Myrtle Beach FAQ

We get a lot of questions from visitors about Myrtle Beach. After all, more than 14 million people visit the Myrtle Beach area every year, and they're bound to have some questions. We hope you find these answers to our most frequently asked questions helpful. If you have other questions about Myrtle Beach, check us out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/myrtlebeach or email us at info@myrtlebeach.com.

Q. What is the best hotel in Myrtle Beach?

A. There are tons of hotels in the Myrtle Beach area, and every visitor is looking for something different. This hotel search can help you narrow down your options by selecting the amenities that are most important to you. Looking for a condo or vacation home? We can help you there, too. Good luck on your search for the perfect accommodations. We know you'll find what you're looking for!

Q. I’m planning a Myrtle Beach wedding. What do I need to do?

A: First, you’ll need a marriage license, which you can apply for at the Horry County Courthouse in Conway. The courthouse is at 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, S.C. There is a 24-hour waiting period so you’ll need to apply for the license and file a statement that you’re eligible for marriage. You can pick up your license the following day. The fees are $50 for Horry County residents; $75 for South Carolina residents; and $100 for out-of-state visitors.

Licenses are valid from any county in South Carolina, but out-of-state licenses cannot be used.

For the wedding ceremony, please observe the following rules:

Beach weddings | Commercially produced weddings are not permitted on the public beach. Non-commercial weddings are permitted. This means if you’re paying an officiant, photographer or anyone else to produce your wedding, it cannot take place on the public beach.

Public parks in commercial areas | All weddings are allowed in public parks, but other park users cannot be required to leave the park. Contact city hall at (843) 918-1008. Here are parks in city limits in commercial areas:

Hurl Rock Park | 20th Avenue South and Ocean Boulevard
Nance Plaza | Ninth Avenue North and Kings Highway
Justin W. Plyler Boardwalk Park | Mr Joe White Avenue and Ocean Boulevard
Chapin Park | 16th Avenue North and Kings Highway
Anderson Family Park | 20th Avenue North and Ocean Boulevard
Cameron Park | 27th Avenue North and Ocean Boulevard
Gardens By The Sea | Haskell Circle and Ocean Boulevard
Futrell Park | Dunbar Street and Mr. Joe White Avenue
Valor Park | Farrow Parkway at The Market Common

Parks in residential areas | Commercially produced weddings are not allowed, but non-commercial weddings are allowed with an approved permit. You will be required to rent a shelter if a shelter exists. The fee is $25 for city residents and $42.75 for non-city residents.

If you’re looking for a spot for your ceremony, reception or to keep all your guests cozy, check out our list of Myrtle Beach hotels.

Q. What is the weather like in Myrtle Beach?

A. For current temperatures and weather information, view our weather page. Average high and low temperatures are as follows:

January – High 56 degrees, Low 37 degrees
February – High 60, Low 39 degrees
March – High 68 degrees, Low 46 degrees
April – High 76 degrees, Low 53 degrees
May – High 83 degrees, Low 61 degrees
June – High 88 degrees, Low 68 degrees
July – High 91 degrees, Low 72 degrees
August – High 89 degrees, Low 71 degrees
September – High 85 degrees, Low 64 degrees
October – High 77 degrees, Low 54 degrees
November – High 69 degrees, Low 46 degrees
December – High 60 degrees, Low 38 degrees

Q. Can I walk my dog on the beach?

A. Yes, during certain times. From May 1 through Labor Day, dogs are permitted only before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. when beach traffic is light. During the off-season – from Labor Day to April 30, dogs can be on the beach any time of day. Dogs should always be kept on a leash that’s 7 feet or shorter. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after dogs on the beach.

Q. Where are parking meters located, and how much does it cost to pay to park?

A. Parking meters are located near all high-traffic areas between 31st Avenue North and 29th Avenue South east of Kings Highway. They are enforced from March 1 to Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday. Most metered locations feature pay stations that accept credit/debit cards as well as cash. Follow the instructions on the pay station and display your receipt in view on your car’s dashboard.

If you’re at a meter that requires coins but don’t have change, you can call (843)626-PARK (7275), and an ambassador will bring you the change you need. Hourly rates are between 75 cents to $1.50, depending on the location. Some meters offer all-day parking for $6. Those meters will have a green all-day sticker on the side.

Q. Do I need a license to fish in Myrtle Beach?

A. You do not need a license to surf from a pier, but the state of South Carolina requires a license to fish in the surf. S.C. residents can purchase a yearly saltwater fishing license for $10 or a 14-day license for $5. Nonresidents can purchase a yearly license for $35 or a $14-day license for $11.

Licenses are available online at www.dnr.sc.gov or by phone at 1-866-714-3611. You may also get a license at many hunting/fishing supply stores or area Wal-Mart stores. For a full list, click here.

Q. Are horses allowed on the beach?

A. Horseback riding is allowed certain times of the year from Myrtle Beach State Park. You can ride on the beach from the third Saturday in November until the end of February. Groups are limited to six horses and riders at a time. Riding across Sand Dunes in prohibited. Horse trailers must be parked out of the public right-of-way, and owners must clean up after the animals.