Myrtle Beach at a Glance
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Time zone
Eastern Time (observes Daylight Saving)
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Currency
US Dollars, no exchange needed
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Best weather
Warm and sunny, mild spring and fall
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Setting
The Grand Strand, 60 miles of Atlantic coast
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Airport
Myrtle Beach Intl (MYR), 10 min to the beach
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Medical
Grand Strand Medical Center, Myrtle Beach
Why Myrtle Beach?

An easy, wide-open beach getaway with something for everyone

Myrtle Beach anchors the Grand Strand, a sixty-mile ribbon of wide, gently sloping Atlantic beach on the South Carolina coast. It has been one of America's favorite beach vacations for generations, and it earns that popularity by offering a bit of everything: miles of easy sand, oceanfront resorts and condos, a boardwalk with a towering SkyWheel, live music theaters, championship golf, and enough shopping and dining to fill a week, all at famously good value.

What makes it work so well for older travelers is how flat, easy, and comfortable it all is. The beach and the boardwalk are level, an oceanfront balcony puts the sea at your feet with no effort at all, and the signature attractions, from Brookgreen Gardens to the variety shows, are gentle and accessible. It is a place you can enjoy at whatever pace suits you, whether that means a busy day of gardens and a show or simply a rocking chair, a good book, and the sound of the surf.

The Grand Strand has a personality for every mood. Myrtle Beach proper is the lively hub of the Boardwalk, Broadway at the Beach, and the attractions; North Myrtle Beach is calmer and more residential; and the southern end around Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island is quieter still, with seafood, salt marshes, and the great gardens. Many older travelers pick one of the quieter ends and dip into the busy center when they please.

🌟 Senior traveler verdict

Older travelers, retirees, and snowbirds rate Myrtle Beach highly year after year for the same reasons: wide, flat, easy beaches, comfortable oceanfront stays at great value, gentle and accessible attractions like Brookgreen Gardens and the live shows, and world-class golf. Spring and fall are the loveliest, with warm weather and far smaller crowds than the summer peak.

Key insight for seniors

You can enjoy the mountains without a single hike

A flat, easy beach you can enjoy without much walking

Few destinations are as gentle on the body as Myrtle Beach. The whole area is flat, the beach slopes gently to the water, and the oceanfront Boardwalk is a level, mile-and-a-half promenade with benches, cafes, and the SkyWheel along the way. An oceanfront room means the sea is just an elevator ride and a few steps away, beach wheelchairs are available at many access points, and the marquee attractions, the gardens, the shows, the shopping complexes, are all designed for easy, comfortable visits. You set the pace, and it can be as slow as you like.

🏖️ Book oceanfront early, and consider the shoulder seasons

The best oceanfront resorts and condos, especially for summer, book up months ahead, so reserve early if you want a sea view in peak season. Better still for many older travelers are the shoulder seasons: April to May and September to October bring warm, pleasant weather, a warm ocean in early fall, smaller crowds, and noticeably lower prices. Winter is mild, very quiet, and popular with golfers and snowbirds.

