The Grand Strand holds records ranging from "World's Tallest Sandcastle," to "Favorite Destination for a Family Vacation" and more
Myrtle Beach Area History
Myrtle Beach is home to great history and awesome awards!
The Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina continually proves that it is worthy of the moniker "The Grand Strand" year-after-year, garnering prestigious awards and designations ranging from the "World's Best Beach" by Yahoo! Travel, "Overall Value for Money Destination" and seven of the "Top 100 Public Golf Courses in America" by Golf Digest. Whether seeking an exciting sporting event or recreational vacation, the perfect family beach, the ideal retirement location, or the best place to host a meeting, visitors to the Myrtle Beach area will find award-winning offerings in every lifestyle category.
Myrtle Beach South Carolina -The Grand Strand was born of two vastly different cultures. Georgetown County developed from a thriving colonial plantation culture that reached its zenith just before the Civil War, while the more isolated Horry County (pronounced "oh-ree" or "or-ee") rose from humble beginnings in farm and timber trades.
Of course, the area's history extends much further into the past, to a time when Native Americans lived off the land and the bounty of the local waters. They were the Waccamaw and Winyah Indians, and they called the area "Chicora," which means "the land." Although documented history of these tribes is scarce, evidence of their existence continues to turn up. Arrowheads have been found on the beach, riverbanks, and in farmers' fields. A burial mound was discovered on Waites Island near Little River. The remains of an Indian village were unearthed on Wachesaw Plantation near Murrells Inlet, including pottery shards, tools, and other artifacts. At the Horry County Museum in Conway, several exhibits shed light on what life was like for these early residents.
With the passing of centuries and the arrival of Europeans, the population and landscape began to change. English colonists laid out plans for Georgetown, the state's third oldest city, in 1730. Surrounded by intricate rivers and marshlands, Georgetown became the center of America's rice empire. Crops of indigo, cotton, and lumber also contributed to the wealthy economy. A rich plantation culture took root here and flourished - in no small measure as a result of the diligence and manpower of African slaves, many with first-hand knowledge of rice cultivation from their homelands. Hopsewee and other historic plantations, Georgetown's Rice Museum, and Brookgreen Gardens offer fascinating glimpses into this cornerstone of Georgetown's past.
Before the Civil War, wealthy plantation owners turned Pawley's Island into one of the first summer resorts on the Atlantic coast. Planters and their families spent summers on the cool, breezy island to avoid malaria and other deadly diseases associated with the swampier, still conditions of the plantation sites. Historic cottages, inns, and other buildings still stand on Pawleys Island.
Myrtle Beach Attractions image after the Civil War and the emancipation of slaves, Georgetown's rice plantation culture disappeared, leaving behind a rich history and culture that residents hold dear. The Georgetown Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, along with being a major industrial center, the city is well known for careful preservation of its past with historic churches, homes, and plantation sites. A restored waterfront district with distinctive restaurants, shops, Community Theater, and more attracts visitors throughout the year.
Horry County, bounded by rivers on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, was cut off from the plantation culture that flourished elsewhere along the coast. Horry residents, in what is now the Conway area, were hardworking farmers, timbermen, and turpentine distillers who bartered for their necessities. A typical family in 1875 earned approximately $2.50 a year in what was nearly a cashless economy.
Until the 1900s, bridges and railroads from Conway to the beaches did not exist; only struggling farmers and fishermen inhabited these distant beaches. Eventually, in pursuit of summer recreation, families from Conway were ferried across the Waccamaw River and rode in wagons from the river to the beach.
In 1900, Burroughs & Collins Company, a timber-turpentine firm with extensive beach front holdings, began developing the resort potential of the Grand Strand by constructing a railroad to the beach. The company built the first hotel, the Seaside Inn, in 1901. At that time, oceanfront lots sold for $25 to those with ready cash. (Less affluent individuals could purchase a lot one row back and pay in yearly installments of $2.50.) Buyers received an extra lot free if they built a home valued at $500 or more. Mrs. F.E. Burroughs, wife of the founder of the Burroughs & Collins Company, hosted (and won) a contest to name the town. Myrtle Beach was chosen because of the many wax myrtle trees growing wild along the shore.
In 1912, Chicago businessman Simeon B. Chapin purchased property and invested capital in the town's development. Myrtle Beach's public park and adjacent library are named for him. Another landmark bearing his name is the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum.
In the 1920s, a group of businessmen built an upscale resort called Arcady at the north end of the community. The legendary resort was the rage among affluent society and included the present Pine Lakes International Country Club, the area's first golf club (and birthplace of the magazine Sports Illustrated), and the grand Ocean Forest Hotel. The Ocean Forest, with its 300 rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, health club, stables, and crystal chandeliers, remained the center of Myrtle Beach social life for nearly 30 years. The stately building was torn down in 1974 to allow for new development.
The Intracoastal Waterway was opened to pleasure boats and commercial shipping in 1936, and Myrtle Beach was incorporated in 1938. The Myrtle Beach Air Force Base was established in the 1940s and used for coastal patrols during World War II. The Myrtle Beach Pavilion opened in 1949 and continues to delight families year after year.
