history tours myrtle beach

The History of Myrtle Beach Tourism

A look at the events & attractions that made the strand grand

Introduction

From its earliest days as a sleepy logging village and the construction of its first hotel to the closing of the Pavilion and the revitalization of Broadway at the Beach, our area has experienced great change during the past 100+ years.

When the Burroughs and Collins Company of Conway helped build the first railroad line to a village called New Town near the turn of the 20th century, there’s no way anyone could have imagined the area — later named Myrtle Beach —  would grow into one of the premier vacation destinations in the U.S. Exceeding even the wildest expectations for this once humble resort town, Myrtle Beach has expanded outward in every direction addin thousands of high-rise hotels, golf courses, eateries and attractions.

Since having developed a reputation as a place for families throughout the “golden era” of wholesome fun in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, the Grand Strand has spent the past several decades carefully walking the line between the traditions our area is known for and a desire to draw more visitors with bigger, better and newer attractions.

In an effort to pay homage to both the old and new of Myrtle Beach things to do, we’ve created this timeline looking back at the history of the area’s development and tourism. What’s below is by no means an exhaustive exploration of our history, but rather a snapshot collection — compiled from a variety of sources — of some of the key events, openings and closings that have impacted our beloved beach.

Early History

The first settlers of 'the land'.

The first recorded history of the Myrtle Beach area begins with Native Americans, who were the first inhabitants of the area now known as Myrtle Beach. These tribes lived in the region for thousands of years prior to the arrival of Europeans and called it “Chicora” meaning “the land”.

About 600 Spanish settlers led by Lucas Vazquez de Ayllon arrived at what is now Hobcaw Barony (just south of Myrtle Beach near Georgetown) with intentions of creating the first permanent settlement in North America. After a few months, the settlement failed and the remaining 150 settlers returned to Hispaniola.

It is estimated that about 900 Native Americans lived in the area. River-dwelling tribes such as the Waccamaw and Winyah inhabited the coast from North Carolina's Lake Waccamaw to Winyah Bay near Georgetown, S.C. A strong concentration of these tribes lived in the area now known as Dog Bluff, an area of Horry County near Aynor that serves as the tribal grounds for The Waccamaw Indian People of Conway today.

The first permanent settlement in the Carolinas is founded by English settlers in Charles Towne (now Charleston, S.C.). By 1716, an English/Native American trading post en route to Charles Towne was established at Hobcaw Barony.

18th Century

Land grant helps area take shape.

Though it now belongs to hundreds and thousands of different private landowners, businesses and corporations, much of the Grand Strand once belonged to a single person ( ).

In the early 1700s, a landowner named Robert Francis Withers Allston receives a 66,000-acre King’s grant for much of modern Myrtle Beach. Robert and his wife operated a plantation overlooking the tidal creek now known as Withers Swash before he became a state representative and the 67th governor of South Carolina.

With rice and indigo cultivation thriving at plantations across the area and large-scale shipments being traded and delivered by boat, the seas soon became full of pirates. The most famous of these was Edward Teach (a.k.a. Blackbeard) and his 40-gun ship The Queen Anne's Revenge, which pillaged numerous vessels during "The Golden Age of Piracy" up until Teach's capture in 1718.

The port city of Georgetown, the southernmost point of the Grand Strand, is founded. It is South Carolina’s third-oldest city.

William Gause, one of the area’s earliest innkeepers opens a tavern for travelers along the old King’s Highway in the Windy Hill area in modern North Myrtle Beach. On his Southern tour in 1791, President George Washington visited the Carolina Coast ( ), spending time at William Gause's inn and also stopping to spend the night at Brookgreen Plantation with owner Dr. Henry Collins Flagg and his wife, Rachael Moore Allston.

19th Century

Rice plantations and railroad expansion.

During the 1800s, agriculture began to thrive throughout the Grand Strand, with the southern portions — then known as the Georgetown District — becoming prominent rice growing areas. It's in the later part of the century that the first Eurpoean settlers arrive in the Myrtle Beach area, looking to extend an already-successful system of rice plantations.

A strong hurricane hits the area — then known as Long Bay — and sweeps the house of Robert Francis Withers Allston into the ocean, drowning 18 people inside.

By 1840, the Georgetown District produces nearly half of the total United States' rice crop ( ) and the City of Georgetown becomes the largest rice-exporting port in the world.

Burroughs & Collins Company of Conway — predecessor of modern day Burroughs & Chapin Co. —  purchases land that would become Myrtle Beach from the Withers family. The area's first post office, Withers post office, opens seven years later in 1888.

The Burroughs & Collins Company receives a charter to build the Conway Seashore Railroad from the South Carolina General Assembly. The line is completed around the turn of the century connecting Conway to the beach.

Early 20th Century

Railroads and roads pave the way.

At the turn of the 20th century, the first trains began running from Conway to New Town on the new Conway & Seashore Railroad. This allowed Burroughs & Collins Co. to transport timber to and from the area near the beach and begin moving away from dealing in timber byproducts — such as turpentine — which was waning in value.

The line, which helped establish our area as a viable place for industry, was later called the Conway Coast and Western Railroad (1904) and became part of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in 1911.

The Seaside Inn, the area’s first hotel, is built. At that time, oceanfront lots sold for $25 ( ), and buyers received an extra lot if they built a house valued at $500 or more. The hotel is later demolished in the late 1920s.

The Horry Herald sponsors a contest to officially name the New Town area. Mrs. F.E. Burroughs wins the contest with the name "Myrtle Beach," which she chose for the many wax myrtle trees growing wild along the shore.

The first Myrtle Beach Pavilion is built. It is a one-story wooden structure that was constructed as part of the Seaside Inn property. This structure would later burn to the ground and be replaced by a larger version.

The Burroughs & Collins Company's beach development efforts are rolled into a new entity called the Myrtle Beach Farms Company.

Even as others such as John T. Woodside and Myrtle Beach Estates began to grab up much of the property around the area, Myrtle Beach Farms retained key portions of downtown — about 1,300 acres — including the Pavilion area and surrounding beach between Third Avenue North and Ninth Avenue North.

The first road for automobiles, a sand road which runs through the area now known as Socastee, is built between Conway and Myrtle Beach. Later this year, the Town of Aynor in western Horry County is incorporated for the first time.

Pavilions, Piers, Pine Lakes & more

As the "Roaring 20s" became a prosperous time for much of the United States, the first signs of what was to come began popping up around the Grand Strand.

As landmarks such as piers, hotels and golf courses came to be, the framework for a thriving resort town was laid during this decade.

After the first structure was lost in a fire, the Myrtle Beach Pavilion is rebuilt in 1923. The two-story wooden structure is larger than the original and sits oceanfront between what is now 8th and 9th Avenues North downtown. It would be gradually improved over the years and was expanded in 1938 before being hit with another fire in 1944.

Ocean Drive Pavilion opens in North Myrtle Beach. In Myrtle Beach, the first iteration of 14th Avenue Pier in Myrtle Beach is built. Since its original incarnation the structure — which now is a popular restaurant and fishing spot — has been destroyed and reconstructed twice, including most recently after Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

The “Granddaddy” of Myrtle Beach golf courses, Pine Lakes Country Club opens as Ocean Forest Golf Course & Country Club . The club originally was home to a 27-hole course, but it was changed to an 18-hole layout in 1946.

Also in 1927, the Pleasant Inn is built along Broadway Street in Myrtle Beach.

Chapin’s Department Store opens in downtown Myrtle Beach. Around this time the first Myrtle Beach High School is dedicated and a grass landing strip near the current Mr. Joe White Avenue & Seaboard Street begins to function as the area's first airport.

Myrtle Beach’s first road, which still exists today along Highway 15 and Broadway Street, is paved with rock and asphalt.

Myrtle Beach makes it official

Growth in tourism and population continued at a steady pace throughout the 1930s, with many changes coming to the Myrtle Beach area late in the decade — including its official incorporation.

The downtown area also continued to develop with the addition of amusement park rides near the Pavilion area and a paved, concrete walkway replacing the former wooden boardwalk.

One of Myrtle Beach’s first resorts, the Ocean Forest Hotel opens for business. The 10-story hotel cost nearly $1 million to build. The area’s first miniature golf course opens at the corner of U.S. 17 (Kings Highway) and 9th Avenue North.

Construction begins on Atalaya , an elaborate home built in the Spanish style of Moorish architecture by Archer and Anna Huntington. The castle, completed in 1933, is still open to the public inside Huntington Beach State Park.

The Myrtle Beach Colored School is built. It is the first facility in the area dedicated to educating African-American residents.

The Myrtle Beach News newspaper begins printing. The paper would later merge with the Myrtle Beach Sun to become The Sun News, which remains the area's only daily newspaper today and is now owned by the McClatchy Tribune company.