Where to explore

Where to stay in Myrtle Beach: oceanfront and the quieter ends

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Oceanfront resorts and condos
The signature staySea-view balconiesPools & kitchensBook early
The classic Myrtle Beach vacation, and by far the most searched way to stay, is an oceanfront room, resort, or condo with a sea-view balcony, pools, and often a kitchen, at good value, especially for longer stays or groups. For older travelers, a mid-rise property with elevators, easy parking, and direct beach access is the most comfortable choice. The best oceanfront rooms, particularly for summer, book up months ahead, so reserve early.
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North Myrtle Beach
Quieter & familyCherry GroveShag heritageBarefoot Landing
A few miles up the coast, North Myrtle Beach is calmer and more residential, with the same wide beaches but a gentler, family-friendly feel, especially in neighborhoods like Cherry Grove. It is the home of shag dancing and the pleasant Barefoot Landing waterfront complex. A favorite of many older travelers who want a relaxed base with the big attractions a short drive south.
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Central Myrtle Beach and the Boardwalk
Most to walk toSkyWheelAttractionsLively
Staying near the Boardwalk puts you within an easy, flat walk of the SkyWheel, the oceanfront promenade, and many of the attractions, with Broadway at the Beach a short hop away. It is the busiest, liveliest stretch, ideal if you want the action and the entertainment on your doorstep and do not mind more crowds and traffic in peak season.
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Murrells Inlet and the south end
QuietestSeafood & gardensMarshWalkNear Pawleys
South of the city, Murrells Inlet and nearby Pawleys Island are the calmest, most laid-back part of the Grand Strand, known for the seafood restaurants of the MarshWalk, the salt marshes, and the great Brookgreen Gardens next door. A peaceful, scenic base for travelers who want quiet, nature, and good food, with the busy center a short drive north.
Top experiences

The best things to do in Myrtle Beach, beach to gardens

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The beach and the Boardwalk
The wide, flat, gently sloping beach is the main event, and the mile-and-a-half oceanfront Boardwalk is its easy, level promenade, lined with cafes, benches, shops, and the towering SkyWheel Ferris wheel, whose enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas give a gentle ride to grand ocean views. Beach access points are frequent, and beach wheelchairs are available in places. An easy, breezy stroll with the surf alongside.
Flat & level SkyWheel views
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Brookgreen Gardens
A short drive south near Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen is one of the finest attractions on the coast: a vast botanical garden set with the country's premier collection of American sculpture, plus a lowcountry zoo and boat excursions. The main paths are flat and accessible, and trams and a garden trail make it easy to see at a relaxed pace. A highlight for garden and art lovers, and a perennial senior favorite.
Accessible paths & trams Gardens & sculpture
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Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
A half-mile wooden boardwalk winding along a scenic salt marsh, lined with well-known seafood restaurants and offering dolphin-watching and excursion boats. It is flat and easy, with lovely water views, live music, and fresh local seafood. A relaxed afternoon or evening out, and one of the most pleasant, low-key spots on the Grand Strand for a meal by the water.
Flat boardwalk Seafood & marsh views
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The live shows
Myrtle Beach is a Southern show town, with variety and music theaters like the Carolina Opry, the Alabama Theatre, and the dinner-show Pirates Voyage offering wholesome, high-energy entertainment in comfortable, seated venues. The shows are a favorite with older travelers and groups, much in the spirit of Branson. Popular performances and holiday shows sell out, so book ahead, especially in season.
Comfortable seating Book popular shows
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Broadway at the Beach
A large, flat, waterfront entertainment complex around a lake, with shops, restaurants, an aquarium, and attractions all connected by level walkways and plenty of benches. It is an easy place to spend a few hours browsing and dining, out of the sun, and Ripley's Aquarium here is a fully accessible, all-weather favorite. A central, gentle outing with something for every taste.
Flat & walkable All-weather aquarium
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Barefoot Landing
In North Myrtle Beach, this pleasant waterfront complex of shops and restaurants is built along a lake and marsh, with easy, level boardwalks, an alligator attraction, and the Alabama Theatre alongside. It is a calmer, scenic alternative to the busier central complexes, lovely for an easy stroll, a meal by the water, and a show. A relaxed favorite at the quieter end of the Strand.
Level boardwalks Shops & a show
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Myrtle Beach State Park
Just south of the busy center, this state park offers a quieter, more natural stretch of beach, a fishing pier, a nature center, and shaded picnic areas under the pines. It is a calm, easy escape from the crowds, with accessible facilities and a gentle, uncommercial atmosphere. A lovely spot for a peaceful beach day, a walk on the pier, or a picnic.
Quiet & natural Pier & picnic
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Golf on the Grand Strand
Myrtle Beach calls itself the Golf Capital of the World, with roughly ninety courses along the Grand Strand, from championship layouts to relaxed resort courses, plus a famous crop of mini-golf courses for a lighter outing. Carts and easy-walking layouts make it very accessible, and golf packages are excellent value, especially in the mild off-season. A signature draw for many returning visitors.
Golf Capital Carts & packages
Book ahead

Top-rated Myrtle Beach tours, live from Viator

Dolphin and marsh cruises, Brookgreen Gardens and Murrells Inlet outings, Charleston and lowcountry day trips, and show tickets, with current availability and pricing.

