MyrtleBeachHotels.com

Category: Area Information

Taking a dip in beautiful, clear Myrtle Beach waters along the shore has little to do with luck and a lot to do with weather patterns. The shoreline colors can range from a striking turquoise blue to a neutral brown shade throughout the year. Atmospheric changes, wind, and storms all play roles in the water’s color and clarity in Myrtle Beach. 

Whatever shimmering hue you see, there’s no ignoring the ocean when you’re in Myrtle Beach for vacation. Everyone looks forward to kicking back on an oceanfront hotel room balcony to enjoy the view, and lounging on the sand tops nearly everyone’s to-do list. Some of the best photo spots in Myrtle Beach include the ocean, and the snapshots of this year’s brilliant water coloring inspired many to plan vacations to this beachy destination. Book your oceanfront hotel in Myrtle Beach to see how stunning the endless horizon and tranquil waves are in any hue.

The changes in the ocean’s coloring along the Grand Strand always prompt visitors to wonder what causes the water to take on a blue or brown hue. Here are answers to the most common Myrtle Beach water quality and color questions:

Frequently Asked Questions

The changes in the ocean’s coloring along the Grand Strand always prompt visitors to wonder what causes the water to take on a blue or brown hue. Here are answers to the most common Myrtle Beach water quality and color questions:

Does Myrtle Beach have clear water?

Myrtle Beach water is stunningly clear when the Atlantic Ocean remains calm long enough for sediments to settle to the ocean floor; the water appears most cloudy during and after weather events with high offshore winds.

Why doesn’t the Myrtle Beach water appear blue?

The waters along the Myrtle Beach shoreline do not always appear as blue as in other tropical destinations because the ocean here experiences more frequent atmospheric pressure changes and tropical storms than sheltered Caribbean locales; these weather events stir organisms and sand particles into the clear Myrtle Beach water, giving it a brownish hue. 

Are there bacteria in the ocean at Myrtle Beach?

Microbes are everywhere, including in the ocean at Myrtle Beach, but diligent water quality testing scrutinizes bacteria levels during the Grand Strand’s swimming season. Sampling occurs at more than 100 locations along the coast and if unsafe bacteria levels are found, an advisory is issued. Elevated results are often short-lived (and usually triggered by heavy rainfall and runoff), so your favorite beach won’t be off-limits during your entire vacation, if it is at all.

Planning enough days in Myrtle Beach for attractions, plus reserving time to relax can be a challenge during a short vacation, but it isn’t impossible. When you’re itching to travel, beautiful, vibrant South Carolina is a winning choice in any season. But before you commit, you’ll need to decide how long to make your getaway.

Most vacationers agree that three to five days is an ideal trip length for anyone visiting Myrtle Beach, but how long you stay depends on how many attractions you’re aiming to see, how much time you’ll set aside for relaxing on the beach, and your trip budget. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning traveler, making an itinerary for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is the first step in deciding how long to visit. Our travel plans for three, five, and seven days will help make your decision easier. Consider these different itineraries and then book an oceanfront hotel in Myrtle Beach and get ready for fun, for however long you stay.

Myrtle Beach 3-Day Itinerary

When planning a three-day itinerary in Myrtle Beach, flying versus driving might get you into town earlier to help stretch your time to fit everything in. Many resorts give confirmed guests access to the amenities, even if the room isn’t quite ready. Use this time to check out the pool, sunbathe, or enjoy the beach, instead of waiting in the lobby. Even though three days in Myrtle Beach seems short, it is still long enough to hit up many of the main attractions and reserve some time for relaxing to make it a refreshing, worthwhile trip. And when you leave areas unexplored, you’ll always have a reason to return. 

Hotels

Hotel location is everything when you’re in Myrtle Beach for only three days. Look for hotels near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk so you can explore the area on foot while soaking up the sunshine. Pop into beachfront bars on the Atlantic and browse some of the best Myrtle Beach gift shops in town without wasting precious time waiting on rideshares or getting the lay of the land behind the wheel.

