Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a popular destination for golfers, campers and sun worshippers. Whatever your pleasure, Myrtle Beach is sure to have something for you too.

A Little History

The first settlers to Myrtle Beach were the Waccamaaw and Winyah Indians who appreciated the beauty of the beaches and their surrounding area. They called thier home "Chicora" meaning "the land." Evidence of these early inhabitants still turns up now and again. Perhaps if you're fortunate, an arrowhead or two might be unearthed while you're beach combing.

In 1526, Spanish settlers, including the explorer Lucas Vasques de Allyon made their homes in the area only to have the entire population wiped out by disease less than a year later. When the English settled in 1600's they had better results. Trade began among the English settlers and the Indians, and soon they were producing crops such as rice, tobacco and indigo.

Believe it or not, Myrtle Beach was also a popular destination for pirates, most notably the infamous Blackbeard and Captain Kidd. To this day, treasure hunters still search Murrells Inlet for hidden pirate booty rumored to be buried there.

By the late 1800's industry flourished. Soon the area became a major producer of timber products, turpentine products and tar. By the turn of the century, Myrtle Beach was starting to become knows as a popular vacation destination as well. After the depression the area concentrated on the tourism industry as their main source of income, and the rest, as they say, is history. Nowadays, attracted by the abundant shopping, sparking beaches and world class golf courses, millions of vacationers make Myrtle Beach their travel destination annually.

Welcome Centers

Vistors to Myrtle Beach can check in at one of several Welcome Centers.

• The Myrtle Beach Office is located at 1200 North Oak Street. Phone: (843) 626-7444
• Ashby Ward Official Myrtle Beach /Grand Strand Welcome Center is located at 1800 U.S. 501 W., (West of S.C. 22 intersection) in Aynor, SC. Phone: (843) 626-7444
• The South Strand Office is located at 3401 U.S. 17 Business S., in Murrells Inlet, SC. Phone: (843) 651-1010
• Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Airport Welcome Center is located at the Myrtle Beach International Airport 1100 Jetport Road. Phone: (843) 626-7444

Interesting Facts

• Myrle Beach was named after the sweet myrtle tree.

• The Travel Channel named Myrtle Beach one of America's best beaches during the 2003- 2004 season, and also touted it as the "Best Family Beach."

• The readers of Southern Living Magazine voted Myrtle Beach one of the country's favorite shopping spots as well and best family vacation destination.

• Myrtle Beach's wettest days of the year are in July and August. The driest are in April and October.

• The average water temperature is 66 degrees.

• The average Annual Rainfall is 50.4 inches.

• January's average temperature is 57 degrees.

• July's average temperature is 81 degrees.

• Myrtle Beach has over 60 miles of beaches, also known as the "Grand Strand".

• Myrtle Beach hosts over 13 million visitors annually.

Places to Stay

• Holiday Inn
• Coral Inn Resort and Suites
• Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort
• Crown Reef
• Embassy Suites
• Ocean Drive Beach and Golf Resort
• Sands Resorts
• Forest Dunes Resorts
• Gazebo Inn
• Marriott Ocean Watch Villas
• Marriott Grand Beach Resort at Grand Dunes

Things to Do

• Best of the Beach – The best places to eat, play golf or dance the night away. If you're looking for great things to do and places to go, start here.
• Golf is taken seriously here, and there's no shortage of golf courses in Myrtle Beach. Visit Myrtle Beach Golf Courses to choose a golf course that's right for you.
• Family Kingdom Amusement Park Attractions include the 110 foot freefall called the "Slingshot Drop zone," two go-kart tracks, log flume, historic carousel and a miniature locomotive.
• NASCAR fans won't want to miss the chance to spend the day at NASCAR Speed Park.
• Alligator Adventure is one of the largest reptile refuges in the world.
• No trip to Myrtle Beach would be complete without experiencingBroadway at the Beach. With over 350 acres of shopping, restaurants, attractions and nightlife, there's bound to be excitement for everyone.
• Brookgreen Gardensis one of the country's leading cultural and educational institutions and a National Historic Landmark.
• At theChildren's Museum, kids are invited to "touch, explore and play" and enjoy many interactive exhibits.
• Get up close and personal with sharks and other marine life at Ripley's Aquarium.
• Myrtle Waves is the wettest and wildest waterpark in South Carolina!

Campgrounds

• Myrtle Beach KOA
• Lakewood Camping Resort
• Myrtle Beach Travel Park
• Apache Pier and Family Campground
• Willow Tree Resort & Campground
• Ocean Lakes Family Campground

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