City of Myrtle Beach
P.O. Drawer 2468
Myrtle Beach, SC 29578
(843) 918-1000
(843) 918-1028 (fax)
Population
26100
Time Zone
Eastern
Latitude/Longitude
33.68° /-78.88°
Today's Forecast
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HIGH: 66
LOW: 44
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Myrtle Beach has been billed as a capital of many things – the Campground Capital of the World, the Seaside Golf Capital of the World, the Miniature Golf Capital of the World – but it is the warm white sand and crashing surf that remain the big draw. Beyond beachcombing, visitors can choose from scads of high-energy attractions including jet-skiing, parasailing, roller coaster rides, a 10-story water slide, and stock car racing. The adventure continues well into the evening at the many nightclubs located along the Grand Strand.
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While thousands come to enjoy the sun and sand on this long stretch of Atlantic Ocean, it's the many family-oriented attractions that give Myrtle Beach its reputation as a giant vacation playground. Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park brings a carnival atmosphere into the heart of the downtown area. With over 40 rides and an oceanfront boardwalk, the Pavilion has something for every member of the family. Another favorite beachfront attraction is Family Kingdom Amusement and Water Park, home to South Carolina’s largest roller coaster and Ferris wheel. Other popular water parks include Wild Water Fun Park, which combines exciting water slides with high-speed go-cart racing.
If you hunger for more speed, visit the NASCAR SpeedPark where children and adults can test their driving skills on seven different tracks. Alligator Adventure invites you to slow down and explore this wildlife park and research institute in North Myrtle Beach. Wander the 5,000 feet of boardwalk to view the gators, Galapagos tortoises, exotic birds, and a variety of snakes that live in the natural wetland habitat.
Art also has its place along the Grand Strand. Brookgreen Gardens has more than 900 sculptures festooning the expanse of its magnificent gardens in Murrells Inlet. A wealth of native and domestic animals can also be seen stalking the grounds. If its raining or the sun is too hot, look indoors for quiet contemplation at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum.
Myrtle Beach's popular seasonal festivals include the Sun Fun Festival, marking the official beginning of the summer season on the Memorial Day weekend, late May into early June. Activities include bikini contests, sandcastle building, and parades. The "Can-Am," or Canadian-American Days, takes place even earlier in the year and draws thousands of Canadian tourists.
For vacationers who can't leave spectator sports behind, Myrtle Beach offers its own professional baseball team, the Pelicans, Advanced-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, who play 70 home games against their Carolina League opponents at Coastal Federal Field.
Two state parks are located on the Grand Strand. Myrtle Beach State Park, just south of downtown, offers oceanfront camping sites, as well as a nature trail and a fishing pier. See the Atalaya mansion at Huntington Beach State Park, where you'll also find a boardwalk plus fishing and crabbing. For exploration further off the beaten track, the Hobcaw Barony wildlife preserve near Georgetown has an aquarium and outdoor exhibits illustrating the former rice plantation's different habitats.
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