Day trips

The best day trips from Myrtle Beach, coast and lowcountry

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    Charleston, about 1.5 to 2 hours. One of America's most beautiful and historic cities, with its cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions, gardens, and celebrated food. Carriage tours and a walkable, flat historic district make it easy to enjoy. It is a full but rewarding day trip. See our Charleston travel guide for the full picture.
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    Georgetown, about 45 minutes. A charming, historic small port on the way to Charleston, with a walkable Harborwalk, antique shops, and nearby plantations like Hopsewee and Hobcaw Barony. A gentle, uncommercial half-day steeped in lowcountry history, and a pretty stop for lunch by the water.
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    Pawleys Island and Huntington Beach, about 40 minutes. One of the oldest and quietest resort areas on the East Coast, famous for its hammocks and laid-back charm, next to Huntington Beach State Park with its beach, birdlife, and the Moorish-style Atalaya castle. A peaceful, scenic contrast to the busy Strand.
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    Conway, about 30 minutes. The historic county seat just inland, with a pretty riverwalk along the Waccamaw River, moss-draped oaks, and a walkable small downtown of shops and cafes. A quick, easy, and genuinely local outing away from the beach bustle.
  • 🚢
    Wilmington, North Carolina, about 1.5 hours. Up the coast, this riverfront city has a lively historic Riverwalk, the Battleship North Carolina, and nearby beaches. Its walkable downtown and easygoing pace make for a pleasant change of scene and an easy day trip north.
Planning your trip

Best time to visit Myrtle Beach: sun, shoulders, and quiet golf months

Myrtle Beach is a year-round destination, but the seasons feel distinct. Summer is the hot, busy peak, spring and fall are the mild, easy sweet spots, and winter is quiet and golf-friendly. Here is how the year breaks down.

April to May, warm and ideal

Spring is one of the best times to visit, with warm, comfortable days, blooming gardens, and far smaller crowds and lower prices than summer. The ocean is still cool for swimming early on but warms through May, and the beach, boardwalk, and attractions are all pleasant and uncrowded. An excellent, relaxed season for older travelers.

September to October, warm ocean, fewer crowds

Early fall may be the finest season of all. The summer crowds have gone, prices drop, and the ocean is at its warmest after a summer of heating, with warm, sunny days lingering well into October. It is ideal for swimming, walking the beach, and golf. Do keep an eye on the tropical-weather forecast, as this is also the tail of hurricane season.

Summer (June to August), the busy peak

Summer is high season: hot, humid, lively, and popular with families, with the warmest ocean and the fullest slate of shows and events. It is also the most crowded and expensive time, and Highway 17 traffic peaks. Book oceanfront rooms well ahead, plan beach mornings before the midday heat, and reserve popular shows and restaurants early.

November to March, mild, quiet, and golf-friendly

The cooler months are mild by Northern standards, very quiet, and the best value of the year, which is why golfers and snowbirds flock here. The ocean is too cool for swimming, but the beaches are peaceful for walking, the golf courses are in fine shape, and the holiday shows and lights add cheer. A calm, affordable time for a restful escape.