As building begins to boom at the beach, area transportation gets a boost with  construction completed on the Intracoastal Waterway and the opening of the Myrtle Beach Train Depot.

In addition, Second Avenue Pier is built and Myrtle Beach’s First Theatre, Ben’s Broadway Theater, opens.

One of the cornerstones of the downtown landscape for decades to come, Peaches Corner restaurant opens.

Around the same time, the Gloria Theatre (later called the Fox Theatre) opens on 9th Avenue North.

Myrtle Beach is officially incorporated as a town ( ) with Dr. W.L. Harrelson serving as the first mayor. Though no one would have expected an eventual explosion of high-rise hotels and family-friendly attractions, signs of growth were already strong.

The same year, The Original Pawleys Island Rope Hammock Shop in Pawleys Island and Washington Park Racetrack open in Myrtle Beach.

Local landmarks begin to pop up

In the 1940s, Myrtle Beach's development as a recreational paradise took a back seat, as the tragic realities of World War II dominated much of the decade for people around the globe.

As the government began to use the new Myrtle Beach Airport is a training grounds, airplane crews, hangars and landing strips became the focus.

But despite the preoccupation with war, important developments took place locally during this period including the addition the area's first highways, U.S. 501 and Kings Highway, as well as a new downtown pavilion.

Kings Highway, an old trading trail used since the days of the Native Americans, is paved giving the area its first major highway.

Other additions include the first-ever Myrtle Beach Bike Week event held in the Murrells Inlet area and the Rainbow Court Hotel , which opens in Myrtle Beach.

Myrtle Beach General Bombing and Gunnery Range — later known as Myrtle Beach Army Air Field and Myrtle Beach Air Force Base — is established as a training base for World War II. After the war ends it continues to be used as a front-line USAF base throughout the Vietnam War, Cold War and Persian Gulf War.

The Bowery , a no-frills honky tonk bar opens in downtown Myrtle Beach. The bar has played home to many musical acts over the decades including future country music Hall of Famers Alabama from 1973 to 1980 ( ).

The Chesterfield Inn opens in downtown Myrtle Beach. The once-popular oceanfront hotel was listed on the national Register of Historic Places in 1996, but was later removed and demolished to make way for Shark Attack Mini Golf and Hammerhead Bar & Grill.

Horse racing is outlawed at Washington Park Racetrack, which once resided at the corner of Oak Street and 21st Avenue North (near the current Myrtle Beach Convention Center). The track featured a 5,200-seat grandstand and a one-and-a-half-mile, wooden-railed course that hosted horse, harness and later NASCAR racing.  

Several staples of the local landscape take shape as Gay Dolphin Gift Cove , Dunes Golf & Beach Club and Chapin Memorial Library open in Myrtle Beach.

The same year, Ye Olde Tavern in downtown Myrtle Beach is bought by Johnny Burroughs and renamed as the Ocean Front Grill. The bar, one of the area’s oldest is now known as Oceanfront Bar & Grill and has been by the same family for nearly 70 years.

The Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park opens after a traveling carnival in town for Conway’s Tobacco Festival signed an agreement with Myrtle Beach Farms  to make its permanent home across the street from the old Myrtle Beach Pavilion. In 1949, The Myrtle Beach Pavilion building, which had been burnt down and been rebuilt several times, is reinforced with concrete built to withstand winds up to 150 mph.

The nickname “The Grand Strand” ( ) is coined by writer Claude Dunnagan as a title for a newspaper column.

Also, Springs Industries, owners of a local mill opens an oceanfront resort for its employees called Springmaid Beach Resort — the resort opens to the public in 1953.

Myrtle Beach becomes a city

Entering the 1950s, the year-round population of Myrtle Beach had doubled over the past decade and with this growth in population came the expansion the of area's infrasturcture.

Throughout the decade, as the country's wealth and love of leisure expanded, rapid growth continued in the area with the addition of many tourism-based businesses including hotels, campgrounds, golf courses and restaurants. The most noticeable sign of this growth came late in the 1950s, when Myrtle Beach officially became a city.

Two of the area’s longest-running events begin. The Sun Fun Festival is founded  as a way to celebrate the beginning of the tourist season, while the first Canadian-American Days Festival is held to honor our many visitors from the Great White North.

Miss South Carolina Pageant is held in Myrtle Beach with famous local author Mickey Spillane on the judges panel. Several of the winners in these contests went onto further success ( ) including Mary Griffin (1952), a 1st-runner up in Miss USA 1953 representing Myrtle Beach, Miriam Stevenson (1953), who won Miss Universe 1954 and Marian McKnight (1956), who was Miss America the same year.

Popular downtown eatery Mammy’s Kitchen opens for business in Myrtle Beach, while Surfside Pier is built in nearby Surfside Beach.

Hurricane Hazel ravages The Grand Strand, destroying many local businesses and wiping out several landmarks, including piers and portions of the boardwalk. In all, the storm killed 95 people in the U.S. and caused $420 million in total damages.

The same year, Sports Illustrated magazine created ( ) by a group of Time Magazine employees on retreat at Pine Lakes Country Club in Myrtle Beach.

The Pad Shag Club in North Myrtle Beach opens. This popular hangout was a hotbed for teens and local nightlife, thriving during the golden age of “The Shag” (South Carolina’s official state dance). It was said that townspeople insisted that latticework be added over the lower portion of the building to prevent anyone from inadvertently seeing the risque moves happening inside.

In a big year for Myrtle Beach, the town becomes officially designated as a city, with population growing to more than 5,000 residents.

The city is also featured on the cover of Saturday Evening Post —  the first of two appearances — providing national exposure for the area as a vacation destination.

In North Myrtle Beach, the current Ocean Drive Pavilion structure is built.

Rambi Raceway dirt track opens. The raceway was later paved and renamed Myrtle Beach Speedway .

The Rivoli Theater opens on Chester Street in downtown Myrtle Beach on June 19, 1958. The first movie shown here was “This Happy Feeling” starring Debbie Reynolds.

Also, Ocean View Hospital opens in Myrtle Beach.

The Diplomat Family Motel opens on Ocean Boulevard. Though the three-story oceanfront motel pales in comparison to the beach’s more modern high-rises, it was recently renovated and remains in operation to this day.

The same year, construction begins on Surf Golf & Beach Club in North Myrtle Beach, which opens for play in 1960.

The 'Golden Era' of Beach Fun

As much of the rest of the U.S. was torn over civil rights and desegregation, Myrtle Beach was somewhat removed from this intense struggle. Though racial tensions were surely present throughout the decade, the area remained a family summer vacation spot — a place to get away from the worries of the world.

With many popular attractions already in place and the tourism business booming, the 1960s represented a "Golden Era" of sorts for the Grand Strand. Spring break saw crowds of teens flocking to town, while the first of June through Labor Day marked the true tourism season.

During the decade, the expansion of the Myrtle Beach golf industry was also a prominent development with the invention of the golf package, the creation of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday in 1967, Myrtle Beach Farms selling off much of its farm land to make more-profitable golf courses, and the first of the area's contemporary miniature golf courses being built. As the golf industry grew, so did tourism, beginning to stretch into spring and fall golf seasons, now known as "shoulder" seasons.

Myrtle Beach Sun publisher Mark Garner purchases the Myrtle Beach News, merging the two publications into The Sun News. The publication remains the area’s only daily newspaper and is currently owned by the McClatchy-Tribune company.

Pirateland Adventure Park opens on the south end of Myrtle Beach. The park’s rides included one of the country’s first log flumes, a chair lift, a paddlewheel boat ride, a steam train ride and more. After being inspired by the lines of campers waiting to enter Myrtle Beach State Park, the adjoining Pirateland Campground opens in July 1966 with 75 water and electric sites and rates as low as $3 per night.

The area’s amusement options expand with the opening of Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Fort Caroline. Located in the Forestbrook area, Fort Caroline was as a wild west-themed park ( ), complete with a chair lift entrance, a large wooden fortress, shows featuring “attacking Indians” and a live music Pavilion which hosted acts such as The Shilos and Deep Purple. It operated throughout the 1950s and 60s.

The single-screen Camelot Theatre opens on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach. The popular movie spot grew to two screens in the 1970s and three in the 1980s before being acquired and run by Carmike Cinemas until its closing in 1990.

One of the area’s longest-running radio stations 101.7 WKZQ-FM goes on-air. At the time the station operated out of the back room of AM rock station WGTR (now WRNN-AM 1400). Over the years WKZQ has had many formats, including Oldies, Classic Rock and Top 40, but is currently known as 96.1 WKZQ-FM “New Rock”. Also in 1969, The Garden City Pavilion Arcade opens in Garden City Beach.

