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:

See all the things to do in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, and discover why this family-friendly coastal town is growing in popularity. Traveling just 20 minutes south of Myrtle Beach will bring you to this oceanfront city that’s near lively nightlife, attractions, and shopping. While the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a well-known stop for anyone in the area, far fewer people are aware of the things to do in Surfside Beach. 

If you’re headed this way from your Myrtle Beach hotel, use this handy list of the 10 best things to do in Surfside Beach to get the most out of your time in South Carolina:

Review the Myrtle Beach umbrella rules to know which tents, shades, and canopies are allowed on the local beaches before you head out for fun in the sun. When you’re ready to hit the beach, knowing where and when you can use certain shades and beach canopies can save you a lot of hassle and even help you avoid fines for violations. 

Ordinances passed in 2014 for shading device policies in the Grand Strand limited the use of umbrellas in an effort to improve emergency personnel and lifeguards’ visibility of the water’s edge (beachgoers benefit with better views, too). Most of the earliest guidelines have been amended and adjusted in the years since to better balance visitors’ needs and safety concerns but now most Myrtle Beach rules have been set since 2021.

Being aware of the restrictions before lugging gear down to the sand will make sure your beach day isn’t a bust and keep you out of trouble from using the wrong shade style. If you don’t have equipment that meets the city or county specs, local umbrella and chair rentals can simplify your beach setup and provide the approved gear right at your oceanfront hotel.

These convenient guidelines address the use of beach cabanas, canopies, and tents in Horry County and within the city limits of Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Sunset Beach. No need to lose out on time in the sun because you’re sorting through ordinances and regulations—we’ve done the legwork for you:

Horry County Beach Umbrella Rules

Beachgoers visiting Horry County beaches are allowed to use umbrellas as long as they fit within the size and style requirements determined by the county. Beach umbrellas in Horry County must be equal to or smaller than 7 feet 6 inches in diameter and must match the description of an umbrella (a collapsible circular shade consisting of a natural or synthetic fabric stretched over hinged ribs radiating from a central pole). 

While other beaches have flexible rules that relax in the off-season, Horry County’s regulations remain constant year-round. Canopies, tents, or shade structures that are not traditional beach umbrellas, including Sport-Brellas and Shibumi Shades, are not allowed on any Horry County beach at any time. The only exceptions to the umbrella rules are small pop-up or blow-up cabanas that do not exceed 4 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet, to use for infants and very small children. 

The placement and use of beach umbrellas must also adhere to these beach rules:

• Umbrellas must not impede the lifeguard’s view at any time.
• Shade devices may not be set up within 10 feet of the established umbrella line.
• Umbrellas must be secured but cannot be tied, bound, or connected to other shade structures.
• All beach items must be removed between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., including beach tents and umbrellas.

If you’re thinking about having a beach wedding with a party tent or canopy, you will need to obtain a Special Events Permit from Horry County. Approval for beach canopies for family reunions or other occasions may also be granted, but you will need to contact the Horry County Police Beach Patrol for more information. Any beach umbrellas in use for these approved occasions still need to follow rules for placement, hours of use, and other guidelines.

Myrtle Beach Umbrella & Tent Rules

The beach rules within the city limits of Myrtle Beach are similar to Horry County’s rules, with a few exceptions. The Myrtle Beach umbrella rules are seasonal, so there are times when non-umbrella shades and larger canopies may be used. The off-season begins the day after Labor Day and ends on Memorial Day.

During summer months, umbrellas are the only shade items allowed for adult use and they must be confined to 7 feet 6 inches in diameter. Infant tents are also permitted year-round but must be smaller than 4 feet wide by 3 feet deep by 3 feet high. 

Are Shibumi Shades and Canopies Allowed In Myrtle Beach?

If you arrive in the off-season you’ll notice much more lenient umbrella rules in Myrtle Beach. Canopies, shades, and tents, including various Sport-Brellas and Shibumi Shades, are permitted on the beaches of Myrtle Beach during the 9 non-summer months as long as the structures are not larger than 12 feet by 12 feet. 

All umbrellas and canopies, regardless of the season, must still adhere to these placement guidelines:

• All cabanas and canopies (when allowed) must be placed 10 feet behind the umbrella line. 
• Umbrellas must be set up in line with or behind the established umbrella line.
• No shade structures may block emergency personnel or lifeguards’ access to or visibility of the water’s edge. 
• Umbrellas, tents, and personal items may be set up only after 8:00 a.m. and must be removed by 7:00 p.m.

North Myrtle Beach Tent Rules

Vacationers in North Myrtle Beach will need to follow the beach rules when setting up an umbrella, canopy, or other shade structure. North Myrtle Beach tent rules are seasonal yet slightly different than the rules in Myrtle Beach, so it is important to know which municipality you’re in when setting up your beach equipment. Large tarps, canopies, and other non-umbrella devices, including Sport-Brellas and Shibumi Shades, are prohibited from use on North Myrtle Beach public beaches between May 15 and September 15. 

During summer months from mid-May to mid-September, umbrellas are the only approved shade beachgoers may use (aside from approved infant shades) in North Myrtle Beach. These umbrellas must not be larger than 7 feet 6 inches and the circular shade diameter cannot exceed 9 feet. An umbrella, as defined by the city, is a collapsible circular shade composed of fabric stretched over hinged ribs that radiate from a central pole. Baby tents are the only exception to umbrellas and they’re allowed year-round as long as they are used by persons 18 months or younger and they’re not larger than 36 inches high by 36 inches wide by 36 inches deep.

