Downtown Myrtle Beach / The Boardwalk District. The oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade district is ground zero for the classic Myrtle Beach experience — walkable to the SkyWheel, seafood restaurants, summer fireworks, and the beach itself. Hotels range from budget-friendly high-rises to full-service… Good for: First-time visitors, couples, solo travelers, anyone who wants the full beach-boardwalk atmosphere.
Broadway at the Beach / Central Myrtle Beach. A few blocks inland from the ocean, this entertainment-dense corridor surrounds the 23-acre Broadway at the Beach complex. Lodging here (many with resort pools and lazy rivers) tends to be more affordable than oceanfront, while remaining central to virtually… Good for: Families with kids, groups seeking entertainment and dining variety, budget-conscious travelers.
Grande Dunes / Arcadian Shores. Located in the northern stretch of Myrtle Beach, Grande Dunes is the Grand Strand's prestige address — a 2,000-plus-acre master-planned community with gated enclaves, championship golf, a marina, and the Marriott Resort and Spa as its flagship property.… Good for: Golfers, couples seeking luxury and calm, spa-goers, longer stays.
North Myrtle Beach / Ocean Drive. A separate municipality 9 miles north of central Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach has 14 miles of wide, uncrowded beaches, the legendary Main Street shag-dancing scene (Fat Harold's Beach Club), Barefoot Landing shopping and dining on the Intracoastal… Good for: Families, beach-music enthusiasts, travelers who want quiet beaches without driving far from attractions.
The Market Common. Built on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, this walkable mixed-use neighborhood 4 miles south of downtown feels more like a charming small town than a beach resort. Tree-lined streets, a lakeside park, boutique shops, and a strong restaurant scene draw… Good for: Couples, shoppers, travelers who prefer a neighborhood feel over a resort-strip atmosphere.
Surfside Beach. A small residential town about 8 miles south of downtown Myrtle Beach that bills itself as the 'Family Beach.' Quieter, more affordable, and with a long walkable stretch of uncrowded sand, it attracts budget-conscious families and those seeking a laidback… Good for: Budget travelers, families with young children, repeat visitors who want fewer crowds.