Malls, amusements add to tourism draw

As national tourism slumped under the effects of gas shortages and a crippling recession, the Myrtle Beach area still continued to grow throughout the 1970s.

Laying the foundation for the modern oceanfront landscape, the area's first high-rise hotel — The Yachtsman —  was built in 1971 as part of a boom that saw $75 million spent on new construction between 1970-75.

During this time land values skyrocketed, Myrtle Beach's population tripled and many new golf courses, attractions and shops were built.

The Astro Needle Amusement Park opens in downtown Myrtle Beach. This narrow park's main attraction was a 200-foot-tall gyro tower ride ( ) with a rotating gondolda that provided amazing beach views. The park also featured the Space Monster dark ride, the Moonwalk, carnival rides and a large bumper car arena.

Also, The Ocean Forest Hotel, one of Myrtle Beach’s first resorts, closes in 1970 and is later demolished in 1974.

PirateLand Adventure Park closes, and is replaced in 1975 by Magic Harbour, a British-themed amusement park ( ). Memorable features of Magic Harbour included a distinctive lighthouse entryway, a chair lift, a Ferris wheel, antique cars and the Corkscrew, a looping roller coaster that would later be moved to the Pavilion.

Also in 1972, Myrtle Beach National Golf Course opens.

Myrtle Square Mall opens for business in the heart of Myrtle Beach. In addition to being the area’s first mall, it was notable for its size (more than 440,000 square feet) and being home to the “World’s Largest Clock” at its center. Popular stores include Belk, Collins Department Store, Playhouse Toys, Coker’s and the Magic Cavern arcade.

Marvin’s Food & Games, an oceanfront restaurant and bar opens along the boardwalk in Myrtle Beach. The restaurant was open for 37 years until owner Marvin McHone retired in 2011, and it later was renovated to become Moe Moon’s .

The original Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum is built in downtown Myrtle Beach.

Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet hosts the inaugural Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival .

The Waccamaw Pottery company is founded. Offering home furnishings, housewares, bedding, cookware, china, and furniture, the company expanded throughout the South and Midwest in the 1980s and 90s and eventually sparked the construction of the Waccamaw Factory Shoppes in Myrtle Beach — the third-largest outlet mall in the U.S.

Water Boggan water park opens on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach. Among the first places in Myrtle Beach to offer waterslides, the park featured slides made of concrete and riders had to sit on padded mats to ride.

In nightlife news, Mother Fletcher’s nightclub opens in downtown Myrtle Beach, while The Back Alley Lounge, a former bowling alley in North Myrtle Beach, closes.

One of the area's longest-running festivals, an annual community event called The Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down Festival , is held for the first time in September.

Also in 1979, the Sand Dunes Resort opens in Myrtle Beach.

Myrtle Beach's popularity, skyline rise

Continuing the building boom of the previous decade, the 1980s saw steady growth for the Myrtle Beach area, with many more oceanfront hotels beginning to shape the skyline we know today.

Attractions, golf courses and shops sprouted up like wildfire and it marked the beginning of two of the modern-day staples of the Myrtle Beach tourism draw —  family-friendly variety shows and expansive shopping/entertainment complexes. While the shows took shape in 1980 with the opening of the first Calvin Gilmore Theater in Surfside Beach, the shopping landscape recieved an overhaul later in the decade when Barefoot Landing opened for business in 1988.

As a testament to the growth that had happened throughout the 80s, Myrtle Beach was recognized by American Demographics Magazine as the sixth fastest-growing metropolitan area in the U.S. in 1989.

The first Atlantic Beach Bikefest is held in Atlantic Beach ( ), a small town surrounded by North Myrtle Beach. The event, held over Memorial Day weekend, has grown into the largest African-American bike rally in the United States.

Two staples of the local nightlife scene, 2001 Night Club & Entertainment Complex and Ocean Annie’s Beach Bar at Sands Beach Club Resort, open in the Restaurant Row area.

  Inlet Square Mall opens in Murrells Inlet and two oceanfront hotels, Holiday Sands at South Beach Resort and Landmark Resort open in Myrtle Beach.

Openings include Studebaker’s dance club on Kings Highway, Downwind Sails Watersports in Myrtle Beach and Captain Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood in the Restaurant Row area.

Three popular events, the Little River Blue Crab Festival , Dickens Christmas Show holiday craft bazaar and the “Round The Fourth” Festival — now Conway Riverfest — are held for the first time.

Rock Burger Restaurant & Bar opens. This local hangout was known as one of the area’s only after-hours clubs for many years.

The Castle Dracula haunted house on Ocean Boulevard closes.

Openings include Sands Ocean Club in Myrtle Beach and Oyster Bay Golf Links , just north of the border in Sunset Beach, N.C.

The Annual Craftsmen’s Classic Art & Craft Festival held for the first time and Magic Harbour Amusement Park closes.

Pier 14 Restaurant & Lounge opens for business as a nightclub and a late night hangout, later becoming a restaurant under new ownership in 1986.

Other restaurant openings include Nibil’s Oceanfront Dining at Surfside Pier and Bodo’s German Restaurant in Myrtle Beach.

The National Shag Dance Championships are held for first time in Myrtle Beach and The Afterdeck Nightclub opens on Feb. 29, 1984.

Myrtle Waves water park celebrates its inaugural season. Over the past 30 years, the park has grown from just a few slides to a 20-acre waterpark with popular slides such as the Arooba Tooba, Night Flight and Rockin' Ray.

In addition, the Palace Resort and Aqua Beach Inn open in Myrtle Beach.

The Carolina Opry , the area’s longest running theater show ( ), opens in Surfside Beach. The show would later move to its current home, the Calvin Gilmore Theatre in Myrtle Beach in 1992.

The Ocean Forest Plaza and Beach Colony Resort hotels open in the “Cabana District” area of Myrtle Beach, while Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Hotel and Resort opens at Kingston Plantation.

The Heritage Club golf course opens in Pawleys Island.

A trio of hotels, Myrtle Beach Resort and The Breakers Resort and Bay Watch Resort open in Myrtle Beach.

Myrtle Beach Blue Jays Single-A Baseball Team plays its inaugural season.

Main Street North Myrtle Beach sees changes with the addition of Judy’s House of Oldies, a record store and gift shop, and the closure of The Pad, a long-running shag dance club.

In Conway, the Rivertown Music & Arts Festival held for the first time.

Barefoot Landing shopping and entertainment complex and Myrtle Beach Tours, a popular rental company for spring breakers, both open in North Myrtle Beach.

In Myrtle Beach, additions include Angelo’s Steak & Pasta and resorts including Atlantica Resort and Patricia Grand.

Hurricane Hugo hits the Grand Strand. The category 4 storm killed 27 people in South Carolina, left nearly 100,000 homeless, and resulted in $10 billion in damage overall, making it the most damaging hurricane ever recorded at the time.

One of the area's most popular restaurants River City Cafe opens its first location in Myrtle Beach.

The first North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held and Calvin Gilmore, owner of The Carolina Opry, opens a second show called The Dixie Jubilee also in North Myrtle Beach.

Baseball, Broadway, Blues & a theater boom

The oceanfront landscape really came into shape in the 1990s, with construction crews working full-time to build many high-rise hotels, resorts, motels and condo complexes near the beach.

The addition of many live entertainment theaters would have dominated the attractions news of the decade if not for an ambitious $250 million project from Burroughs & Chapin Co. ( ), an entertainment complex that would come to be known as Broadway at the Beach. Though some considered it a gamble to try and draw visitors away from the beach, the complex soon became a hub of entertainment and tourism in the area, being named "Top Tourist Attraction" in South Carolina at the Governor's Conference on Travel and Tourism.

Though growth and modernization continued to change the look of the Myrtle Beach area, there were efforts during this era to keep the "family-friendly" image of Myrtle Beach, including the infamous 1993 "thong ordinance" which threatened fines or jail time for swimwear that exposed any portion of the buttocks.

Golf courses including Tidewater Golf Club in Little River and Legends Golf & Resort , a multi-course resort off of U.S. 501 near Carolina Forest, open for business.

Wild Water & Wheels water park opens in Surfside Beach. Over the years, the park has grown to a 16-acre park with 24 slides, a wave pool, mini golf, go-karts and more.

The Myrtle Beach Blue Jays baseball team is renamed to the Myrtle Beach Hurricanes ( ) before being sold after the 1992 season and moved to Maryland.

Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art is held for first time. Beginning with “Eine Kleine Nachtmusick,” a Mozart Bicentennial Celebration, the festival has grown into a 3-week event each fall which features chorale, blues, Beach, jazz, symphony, bluegrass, gospel and spiritual music, as well as art, food and fashion events and fundraisers.

The Calvin Gilmore Theatre , new home of the Carolina Opry, and Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede , open side-by-side on the north end of Myrtle Beach.

