North Myrtle Beach: Where Coastal Calm Meets Carolina Character

Twelve miles north of its more frenetic namesake, North Myrtle Beach unfolds as a destination that feels familiar yet distinctly its own. Anchored at the northern edge of South Carolina’s Grand Strand, this city is a patchwork of four beachside neighborhoods—Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill—each contributing a unique rhythm to the whole. Together, they create a place that pairs the nostalgia of classic beach vacations with a new generation’s appetite for good food, live music, and waterfront adventure.

While Myrtle Beach to the south is known for its bright lights and bustling Broadway at the Beach, North Myrtle Beach feels like the relaxed cousin who still knows how to have a good time. It’s where locals linger over seafood platters, where golf carts outnumber cars on certain streets, and where you’re as likely to find families building sandcastles as couples sipping sunset cocktails along the Intracoastal Waterway.

A History That Still Dances

North Myrtle Beach’s story is woven from small seaside communities that joined forces in 1968 to form the city we know today. But its cultural roots reach back much further—to the 1940s and ’50s—when this stretch of coast gave birth to South Carolina’s official state dance: The Shag. A blend of swing and rhythm-and-blues born from jukeboxes on Ocean Drive, the dance became the soundtrack of summers past—and remains very much alive in North Myrtle Beach.

Walk down Main Street today and you’ll still hear beach music drifting from open doors, see couples shuffling effortlessly across dance floors, and feel that same easy joy that once made this place a coastal phenomenon. According to Explore North Myrtle Beach, “Fat Harold’s Beach Club offers free Shag lessons every Tuesday night, and for those really looking to perfect their steps, paid classes are available on Monday evenings.”

Want even more Shag in your life? North Myrtle Beach keeps the Carolina Shag tradition alive year-round with lively events from the Society of Stranders (SOS). Highlights include the Spring Safari in April, Fall Migration in September, family-friendly Junior SOS in summer, and the Mid-Winter Break in January. The season culminates with the National Shag Dance Competition, held annually since 1984, where top dancers compete for championship titles.

Where to Stay: North Myrtle Beach Resorts That Make Waves

From oceanfront luxury to family-friendly comfort, North Myrtle Beach offers a collection of resorts and hotels that turn any beach trip into something a little more extraordinary.

North Beach Resort & Villas
Sitting proudly at the edge of the Atlantic, North Beach Resort & Villas feels like a Caribbean escape within reach. Its sprawling pool complex—complete with swim-up bar, private cabanas, and plenty of space to unwind—sets the tone for resort life done right. The on-site Cinzia Spa brings another level of indulgence, offering everything from restorative massages to full-day wellness retreats. It’s the place for travelers who like their beach days followed by poolside cocktails and a little pampering before dinner.

Prince Resort
Anchored in the quiet Cherry Grove section, Prince Resort pairs modern comfort with classic coastal charm. Guests can spend mornings strolling the iconic Cherry Grove Pier, then head to the rooftop pool or lazy river for panoramic ocean views. Spacious condo-style suites make this resort a favorite for families and groups, while the easygoing energy of the neighborhood encourages you to slow down, breathe deep, and enjoy the rhythm of the tides.

Avista Resort
Bright, modern, and steps from Main Street’s vibrant energy, Avista Resort is ideal for travelers who want to mix relaxation with easy access to dining, shopping, and nightlife. The oceanfront condos range from one to three bedrooms, perfect for extended stays or family trips. A lazy river, kids’ splash zone, and multiple pools create a breezy, all-ages atmosphere—equal parts comfort and fun.

Beach Cove Resort
For those chasing sun-drenched days without breaking the budget, Beach Cove Resort delivers easily. The tropical pool deck, hot tubs, and on-site dining options create a self-contained haven, while its South Ocean Boulevard address keeps you close to everything. It’s casual, cheerful, and exactly what you’d hope for in a classic beach getaway.

Families can “rough it” in style—and comfort—in North Myrtle Beach, where coastal camping gets an upgrade. Just minutes from the ocean, Barefoot RV Park combines convenience and fun with paved sites, golf cart beach access, and kid-approved amenities like a lazy river and splash pad. Willow Tree RV Resort offers a peaceful lakeside retreat with fishing, a floating playground, and a private beach only 15 minutes from the Grand Strand. For a more luxurious spin on the great outdoors, Sun Outdoors RV Resort features yoga classes, spa tubs, and fully furnished Carolina Cottages perfect for glampers. And for a classic, family-focused experience, Briarcliffe RV Resort and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park deliver pools, mini-golf, and nature trails designed for easygoing fun.

Of course, that’s in addition to plenty of private oceanfront homes, cottages, and condo rentals that you can book through companies such as Elliot Beach Rentals or Seaside Vacations. No matter what you’re looking for—or what budget you’re working with—there’s a place to stay in North Myrtle Beach.

Eat & Drink: Taste the Coast, One Bite at a Time

Food in North Myrtle Beach is as layered as its history—part coastal Carolina tradition, part new wave of waterfront creativity. “Food has always been an integral part of the North Myrtle Beach experience,” says Erin Graham, Director of Marketing for Destination North Myrtle Beach. “From long-standing favorites like Hoskins and Boardwalk Billy’s to elevated dining at locally owned Sea Blue or casual beachside bites at Salty Brews, our dining scene continues to grow and evolve. Whether it’s a relaxed seafood meal or a culinary festival, there’s a timeless draw to the memories made when sharing good food together.”

 On Main Street, Hoskins Restaurant has been serving fried flounder plates and homemade pies since 1948, drawing lines of locals and loyal visitors who know a good thing when they taste it. Not far away, Boulineau’s—another North Myrtle Beach institution founded that same year—offers a slice of nostalgia in the form of an old-fashioned grocery store complete with grab-and-go favorites, gifts, and a deep connection to the Cherry Grove community.

For something fresh and modern, Big Chill Island House at Barefoot Landing brings new energy to the Intracoastal waterfront. Centered around a preserved oak tree and a nightly rooftop sunset tradition, it’s as much a place for gathering as dining, serving coastal-inspired plates that pair perfectly with craft cocktails and panoramic views. Boardwalk Billy’s, just across the marina, offers a more casual scene with baskets of peel-and-eat shrimp, live music, and the sound of water lapping against the docks.

Craving Italian while on vacation? Umberto’s is a 30+ year favorite you can’t go wrong with. Crave Italian Oven & Bar and Benny’s Trattoria are local and visitor go-tos, too. When the day’s heat calls for something sweet, Melt serves house-made ice cream in inventive flavors kids and adults don’t want to miss.

As soon as the clock hits happy hour—and before that, if we’re being honest—North Myrtle Beach comes alive with lively spots perfect for evening drinks and good company. Start at Bully’s Pub and Grill, a Barefoot Landing favorite where locals gather over craft beers, pool tables, and breezy lake views. For cocktails with a side of sunset, Locals on the Water delivers a marina backdrop, live music, and that relaxed Lowcountry rhythm. Landshark Bar and Grill—anchored right on the sand—offers frozen concoctions and island tunes that keep the beach vibes going strong for more than just the Parrotheads.

A short hop away, Captain Archie’s is a classic dockside haunt where seafood baskets and ice-cold drinks meet salty air and live tunes. Meanwhile, Molly Darcy’s invites you to settle in for a pint just steps from the surf, blending Irish warmth with an unbeatable oceanfront view. For a more elevated evening, Bar 19 Twelve serves sophisticated sips in an intimate setting, while Crooked Hammock Brewery keeps things casual with house-made brews, backyard games, and laid-back energy. To taste the true spirit of the region, head to Twelve 33 Distillery, where small-batch whiskey, gin, and vodka are crafted with care—and every pour comes with a nod to Carolina’s spirited past.

Days on the Water and Nights on Main

Spend a morning kayaking through salt marshes with J&L Kayaking, where egrets and herons trace the horizon and the brackish scent of the marsh gives way to open sea. Or saddle up with Inlet Point Plantation for a guided horseback ride along Waites Island, one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on the South Carolina coast. Book a boat ride with Southern Shores Catamaran Cruise for a two-hour dolphin tour, where they keep “a lookout for wild bottlenose dolphins, leatherback sea turtles, blacktip sharks, jellyfish, and more,” according to the company’s website.

Spanning 15 acres of scenic wetlands, Alligator Adventures has been a North Myrtle Beach favorite for over 30 years. Home to more than 800 alligators and over 230 species—from snakes and lizards to flamingos, bobcats, and even lemurs—the self-guided reptile zoo offers up-close wildlife encounters, complete with live daily shows that thrill visitors of all ages.

When evening falls, Main Street’s Ocean Drive neighborhood comes alive with music, dancing, and the hum of neon. The legacy of The Shag continues at venues where the dance still rules the floor, and live beach bands fill the night air. For a different kind of performance, the Alabama Theatre and Greg Rowles Legacy Theater deliver high-energy shows that mix country, rock, and timeless Southern charm. Kids love a stop at Pirate’s Voyage or Lulu’s Beach Arcade and Ropes Course.

Barefoot Landing & Beyond

Few places capture North Myrtle Beach’s all-ages appeal like Barefoot Landing. This waterfront complex of shops, eateries, and entertainment venues invites you to wander at your own pace—picking up a souvenir here, listening to live music there, and maybe riding the carousel before dinner. Grab a drink at Duplin Winery, known for its sweet Carolina muscadine wines, or stroll along the boardwalk as the sun dips low over the Intracoastal.

For golfers, both big and small, North Myrtle Beach offers fairways and putt-putt courses in equal measure. Championship courses thread through coastal marshes, while whimsical mini-golf courses light up the night—earning the town its reputation as a playground for every generation.

Well Worth the Visit to North Myrtle Beach

In the end, North Myrtle Beach offers the best of both worlds — the coastal charm and excitement visitors love about Myrtle Beach, but with a more relaxed, unhurried rhythm. Spend your days on the quiet sands of Cherry Grove, shopping the boutiques at Barefoot Landing, or catching a show at the Alabama Theatre. Evenings might mean a plate of fresh local seafood, a cocktail overlooking the Intracoastal, or dancing to the same beach music that’s been the town’s heartbeat for generations. Here, life moves at just the right pace — lively enough to entertain, peaceful enough to remind you you’re on vacation. As Cheryl Kilday, President and CEO of Destination North Myrtle Beach, puts it, “North Myrtle Beach carries a nostalgic charm that families have cherished for generations. Yet no matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new — or new to you — to experience. It’s that familiar feeling of traditions and simple joys, paired with fresh discoveries — a local event, a new restaurant, or just a different perspective — that brings people back year after year.”

For more information, please visit www.explorenorthmyrtlebeach.com.