Attractions 

Many of the must-see attractions are fairly quick experiences so you can fit in several each day without feeling trapped in a whirlwind. A ride on the iconic SkyWheel Ferris wheel takes only 20 minutes but it is one of the best photo spots in Myrtle Beach. Visiting the Boardwalk and the beach can fit into any itinerary, and a timed activity, like a two-hour Jet Ski rental, lets you have fun without committing an entire vacation day.

Dining

If you found a must-try eatery while researching restaurants in Myrtle Beach, by all means make an effort to check it out. But don’t be afraid to take a relaxed approach to dining. Grabbing meals at hotel restaurants in Myrtle Beach is time-saving and convenient, and the area resorts offer all kinds of delicious eats, from bar-and-grill bites to divine seafood. For evening cocktails, jump-start your night at the bar in your Myrtle Beach hotel.

Myrtle Beach 5-Day Itinerary

Since a five-day trip to Myrtle Beach gives you a little extra time, check into your hotel and then check out of work mode before diving into vacation activities. Pour yourself a drink and enjoy the view from your oceanfront patio. If an evening out in Myrtle Beach is on the books, a little pre-party downtime will come in handy.

Spending five days in Myrtle Beach is enough time for adventurous vacationers to try new experiences and explore the area without running out of things to do. Plus, you can plan outings during low-key times to avoid crowds and lines.

Hotels

Staying at any of the Myrtle Beach hotels on the strip for a five-day trip gives you easy access to the beach and all the best things to do. Plus, these properties are jam-packed with amenities. Families love the kid-friendly resorts in Myrtle Beach because the water parks provide easy entertainment, and couples looking for fun appreciate the hotels with swim-up bars and cocktail lounges.

Attractions

With a five-day itinerary, you’ll have a long enough stay in Myrtle Beach to take your time savoring new sights and experiencing exciting local destinations. Make plans to visit the SkyWheel, Boardwalk, and attractions you’d fit into a shorter trip, plus enjoy a few longer excursions. Consider any of the live animal attractions in Myrtle Beach; these take a few hours each, but they’re outings you won’t find back home. Or dedicate a day to cruising the waterways in a rented pontoon boat in Myrtle Beach to experience life like a local.

Dining

There are tons of excellent restaurants within walking distance of hotels so meals can be spontaneous and you always have time to stop for ice cream or a nightcap. If you’re planning to splurge on dining most days, consider booking one of the Myrtle Beach hotels with free breakfast to save some dough and start your mornings fueled up for busy vacation days.

Myrtle Beach 7-Day Itinerary

Seven days is enough time in Myrtle Beach to create the ultimate itinerary and cross some big adventures off your bucket list. Whether you want to go on an hours-long dolphin cruise or learn a new skill, you’ll have plenty of time to check all these must-dos off your list. While it might be tempting to fill your days from sunup to sundown, remember to leave some downtime in your week to check out the resort’s pools or get your fill of beach time.

Hotels

When you’re staying in the Grand Strand for a week, look for Myrtle Beach hotel deals to help balance your lodging budget without sacrificing amenities or views. If a comfortable hotel bed, an oceanfront view, and a resort pool are all you need, you’ll have no trouble finding accommodations. The variety of upscale and budget-friendly hotels with suites in Myrtle Beach gives you plenty of options for places to call home during your week-long getaway. 

Attractions

A seven-day stay in Myrtle Beach lets you tackle all the must-see attractions, plus embrace activities that locals love, like surfing, fishing, and dancing. Consider checking out the best fishing spots in Myrtle Beach or hopping aboard a fishing charter for an unforgettable half- or full-day out to sea. Find surf lessons in Myrtle Beach to learn to ride the waves or visit the dance clubs in North Myrtle Beach to learn the area’s signature dance: The Shag. 