Dick’s Last Resort restaurant opens at Barefoot Landing.

After more than 60 years in business, Chapin’s Department store in downtown Myrtle Beach closes.

As the theater boom begins to expand, Alabama Theatre Myrtle Beach opens at Barefoot Landing, while the Southern Country Nights show opens in Surfside Beach.

Also in 1993, Mayhem Manor haunted house opens in downtown Myrtle Beach and the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base closes for good.

Several new attractions are added including the Gatlin Brothers Theatre in the Fantasy Harbour area, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club in Pawleys Island, Children’s Museum of South Carolina at Myrtle Beach Mall and Carmike Dunes 8, which replaces the Dunes IV theater in Myrtle Beach.

In restaurant news, The Alabama Grill opens off of U.S. 17 Bypass in Myrtle Beach at a location that would later become Phillips Seafood restaurant (now demolished), while Rivertown Bistro opens in downtown Conway.

Crown Reef Resort on Ocean Boulevard opens for business.

Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex is built in Myrtle Beach. Restaurants including Hard Rock Cafe Myrtle Beach and Tony Roma’s Steakhouse Restaurant open there, as well as attractions including Palace Theatre Myrtle Beach . Bullwinkle’s Family Food & Fun restaurant opens nearby on 29th Avenue North.

Several new theaters open with Medieval Times , Ronnie Milsap Theater and Ice Castle Theater ( ) opening in the Fantasy Harbor area of Myrtle Beach and Legends In Concert moving into the former Carolina Opry building in Surfside Beach.

In North Myrtle Beach, the Carolina Beach Music Awards are held for the first time and Pirate’s Cove Lounge opens on Main Street. Rock Burger Restaurant & Bar in Myrtle Beach closes.

Hurricane Fran, a Category 3 storm with winds up to 115 mph came near Horry County on Sept. 5, 1996, before weakening slightly and making landfall near Cape Fear in North Carolina on Sept. 6. In Myrtle Beach, winds were recorded up to 77 mph and many trees downed leaving nearly 60,000 residents without power.

Planet Hollywood restaurant and the Official All-Star Cafe open side-by-side in Myrtle Beach. Celebrities including Bruce Willis, Patrick Swayze, Monica Seles, Will Smith, Dan Cortese, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Luke Perry, Tiger Woods, Andre Agassi, Joe Montana and Ken Griffey Jr. attended the grand openings. Man ‘O’ War golf course opens off of U.S. 501 west of Myrtle Beach.

House of Blues Myrtle Beach opens at Barefoot Landing with a May 4 ceremony featuring appearances from The Blues Brothers — Dan Aykroyd, James Belushi and John Goodman — as well as R&B legend James Brown. Early performances at the new concert hall included The Wallflowers, Erykah Badu, Johnny Cash, ZZ Top and Widespread Panic, who performed on July 7, 1997.

In Myrtle Beach, The short-lived Ronnie Milsap Theater closes.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach opens its $36 million, 74,000 sq. ft. facility at Broadway at the Beach. Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum opens in the former “Springmaid Villa” located near Springmaid Pier on the south end of Myrtle Beach.

Myrtle Beach Marathon runs it inaugural race with the old Air Force Base on Farrow Parkway as the setting. The February race draws 2,400 participants across two events and Olympic gold medalist Gwenn Torrence participates as a celebrity host.

NASCAR Speedpark and NASCAR Cafe open with appearances from racing legends Cale Yarborough and David Pearson. Other new additions include True Blue Plantation golf course in Pawleys Island, Crabby Mike’s Seafood in Surfside Beach, Grande Shores Oceanfront Resort and New South Brewery , which was founded in 1998.

Hurricane Floyd, a category 3 storm with winds up to 115 mph, comes through the area causing widespread flooding throughout Grand Strand. In other news, Mayhem Manor haunted house closes and Sailfish Resort opens near downtown Myrtle Beach.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans , formerly known as the Durham Bulls and the Danville (Va.) 97s, play their Inaugural season in Myrtle Beach as a Class-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves at Coastal Federal Field near Broadway at the Beach.

In golf news, openings include Wild Wing Plantation in Myrtle Beach, TPC at Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet and Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Goff in downtown Myrtle Beach. Gator Hole golf course in North Myrtle Beach closes, making way for the Gator Hole shopping center which opens later that year.

21st century brings Marshwalk, malls and a failed theme park

In many ways, the new millenium marked a changing of eras for the Myrtle Beach area.

Needing to keep pace with a changing, post-9/11 world where vacation planning became an online experience, the area made many efforts to modernize, which included the closing of many outdated businesses and attractions, including the beloved Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park.

As the housing bubble inflated, few places were more affected than the Grand Strand, which saw borderline-absurd levels of new construction and skyrocketing home prices as more and more Northerners looked to escape our warm, Southern shores. As the bubble burst, and recession hit, not only did many homeowners and builders get caught in tough financial situations, but plans for many new developments and attractions were scrapped.

Though some projects, such as Hard Rock Park and The Market Common were completed, many of the attractions and other businesses built during the late 2000s struggled to survive under the weight of a tough economy.

Murrells Inlet Marshwalk is built, paving way for the opening of popular restaurants such as Creek Ratz of Murrells Inlet in 2000 and Dead Dog Saloon in 2001.

In Myrtle Beach, the last NASCAR Busch Series race, The Myrtle Beach 250 ( ), is held at Myrtle Beach Speedway on June 17.

Barefoot Resort simultaneously opens four championship courses designed by golf legends including Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. The Barefoot Landing Swing Bridge opens in March to provide access to the new golf resort.

A pair of new hotels, Paradise Resort and Sandy Beach Resort open oceanfront along South Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach. Bon Villa Ocean Front Motel closes. Property is now Sharkey’s Beach Bar .

The Waccamaw Pottery company ceases operations. The original Waccamaw Pottery building had anchored the Waccamaw Factory Shoppes complex, once the nation's third-largest outlet shopping complex.

Also in Myrtle Beach, Grande Dunes Resort Club golf course opens for business. This lush and elegant golf course accompanied the development of Grand Dunes, a private resort community with luxurious homes, and the nearby Marina Inn, a four-diamond resort on the Intracoastal Waterway.

S.C. Route 31, also known as Carolina Bay Parkway, opens as a six-lane, limited-access highway that parallels the Intracoastal Waterway. The first phase opened on December 17, 2002, completing a 22-mile link between U.S. 501 and S.C. 9.

Sea Mist Oceanfront Resort opens in Myrtle Beach, while the Marsh Harbour and Ocean Harbour golf courses in nearby Calabash, N.C., announce their closure.

The Inaugural Irish-Italian International Festival is held in North Myrtle Beach.

The first South by Southeast Music Feast event is founded to preserve and promote American music not usually heard in traditional venues.

Ocean Reef Resort opens on North Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach. Robber’s Roost golf course in North Myrtle Beach closes.

Local shopping gets a boost with the opening of Coastal Grand Mall , a one-level regional mall with more than 1 million square feet of retail space ( ) and the first of two Tanger Outlets locations in Myrtle Beach.

Openings include Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville restaurant at Broadway at the Beach, Calvin Gilmore presents Tribute! The Concert in North Myrtle Beach, Margate Tower at Kingston Plantation, Carolinian Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach and a newly-renovated Myrtle Beach Train Depot — used for weddings, concerts and special events.

Closures in the area include Mother Fletcher’s nightclub in downtown Myrtle Beach, Dunes Carmike Cinema 8 on Kings Highway, Bullwinkle’s Family Food & Fun near Broadway at the Beach, Belle Terre golf course in Myrtle Beach and Calabash Golf Links in Calabash, N.C.

With many of its tenants moving across town to Coastal Grand Mall , Myrtle Square Mall closes in the fall of 2005.

Other closures are The Pink House, an inn, restaurant and holiday shop open since 1947, and several golf courses including Angel’s Trace Golf Links in Calabash, N.C., Burning Ridge West, Raccoon Run and Winyah Bay golf course in Georgetown.

MagiQuest , an attraction which puts visitors into a fantasy-themed live action role playing game, opens at Broadway at the Beach. Other new additions include The Boathouse Waterway Bar & Grill on the Intracoastal Waterway, The Reserve at St. James Plantation golf course in Southport, N.C., Mayfest on Main a live music event and festival and Avista Resort in North Myrtle Beach.

Also, after more than 30 years of being known for serving the strongest drinks in the nation ( ) due to a state law that required bars to serve liquor from mini bottles, South Carolina abolishes the law in 2005. It officially ends on New Year's Day 2006.

Burroughs & Chapin announces that the Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park will close at the end of the season. The park’s “final ride” event is held on Sept. 30, 2006 ( ).