Getting around

Getting to Myrtle Beach and around the Grand Strand

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    Fly into Myrtle Beach International (MYR). The airport is right in town, about ten minutes from the oceanfront, with a growing list of direct flights from cities across the East and Midwest. It is a small, easy airport to navigate, and rental cars, shuttles, and rideshares make the short hop to the beach simple.
  • 🚗
    Driving in is easy, and popular. Myrtle Beach is a favorite road-trip and motorcoach destination, about three and a half hours from Charlotte or Raleigh, roughly five from Atlanta, and an easy drive from much of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Interstate 73 and Highway 501 are the main approaches into the Strand.
  • 🚕
    A car helps along the 60-mile Strand. The Grand Strand stretches for sixty miles, so a car is useful for reaching Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, North Myrtle Beach, and the day trips. Highway 17 is the main spine, and it gets busy in season, so allow extra time and consider the bypass to skip the beachfront congestion.
  • 🚶
    The beach and Boardwalk are on foot. Once you are settled in an oceanfront base, the beach, the Boardwalk, the SkyWheel, and nearby dining are an easy, flat walk away. An oceanfront room means you can enjoy the sea with almost no driving at all. Comfortable sandals and sun protection are all you need.
  • ⏱️
    Time your drives around the traffic. Ocean Boulevard and Highway 17 clog up on summer afternoons and weekends. Do your beach time and outings earlier in the day, save shopping and shows for later, and you will spend far less time sitting in traffic.
Practical tips

Myrtle Beach sense: oceanfront rooms, sun, and storm season

  • 🏖️
    Book oceanfront early, and weigh the shoulder seasons. The best sea-view rooms sell out months ahead for summer, so reserve early if a balcony over the ocean matters to you. For milder weather, smaller crowds, and much better prices, aim for April to May or September to October, when the beach is at its most comfortable.
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    Take the sun seriously. The beach is flat, open, and exposed, and the Carolina sun is strong from late spring through fall. Bring and reapply a good sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, seek shade in the midday hours, and drink plenty of water. A light cover-up makes the walk to and from the beach easier.
  • 🌪️
    Mind the hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November, with the highest risk in late summer and early fall. Serious storms are occasional, not constant, but it is wise to watch the forecast and to carry travel insurance that covers weather-related trip interruption for a beach trip in this window.
  • 🎭
    Book the popular shows ahead. The variety and music theaters, and especially the holiday productions, fill up in season. Reserve your show tickets in advance, and consider a matinee or an early show for an easier, less rushed evening.
  • ♿
    Use the beach access and mobility help. Public beach access points are frequent and many have ramps, and beach wheelchairs are available free at several locations, though it is worth reserving ahead in peak season. Choosing an oceanfront property with elevators and direct, step-free beach access makes the whole trip easier.
  • 🍽️
    Come hungry for seafood. The Grand Strand is known for fresh seafood, calabash-style fried platters, and the restaurants of the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk. The popular waterfront spots fill up, so go a little earlier for an easier table, and enjoy the sunset over the marsh while you are there.
What travelers are saying

What travelers say about Myrtle Beach: our review roundup

We read recent traveler reviews across TripAdvisor, US News Travel, AARP Travel, Road Scholar reviews, and senior travel forums and summarized what travelers over 50 say about Myrtle Beach.