Dining

Eating out is often a highlight of vacations, especially when the food is delicious, fresh, and authentic. Luckily, the restaurants in Myrtle Beach are exceptional. Have fun taste-testing the casual, formal, and all-you-can-eat venues that line Restaurant Row. Explore places to dine on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk and choose a new cocktail lounge in Myrtle Beach to visit each evening. Eating out can add up, so make use of your suite’s kitchen for quick meals and cheaper snacks.

Take pictures at the best photo spots in Myrtle Beach to capture stunning nature shots and sunset-illuminated family portraits during your beach getaway. The scenery at the Grand Strand, plus its flashy attractions and chef-prepared restaurant dishes, make subjects worthy of any camera’s flash. Between the tranquil shoreline, bright lights, and high-rise Myrtle Beach hotels, every posed or candid photo is guaranteed to feature a social media-worthy backdrop.

Your first order of business was probably capturing the view from your oceanfront hotel to share on your social channels letting everyone know you arrived. Elevated vantage points, whether you’re sitting on your private balcony, riding the SkyWheel, or taking a helicopter tour, afford some of the most Instagrammable views in Myrtle Beach, guaranteed to get likes and comments. It’s up to you as to whether the sunrise or sunset is better for photos, because in Myrtle Beach, they each provide spectacular colors that make any average picture look phenomenal, whether the light is coming or going.

But when you want something truly frame-worthy, every locale won’t do. Check out this list of the best spots for Myrtle Beach photos to perfectly capture your beach vacation:

Fishing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is any angler’s dream because of the endless places to wet your line and hook a whopper, inland or out to sea. The Atlantic Ocean is where many anglers net legendary catches, but Myrtle Beach inland fishing is nothing to scoff at. Whatever waters you try, you’ll still need to know how to find the trophies. That’s what makes the bait shops in Myrtle Beach so invaluable. Not only do they rent fishing rods and sell bait, but these local stores often point aimless anglers in the right direction.

Whether you prefer to deep-sea fish, cast in fresh waters, or drop a line in the surf, you’ll soon discover the fishing is always good in Myrtle Beach, in any season on the calendar. That means it’s always a good time to visit because the weather is rarely bad and the fishing is always incredible. The hardest part about your trip will be deciding which hotel or resort to book for your stay.

Start planning your fishing getaway today and enjoy the excitement of landing a lunker by boat, from a pier, or while standing on the beach. There’s always something out there ready to bite. Here are some hotspots to hook dinner or a trophy for your wall:

Getting married in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is any happy couple’s dream, and these stunning, romantic wedding venues make the big day extra special. Whether you imagine an outdoor ceremony surrounded by the most beautiful gardens, an oceanfront affair near the sparkling Atlantic, or you’d prefer a simple to-do with your closest friends and family in attendance, the offerings for couples getting married at the best Myrtle Beach venues will satisfy any expectations. 

Each wedding hall in Myrtle Beach offers its own list of amenities, from on-site catering and DJs to photographers and experienced wedding planners. The ballrooms and ceremony locations can accommodate nearly any party size or theme. When you aren’t looking for input from in-laws or friends, discover places to elope in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina that will arrange all the little details to make your day a success, without a lot of extra stress. 

Guests arriving from out of town appreciate the lodging options in the area, and attendees who extend their stays for family vacations find the kid-friendly resorts perfect. One of the best aspects of tying the knot in a city with upscale romantic resorts is saying “I Do” and starting your honeymoon without travel days or jet lag.

Sifting through all of the oceanfront ceremony options and reception halls can be overwhelming. We’ve done the legwork for you: Save yourself the fuss and consult our list of the best wedding venues to start planning. These exceptional locations will make getting married in Myrtle Beach a dream come true:

Handicap beach access points in Myrtle Beach and nearby cities make spending the day on the sand a reality for locals or visitors with limited mobility. The communities in the Grand Strand strive to be accommodating vacation destinations for all travelers, so you’ll find a variety of handicap-accessible beaches with parking and amenities, plus convenient paid and free beach wheelchair rentals up and down the Myrtle Beach coastline. 

