Myrtle Beach, S.C.
10 Best Beach Accesses in Myrtle Beach

Tourism News
10 Best Beach Accesses in Myrtle Beach



the best beach in Myrtle Beach can make a significant impact on your vacation experience. Sure, these sandy shores all overlook the same stretch of the Atlantic Ocean, but even just a few miles can mean the difference between beaches with free parking, proximity to beloved Myrtle Beach restaurants and attractions, beating the crowds, and more.

Even if you’re staying at an oceanfront hotel, it might be worth your while to venture away from your designated beach access to see everything the Myrtle Beach area has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a hip hangout spot, a romantic retreat, or a family-friendly getaway, check out the 10 best beach accesses in Myrtle Beach to round out your vacation.

Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park

16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

based on 2 reviews

If you’re looking to escape from the beaches lined with sky-high hotels, then check out Huntington Beach State Park. The $5 cover charge is well worth it, as this state park offers secluded stretches of beach and sand dunes. Visitors here enjoy the walkway over the saltmarsh full of wildlife like birds and gators, as well as Atalaya; a Spanish-style castle with great history. If you’re feeling up to it, Huntington Beach State Park also offers camping in their maritime forest! Added bonuses for this beach include picnic areas with grills and on-site bathrooms.

Cabana District

Cabana District

Located on the northern end of Myrtle Beach from 79th to 82nd Avenues North is the area known as the Cabana District due to the number of brightly colored cabanas that line the shoreline. Those visiting this area can make their way past the Dunes Club, and, at low tide, across Singleton Swash to Ocean Annie’s Beach Bar for a refreshing drink or two. Just be sure to make your way back before high tide!

The Golden Mile

The Golden Mile

The Golden Mile is a two-mile stretch of beach from 34th to 52nd Avenues North. This area features no hotels and is home to several beautiful oceanfront mansions that are privately owned and/or rental homes. This area attracts less of a crowd than the hotels, thus providing more space to stretch out and enjoy the beautiful beach!

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Between Second Avenue North and 15th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

based on 8 reviews

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is one of the top attractions in Myrtle Beach, and for good reason; the boardwalk is home to several restaurants, bars, attractions, shops, and more. Stretching from the piers at 2nd and 14th Avenues North, this oceanfront walkway is a family-friendly area with amusements such as the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, arcades, thrill rides, and more. Of course, this is always a great place to explore before or after spending some time on the beach, which is literally just steps away.

Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach

Many visitors like to venture out to Surfside Beach and set up beach camp near the Surfside Pier. Before or after enjoying the ocean, visitors can visit the Surfside Pier for a stroll, fishing, or dining. There are also several beach bars in the area if you’re looking for a frosty beverage.

Myrtle Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach State Park

4401 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575

based on 1 reviews

Myrtle Beach State Park is always a great choice for a beach day. While it costs $5 a person to get in, the price is well worth it. The park is home to wide stretches of beach as well as a pier that is great for fishing and sightseeing. Guests here also enjoy camping, the nature center, and walking trails through the oceanfront forest.

North Myrtle Beach Surf Hangouts

North Myrtle Beach Surf Hangouts

Looking for a spot to go surfing? There’s a popular spot between 7th and 8th Avenues North in North Myrtle Beach where surfers go to catch some waves. The beach access at 27th Avenue South is also a popular surf hangout.

Cherry Grove Point

Cherry Grove Point

Cherry Grove Point is a unique beach access area, as it is a wide stretch of beach that is located just across from Waties Island – a private island owned by Coastal Carolina University for Marine research. When the tide is low enough, many people walk or swim across from Cherry Grove Point to explore the island, which is unbeatable in beauty. The area is also a popular spot for kayaking and stand up paddleboarding.

67th Avenue North

67th Avenue North

If you’re looking to go surfing or go ocean kayaking, then check out 67th Avenue North. This is one of the best places for these types of watersports and is a popular spot among locals.

Hurl Rocks Park

Hurl Rocks Park

Hurl Rocks Park on 21st Avenue South in Myrtle Beach is a unique spot featuring an unusual outcropping of black rocks on an otherwise sandy beach. Located between two Myrtle Beach hotels, you might not get the seclusion of some other accesses, but it is still a cool area to go to.

Beach Access in Myrtle Beach FAQs

Is there public access to Myrtle Beach?

Generally considered one of the area’s main attractions, Myrtle Beach public beach access is easy to find. In fact, there are about 114 public beach accesses in the area so everyone can enjoy the sandy shores of the Grand Strand. While it’s easy to find public beaches in Myrtle Beach, consider our top picks listed above to find the best public beach access in the area.

Is Myrtle Beach a free beach?

Lucky for area visitors, Myrtle Beach is a free beach—no costly cover charge required. With the exception of the Huntington Beach State Park, which charges a $5 park admission fee, all of the popular Myrtle Beach beaches are completely free to visit (though you might have to pay for parking, depending on where you go).

Do you have to pay to park at Myrtle Beach?

Depending on when you visit and which Myrtle Beach beach access you choose, you may have to pay for parking. Since the 1940s, area visitors have had to feed the meters to park along certain Myrtle Beach public accesses. Here’s what you need to know about paid parking: Parking meter fees are in effect March 1 – October 31, 9:00 am – 12:00 am.  You do not have to pay for Myrtle Beach parking during the “off season,” which is November 1 – February 28, or during the early morning hours between 1:00 am and 8:00 am.  Note that throughout all of South Carolina, including in Myrtle Beach, any vehicle with a valid Handicap Placard, Handicapped Hang Tag, Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans, or Medal of Honor license tag is permitted to park for free at any city parking meter.  Visit the official City of Myrtle Beach website for the latest parking meter fees and information.