Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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| Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | |
|---|---|
 w:User:Isipeoria · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source | |
| Name | Myrtle Beach |
| Settlement type | City |
| Country | United States |
| State | South Carolina |
| County | Horry |
| Established | 1938 |
| Area total sq mi | 23.66 |
| Population total | 34619 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a coastal city on the Grand Strand of the Atlantic coast known for its beaches, tourism industry, and entertainment venues. Located in Horry County, South Carolina near the confluence of the Waccamaw River and the Intracoastal Waterway, the city developed from a summer resort into a year-round metropolitan center. Its economy and identity are closely tied to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Conway, South Carolina, and the broader Grand Strand region, drawing visitors from Charlotte, North Carolina, Atlanta, Georgia, and New York City.
History
The area's Indigenous presence predates European contact, with the Waccamaw people and Winyah Bay-region tribes inhabiting the coastline before colonization. European exploration involved Spanish exploration of the Americas and later English colonization of the Americas, with nearby Charles Town (South Carolina) influencing settlement patterns. The 19th century saw planters from Georgetown, South Carolina and Columbia, South Carolina use the barrier island for seasonal retreats; the nearby Atkinson's Island and Myrtle Beach State Park lands were part of antebellum landholdings. The arrival of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and investments by figures connected to Theodore Roosevelt-era development accelerated resort construction. Incorporation as a city in 1938 followed infrastructure projects similar to those in Hilton Head Island and Tybee Island, Georgia. Postwar growth paralleled national trends epitomized by Interstate 95 (I-95) tourism expansion and the rise of automobile travel influencing destinations like Daytona Beach, Florida and Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Geography and Climate
Situated on the Grand Strand barrier island system, the city borders the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway (Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway), and the Waccamaw River. Nearby municipalities include North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and Surfside Beach, South Carolina. The region lies within the Southeastern United States coastal plain and features sandy beaches, maritime forests, and salt marshes akin to habitats in Cape Fear River estuaries. Myrtle Beach experiences a humid subtropical climate classified under Köppen climate classification similar to Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia, with hot, humid summers influenced by the Gulf Stream and winters moderated compared with Raleigh, North Carolina. The area is vulnerable to Atlantic hurricane season storms such as Hurricane Hugo and Hurricane Matthew, and to coastal erosion addressed by engineered solutions seen elsewhere like in Myrtle Beach State Park nourishment projects.
Demographics
The municipal population reflects patterns seen in sunbelt cities including migration from New York City, Chicago, and Boston metropolitan areas, retirees from Ohio and Pennsylvania, and seasonal workers from Mexico and Honduras. Census trends mirror shifts in Horry County, South Carolina and the Grand Strand—rapid growth in the late 20th century followed by stabilization in the early 21st century. The city's racial and ethnic composition includes communities with heritage linked to Gullah people culture prominent in the Lowcountry, alongside populations identifying with African American and Hispanic and Latino American backgrounds. Age distribution skews toward retirees compared with University of South Carolina college towns, while service-sector employment shapes household income patterns similar to Orlando, Florida and Branson, Missouri.
Economy and Tourism
Tourism drives the local economy, with parallels to destinations such as Orlando, Florida and Las Vegas in entertainment concentration. Major economic anchors include beachfront resorts, golf resorts inspired by designs from Pete Dye-associated courses, and retail centers analogous to Myrtle Beach Mall-class developments. Events tied to NASCAR weekends, PGA Tour-style golf tournaments, and concerts at venues comparable to House of Blues bolster visitor numbers. Hospitality chains and companies with footprints like Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International operate large properties, while cruise and marina activity ties into the operations of ports such as Port of Charleston. Seasonal employment trends are similar to Cape Cod and Myrtle Beach State Park-adjacent communities.
Culture and Attractions
Cultural life mixes boardwalk entertainment, performing arts, and sports venues. The city features amusement complexes reminiscent of Broadway at the Beach, live music scenes akin to Nashville, Tennessee, and family attractions comparable to Disney Springs. Museums and historical sites draw links to Horry County Museum-type collections and local preservation groups aligned with South Carolina Department of Archives and History. Annual events and festivals reflect influences from Myrtle Beach Pelicans minor league baseball promotions, college tournaments associated with Coastal Carolina University, and seasonal celebrations paralleling Myrtle Beach Air Show-style air displays.
Government and Infrastructure
Municipal governance follows a council–manager model similar to Charleston, South Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina, with elected officials coordinating with county entities in Horry County, South Carolina. Public services include police and fire departments organized along standards used by agencies like the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for regional cooperation. Utilities and coastal management involve partnerships with state agencies such as the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and federal programs like the Federal Emergency Management Agency for hazard mitigation and disaster response after events like Hurricane Hugo.
Transportation
Regional access is provided by U.S. Route 17 and connections to Interstate 95 (I-95) via coastal corridors, with regional air service at Myrtle Beach International Airport linking to hubs such as Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Rail service historically involved the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and passenger routes similar to Amtrak corridors in the Southeast. Public transit options include bus systems comparable to Coast RTA and shuttle services for major resorts, while marina and waterway access connect to recreational boating routes like the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.