Where to Get the Best Views in Myrtle Beach

The Grand Strand is famous for its miles of sandy beach, but the best views in Myrtle Beach go well beyond the shoreline. From a bird's eye view high above the Boardwalk to a serene sunset over the creek at Ocean Creek Resort, this stretch of the South Carolina coast rewards those who know where to look.

Whether you're a photographer chasing the perfect shot or a family looking for a stunning backdrop for vacation photos, book your stay at Ocean Creek Resort and use this guide to explore some of the most scenic views the Myrtle Beach area has to offer.

 

1. Sunrise on the Beach at Ocean Creek Resort

There are few moments more peaceful than watching the Atlantic Ocean light up at dawn, and the beach at Ocean Creek Resort is one of the best places on the north end to catch it. The resort's secluded oceanfront setting means fewer crowds in the early morning hours, so you can take in the sunrise with nothing but the sound of waves and coastal birds for company.

Pull up a chair near the water's edge and watch the sky shift from deep violet to orange as the sun breaks the horizon over the ocean. Photographers will want to arrive at least 20 minutes before sunrise to catch the softest light of the day.

 

2. Sunset at Ocean Creek: Balcony, Beach, or Bridge

Ocean Creek Resort offers something rare along the Grand Strand: the chance to watch both the sunrise and the sunset over water. Thanks to the natural tidal creek that winds through the property, guests can catch the sun dipping below the dunes from their private balcony, if staying in one of the towers, from the beach, or from the bridge that crosses over the creek.

It's one of the few places in the Myrtle Beach area where the scenery includes a reflective waterway glowing gold at dusk, framed by natural marsh and the sky above. Whether you're watching from the elevated towers or standing on the bridge at golden hour, this is a moment worth building your evening around.

 

3. Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

For a bird's eye view of the entire coastline, the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is hard to beat. This iconic ride on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk lifts riders more than 200 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views of the city, the coast, and the water stretching to the horizon.

The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is a family fun staple, and it's equally spectacular day or night when the gondolas light up, and the Boardwalk buzzes with live music and energy below. Plan your ride around sunset for the most dramatic scenery the sky has to offer.

 

4. Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Even without the ride, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk itself delivers some of the best coastal scenery in the city. The 1.2-mile oceanfront boardwalk stretches between 2nd Avenue Pier and 14th Avenue North, lined with shops, restaurants, and open views of the beach.

Walk it in the late afternoon when the light is warm, and the beach is still full of vacationers, or head out after dark when the Boardwalk takes on a lively atmosphere with bars and restaurants in full swing, and the pier lit up against the night sky. It's one of the great places to simply stroll and take in the coastal scenery and the vibes without any agenda.

 

5. Apache Pier

Photo Credit: ChicagoPhotographer

Stretching 1,206 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, Apache Pier is the longest wooden pier on the East Coast and one of the most scenic spots in the Myrtle Beach area. Walking out to the end puts you well past the breaking waves, with open ocean views in every direction and the shoreline stretching as far as you can see in both directions.

It's a local favorite for fishing, but even non-anglers come here for the views and the experience of standing over the Atlantic with nothing but water ahead of them. Catch it on a clear morning, and you'll understand why photographers and early risers make the trip.

 

6. Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

Head south and the scenery shifts from sandy beach to lush coastal marsh. The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is a half-mile boardwalk trail overlooking the inlet and surrounding wetlands, lined with restaurants, bars, and some of the best waterfront views on the south end of the Grand Strand.

The Marsh Walk is a perfect place for birdwatching, as herons, egrets, and other coastal birds glide over the water at dusk. Pull up a seat at one of the waterfront restaurants and enjoy the sunset over the marsh while you eat, a combination of natural beauty and great food that's hard to top.

 

7. Huntington Beach State Park

For those who want to explore the area's natural beauty away from the crowds, Huntington Beach State Park is one of the Grand Strand's hidden gems. Located just south of Murrells Inlet, the park features nature trails, a serene lagoon, and one of the most undeveloped stretches of beach on the South Carolina coast.

The park is a haven for bird watching, with more than 300 species documented on the grounds, and the boardwalk trail through the marsh offers peaceful, picture-worthy scenery at every turn. Walk the beach at low tide for unobstructed Atlantic Ocean views and the kind of quiet, natural escape that's hard to find during peak season.

 

8. Brookgreen Gardens

Just across from Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens is one of the most visually stunning destinations in the Myrtle Beach area. The gardens feature thousands of plants, blooming year-round, and hundreds of pieces of American figurative sculpture set against a backdrop of live oak allees, reflecting pools, and marsh scenery.

It's a different kind of scenic view, but the combination of art and nature makes Brookgreen Gardens a genuinely gorgeous place to spend an afternoon. Stroll the trails, explore the history of the estate, and take photos around every corner of the property.

 

9. Little River Waterfront

Just north of North Myrtle Beach, the village of Little River sits along the Intracoastal Waterway and offers a quieter, more laid-back version of Grand Strand scenery. The waterfront area is lined with local seafood restaurants and docks, with scenic views of the waterway, passing boats, and the marshes beyond.

It's a relaxed town with a genuinely charming waterfront that most vacationers overlook, making it one of the true hidden gems of the coast. Visit in the early evening to watch the boats head in, and the sun drop behind the tree line over the river.

 

10. Market Common

For something a little more urban, The Market Common district in Myrtle Beach offers its own brand of scenery. This walkable town-style neighborhood is built around open plazas, green spaces, shops, and restaurants, with a laid-back atmosphere that's a bit more refined than the main strip.

It's a great place to relax and people-watch, grab coffee at an outdoor table, or take a peaceful evening stroll along the walking paths. The combination of well-kept grounds and the energy of a charming community space gives the Market Common a scenic quality all its own.

 

Plan Your Stay at Ocean Creek Resort

From the peaceful beach at sunrise to a glowing sunset over the tidal creek, Ocean Creek Resort puts you in the center of some of the best views in Myrtle Beach right from your own balcony.

Spread across 57 oceanfront acres in North Myrtle Beach, the resort offers a range of accommodations to fit any group, from studio lodge villas to spacious three-bedroom tower condos with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the natural creek below.

Every unit includes a private balcony or porch, a kitchen, and access to 13 water features, on-site dining, tennis and pickleball courts, and a secluded stretch of beach that feels a world away from the busier parts of the Grand Strand.

Whether you're planning a family vacation or a relaxing coastal escape, Ocean Creek gives you a beautiful home base to unwind between adventures. Visit Ocean Creek Resort to explore accommodations and check rates for your next trip.