A car is strongly recommended for exploring the full 60-mile Grand Strand. However, if you stay oceanfront near the Boardwalk, the Coast RTA bus system (Route 10 runs along Ocean Boulevard) and rideshare apps cover most in-town needs. Avoid US-17 during summer afternoons — use SC-31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) or Robert M. Grissom Parkway to bypass the worst congestion.