9.0
/ 10
✦ Our editorial rating, from traveler reviews
A top easygoing beach getaway for older travelers, for its wide beaches, its value, and its variety
Across senior-focused sources, Myrtle Beach scores high for its wide, flat, easy beaches and great-value oceanfront stays, for Brookgreen Gardens and the live shows, and for how accessible it all is, with summer crowds and traffic, and the busy commercial center, being the main things to plan around.
Beaches & oceanfront value: 10/10
Entertainment & variety: 10/10
Senior-friendliness: 9/10
Crowds & traffic: 7/10
Sources consulted
🌿 TripAdvisor 📚 Road Scholar 📰 US News Travel 🏛️ AARP Travel
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What senior travelers praise most
The themes that come up again and again
1
Wide, flat, easy beaches and oceanfront value
Reviewers return again and again to the miles of wide, gently sloping sand and the great value of the oceanfront rooms and condos. Older travelers especially praise how flat and easy it all is, with a balcony over the ocean and simple beach access letting them enjoy the sea with almost no effort, at prices that keep them coming back.
✓ Most mentioned positive
2
Brookgreen Gardens and the natural side
Brookgreen Gardens draws consistent, glowing praise as a highlight of the whole area, for its sculpture, gardens, and accessibility, along with the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk and the quieter state parks. Reviewers love that the Grand Strand offers this gentle, scenic, cultured side alongside the busy beach, all easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace.
✓ Frequently mentioned
3
Shows, golf, and endless things to do
The live variety and music theaters, the golf, the entertainment complexes, and the mini-golf and dining all earn warm reviews for wholesome, good-value fun. Many older visitors and groups compare the show scene to Branson and love that there is always something easy to do, rain or shine, without much walking.
✓ Frequently mentioned
4
Accessible, comfortable, and great value
Reviewers consistently describe Myrtle Beach as one of the easiest and most affordable beach destinations for older travelers, with flat terrain, accessible attractions, beach wheelchairs, and reasonable prices. It comes up repeatedly as an ideal choice for a relaxed trip, a snowbird stay, or a motorcoach tour.
✓ Frequently mentioned
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2 things worth knowing before you book
Common considerations, framed as planning advice
1
Summer is crowded, so consider the shoulder seasons
The most common note is how busy and traffic-heavy the center gets in peak summer, when Ocean Boulevard and Highway 17 clog and prices climb. Reviewers who visited in spring or early fall, or who chose a quieter end of the Strand, consistently reported a more relaxed, better-value trip with the same lovely beaches.
💡 Visit off-peak or choose a quiet end
2
The central strip is very commercial
Some reviewers note that the heart of Myrtle Beach can feel busy and heavily commercial, with a lot of chain attractions and neon. Those looking for a calmer, more scenic experience advise basing in North Myrtle Beach or the Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island end, and leaning into the beaches, gardens, and marshes rather than the busiest boulevards.
💡 Pick your stretch of the Strand
Summary synthesized from senior-travel sources · Updated July 2026 Search any other destination →
Sample itinerary

Myrtle Beach itinerary: 4 easy days on the Grand Strand

📋 The Myrtle Beach rhythm: beach mornings, outings and shows around them

Take your beach and outdoor time in the mornings, before the midday sun and the afternoon traffic, and save the shows, shopping, and indoor attractions for later in the day. Book oceanfront and popular shows ahead, and leave plenty of time simply to sit by the ocean and do nothing at all.

Day 1, the beach and the Boardwalk

Settle into your oceanfront base and ease in with a morning on the sand. In the afternoon, stroll the Boardwalk, ride the SkyWheel for the views, and enjoy an easy oceanfront dinner as the sun goes down behind you over the dunes.

Day 2, Brookgreen and Murrells Inlet

Drive south to Brookgreen Gardens for a relaxed morning among the sculpture and gardens, using the tram and accessible paths. Afterward, head to the nearby Murrells Inlet MarshWalk for fresh seafood and marsh views, perhaps with a dolphin-watching cruise.

Day 3, a show and Broadway at the Beach

Spend a leisurely day at Broadway at the Beach, browsing the shops, visiting the aquarium, and lunching by the lake. In the evening, take in a variety or music show at the Carolina Opry or Alabama Theatre, booked ahead. A comfortable, entertaining day.

Day 4, your choice

Pick what suits you: a day trip to historic Charleston or Georgetown, a round of golf, a quiet beach day at Myrtle Beach State Park or Pawleys Island, or simply more time on your own stretch of sand. Finish with a final seafood dinner by the water.

Getting there

Flying to Myrtle Beach: MYR and the easy drive in

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is the gateway, right in town and about ten minutes from the oceanfront, with a growing list of direct flights from cities across the East and Midwest. It is a small, easy airport to pass through, and rental cars, shuttles, and rideshares make the short trip to the beach simple.

Many visitors drive in, which is part of why Myrtle Beach is such a popular road-trip and motorcoach destination. It is about three and a half hours from Charlotte or Raleigh, roughly five from Atlanta, and an easy day's drive from much of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.

