Myrtle Beach is actually a small city with very little commercial area and the major focus on the beach itself. The term Myrtle Beach may often be used to refer to the entire area including other neighboring cities, towns and county areas.

Myrtle Beach has 9 1/2 miles of beach, always open and enjoyable year-round. While it’s too cool for wintertime swimming, it’s great for beach walking, shell collecting and bird watching year-round.

The public beach itself is free, wide, clean, safe and easily accessible from dozens of oceanfront hotels. Public access (some with free, albeit limited, parking) is located at regular intervals throughout the main section of town.