North Myrtle Beach Travel Guide: History, Attractions & More
North Myrtle Beach has entertained and delighted travelers for over 50 years. This picturesque South Carolina city is part of the Grand Strand and is made up of miles of public beach access, restaurants, shops, and attractions. This makes a North Myrtle Beach vacation perfect for any occasion.North Myrtle Beach is perfect for travelers that need multiple bedrooms for their vacation, thanks to condo-style North Myrtle Beach accommodations available in the area.
Get the scoop with our North Myrtle Beach travel guide:
North Myrtle Beach History
In 1968, residents of Windy Hill, Crescent Beach, Ocean Drive, and Cherry Grove voted to combine the four towns into one city. Since then, North Myrtle Beach has continued to grow into a thriving beachside destination.
These neighborhoods still comprise much of the beaches in the area with Windy Hill being the southernmost beach and Cherry Grove being the northernmost beach in North Myrtle.
North Myrtle Beach is known for its residents—Vanna White and Kelly Tilghman, the PGA Tour’s first female lead golf announcer—it’s fishing, natural beauty, and as the birthplace of the shag dance.
Shag dancing is so popular in North Myrtle Beach that an annual week-long event is held each spring to celebrate South Carolina’s official state dance.
North Myrtle Beach Attractions
Alligator Adventure
Address: 4604 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach
Phone: (843) 361-0789
Come face-to-face with the world’s most exotic creatures. Exhibits include alligators, snakes, exotic birds, and hyenas. Alligator Adventure also hosts live shows including snake and alligator handling, and animal lectures.
O.D. Pavilion Amusement Park
Address: 90 South Ocean Boulevard, North Myrtle Beach
Phone: (843) 315-4597
North Myrtle Beach’s only seaside amusement park, O.D. Pavilion Amusement Park is a favorite among vacationers thanks to its many rides, games, and food that all ages will enjoy.
Cherry Grove Fishing Pier
Address: 3500 North Ocean Boulevard, North Myrtle Beach
Phone: (843) 249-1625
Spend the day enjoying ocean views and sea fishing at this historic fishing pier. Cherry Grove Pier was built in the early 1950’s and has seen its fair share of record catches, including a tiger shark that weighed 1780 pounds! The pier includes its own tackle shop with rentals, gifts, and fishing equipment.
Live Entertainment
House of Blues
Address: 4640 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach
Phone: (843) 272-3000
See national touring acts and up-and-coming artists at one of the Grand Strand’s premier concert venues. Located next to Barefoot Landing, House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach has hosted some of the biggest names in music and is famous for its Sunday Gospel Brunch performances.
Alabama Theatre
Address: 4750 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach
Phone: (843) 272-1111
The Alabama Theatre is well-known for its ONE The Show and South’s Grandest Christmas Show performances. Throughout the year, the theatre hosts concerts, comedy shows, tribute shows, and more.
Where to Eat
Tipsy Turtle Beach Bar
Address: 4800 South Ocean Boulevard, North Myrtle Beach (Inside Beach Cove Resort)
Phone: (843) 918-7720
Enjoy oceanfront views, flat-screen televisions, and delicious beach bites at Tipsy Turtle Beach Bar. Visitors can enjoy happy hour specials seven days a week and food specials on select days.
The Parson’s Table
Address: 4305 State Road S-26-850, Little River
Phone: (843) 249-3702
Sourcing ingredients from local farmers and purveyors, this quaint Little River restaurant is a must-try. The Parson’s Table also offers a children’s menu.
Joe’s Bar & Grill
Address: 810 Conway Street, North Myrtle Beach
Phone: (843) 272-4666
Joe’s Bar & Grill specializes in Lowcountry fare, steaks, seafood, and poultry dishes. This unique eatery includes indoor and outdoor seating options, with picturesque views of the saltwater marsh.
Area Shopping
Tanger Outlets
Tanger OutletsAddress: 10835 Kings Road, Myrtle Beach
Phone: (843) 449-0491
Enjoy name brands at discounted prices. Visit Tanger Outlets for bargain prices and deals at name-brand factory stores like H&M, J. Crew, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Express. This outdoor mall includes its own food court and has several covered areas.
Coastal North Town Center
Address: Highway 17 North & 11th Avenue North, North Myrtle Beach
Enjoy a great mix of retailers and dining options at Coastal North Town Center, from large discount retailers like Ross and TJ Maxx to athletic-wear at Dick’s Sporting Goods and craft supplies at Hobby Lobby.
Outdoor Activities & Beach Activities
Go Ape! Zipline and Adventure Park
Address: 150 Citizens Circle, Little River
Phone: (800) 971-8271
For thrill-seekers, kids, or anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors. This outdoor adventure and zipline attraction features over 50 unique obstacles and a zipline that travels over 900 feet. Go Ape! offers two activity experiences: one for ages 10 and up and another for any age.
Aloha Watersports
Address: 2208 North Ocean Boulevard, North Myrtle Beach
Phone: (843) 249-9908
Soar above the Atlantic Ocean on a parasailing adventure or tour by jet ski along the Intracoastal Waterway searching for dolphins. Other seafaring options include pontoon rentals and banana boat rides.
Voyager Deep Sea Fishing and Dolphin Cruises
Address: 1525 13th Avenue North, North Myrtle Beach
Phone: (910) 575-0111
Anglers of all ages will enjoy one of these deep-sea fishing trips. Be on the lookout for dolphins and exotic fish!
Kokopelli Surf Camp, Paddleboard & Kayak Tours & Rentals
Address: 702 Sea Mountain Highway, North Myrtle Beach
Phone: (843) 340-9565
Learn to surf on your next North Myrtle Beach vacation with private lessons. Kokopelli Surf Camp also offers stand-up paddleboarding rentals and kayak tours.
Area Spotlight: Barefoot Landing
Address: 4898 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach’s premier entertainment destination, Barefoot Landing offers the best in shopping, entertainment, and fun for families, couples, and friends.
Located along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, Barefoot Landing opened in 1988 as a rebrand of the former Village of the Barefoot Traders. The complex also hosts seasonal festivals and events, and summertime firework shows.
Check out some of Barefoot Landing’s best things to do:
Shopping
Ron Jon Surf Shop | Beachwear, gifts, and surfing and skate equipment | (843) 272-0888
Pepper Palace | Everything hot sauce, featuring a free sample bar | (843) 273-0877
Earthbound Trading Company | Home decor, gifts, jewelry, and apparel | (843) 272-2430
Francesca’s Collections | Boutique offering an assortment of gifts, jewelry, and apparel | (843) 272-4700
Restaurants
Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s | Seafood, southern-inspired dishes, and more in a family-friendly setting | (843) 491-5011
Greg Norman Australian Grille | Waterfront restaurant serving authentic Australian cuisine | (843) 361-0000
Johnny Rockets | 50’s-inspired diner serving burgers, sandwiches, and shakes | (843) 361-0191
Dick’s Last Resort | A not-so-typical restaurant serving seafood, burgers, and drinks | (843) 272-7794
Attractions & Activities
Alligator Adventure | Houses some of the world’s most exotic reptiles, birds, and mammals | (843) 361-0789
Lulu’s Beach Arcade & Mountain Youth Ropes Course | Arcade and ropes course for all ages | (843) 427-0060
Carousel | Inspired by classic carousel rides for children and adults
House of Blues | The Grand Strand’s premier concert venue | (843) 272-3000