For a larger trip, Myrtle Beach pairs naturally with historic Charleston and Georgetown to the south and the quiet beaches and gardens of the lowcountry coast.

Pack for the trip

Packing for Myrtle Beach: sun, sand, and easy days

Practical travel essentials from our packing list above. View deals on items that are most commonly packed for this destination.

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Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive, broken-in shoes are the best investment for long days on your feet.
View Deals → 👒
Sun hat and sunglasses
A wide-brim hat and good sunglasses are essential on the flat, open beach.
View Deals → 🪥
Reef-safe sunscreen
Strong, reef-safe SPF for the Carolina sun, reapplied through the day.
View Deals → 💧
Refillable water bottle
Stay hydrated in the heat and at altitude. A collapsible bottle packs flat.
View Deals → 📷
Travel camera
A pocket camera with optical zoom captures wildlife and scenery a phone cannot.
View Deals →
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Common questions

Myrtle Beach FAQ: the beach, the shows, and where to stay

What are the best things to do in Myrtle Beach? +
The heart of it is the beach itself, sixty miles of wide, flat Atlantic sand, along with the oceanfront Boardwalk and its SkyWheel Ferris wheel. Beyond the beach, the highlights are Brookgreen Gardens with its sculpture gardens and lowcountry zoo, the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, the entertainment complexes of Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing, the live music and variety theaters like the Carolina Opry and Alabama Theatre, and world-class golf. Much of it is flat, easy, and enjoyable at a relaxed pace with very little strenuous walking.
What is the best time of year to visit Myrtle Beach? +
Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are the sweet spots, with warm, pleasant weather, a warm ocean in early fall, and far smaller crowds and lower prices than summer. Summer (June to August) is the hot, busy peak family season. Winter is mild and very quiet, popular with golfers and snowbirds, with the lowest rates of the year, though the ocean is too cool for swimming. For the best balance of good weather and easy crowds, aim for the shoulder seasons.
How do you get to Myrtle Beach, and where is the airport? +
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is right in town, about ten minutes from the oceanfront, and has a growing list of direct flights from cities across the East and Midwest. Many visitors also drive in, which makes Myrtle Beach a very popular road-trip and motorcoach destination: it is about three and a half hours from Charlotte, roughly five from Atlanta, and an easy drive from much of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. A car is helpful for exploring the sixty-mile Grand Strand, though you can enjoy a beachfront stay largely on foot.
Is Myrtle Beach good for seniors and less-mobile travelers? +
Yes, very much so, and it is a long-standing favorite for older travelers, retirees, and snowbirds. The area is flat, the Boardwalk and many attractions are level and accessible, and the beaches have easy access points, with beach wheelchairs available in places. Brookgreen Gardens has accessible paths and a tram, the live shows offer comfortable seating, and an oceanfront room lets you enjoy the sea with almost no effort. It is one of the easier, gentler beach destinations for a comfortable trip.
Should you stay in an oceanfront resort, a condo, or a hotel? +
All three are widely available, and the oceanfront resorts and condos are the signature Myrtle Beach stay, offering balconies with sea views, pools, and often kitchens, at good value, especially for longer stays or groups. Condos and vacation rentals give you more space and self-catering, while full-service resort hotels add amenities and daily housekeeping. For older travelers, a mid-rise oceanfront property with elevators, easy parking, and direct beach access is often the most comfortable choice. Book early for summer, as the best oceanfront rooms go first.
What is the difference between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach? +
They sit along the same Grand Strand a few miles apart and share the same wide beaches. Myrtle Beach proper is the busier, more built-up hub, home to the Boardwalk, the SkyWheel, Broadway at the Beach, and most of the big attractions and nightlife. North Myrtle Beach is quieter and more residential, known for its calmer, family-friendly neighborhoods like Cherry Grove, its shag-dancing heritage, and Barefoot Landing. Many older travelers prefer North Myrtle Beach or the quieter southern end around Murrells Inlet for a more relaxed base, with the main attractions a short drive away.