After selecting your hotel, it’s time to start planning which events you’ll attend and what attractions and beautiful beaches you’ll check out. Use our detailed list of beach accesses to decide where you’ll venture, and learn how to find beach wheelchairs near the best Myrtle Beach resorts to make your stay in the Grand Strand a success.

Finding Handicap Beach Access Nearby

Don’t wait until you’re in the Grand Strand to search for ‘handicap beach access near me’ and hope your resort is nearby. Locating the accessible beaches in Myrtle Beach before your visit allows for extra planning to reserve your beach wheelchair rental, find parking, and inquire about any other details that will make your vacation go smoothly. Luckily, there are many public beaches in South Carolina with handicap access points, including those in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and the Horry County beaches, so anyone with limited mobility has a nice selection of places to visit. 

We’ve highlighted the accesses below to make finding a spot near your resort or hotel easier so everyone in your party may enjoy a day on the sand. Consider contacting specific municipalities before arriving to confirm the type of accessibility, such as what locations offer ramps versus beach mats.

Handicap Beach Access in Myrtle Beach 

Myrtle Beach has 114 beach accesses, and more than 30 of them are wheelchair accessible and include a mix of ramps and fully accessible amenities. These handicap beach accesses throughout Myrtle Beach afford easier navigation when you want to spend time on the shore:

  • 29th Avenue South (fully accessible)
  • 27th Avenue South  
  • 24th Avenue South 
  • Hurl Rock Park at 20th Avenue South (fully accessible)
  • 1809 South Ocean Boulevard 
  • 1703 South Ocean Boulevard (fully accessible)
  • 16th Avenue South 
  • 15th Avenue South 
  • 12th Avenue South 
  • 10th Avenue South 
  • 9th Avenue South 
  • 3rd Avenue South (fully accessible)
  • 1st Avenue North 
  • 2nd Avenue North (fully accessible)
  • 4th Avenue North 
  • 7th Avenue North 
  • Plyler Park 
  • 13th Avenue North 
  • 16th Avenue North 
  • 1802 North Ocean Boulevard 
  • Anderson Park 
  • 25th Avenue North 
  • 31st Avenue North 
  • 38th Avenue North (fully accessible)
  • 41st Avenue North (fully accessible)
  • 44th Avenue North 
  • Gardens by the Sea, 5400 North Ocean Boulevard (fully accessible)
  • Seaside Place 
  • 64th Avenue North (fully accessible)
  • 69th Avenue North 
  • 70th Avenue North 

Beach Wheelchair Rentals in Myrtle Beach

While beach-going wheelchairs are no longer offered through the city, there are many third parties in the area who can provide the equipment you need. Many wheelchair rental companies will deliver and pick up your equipment right from your resort. Even though loaning these isn’t free, the services are convenient and give you more options, such as motorized wheelchairs.

Handicap Beach Access in North Myrtle Beach 

Travelers visiting or staying in North Myrtle Beach will find wheelchair-accessible beach access points throughout this city’s coastline as well. There are 48 wheelchair beach accesses in North Myrtle Beach, and five of these are outfitted with beach mats for even easier transport. The city keeps a list of these locations on their website, and we’ve included them below for the Cherry Grove, Crescent Beach, Ocean Drive, and Windy Hill neighborhoods.

Wheelchair-Accessible Entrances Near Cherry Grove:

  • The Point in Cherry Grove
  • 6210 North Ocean Blvd 
  • 61st Avenue North
  • 6000 North Ocean Blvd
  • 59th Avenue North 
  • 56th Avenue North 
  • 55th Avenue North 
  • 53rd Avenue North
  • 5104 North Ocean Blvd
  • 50th Avenue North
  • 4200 North Ocean Blvd with Beach Access Mat
  • 39th Avenue North
  • 3512 North Ocean Blvd
  • Sea Mountain Highway End
  • 22nd Avenue North 

