Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Carolina and the United States. With its warm subtropical climate, miles of beaches, 86 golf courses, and 1,800 restaurants, it's no wonder why more than 20 million people visit Myrtle Beach every year. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel like you belong. Myrtle Beach has something for everyone, no matter your budget.
There are hotels, condominiums, beach houses, rustic huts, and campgrounds to choose from. Depending on how far you want to travel, there are accommodations with ocean views, some right on the ocean and others just a short walk away. The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is an impressive attraction and the pride and joy of the 1.2-mile boardwalk. If you're brave enough to take a ride, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the skyline of this beautiful city.
And if heights aren't your thing, stop by the nearby RiptyDz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar for some liquid courage. The Miss South Carolina pageant is held in Myrtle Beach with renowned local author Mickey Spillane on the judging panel. Several of the winners of these contests achieved more success, including Mary Griffin (1955), who was the first finalist in Miss USA 1953 representing Myrtle Beach; Miriam Stevenson (1955), who won Miss Universe 1954; and Marian McKnight (1955), who was Miss America that same year. Efforts were made during this time to maintain the familiar image of Myrtle Beach, including the infamous thong ordinance of 1993, which threatened fines or jail sentences for swimsuits that exposed any part of the buttocks.
The Calvin Gilmore Theater and Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede opened their doors side by side on the north end of Myrtle Beach. Exceeding even the wildest expectations for this once-humble tourist city, Myrtle Beach has expanded in every direction, adding thousands of high-rise hotels, golf courses, restaurants and attractions. The Myrtle Beach Marathon celebrates its inaugural race with the former Air Force Base on Farrow Parkway as the stage. Mother Fletcher's nightclub opened its doors in downtown Myrtle Beach while The Back Alley Lounge closed its doors in North Myrtle Beach.
If you must drive around town, plan ahead; if you are going to travel a short distance (less than five miles), take one of the main roads that run next to the beach. The Sea Mist Oceanfront Resort opened its doors in Myrtle Beach while Marsh Harbour and Ocean Harbor golf courses are located near Calabash, North Carolina. The Alabama Theater opened at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach offering shows and concerts almost every night of the week. CNN states that The Carolina Opry is bringing Myrtle Beach in tune with the world of entertainment and The New York Times writes: “The Carolina Opry is a hit with visitors”.
The same year The Original Pawleys Island Rope Hammock Shop opened on Pawleys Island and Washington Park Racecourse in Myrtle Beach. Other closures include KISS coffee shop on Broadway at the Beach and Tommy Bahama restaurant on The Market Common although the retail store remains open. Backstage Mirror Maze and The Lazer Vault Maze opened at Broadway at the Beach and Sayebrook Town Center near Surfside Beach which includes Target, Marshall's, Petco and several restaurants. A trio of hotels - Myrtle Beach Resort, The Breakers Resort and Bay Watch Resort - opened their doors in Myrtle Beach.
