13 Fun Facts About Myrtle Beach for Your Trip
Planning your beach getaway? Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is more than just sun and surf—it's a destination packed with history, quirks, iconic eats, and one-of-a-kind attractions that make every trip unforgettable. Whether you're strolling the Grand Strand, teeing off at world-famous golf courses, or snapping selfies from a sky-high wheel, there’s always something surprising to discover here.Before you pack your bags, check out these fun and fascinating facts about the Myrtle Beach area—perfect for getting the most out of your visit, especially if you're staying at Ocean Creek Resort, your home base with beach access, family-friendly perks, and unbeatable location.
Let’s dive in.
1. Myrtle Beach Was Founded to Be Fun
Myrtle Beach was developed on land meant for vacationers, and even during the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps, created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, helped build paths, picnic shelters, and beach features. That laid the foundation (pun intended!) for today's lively seaside resorts.
2. Myrtle Beach State Park Was One of the First in South Carolina
Photo Credit: Chuck Lawhon
Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it helped pioneer outdoor recreation along the coast and remains one of the most visited state parks in the region, still offering miles of trails, fishing piers, and beach access along the Atlantic Ocean. A great spot to blend nature, history, and relaxing sunny beach vibes.
Sea Turtle Patrol: A Dawn Adventure
Catch the coastline at sunrise — the Sea Turtle Patrol program invites groups to walk sections of beach with park rangers and volunteers to locate, monitor, and protect nesting sea turtles. You’ll learn how researchers tag nests, record activity, and safeguard newly laid eggs—an emotional and inspiring way to connect with coastal wildlife.
3. More Mini Golf Courses Per Square Mile Than Anywhere Else
Photo Credit: ZikG
With more mini golf courses per square mile than most places, Myrtle Beach is a mini golf paradise. From pirate ships to volcanoes, you’ll find dozens of whimsical huts perfect for goofy family competition and snapshots.
4. The Grand Strand Is 60 Miles of Connected Beach Towns
Photo Credit: StacieStauffSmith Photos
Most people think of Myrtle Beach as one place, but it's actually part of a 60-mile stretch called the Grand Strand, running from Little River to Georgetown County—and the SkyWheel, a 200-foot observation wheel situated on the Boardwalk, gives you the perfect view of just how far it stretches.
5. Myrtle Beach Earned the Title “Golf Capital of the World”
Photo Credit: Andrew F. Kazmierski
Known as a golf capital, the Myrtle Beach area features over 90 golf courses, from championship layouts to family‑friendly 9-hole courses. Courses stay open year round—even during off-season months like June and August—for sunny, crowd-light rounds.
6. The Shag Dance Started on the Grand Strand
The shag started right here on the Grand Strand, and spirited bars—especially in North Myrtle Beach—still offer free lessons. Get dancing next to locals and visitors, and you’ll feel the rhythm of the region.
Recognized as the “Home of the Shag,” Fat Harold’s is a legendary dance club on Main Street where the Carolina shag is alive every day. It hosts free lessons on Tuesdays and Mondays—perfect for beginners—and is renowned for its authentic beach-music atmosphere and enthusiastic crowd.
This historic venue even hosts the Ocean Drive Shag Club and SOS(Society of Stranders) events, making it the go-to spot to both learn and dance the shag like a pro
7. Kings Highway Is One of the Oldest Roads in the U.S.
Originally a colonial postal route used by European settlers, this road still runs through the heart of Myrtle Beach, and many of the attractions today sit along its path.
Today, this road leads to local restaurants, boutiques, and attractions, offering a glimpse into coastal life beyond the beach.
8. Wax Myrtle Trees Gave the Town Its Name
Those fragrant wax myrtle trees—native to the South Carolina coast—were once so abundant along the dunes that they became the town’s botanical namesake. When the area was being developed as a vacation destination in the early 1900s, a local contest was held to name the budding seaside town. The winning suggestion? “Myrtle Beach” is inspired by the wax myrtle shrub that thrived throughout the region.
