So Much Beach in North Myrtle Beach

Find Your Perfect Stretch of Sand Along the Grand Strand

There’s something about the ocean that makes a person breathe a little easier. Maybe it’s the endless horizon, the hypnotic lull of waves, or the way salt air seems to untangle the knots in your mind. In North Myrtle Beach, the ocean doesn’t just meet the shore—it welcomes you home.

For travelers craving sun-kissed days and breezy, moonlit nights, this South Carolina coastal treasure offers miles of pristine shoreline, each stretch with a distinct personality. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly waves, legendary dance halls, nature-filled adventures, or the perfect fishing spot, North Myrtle Beach has a beach for you.

Unlike the bustling commercial strips further south, North Myrtle Beach is a place where time slows down—where old-school beach charm lingers, where memories are made between tides, and where the sand stretches out before you like an invitation. But with four distinct beach communities, the hardest part of planning your trip might just be choosing which beach fits you best.

Cherry Grove Beach: Where Nature and Nostalgia Meet

Cherry Grove Beach

If you close your eyes and picture the perfect beach town—quiet marshes, white sand, old fishing piers, and wooden cottages with wraparound porches—you’ve probably just imagined Cherry Grove Beach.

Tucked along the northernmost edge of North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove is a slice of coastal Carolina at its finest. It’s where locals go to fish, where visitors wake up to glistening sunrises over the Atlantic, and where kids spend their days crabbing in the salt marshes.

🏖️ What makes Cherry Grove special?

  • Cherry Grove Pier – A historic fishing pier that stretches 985 feet into the Atlantic, perfect for catching Spanish mackerel or just watching the waves roll in.
  • Heritage Shores Nature Preserve – A hidden paradise at the end of 56th Avenue North, this sanctuary is laced with boardwalks, trails, and wildlife-viewing docks where you can spot egrets, herons, and maybe even a dolphin or two.
  • Marsh-front rentals & channel homes – Unlike other beach towns, Cherry Grove offers waterfront homes along the tidal creeks, where you can fish off your back deck or launch a kayak into the marsh.

📍 Who should stay here?

  • Fishing lovers and nature seekers
  • Families looking for quiet, residential-style beachfront rentals
  • Photographers chasing dreamy sunrises and serene landscapes

Ocean Drive Beach: Where the Music Never Stops

Ocean Drive Beach

If North Myrtle Beach had a heartbeat, Ocean Drive Beach would be it. This is where the shag dance was born, where beach music still drifts through the air, and where the nights are just as lively as the days.

Main Street in Ocean Drive feels like a postcard from another era, where neon signs glow over beach bars, where classic cars cruise through town, and where you might just stumble into a shag dancing contest on the sand.

🎶 What makes Ocean Drive Beach special?

  • The Shag Scene – If you’ve never seen a South Carolinian cut a rug, now’s your chance. Drop by Fat Harold’s Beach Club or OD Arcade & Lounge to watch—or better yet, learn—the state dance of South Carolina.
  • Music on Main & Sounds of Summer – Free outdoor concerts held throughout the summer, where locals and visitors dance barefoot under the stars.
  • Classic Beachside Eats – Grab a burger at Duffy Street Seafood Shack, sip on a tropical cocktail at Buoys on the Boulevard, or cool off with an old-fashioned root beer float at Melt.

📍 Who should stay here?

  • Music lovers, social butterflies, and dance enthusiasts
  • Couples looking for a lively yet romantic beach escape
  • Anyone who appreciates a little nostalgia with their ocean view

Crescent Beach: The Laid-Back Family Favorite

Crescent Beach

If you like your beaches wide, your waves gentle, and your mornings filled with quiet walks, Crescent Beach is your perfect match. It’s the kind of place where families gather for annual reunions, where grandparents teach grandkids how to fly a kite, and where the biggest decision of the day is where to grab lunch.

🌊 What makes Crescent Beach special?

  • Endless shoreline – One of the widest sections of beach in North Myrtle, perfect for sandcastle-building, paddleboarding, or just stretching out under the sun.
  • Molly Darcy’s Irish Pub – A beachfront spot where you can sip a pint with your toes in the sand.
  • Azalea Sands Golf Club – A laid-back, beginner-friendly golf course just minutes from the shore.

📍 Who should stay here?

  • Families looking for a peaceful, easygoing beach scene
  • Golfers who want to stay close to the fairways
  • Couples seeking a romantic retreat without the noise of nightlife

Windy Hill Beach: A Beachfront Escape with Big Entertainment

Windy Hill beach

At the southern tip of North Myrtle Beach, Windy Hill blends quiet beach days with high-energy nights. It’s where nature lovers, shoppers, and foodies find common ground, with easy access to Barefoot Landing’s restaurants and attractions.

🌴 What makes Windy Hill Beach special?

  • Barefoot Landing – A waterfront complex filled with boutiques, seafood restaurants, live music venues, and alligators (yes, you read that right—Alligator Adventure is a must-visit!).
  • The Alabama Theatre & House of Blues – Catch a live music or comedy show at two of the Grand Strand’s most famous venues.
  • Greg Norman’s Australian Grille – A steakhouse with an oceanfront view—ideal for a special night out.

📍 Who should stay here?

  • Couples and groups who want nightlife and entertainment nearby
  • Families with kids who love activities and attractions
  • Food lovers looking for some of the best dining in North Myrtle Beach

Which Beach Will You Choose?

The beauty of North Myrtle Beach isn’t just in its miles of shoreline—it’s in the variety of experiences waiting for you. Whether you’re drawn to Cherry Grove’s marshes, Ocean Drive’s music scene, Crescent Beach’s tranquility, or Windy Hill’s entertainment, there’s a perfect place for you in the sand.

But the best way to find out? Come see for yourself.

🌴 Book your North Myrtle Beach vacation today! Browse beachfront homes, ocean-view condos, and luxury rentals at Thomas Beach Vacations or call (866) 249-2100 to find your dream getaway.

☀️ The beach is calling. Will you answer?