City of Myrtle Beach

City of Myrtle Beach
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Name	Myrtle Beach
Settlement type	City
Country	United States
State	South Carolina
County	Horry
Founded	1938
Area total sq mi	23.45
Population total	35482
Population as of	2020
Timezone	Eastern (EST)

City of Myrtle Beach is a coastal city on the Atlantic Ocean coast of the United States state of South Carolina. It is the largest city in Horry County, South Carolina and a principal city of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of beaches that anchors the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area (South Carolina) and ties to the Charleston metropolitan area. The city is a center for tourism in the United States, regional real estate development and seasonal events attracting visitors from Atlanta, Charlotte, North Carolina, New York City, Washington, D.C. and Toronto.

History

The area that became Myrtle Beach was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples including the Waccamaw people and was explored by Spanish explorers during the era of the Age of Discovery and the Colonial history of the United States. European settlement increased after the American Revolutionary War and agricultural and maritime economies tied the area to plantation economy patterns common to Lowcountry (South Carolina). Development accelerated with the arrival of the Fayetteville and Western Railroad and later the Wilmington and Manchester Railroad, connecting the Grand Strand to Charleston, South Carolina and Raleigh, North Carolina. In the 20th century, entrepreneurs such as Burroughs and Chapin and resort developers modeled growth on examples like Palm Beach, Florida and Virginia Beach, Virginia. Myrtle Beach was incorporated in 1938, later expanding amid post‑World War II boom influenced by Interstate Highway System improvements, the rise of automobile culture in the United States, and national trends in sunbelt migration.

Geography and climate

Myrtle Beach lies on a barrier island system along the Atlantic Coastal Plain (United States), proximal to features such as the Waccamaw River and the Intracoastal Waterway. The beach profile and dune systems are part of the Grand Strand geomorphology shaped by longshore drift and sea level rise. Climate is classified as humid subtropical under the Köppen climate classification, producing hot summers influenced by the Gulf Stream and mild winters shaped by Nor'easters and occasional impacts from Hurricane Hugo (1989), Hurricane Matthew (2016), and Hurricane Florence (2018). Coastal management responses reference guidance from agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Army Corps of Engineers on beach nourishment and erosion control.

Demographics

Census reporting by the United States Census Bureau shows a population influenced by seasonal tourism, migration from Northeastern United States and Midwestern United States retirement patterns, and a workforce tied to hospitality and service industries. The city's population trends mirror broader shifts documented in studies by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation with demographic groups including families, retirees, and transients associated with seasonal employment tied to resorts such as Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and entertainment venues like Broadway at the Beach. Ethnic and racial composition reflects regional patterns in South Carolina with communities connected to institutions like Coastal Carolina University and faith congregations such as First Baptist Church (Myrtle Beach).

Economy and tourism

Myrtle Beach's economy is dominated by hospitality and tourism sectors with major stakeholders including hotel operators like Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and Choice Hotels International, as well as entertainment brands exemplified by Ripley's Believe It or Not! and amusement enterprises inspired by Coney Island. Attractions such as the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and golf courses hosting events affiliated with the PGA Tour drive seasonal revenue, while conventions at venues referencing the Myrtle Beach Convention Center attract groups from Professional Golfers' Association of America conferences and trade shows like Consumer Electronics Show spin‑offs. The city participates in regional marketing with organizations like the South Carolina Department of Tourism and private developers such as Hunt Companies and Burroughs & Chapin Company who have shaped mixed‑use projects and resort districts.

Government and infrastructure

Municipal administration operates under a council–manager structure similar to charters found across South Carolina municipalities; operations coordinate with county agencies in Horry County, South Carolina and state entities such as the South Carolina Department of Transportation. Public safety services include law enforcement agencies linked to the Myrtle Beach Police Department and emergency response coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency during storm events. Infrastructure investments in water and wastewater systems align with standards from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, while regional planning interfaces with the Grand Strand Area Transportation Study and the Coastal Carolina Regional Development United (regional planning bodies).

Culture and recreation

Cultural life integrates performance venues like the Alabama Theatre, exhibition spaces hosting touring productions tied to the United States Tour circuit, and festivals such as Sun Fun Festival and motorsport events near tracks like Myrtle Beach Speedway. Museums including the Children's Museum of South Carolina and maritime exhibits reflect ties to the Atlantic Ocean and regional heritage associated with figures like Atalaya Castle patrons. The city's live entertainment scene features touring acts promoted by agencies such as Live Nation Entertainment and supports seasonal sports tournaments in collaboration with organizations like USA Track & Field and United States Youth Soccer.

Transportation and education

Transportation infrastructure includes U.S. Route 17 and U.S. Route 501 (South Carolina), access to Interstate 95 and connections to Myrtle Beach International Airport which handles commercial carriers like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Sunwing Airlines. Public transit services coordinate with the Coast RTA while passenger rail proposals have considered extensions of Amtrak routes such as the Palmetto (train) and regional commuter studies tied to the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor. Education is anchored by institutions including Coastal Carolina University, primary and secondary schools in the Horry County Schools district, and continuing education partnerships with community colleges like Horry‑Georgetown Technical College.

Category:Cities in South Carolina