Other closures include Grand Prix Family Thrill Parks in North Myrtle Beach, Santa Fe Station restaurant in North Myrtle Beach and The Freaky Tiki night club in downtown Myrtle Beach.

KISS Coffeehouse opens at Broadway at the Beach with a grand opening attended by founding band members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Other new additions include the Sling Shot oceanfront thrill ride in Myrtle Beach and the first-ever Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival held over Labor Day weekend.

Several resorts and condominium complexes including Paradise Resort , Anderson Ocean Club and Carolina Grande open on North Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, while Bay Tree Plantation is built in North Myrtle Beach.

Relocating some of the most popular attractions from the Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park, the Pavilion Nostalgia Park opens at Broadway at the Beach.

Other openings and renovations include Bay View Resort , an oceanfront luxury resort in Myrtle Beach and Hilton Royale Palms resort and condo complex in North Myrtle Beach.

The Market Common , an upscale, open-air shopping center opens on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force base. The opening of this complex includes the arrival of restaurants such as Gordon Biersch , Travinia Italian Kitchen , P.F. Chang’s and King Street Grille as well as attractions like Grand 14 Cinema , Grand Park and Warbird Park , as well as retail spots like Williams & Sonoma and Barnes & Noble.

With planning beginning in 2003 and construction starting in 2007, the $385 million Hard Rock Park opened it doors on June 2, 2008, featuring a signature roller coaster Led Zeppelin: The Ride and six rock-themed areas. After lower-than-expected attendance in the park and the loss of financial backing, the park closed a month earlier than expected and filed bankruptcy in September.

New additions include the Carolina Improv Company , The Big M Casino Boat in Little River, Oceans One Resort in Myrtle Beach and the first-ever Myrtle Beach Military Appreciation Days , a month-long celebration of veterans and active duty military members in May. In other news, NASCAR Cafe restaurant closes for business.

The Town of Surfside Beach passes the area’s first ban on smoking in indoor places. City of North Myrtle Beach would later follow suit passing an ordinance in 2012 banning smoking in restaurants, bars, public places, work places and some outdoor facilities.

The former Hard Rock Park is purchased for $25 million ( ) and opens as Freestyle Music Park on May 23. Despite reduced admission and a few small additions to the park, the park failed to gain the traction it needed. After several lawsuits and a lack of further investors, it failed to open for business for the 2010 season.

Having opened in 1927, “The Granddaddy” of Myrtle Beach golf, Pine Lakes Country Club , undergoes a multi-million dollar renovation with a new clubhouse and revised course layout. Also in Myrtle Beach, the first Ocean Boulevard’s Oktoberfest celebration is held downtown.

Several new restaurants open around the area including Fibber’s On The Water in Little River, Crafty Rooster in downtown Conway and Jimmyz Original Hibachi House and Big KT’s BBQ Shack in Myrtle Beach. Club Kryptonite, a dance club located in the former All-Star Cafe building off of U.S. 17 Bypass, closes.

New boardwalk booms as Broadway turns 20

As the decade turned to modern day, Myrtle Beach emerged from the malaise caused by the recession's closures and failed attractions with a new determination.

After breaking ground in the fall of 2009, the $6.4 million Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade was completed in 2010, breathing life into a downtown area which had been without an identity since the Pavilion closed.

The Myrtle Beach Skywheel was added in 2011, making the area surrounding the boardwalk again one of the most popular parts of Myrtle Beach just in time for the city's 75th birthday celebration in 2013 ( ).

Now, as we enter the latter half of this decade, the area continues to grow with the addition of many new businesses, events like the Carolina Country Music Festival, and improvements to the downtown infrastructure.

Around the Grand Strand, additions such as the Myrtle Beach Sports Center, North Myrtle Beach Sports & Recreation Complex, Coastal North Town Center in North Myrtle Beach and continued development at The Market Common, showcase the coast's continued growth.

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade opens. This 1.2-mile walkway is made up of three sections and stretches from 14th Avenue North to 1st Avenue North in Myrtle Beach. The first-annual Ocean Boulevard’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival is held near the boardwalk in downtown Myrtle Beach.

Other additions include Soar + Explore ropes course and zipline at Broadway at the Beach, Fun Warehouse , a skating rink and arcade near Surfside Beach and SunCruz Casino cruises in Little River. North Beach Plantation , an upscale beach resort with Georgian architecture and a tropical motif opens in North Myrtle Beach.

Legends In Concert tribute show moves to a state-of-the-art theater near Broadway at the Beach (formerly All-Star Cafe and Club Kryptonite). Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner show closes with  announcement that it will be replaced by a Pirate-themed attraction.

A pair of Myrtle Beach nightlife spots — Studebaker’s dance club and The Beachwagon country music bar — close their doors.

Several new restaurants open including Ultimate California Pizza Game Zone on Restaurant Row, Midtown Bistro in North Myrtle Beach, Flying Fish Market & Grill at Barefoot Landing and Nacho Hippo at The Market Common and Mykonos in Myrtle Beach.

After 23 years in business atop Surfside Pier, Nibil’s restaurant closes its Surfside location over a leasing dispute with the Town of Surfside Beach.

Other restaurant closures include 5 O’Clock Somewhere in Myrtle Beach and Tony Roma’s Steakhouse Restaurant and Uno Chicago Grill at Broadway at the Beach.

Myrtle Beach Skywheel opens in downtown Myrtle Beach. When it opened, the 187-foot tall structure was the second-tallest in the U.S. and the tallest of its type east of the Mississippi River. The Jimmy Buffet-owned restaurant Landshark Bar & Grill opens underneath the SkyWheel.

New Things to do include Wonderworks Myrtle Beach at Broadway at the Beach, Pirate’s Voyage dinner show and Bodies Revealed medical exhibit.

Also opening is Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery at Broadway at the Beach and Mar Vista Grande resort in North Myrtle Beach.

The Pat Boone Theatre is scheduled to open at former NASCAR Cafe location, but is repeatedly delayed and eventually abandoned.

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce cancels the Sun Fun Festival ( ), the area’s longest-running festival, after 60 years citing the event’s inability to pay for itself as it had in past years.

Another piece of Myrtle Beach history, Chesterfield Inn demolished to make way for a miniature golf course.

Myrtle Beach Adrenaline Adventures Zipline opens on the former Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park site. Also opening are Backstage Mirror Maze and The Lazer Vault Maze at Broadway at the Beach and Sayebrook Town Center near Surfside Beach — a shopping center which includes Target, Marshall’s, Petco and several restaurants.

Bandito’s Mexican Cantina opens oceanfront near the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. The owners of the restaurant then pay to have the 1.2-mile boardwalk extended an extra block north to end at Bandito’s. Other new restaurants include Moe Moon’s and 8th Avenue Tiki Bar & Grill on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Rodeo Bar & Grill at Broadway at the Beach and Surf Diner opens at the Surfside Pier.

A fire destroys Dead Dog Saloon in February; however, the restaurant reopens bigger and better after a renovation later that summer. Another fire, at Time Out! in downtown Myrtle Beach causes the long-running gay bar and nightclub to close after heavy damage to the building.

Other closures include Cagney’s Old Place — after 36 years in business — Spud’s Waterfront Dining at the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk, Mykonos Greek restaurant and nightclub in Myrtle Beach, Phillips Seafood in Myrtle Beach and IMAX Myrtle Beach at Broadway at the Beach.

City of Myrtle Beach celebrates the 75th Anniversary of its incorporation with several events to commemorate the occasion. Also in Myrtle Beach, the Myrtle Beach International Airport opens a brand-new $118 million terminal.

Shark Attack Mini Golf & Hammerhead Grill restaurant open oceanfront in the former Chesterfield Inn location. New additions to the area include I Love Sugar candy shop, Johnny D’s Waffles & Bakery in Myrtle Beach, Wicked Tuna in Murrells Inlet, North Myrtle Beach Historical Museum and, at Broadway at the Beach, Carolina Comedy Club , Encounters: UFO Exhibition and Carmike Broadway 17’s BigD Theater .

Buccaneer Bay Mini Golf near Surfside Beach closes to make way for the area’s first Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market. Other closures include KISS Coffeehouse at Broadway at the Beach and Tommy Bahama Restaurant at The Market Common — though the retail store remains open.

North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Center opens. The park features a variety of sports facilities including a dog park, playgrounds, a running track and attractions like Go Ape Zip Line & Treetop Adventure and North Myrtle Beach Jetpack Adventures . Also in North Myrtle Beach, Coastal North Town Center opens with occupants including Hobby Lobby, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Panera Bread, TJ Maxx, Petsmart and others.

Beach tent regulations are put into place in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach & Horry County. Read more about these regulations by clicking here .

