North Myrtle Beach Sets the Standard for Truly Inclusive Coastal Access

In a quiet but powerful moment of change, the meaning of “beach access” in North Myrtle Beach has grown deeper, richer, and more inclusive. Along 46th Avenue South in Windy Hill, something extraordinary has happened—something that speaks not just to physical mobility, but to dignity, freedom, and the soul-lifting joy of reaching the water’s edge on your own terms.

This isn’t just another walkway to the sand. It’s a thoughtfully designed passage of freedom for individuals who live with physical disabilities. At first glance, it looks like a neat path tucked between dunes, but to someone who relies on a wheelchair, this path is a game changer. There are no stairs. No steep inclines. Just a smooth, gentle slope leading directly to an 85-foot-long mat that carries you to the rhythm of the waves.

The mat, made for regular wheelchairs to roll on, extends close enough to the tide line that the salty breeze practically greets you halfway. For many, this small stretch of fabric is the difference between watching the ocean from afar and being a part of it. That’s the kind of detail that transforms a visit into an experience—an experience open to everyone.

And the transformation doesn’t stop at the sand. Nearby, the parking lot has been reimagined too. Not only are there six designated handicap spots, but the layout includes generous space between them—enough room to safely use ramps and lifts without the stress of someone else parking too close. This may seem like a minor detail, but for many, it’s the first act of welcome they receive.

Five specially designed beach wheelchairs await those who need them—no rental fees, no paperwork, just the open invitation to explore. These chairs glide over the sand like they were made for it, granting a sense of movement and independence that many beachgoers might take for granted.

None of this was done by accident. It took vision. It took commitment. And it took the efforts of a community organization that has spent years making adaptive surfing and beachgoing more than just a dream. The Adaptive Surf Project partnered with the city to craft this access point with care, funding, and above all, purpose.

Where a hotel once stood, there’s now a gateway—a symbol that says, without a word: “You are welcome here.”

It’s easy to overlook how transformative a path can be when you’ve always had one. But for those who haven’t, for the families and individuals who once sat on the sidelines while others ran toward the surf, this new access is a long-awaited embrace.

At Thomas Beach Vacations, we believe the beach belongs to everyone. We celebrate North Myrtle Beach for making that belief a reality, not just in word but in structure, in action, and in open-hearted hospitality. This is more than a new path to the ocean—it’s a path toward a better, kinder, and more inclusive coast.

Let the tide be for everyone. Welcome to the future of beach access—right here in North Myrtle Beach.

👉 Ready to plan your stay? Call Thomas Beach Vacations at 866-249-2100 or visit NorthMyrtleBeachVacations.com to find your perfect beach getaway.