Wheelchair-Accessible Entrances Near Ocean Drive:

  • Shorehaven Street End with Beach Access Mat 
  • 18th Avenue North 
  • 17th Avenue North 
  • 15th Avenue North 
  • 12th Avenue North 
  • 10th Avenue North 
  • 8th Avenue North
  • 7th Avenue North 
  • 4th Avenue North 
  • Main Street 
  • 2nd Avenue South 
  • 3rd Avenue South 
  • 4th Avenue South 
  • 6th Avenue South with Beach Access Mat 
  • 7th Avenue South
  • 9th Avenue South 
  • 10th Avenue South
  • 1319 South Ocean Blvd

Wheelchair-Accessible Entrances Near Crescent Beach:

  • 14th Avenue South 
  • 16th Avenue South 
  • 17th Avenue South
  • 18th Avenue South
  • 20th Avenue South 
  • 21st Avenue South 
  • 23rd Avenue South 
  • 25th Avenue South 
  • 27th Avenue South

Wheelchair-Accessible Entrances Near Windy Hill:

  • 33rd Avenue South with Beach Access Mat 
  • 34th Avenue South with Beach Access Mat 
  • 3751 South Ocean Blvd 
  • 39th Avenue South 
  • 45th Avenue South 
  • 46th Avenue South

Beach Wheelchair Rentals in North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach has an impressively convenient beach wheelchair rental program. The city offers free beach wheelchairs to visitors staying at North Myrtle Beach hotels or anyone who wants to spend a day on the sand using a wheelchair. The service is available Monday through Friday at the Beach Services Warehouse or by calling (843) 280-5684. Reservations are encouraged and may be made up to one year in advance. Beach wheelchairs may be reserved for up to a week at a time. Delivery and pickup are available in the summer for an additional charge. If you plan to pick up your rental, note that an SUV, van, pickup truck, or similar vehicle is required for transport.

Handicap Beach Access in Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach has 36 beach access points, 4 of which are wheelchair accessible. If you want to enjoy a quieter beach day, this town is a great option. You’ll find wheelchair access near these beach entrances:

  • 4th Avenue North
  • Surfside Pier
  • 13th Avenue South
  • Melody Lane

Beach Wheelchair Rentals in Surfside Beach

The town of Surfside Beach has a beach wheelchair program that makes loaners available through the city. The police department maintains a fleet of beach wheelchairs for public use and these are free to borrow as long as you are a resident, a property owner, or you’re staying in the town of Surfside Beach. Renters must call the police department at (843) 913-6368 Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to arrange the rental.

Handicap Beach Access in Horry County

There are about 14 miles of public beaches along the Grand Strand managed by Horry County’s Public Works Department. For handicap access to the beach, visit the county’s Nash Street location south of Springmaid Pier near the Myrtle Beach State Park. If there is another beach you’d like to visit, inquire with the county about what accessible features are available for specific locations, as many amenities, such as restrooms, are offered seasonally.

Beach Wheelchair Rentals in Horry County

Visitors going to one of the unincorporated beaches of Horry County may request beach wheelchairs on a first-come, first-serve basis. To use this free service, call (843) 381-8000 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or email beachwheelchair@horrycounty.org. There are a limited number of beach wheelchairs and the rental period may be reduced to two days during peak seasons in Myrtle Beach. Reservations may be made up to one month in advance. 

Handicap Parking in South Carolina

While most beach accesses have designated handicap parking spaces, it is also helpful to know that the state of South Carolina allows any vehicle to park free at any public-operated parking meter so long as they display any of the following license tags or valid hang tags: Handicapped, Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans, or Medal of Honor. If a beach lot happens to be full or if there is no lot available, you may be able to find a metered spot near the access of your choice.

Looking for a hotel near a wheelchair-accessible beach? Here are a few Myrtle Beach hotels and resorts conveniently located near handicapped beach accesses:

MyrtleBeachHotels.com

1101 Johnson Ave #300A, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

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