New attractions open including Broadway Grand Prix and Hollywood Wax Museum , in the former NASCAR Speedway and NASCAR Cafe buildings respectively. Restaurant openings include CO Sushi at The Market Common, Boom Boom Wine Room , Atlas Tap House , and Fire & Smoke gastropub in Myrtle Beach and Rooster Bar & Grill at Broadway at the Beach.

SunCruz Casino Boat shut down after a two-year lawsuit with Horry County over a $7 per-person fee the boat was to pay the county. Additional closures include Damon’s North Myrtle Beach and Tilted Kilt at Broadway at the Beach.

Biker hangout Suck Bang Blow Four Corners in Murrells Inlet, a venue which had been increasingly used only during Myrtle Beach Bike Week events, is demolished.

The first-ever Carolina Country Music Fest held on former pavilion site in downtown Myrtle Beach featuring headliners Sam Hunt, Rascal Flatts, Eric Church and Lady Antebellum. The four-day event is the largest outdoor music event ever in Myrtle Beach with nearly 20,000 in attendance.

ART Burger Sushi Bar opens on Myrtle Beach Boardwalk in the spring, with its owners later opening The Chemist: Craft Cocktails & Modern Cuisine nearby in the fall. Other new eateries include Tupelo Honey Cafe at The Market Common, Drafts Sports Bar & Grill at the Westgate Myrtle Beach Resort and The Grumpy Monk near Tanger Outlets.

Several new shops open around the area including Gander Mountain outdoors store near Tanger Outlets on U.S. 501., Carolina Pottery, which takes over the former K-Mart location in Myrtle Beach, and the Paula Deen store at Broadway at the Beach . Myrtle Beach Flea Market closes, but later re-opens under new ownership as Grand Strand Flea Market.

Duplin Winery opens a wine bottling and tasting center near Barefoot Landing, while 710 North Myrtle Beach opens in the renovated location of North Myrtle Beach bowling center. Other new attractions include Dinosaurs: The Exhibition at Broadway at the Beach, Radical Ropes aerial adventure park in Myrtle Beach, Break Out Myrtle Beach in North Myrtle Beach.

The Broadway at the Beach area sees several closures including Planet Hollywood, Magiquest, Carlos 'N Charlie's, Club Boca, Rodeo Bar & Grill (as well as its replacement Country Roads Bar & Grill ) and Revolutions Nightclub . Restaurants including Broadway Louie’s and Hard Rock Cafe also announce moves and the complex announces the addition of a new craft beer bar/restaurant, American Tap House.

Ocean22 by Hilton Grand Vacations opens in Myrtle Beach — it is the first oceanfront hotel to be built in 7 years.

Closures in the Myrtle Beach area included, Waterway Hills Golf Club, a golf course known for its distinctive gondola over the Intracoastal Waterway, Harold’s On The Ocean, a long-running shag club in North Myrtle Beach, and Bliss, an upscale restaurant in Murrells Inlet.

The so-called "1,000 Year Flood" puts much of the state under water in October. The storm’s toll is estimated to be at least 19 deaths and more than $12 billion dollars damage in S.C. alone. This catastrophic event shut down major highways, canceled numerous events and brought tourism in the Myrtle Beach area to a standstill for several days.

There are many new attractions, events and additions that are planned for the 2016 season in Myrtle Beach.

They include a trampoline park, wakeboarding park, a go-kart track and miniature golf course, events including the California Roots: The Carolina Sessions, Myrtle Beach Highland Games & Heritage Festival, The Horry County Fair and the arrival of several well-known chains including Popeye’s Chicken, Wahlburger's, World of Beer and Panera Bread.

There is also a major renovation under way at Broadway at the Beach, which includes new restaurants, nightclubs, shops and attractions ( Read more or watch the video below).

See a full list of what’s new for 2016 by clicking here.

Palace Theater closes after damage from Hurricane Matthew put a large hole in the side of the main facade. After sitting vacant and unrepaired for months following the storm, this one-time staple of Broadway at the Beach is demolished beginning in May. Also closing at Broadway at the Beach this year was the Big D movie theater.

But it wasn't all closures for Broadway, which also saw the addition of huge new Dave & Buster's where Hard Rock Cafe once sat, and a completely revamped and remodeled nightlife area now known as "The Avenue" .

The local restaurant scene saw the opening of several new hotspots including Paula Deen's Country Kitchen , Carolina Ale House, Hook & Barrel Restaurant and RipTydz in Myrtle Beach; Hickory Tavern, MOD Pizza, About Thyme and Brisket in North Myrtle Beach; and Flapjack's, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, Blueberry Grill and Inlet Tap Garden on the south side of the Grand Strand.

In golf news, a number of courses saw their demise this year, when Burroughs & Chapin decided to close a pair of pitch-and-putt courses, Midway Par 3 and Cane Patch Par 3, as well as demolishing half of it's popular Dragon's Lair mini golf course at Broadway at the Beach (18 of 36 holes are still open). In addition, the short-lived Shark Attack Adventure Golf — located on the former site of the historic Chesterfield Inn — closed this season, after planned expansion of its Hammerhead Bar & Grill halted.

Near the beach, it was announced that Bandito's Restaurant & Cantina would close in order to make room for a new, larger shopping and entertainment complex at 15th Avenue North on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach. The restaurant plans to reopen as part of the complex, scheduled to be complete in 2018. Also nearby, construction began on a new high-rise hotel in Myrtle Beach, called Ocean 16 Hilton Hotel, which will be 550,000 square feet with 26 floors and 300 rooms when complete.

Finally, Myrtle Beach saw a lot of change with the south side of oceanfront Myrtle Beach getting a facelift. Plans have been proposed to build new duplexes, a high-rise hotel, a Walmart, and more, around 14th avenue south.

About this timeline

This project was compiled from many sources by MyrtleBeach.com's Chris Mowder in an effort to pay homage to our area's past and help visitors learn about our area. Special thanks goes out to a variety of resources that were particularly helpful in gathering the info for this timeline, including the City of Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach Remembered websites, books including "Myrtle Beach: A History, 1900-1980" by Barbara F. Stokes, "Images of America: Myrtle Beach Pavilion, South Carolina" by Lesta Sue Hardee & Janice McDonald, and "Lost Myrtle Beach" by Becky Billingsley, as well as The Myrtle Beach Herald's 75th Anniversary picture book and the "Myrtle Beach Memories" documentary by ETV.

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Things To Do

Myrtle Beach History Tours

See Website for Tour Locations Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

843-446-7824

Climb aboard an enclosed, climate-controlled trolley to discover Myrtle Beach’s history through four different tours offered one a day weekly. Guests must be at least three years old to be aboard the trolley.

Beach Webcams

Enjoy live webcams in Myrtle Beach. Check out the beach activity and current weather conditions.

Dirty Don’s Oyster Bar & Grill Boardwalk Cam

Sea Watch Resort Live Beach Cam

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Best of the Beach

Discover some of the most memorable things to do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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The Best Times To Visit Myrtle Beach, According To A Local

• Best Time To Visit
• Best Time To Visit To Avoid Crowds
• Best Time To Visit For Good Weather
• Best Time To Visit For Lower Prices
• Best Time To Visit For Events

Off-Peak Season Considerations

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has been favorite beach destination for generations of families. Anchoring the 60-mile Grand Strand along the Atlantic Ocean, Myrtle Beach checks all the boxes for an unforgettable coastal escape. You’ve got the expansive sandy shores where the entire family can frolic all day. Then there’s the lively 1.2-mile-long boardwalk with its beachfront shops, restaurants, and iconic SkyWheel. Add in oceanfront resorts and hotels, plenty of places to get fresh seafood, a dolphin cruise, and maybe even an opportunity to learn the famous Carolina shag dance , and you’ve got yourself one heck of a vacation. Now that you’ve been convinced to go, the only question that remains is when? To help you decide, we talked with local, Myrtle Beach expert, and public relations manager at Visit Myrtle Beach Denielle Van Dyke for all the details on the best time to visit for fewer crowds, great weather, and lower prices.

Denielle Van Dyke is the public relations manager at Visit Myrtle Beach and a local of Myrtle Beach

Best Time To Visit Myrtle Beach

One of the great things about Myrtle Beach is there’s a reason to visit in every season. With average high temperatures in summer months topping out in the upper 80s and low 90s, and winter highs hovering around 60 degrees, you can have a lovely day on the beach during any time of year. While summer (June through August) is the destination’s high season for visitors, spring and fall still see warm temperatures and often fewer crowds. Says Van Dyke, “Visitors continue to come in the fall and winter to enjoy seasonal events as well as the beautiful, mild weather.”