Today, the wax myrtle still grows wild around Myrtle Beach State Park and other coastal areas, serving as both a landscape feature and a living reminder of the city’s origin story.
9. Vanna White Is Myrtle Beach’s Most Famous Native
Wheel of Fortune icon Vanna White was born and raised in North Myrtle Beach. Flynn’s Irish Tavern downtown displays a signed photo and hosted the game‑show star herself.
10. Two Historic River Towns Border the Myrtle Beach Area
Little River and Georgetown County are more than side trips—they’re part of the Grand Strand’s story, offering insight into old maritime life and South Carolina's deep-rooted coastal history.
Head north to Little River or west to Georgetown County—charming riverfront towns with boat tours, seafood spots, beautiful boardwalks to stroll, and quiet fishing vibes.
11. Over 3 Million Pounds of Fish Are Caught Annually
In Myrtle Beach, fishing isn’t just something to do—it’s a way of life. From the pier at Myrtle Beach State Park to charter boats out of Little River, the area offers endless ways to fish year-round.
Drop a line from a boardwalk pier, cast into the surf, or head offshore for big catches like king mackerel or mahi. Locals and visitors alike love the calm, connected feeling that comes with fishing on the Atlantic Ocean—it’s one of the simplest, most satisfying ways to experience the Grand Strand.
12. There Are Over 200 Sunny Days a Year in Myrtle Beach
Photo Credit: Margaret.Wiktor
Myrtle Beach days are sun‑filled and pleasant, even outside the summer months. May through September bring the warmest temps, averaging upper 80s, but off season visits from November to February can still feel great, with mild skies and fewer crowds.
13. Myrtle Beach’s Food Scene Includes 80-Year-Old Icons
Photo Credit: ZikG
You can’t experience the full flavor of the Myrtle Beach area without stopping by a few of its most legendary eateries. These spots serve more than food—they serve local character, history, and the kind of beach-town charm that sticks with you long after your trip ends.
Boulineau’s Foods Plus (Cherry Grove, North Myrtle Beach)
A Grand Strand staple since 1948, Boulineau’s is a must-visit in North Myrtle Beach. It’s a full-service grocery, hardware store, beach shop, and seafood market rolled into one. The nearby Platt’s Seafood brings in fresh local catch daily—perfect for a seafood feast, whether you’re dining in or grabbing something to-go for a beach picnic.
The Bowery (Downtown Myrtle Beach)
Known as “The Eighth Wonder of the World,” The Bowery has been rocking the beach since 1944. This honky-tonk bar and burger joint is famous for launching the country band Alabama and for its gritty, classic Myrtle Beach vibe. Live music, strong drinks, and local legends make it a must-stop on Kings Highway.
Peaches Corner (Myrtle Beach Boardwalk)
A boardwalk tradition since 1937, Peaches Corner is the place for hot dogs, burgers, and milkshakes right across from the Atlantic Ocean. It's pure Americana and beloved by generations of visitors. Pull up a stool and soak in the nostalgia while the beach breeze rolls in.
Pier 14 Restaurant & Lounge (Myrtle Beach)
This classic restaurant on a working fishing pier offers unbeatable ocean views and fresh coastal fare. Originally built in 1926 and rebuilt several times, Pier 14 is now both a favorite seafood stop and a lively walkable pier along the Strand—great for photos, people-watching, or casting a line.
Make Your Myrtle Beach Trip One to Remember
From sky-high views of the Atlantic Ocean to shag dancing on the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is a destination full of charm, character, and unexpected connections. Whether you're digging into a basket of fresh seafood at a local favorite spot, exploring the quiet beauty of a state park, or playing a round on one of the area’s many golf courses, there’s always more to uncover—and more to come back for.
Want a front-row seat to it all? Ocean Creek Resort puts you just steps from the sand, minutes from iconic attractions, and right in the heart of the fun.
Book your stay and start planning your Myrtle Beach adventure today.
