexican restaurants. You can find everything from casual seafood shacks to fine dining establishments. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating with ocean views, making for a perfect beachside meal.

 

Atlantic Beach

Photo Credit: MarynaG

Best for: Laid-back atmosphere with a focus on family vacations

Atlantic Beach is a small section of sand about four blocks long, just a few minutes north of the beautiful Ocean Creek Resort. It’s sandwiched between Windy Hill Beach and Crescent Beach.

It has a different vibe compared to the hustle and bustle of other beaches. Like its neighbors, it has fine, soft sand that's perfect for walking barefoot. The beach tends to be narrower, with steeper dunes separating it from the road.

Where to Eat

While Atlantic Beach has fewer oceanfront restaurants and shops directly on the beach than some of the others on this list, it is perfect for picnics! You'll find a few options scattered along the main road, but they're not as densely packed as other beach locales.

 

Crescent Beach

Best for: Families with young kids.

Crescent Beach isn't huge, but this little spot nestled five minutes north within North Myrtle Beach makes up for it with charm. Soft sand awaits with mild currents that make it a good choice for families with young children.

Crescent Beach benefits from its location in North Myrtle Beach. You'll have access to all sorts of water rentals and parasailing, readily available through North Myrtle Beach vendors.

Where to Eat

The Grumpy Monk has a full menu of comfort food classics as well as a dedicated sushi menu and a special section for kid’s eats.

 

Cherry Grove Beach and Pier

Photo Credit: PQK

Best for: The fishing pier

Cherry Grove Beach isn't just a beach paradise; it's a mini-vacation destination in itself. Beyond the wide stretch of soft sand, a thriving town awaits. Just ten minutes north of Ocean Creek Resort, Cherry Grove Beach has a longstanding reputation for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Another great pier for fishing is the Cherry Grove Pier. It was built early in the 1950s but was recently remodeled and lengthened in 1999 and is currently being refurbished once more.

Where to Eat

Browse unique shops, stock up on groceries for your beachside picnic, or choose from a variety of restaurants. Unwind with a casual meal or drinks, or if you're feeling social, hit the bars and clubs for some nighttime fun. Cherry Grove caters to all vibes, offering relaxation by day and excitement by night.

 

Surfside Beach

Photo Credit: A S Taylor Photography

Best for: Wide beach great for beach games and activities

Drive 25 minutes south of Myrtle Beach’s city center, and you’ll find Surfside Beach which has beautiful, soft sand, much like its neighbors. Get ready to sink your toes into that beachy bliss! Surfside Beach offers a good amount of space to spread out. It's wider than Atlantic Beach but not quite as expansive as some areas in North Myrtle Beach.

Beachgoers at Surfside Beach have a good mix of activities and opportunities to unwind as it’s also a popular spot for pier fishing, with plenty of options to cast a line and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Where to Eat

Right at the Surfside Pier there are a handful of great restaurants to choose from. For a casual burger, River City Cafe is one of our go-tos.

 

Garden City Beach

Photo Credit: cmooresings

Best for: Pier fun

Garden City Beach, SC, is also around 40 minutes south of Ocean Creek Resort and just north of Murrells Inlet. It offers a unique charm within the Myrtle Beach area. It is known as the ‘Seafood Capital’ of South Carolina.

Be sure to check out The Pier at Garden City. This family-oriented entertainment destination is renowned as a great local fishing spot.

Where to Eat

On the pier, you’ll find an arcade, a cafe with casual bites, bars with live music during the summer, and accessible pier access for walking. The nearby Causeway Grill is also a great option for casual eating, serving wings, salads, sandwiches, and burgers.

 

Ocean Drive Beach

Photo Credit: JenRed2014

Best for: Shag dancing

Ocean Drive Beach, or "O-D" to the locals, isn't just about sun and sand; It's a place where the Carolina Shag comes alive.

Immerse yourself in the birthplace of the Shag at the beachfront OD Pavilion. Live music sets the mood, while classic amusement rides and games offer nostalgic fun in between dance breaks. Feeling competitive? Head to the Ocean Drive Shag Club at Fat Harold's Beach Club on Main Street, just steps from the beach.

Where to Eat

You’ll find lots of dining options in this area, from the beachfront Harold’s on the Ocean to the more fast casual Main Slice.

 

Your Perfect Myrtle Beach Vacation Starts At Ocean Creek Resort

From sun-soaked relaxation to heart-pumping water activities, Myrtle Beach's diverse and beautiful beaches offer something for every vacation style. With Ocean Creek Resort as your comfortable home base, you'll be perfectly positioned to explore them all.

Book your stay today and create lasting memories on the sparkling shores of Myrtle Beach!