Myrtle Beach’s three main tourism seasons are:

• High Season: Summer, from June through August
• Shoulder Seasons: Spring and fall, from March through May and September through October
• Low Season: Winter, from November through February

Best Time To Visit Myrtle Beach To Avoid Crowds

The best times to visit Myrtle Beach to avoid crowds are winter and fall. When school is out for the summer, thousands of families pack up and head to Myrtle Beach for a seaside vacation. And during March and April, college students flock to the coast for spring break. However, beginning in September when everyone’s back to their regular school-year schedules, crowds at Myrtle Beach begin to thin. For those hoping to avoid crowds on the beach and wait times at restaurants, this is the perfect time to visit Myrtle Beach.

Best Time To Visit Myrtle Beach For Good Weather

The best time to visit Myrtle Beach for good weather is from spring through fall. “We bask in sunny weather and average 215 sunny days a year,” says Van Dyke. “Once temperatures rise in the spring, we typically see great weather through November. Even the winter months have relatively moderate temperatures and are still perfect for exploring nature and enjoying all the Grand Strand has to offer.” Like many beach destinations, afternoon rain showers are more common during the heat of the summer, typically in July and August, but don’t let that deter you from taking a trip during those months. Storms are usually fleeting, giving way to blue skies in a matter of minutes.

Best Time To Visit Myrtle Beach For Lower Prices

“While Myrtle Beach offers deals and discounts year-round, the lowest prices for accommodations tend to be around late-fall and winter,” says Van Dyke. With lower temperatures from November through February, fewer people think of taking a beach vacation, but this can be a great time to take in the gorgeous scenery, enjoy a slower-paced environment, and get to know the locals. Several hotels and resorts like Surfside Beach Oceanfront Hotel and Coral Beach Resort & Suites offer fall and winter escape specials and packages that provide a little more bang for your buck.

Best Time To Visit Myrtle Beach For Events

Another benefit of visiting Myrtle Beach during fall and winter is to attend some of the community’s most beloved events. While there are festivals and events throughout the year, fall and winter are the backdrop for some big ones.

In October, head to Brookgreen Gardens for the Harvest Home Festival, which brings pumpkin decorating, scarecrow building, and hay bale rides for the whole family. And though you may not think it, Christmas on the water can be quite spectacular thanks to Winter Wonderland at the Beach , a magical light display along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk that shines every night during the holiday season through the new year.  Says Van Dyke, “Time with my family on the beach during the spring and summer months is so special, but there is also something magical about the holidays here. From pumpkin festivals to the enchanting Night of 1,000 candles event at Brookgreen Gardens and Winter Wonderland at the Beach, you can really feel the joy of the season.”

Seafood lovers should plan a trip to Myrtle Beach during the World Famous Blue Crab Festival, which has taken place on the historic Little River waterfront for the past 40 years. The giant community event combines live music and entertainment, incredible seafood specialties from local chefs and purveyors, and unique arts and crafts vendors. This year’s festival is May 18-19.  

Unlike other beach destinations that can be a bit “dead” in the winter, Myrtle Beach stays lively year-round. With that being said, if you visit in an off season (namely during winter), you can expect certain attractions and even some restaurants to be closed. Amusement parks and water parks like Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Splashes Waterpark, Myrtle Waves Water Park, and Ocean Drive Amusement Park all close for the season shortly after Labor Day during the month of September and then re-open in the summer. Additionally, smaller mom-and-pop restaurants and bars on the beach may close for the season, so if you go during cooler months, just be sure to check the websites for any must-visit places.

Related Articles

Early Myrtle Beach History and The WWII Years Trolley Tour

• Two-hour narrated trolley ride around Myrtle Beach
• Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, USA Meet at The Market Common (beside the airport between Hwy. 17 Bypass and Hwy. 17 Business also known as Kings Hwy.) in front of the Grand 14 Cinemas
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 32 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, USA Meet at The Market Common (beside the airport between Hwy. 17 Bypass and Hwy. 17 Business also known as Kings Hwy.) in front of the Grand 14 Cinemas See address & details
• 1 Myrtle Beach Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 2 Myrtle Beach Stop: 15 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• dsfmicro 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Enjoyed the ocean and going back in time! We stayed at the Prince Resort and it was great to be so close to the beach. The pools are nothing special but you have almost no distance from the hotel to the waves. My husband and son played golf 2 days and I read and enjoyed the ocean. Our balcony could be accessed from the master bedroom and the living room and it was great to be able to sit with a cup of coffee in the morning and watch the sunrise. Sunset on the balcony was gorgeous, as well. We went to Medieval Times and had a blast! We weren't prepared to eat with our hands, but we managed! The performers stayed in character and did a great job. We plan to go back and take our grandsons on some future trip! We had a great trip and I will look at Prince Resort for accomodations, for sure! Read more Written October 1, 2023
• docandjeff 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour!! My husband and I really enjoyed this tour. The stories were spooky and terrific. The stop at Brookgreen Gardens really made me want to visit next time I visit the area. We also stopped at the Hammock Shop. The hammock maker was awesome. Very personable. The stops were great but the stories were the star of the show. Thanks to all for a great time. Read more Written September 17, 2023
• 309violets 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An activity you don’t want to miss!! My childhood best friend and I traveled to South Carolina and were excited for this tour because we love pirates and ghosts! This tour was great! The trolley is so pretty Miss Kathryn was the tour guide and she was fantastic! A southern belle with extensive knowledge of the area and its stories! This activity is family friendly and a great experience, I’m so glad we did this! Thank you so much to Miss Kathryn who let us take beautiful photos on the back of the trolley, and thank you for teaching us a thing or two about Myrtle beach! If we’re ever back in the area we will return! Read more Written September 14, 2023
• AWPAWPAKD 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best 2 hours My parents and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour by Katherine. She was very complete and enthusiastic about teaching us about her town. My favorite parts were the history of the country singers and how they made it big and our visit to Charlie's Place that is now a historic marker. I would definitely do another tour with Katharine. The movie history book we received was so very informative. Best 2 hours of my day. Read more Written August 3, 2023
• flo220 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles An enjoyable overview of Myrtle Beach When we travel we like taking bus tours to get an overview of the area we were in. Lucky for us, this tour was available in Myrtle Beach. In a 2 hour tour we were driven all over Myrtle Beach and got a good overview of the city, its place in history and in particular movies that were filmed there and music. (Admittedly we know little about music so that part was less interesting to us.) Catherine, the tour guide, was very knowledgeable and passionate about the area. The bus was comfortable. We even received a complimentary book authored by Catherine. An enjoyable way to spend 2 hours. The tour begins and ends at The Market Common, a shopping, dining and entertainment area, where it was easy to get lunch after the tour. Read more Written July 16, 2023
• Q2216TIrosalbam 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The guide was very informative and engaging throughout the entire tour My favorite part was when we went to Charlie’s Place. I truly enjoyed all of the background information that was shared with us and how she put it into context for Myrtle Beach history Read more Written July 12, 2023
• Eva N 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommended Catherine's enthusiasm and knowledge was impressive. Our questions were answered promptly and thoroughly. We are looking forward to the next tour during which we are going to ask Catherine to autograph the free book she presented to every attendee. Read more Written July 5, 2023
• pamelamT8580DD 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Love the ghosts We really enjoyed this tour. Kathryn was very knowledgeable about the history of Murrell’s Inlet and Pawleys Island. Really enjoyed her ghost and pirate stories. One suggestion Kathryn- you really need to write a book! I for one would buy it! Thank you for a great tour. Read more Written May 26, 2023
• Trek17755480232 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour! Informative and incredibly entertaining My brother, sister-in-law, niece and I took the tour and I must say Kathryn, the narrator, was amazing. The tour itself was incredible. It was a great mix of ghost stories and historical facts, and add in the chance to get off the trolley several times, and this tour was second to none! From one tour guide to another, thank you, and job well done!! Read more Written April 20, 2023
• Veronica P 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An Informative Tour with a Lot of Great History Catherine was amazingly informed and had a ton of interesting information about the area and history in general. Tour trolley was comfortable and the stops were interesting Read more Written February 24, 2023
• V3265VXkarene 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 2/14/23 Loved the Charlie’s Place experience. Very informative. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Read more Written February 15, 2023
• Voyage26725884597 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great people , great town , take the tour . Catherine was amazing ! She is passionate and knowledgeable about Myrtle Beach . She spoke to us for almost two hours AND gave the trolley driver directions . Read more Written December 6, 2022
• tammylH8924MA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Experience We are locals and decided to take this tour and we are glad we did! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and keep it interesting throughout. Very nice ride and lots of information packed into the timeframe. We've even discussed taking the tour with family when they come to town to visit. Very impressed! Read more Written November 11, 2022
• Ladydij403 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Charleston Bus Tour was amazing! By far the best of our experience was the bus tour to Charleston! Be prepared to get up early and take a bus to Charleston. We had a great driver and stopped at this amazing place called See Wee Outpost which had the best homemade southern biscuits. The horse carriage tour is a must and the Boone Plantation was great too!! Read more Written July 11, 2022
• Pathfinder624012 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Fair The speaker knew her history but it was not a fun excursion for us. Hard to hear her and the stories were long. Not our cup of tea Read more Written June 24, 2022

More to explore in Myrtle Beach

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Early Myrtle Beach History and The WWII Years Trolley Tour provided by Myrtle Beach History Tours

Wealth of Geeks

24 Best Budget Beach Towns in America

Posted: February 17, 2024 | Last updated: February 17, 2024

While some American beach towns are expensive tourist destinations, there are many locations where visitors can enjoy the shores without going broke. Some coastal towns provide a budget-friendly escape without compromising the beauty of the seaside experience.

1. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores, Alabama, is an excellent option for beach enthusiasts who love soft white sand between their toes and warm waves crashing against the shore. You can also venture into Gulf State Park, where nature lovers can explore hiking trails and fishing spots and embrace the natural beauty surrounding this beautiful town.

2. Corpus Christi, Texas

Visitors will love the long stretches of sandy coastline in Corpus Christi, Texas — notably Padre Island and Mustang Island State Park. You can enjoy sunbathing, beachcombing, and water sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding while you’re there. Or, when you finish your day at the beach, try other attractions like the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, featuring walking trails, bird watching, and enchanting butterfly exhibits.

3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

I’ve only been to Myrtle Beach once, but it was one of my most memorable vacations. There are so many family-friendly attractions to see, plus you can enjoy the sandy shores. Locals and tourists alike frequent the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade for free ocean views. Or, you can head to Myrtle Beach State Park to have fun fishing off the pier, picnicking in designated areas, hiking along nature trails, and exploring the maritime forest.

4. Ocean City, Maryland

See what maritime history is all about at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum , delving into the legacy of the United States Life-Saving Service. And, of course, you can unwind on Ocean City’s accessible beaches, including Ocean City Beach and Northside Park, offering you loads of fun at a low cost. The iconic boardwalk offers attractions like amusement rides, shops, and eateries, so don’t forget to check that out as well.

5. Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May is a beautiful city with budget-friendly activities for all. Climbing Cape May Lighthouse offers a unique experience with its 199 steps leading to breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. You’ll want to soak in the sun on one of the many beaches, like Sunset Beach, or take a trip to see the wildlife at the Cape May County Park & Zoo, which offers free admission!

6. Port Aransas, Texas

Port Aransas is a captivating beach destination, blending coastal activities with a laid-back atmosphere. With its array of water sports, upbeat atmosphere, and welcoming community, it’s perfect for those seeking a beach retreat. The scenic Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture is also a must-see attraction, so if you have time, stop by — you won’t be disappointed.

7. Destin, Florida

Destin, Florida, offers beachfront beauty and fun attractions without putting much of a strain on your wallet. Nature lovers will have a blast observing the beauty of Henderson Beach State Park. You can even learn Destin’s history at the Destin History & Fishing Museum. You can do all this as well as enjoy all of the festivities on the sandy beaches.

8. Outer Banks, North Carolina

A 100-mile stretch of barrier islands, featuring spectacular beaches and historic charm, awaits you at the Outer Banks. Explore the Wright Brothers National Memorial, honoring the pioneers of flight, or relax on any of the popular beaches like Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

9. Rockport, Texas

Rockport invites exploration with golden sand beaches and family-friendly fun. Visit Rockport Beach for panoramic ocean views, or take a load off on the shores of Goose Island State Park. You can even take the family to the Texas Maritime Museum for a more than reasonable price.

10. Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island, Georgia, is known for its serene beaches and the historic Tybee Island Lighthouse. The soft sand and gentle Atlantic waves provide a tranquil setting, plus visitors can explore the lighthouse for historical insights. Additionally, kayaking is a popular activity, allowing visitors to experience the island’s coastal waters and observe its thriving marine life and salt marshes from a unique perspective.

11. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach has much to offer and it will cost you very little in return. Enjoy the Virginia Beach Boardwalk’s 3-mile stretch teeming with restaurants and shops with extraordinary ocean views. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing along the oceanfront or try their hand at water sports like surfing and paddleboarding. The fabulous beach scene, complemented by a mix of entertainment options, makes Virginia Beach an inviting destination for those seeking relaxation and adventure.

12. Biloxi, Mississippi

Biloxi, Mississippi, is a Gulf Coast town known for its inviting beaches and variety of recreational options. From leisurely beach days to testing your luck at the waterfront casinos, Biloxi has something for everyone. Exploring landmarks like the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum provides a well-rounded experience for visitors with varied interests.

13. South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island, Texas, has an inviting coastline that has become one of the best towns in America for sunbathing, swimming, and a variety of water activities, such as kayaking and parasailing. The island features diverse coastal attractions and amenities, including Beach Park at Isla Blanca, dolphin and whale watching tours, Sea Turtle Inc., and the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. With activities ranging from fishing charters to zip-lining experiences, South Padre Island is one of my favorites on the list!

14. Daytona Beach, Florida

Daytona Beach is one of the more popular destinations in Florida for those who want a well-rounded beach experience. The Daytona Beach boardwalk features many shops, restaurants, arcades, and amusements, making it a top-tier entertainment center along the coast. There’s also the iconic Daytona International Speedway, multiple beachfront parks, and the Daytona Lagoon, which is a family-friendly water park.

15. Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island , is underrated as a beach town where you can kick back and enjoy yourself. It’s the perfect place for a date night, should you decide to take a stroll hand in hand along the Newport Cliff Walk while soaking in breathtaking ocean views. Or, you can bring the whole family along and check out Easton’s Beach to build sandcastles, have a picnic, go swimming, and more. Finish off the day with a trip to the Museum of Newport History.

16. Pismo Beach, California

Pismo Beach is a unique beach destination where you can surf, play beach volleyball, people-watch, and soak up the warm weather while splashing around. My favorite part? The clams! Pismo is historically known for its abundance of large and flavorful Pismo clams. Though clamming is no longer permissible to protect the species, visitors can still enjoy the annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival, celebrating the delicacy through events, food, and entertainment.

17. Port Townsend, Washington

Port Townsend is a delightful waterfront town with stunning Victorian architecture and an interesting marine heritage. It’s a fantastic place for taking the kids on a scavenger hunt to find things like seashells, driftwood, sea glass, rocks, and other cool items. After you finish hanging out at the beach, there are plenty of boutiques and galleries to admire before you head home for the day.

18. Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City, Michigan, is a great pick for beach lovers, right by Lake Michigan’s alluring Grand Traverse Bay. The city’s beaches, especially those on the Old Mission Peninsula, add to the charm with their gorgeous views and access to the Great Lakes. Whether you’re into soaking up the sun, taking a refreshing dip, or trying out water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, Traverse City’s got it all! You could also visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which features hiking trails and beautiful scenery.

19. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, provides ideal conditions for swimming, fishing, and other water activities. For more beach town fun, stroll the mile-long boardwalk, hit up the Funland amusement park, and browse the shops along Rehoboth Avenue.

20. Grand Haven, Michigan

Grand Haven is on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore, about three hours from Detroit. It’s an excellent option for sandy beaches, lighthouses, and family-friendly activities. Locals also recommend stopping by the Grand Haven Boardwalk for terrific views of the lake, diverse eateries, and lots of fishing spots. The boardwalk offers a range of activities, including musical fountain shows, parks, and playgrounds.

21. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod is a quintessential New England destination that features over 500 miles of coastline. From the iconic Cape Cod National Seashore to the historic towns of Provincetown and Chatham, there’s so much to experience. Plan a trip to the Cape to enjoy the free beaches, whale watching, lighthouses, and fresh seafood.

22. Key Largo, Florida

Key Largo is the largest island in the Florida Keys and is known for its beautiful coral reefs, water activities, and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which is the first underwater park in the United States. Key Largo also offers opportunities for deep sea fishing, backcountry fishing, paddleboarding, sailing, boating, and enjoying the unique ecosystem of the Florida Keys.

23. Lincoln City, Oregon

It may sound strange, but the air quality is excellent in Lincoln City! It’s easily one of the best beaches in the United States. Lincoln Beach boasts expansive sand bars and numerous tide pools, offering hidden gems like starfish and sea glass, along with hand-blown glass floats. The coastline is ideal for various water activities, including kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge!

24. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach is a beautiful beach town that’s notable for several reasons. First, it’s home to the iconic Haystack Rock, a majestic sea stack that dominates the shoreline and stands as a symbol of the area’s natural wonder. Visitors are drawn to explore the fascinating tide pools surrounding Haystack Rock, where they can get an up-close encounter with all kinds of sea creatures, including sea anemones and starfish.

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