Any shades or umbrellas in use in North Myrtle Beach must follow these placement guidelines:

• Shades should not be set up within 10 feet of the lifeguard stand.
• Umbrellas and other structures (when allowed) should be located 20 to 25 feet seaward of the dune line and parallel to the shoreline which will be marked by city trash cans, pylons, or flags.
• Beach equipment and shade devices must not remain on the beach between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Surfside Beach Rules for Beach Umbrellas & Canopies

Beach canopies, tents, and umbrellas are allowed on the beaches of Surfside Beach, but they must adhere to size restrictions. Umbrellas must be no greater than 7 feet 6 inches in height and have a circular shade no larger than 9 feet in diameter. Other non-umbrella shades, including tarps, canopies, Shibumi Shades, and Sport-Brellas are permitted but must not exceed 10 feet by 10 feet. All shade structures must have straight tie-downs. Baby tents are also allowed year-round.

All persons using shade structures must adhere to these tent rules:

• No gear, windbreakers, personal belongings, or other obstructions may be placed between beach umbrellas.
• Tents must be placed 10 feet apart from one another.
• All umbrellas, shades, and baby tents must be placed behind the lifeguard stand, so the lifeguard’s view of the beach and ocean is not obstructed. 
• All setups must be placed in accordance with the town’s beach emergency lane rules.
• Umbrellas, canopies, and other beach equipment must be removed between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
• Shades must not interfere with or be connected to sand fencing near the dunes.

Beach chair rentals in Myrtle Beach offer convenient, full-service setups on the sand so all you have to do on beach days is show up and relax. Why struggle to drag all your gear down to the shore when you can rent a comfy seat and nice shade right from a friendly beach attendant? Whether you need chairs for two or a whole crew, go through a rental company to get a stellar oceanfront spot with less hassle. 

If you’re staying in downtown Myrtle Beach or at a hotel in North Myrtle Beach you’ll have easy access to wonderful beaches, and thanks to local companies, you’ll also enjoy fast, easy beach chair and umbrella rentals. Myrtle Beach outsources its rental and lifeguard services to two area companies, and rentals in the city of North Myrtle Beach go through its Parks and Recreation Department. Not only will you appreciate the convenience that these nearby beach chair and umbrella rentals provide, but you can also rest easy knowing you don’t have to fret over the umbrella and tent laws—these experts take care of it all for you! 

Here are the details for Myrtle Beach chair and umbrella rentals in 2023, including how to reserve your seat on the sand for a carefree, relaxing vacation. 

Pricing for Myrtle Beach Chair Rentals 2023

The cost of Myrtle Beach chair and umbrella rentals is fairly consistent from company to company so the location of your oceanfront resort will probably determine which service is best for you. These are the average rental rates for 2 chairs and 1 umbrella and single items in Myrtle Beach for 2023:

• Daily Chairs & Umbrella: $45
• Weekly Chairs & Umbrella (7 days): $217
• Additional/Individual Chair: $12 per day 
• Additional/Individual Umbrella: $28 per day

Knowing the best time to book a hotel before a trip to Myrtle Beach, when to arrive, and how many days to stay will help you enjoy a great vacation for less. We understand that everyone doesn’t have the same ideas about when to take a trip and where to stay, but we also know no one wants to overpay for a vacation. Thankfully there are a few savvy tricks for booking your hotel in Myrtle Beach to save money so you have more cash to splurge on show tickets, resort upgrades, and dining out.

When Is the Best Time To Book a Hotel Room in Myrtle Beach?

We hear this question a lot, so we created a guide to help. Though there is no magic hour that automatically gives you the biggest discount, many reliable trends suggest that hotel rates are often higher when more people are looking, so avoid booking on evenings, weekends, and during holidays when people are off of work and out of school. While there are no guarantees this is true 100% of the time, comparing rates, shopping a variety of resorts and properties, and looking for hotel deals and special discounts, like those for service members, can help you avoid a budgeting blunder.

What Day of the Week Is the Best To Book Hotels in Myrtle Beach?

 Are hotels cheaper during the week in Myrtle Beach? You bet. Reservations made for a weekday are almost always cheaper than for a weekend, but deciding what day is best to book depends on the length of your stay and your arrival date. How long you need to spend in Myrtle Beach really varies based on what you want to do, see, and how many beach days you need to reach the ultimate state of relaxation. If you’re undecided, make a list of the attractions you want to visit and restaurants you have to try, and then figure out how many days it’ll take to check these must-haves off your list. From there you can choose which day of the week to arrive to get the best deal for any length of stay using our tips below.

Myrtle Beach volleyball courts can be found on the sandy shores of Ocean Boulevard, in state-of-the-art sports complexes, and right outside area resorts. The variety of places to play indoors or out is impressive, whether you’re looking for an official contest or you’re simply enjoying bumping the ball back and forth with friends. These are the best places with volleyball courts in Myrtle Beach: 

• City of Myrtle Beach Volleyball Courts
• John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Complex
• Barefoot Landing
• Ocean Creek Resort
• Dunes Village Resort
• Ocean Reef Resort
• Sands Beach Club

When your vacation plans include volleyball, choosing to stay at an oceanfront resort gives you easy access to the sand to set up your own net. Or, select a hotel with its own volleyball court. You’ll find volleyball offered at the swimming pools, on conventional courts, and in sandy courts right on the properties.

In addition, Myrtle Beach is home to an oceanfront sand volleyball court along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk! Located next to the famous Bowery bar, this area is perfect for those who want to play a game of beach volleyball close to all of the fun action of downtown Myrtle Beach.

When you’re ready to give this popular sport a try, check out these Myrtle Beach courts and resorts for the best places to play volleyball: