Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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| Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | |
|---|---|
| Name | Myrtle Beach |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Grand Strand, Golf Capital of the World |
| Pushpin label | Myrtle Beach |
| Coordinates | 33, 42, N, 78... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | South Carolina |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Horry County |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | 1938 |
| Government type | Council–Manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Brenda Bethune |
| Leader title1 | City Manager |
| Leader name1 | Fox Simons |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total sq mi | 23.55 |
| Area land sq mi | 23.31 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.24 |
| Elevation ft | 26 |
| Population total | 35782 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 29572, 29575, 29577–29579 |
| Area code | 843, 854 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 45-49075 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1249823 |
| Website | https://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/ |
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a major coastal city and the center of a contiguous urbanized region known as the Grand Strand. Located in Horry County, it is one of the primary tourist destinations in the Southeastern United States, renowned for its expansive beaches, numerous golf courses, and vibrant entertainment districts. The city's economy is overwhelmingly driven by tourism and hospitality, attracting millions of visitors annually to its amusement parks, live theatre venues, and shopping malls.
History
The area's modern development began in the early 20th century with the arrival of the Conway and Seashore Railroad, a venture spearheaded by the Burroughs & Collins Company of Conway. Originally named "New Town," it was incorporated in 1938 and renamed for the abundant wax myrtle shrubs. Post-World War II, the construction of U.S. Route 17 and later Interstate 95 facilitated rapid growth, transforming the fishing village into a national resort. Key developments included the opening of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in the 1950s and major attractions like the Myrtle Beach Pavilion and Family Kingdom.
Geography
Myrtle Beach is situated on a barrier island along the Atlantic Ocean, part of a larger geographic feature known as the Grand Strand. The city's topography is characterized by flat, sandy terrain with several Intracoastal Waterway inlets, including Murrells Inlet to the south. It is bordered by the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway to the west and the communities of North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach. The climate is classified as humid subtropical, influenced by the Gulf Stream.
Demographics
According to the 2020 United States Census, the city had a population of 35,782, with the wider Myrtle Beach metropolitan area encompassing over 350,000 residents. The demographic profile shows a median age significantly lower than the South Carolina average, reflecting its workforce in the service and tourism sectors. Significant seasonal population fluctuations occur due to snowbird migration and summer tourism. The area has seen consistent growth since the 1970s, drawing new residents from the Northeastern United States and the Midwestern United States.
Economy
The economy is dominated by the tourism and hospitality industry, supported by over 100 golf courses, 60,000 accommodation units, and major attractions like Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing, and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. The Myrtle Beach International Airport, served by carriers like Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines, is a critical infrastructure asset. Other sectors include real estate development, retail trade centered around Coastal Grand Mall, and conventions hosted at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
Culture and recreation
The city is a hub for entertainment, featuring venues like the Alabama Theatre, Carolina Opry, and House of Blues. Annual events include the Myrtle Beach Bike Week, the Canadian-American Days Festival, and the Sun Fun Festival. Recreational activities are centered on its 60-mile beachfront, with deep-sea fishing from Murrells Inlet, boating on the Intracoastal Waterway, and visiting Huntington Beach State Park. The city is also known for its minor league baseball team, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, who play at TicketReturn.com Field.
Government
Myrtle Beach operates under a council–manager government system. The legislative body is the Myrtle Beach City Council, led by Mayor Brenda Bethune and including six council members elected from single-member districts. Day-to-day administration is handled by the appointed City Manager, Fox Simons. The city provides full municipal services, including a police department, fire department, and public works. It is part of South Carolina's 7th congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Russell Fry.
Category:Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Category:Cities in South Carolina Category:Populated coastal places in South Carolina Category:Horry County, South Carolina