Hurricanes have always played a crucial role in Myrtle Beach area history and development. In 1954, Hurricane Hazel demolished buildings and trees all along the Strand and, consequently, cleared the way for newer, larger hotels and homes. During the 1960s, a golf boom began and still continues; today, the number of courses totals 115. In the 1970s and '80s, construction of attractions, homes, retail shops, and other developments increased steadily, triggering another boom in the early '90s that resulted in the Myrtle Beach area becoming one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country.
Phenomenal expansion and development have contributed to the Grand Strand's national reputation as a year-round resort, with numerous hotels, golf courses, restaurants, theaters, entertainment/shopping complexes, and attractions. Each year, millions of visitors come to the Grand Strand, and thousands of new residents relocate to the area.
Among Recent Accolades:
2018 ACCOLADES
TRIPADVISOR
2018 MOST EXCELLENT PLACES TO TRAVEL
TripAdvisor recently recognized global travel destinations with Certificates of Excellence, and Myrtle Beach was named as one of the world’s “Most Excellent Cities for Experiences.” Myrtle Beach was one of only six U.S. cities recognized in all categories. Certificates of Excellence are awarded to destinations with hotels, restaurants, and attractions that provide excellent service and receive consistently high traveler reviews.
RESONANCE CONSULTANCY
2018 AMERICA’S BEST SMALL CITIES
Resonance Consultancy named Myrtle Beach to its 2018 America’s Best Cities list, ranking it no. 9. Myrtle Beach earned their spot for entertainment options with its numerous family attractions and activities, and was praised for its airport connectivity, beautiful weather, and growing business community.
SPORTS DESTINATION MANAGEMENT
2018 READER’S CHOICE: BEST OVERALL DESTINATION
AND FAVORITE DESTINATION FOR ACCOMODATIONS & HOSPITALITY
The readers of Sports Destination Management named Myrtle Beach as one of their three favorite destinations in the publication’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards. Myrtle Beach was chosen as an ideal venue due to its state-of-the-art facilities for competitive athletics and many attractions and entertainment options outside of the sporting venues. Myrtle Beach was also selected as a top destination for accommodations and hospitality with its numerous lodging options, activities and award-winning Chamber staff.
US NEWS & WORLD REPORT
BEST PLACES PEOPLE ARE MOVING TO IN 2018
Myrtle Beach was named the best place to live for people moving in 2018. The area was named due to its high migration rate, affordable housing and beautiful weather year-round.
TRIPADVISOR
20 BEST VACATIONS FOR TEENS & PARENTS ALIKE
Myrtle Beach was named one of the top 20 best vacations the entire family will enjoy. TripAdvisor selected the area for its activities that appeal to all ages including the SkyWheel, Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Odditorium, Broadway Grand Prix and Wild Water & Wheels.
TRAVEL PULSE
2018 25 BEST BEACHES IN THE UNITED STATES
Travel Pulse selected Myrtle Beach as one of the top 25 beaches in the United States. Myrtle Beach was selected due to its expansive stretch of shoreline and variety of attractions, shops and restaurants with ocean views.
US NEWS & WORLD REPORT
2018 BEST FAMILY SUMMER VACATIONS
US News & World Report named Myrtle Beach the eighth best family summer vacation destination for its clean beaches, amusement parks, outlet malls, golf courses, and restaurants. The magazine called Myrtle Beach the ideal destination for budget-minded families looking for a variety of entertainment options without spending a fortune.
WHERE TO RETIRE
2018 TOP DESTINATION AREAS FOR RETIREES
Where to Retire Magazine named Myrtle Beach the 10th best place to retire due to receiving an estimated 2,373 retiree-aged people annually.
USA TODAY 10BEST
2018 BEST SOUTH CAROLINA BEACHES
USA Today Readers’ Choice named Cherry Grove Beach and Myrtle Beach the top two beaches in South Carolina. Cherry Grove Beach was chosen for its 985-foot fishing pier and expansive sandy beaches on either side and Myrtle Beach was named the crown jewel for its 60 miles of beaches and world class golf. In addition to the first two spots, Pawleys Island took third and Surfside Beach took number seven.
COASTAL LIVING
2018 MOST AFFORDABLE BEACH TOWNS IN AMERICA
Coastal Living named Myrtle Beach, South Carolina number six on the list of most affordable beach towns in America. With its median home price of $199,000, access to 60 miles of sandy beaches and an average of 215 sunny days a year, Myrtle Beach proudly takes a spot on this list.
US NEWS & WORLD REPORT
2018 BEST FAMILY BEACH VACATIONS IN THE USA
US News & World Report named Myrtle Beach the fifth best family beach vacation destination for its clean beaches, amusement parks, outlet malls, golf courses, and restaurants. The magazine called Myrtle Beach the ideal destination for budget-minded families looking for a variety of entertainment options without spending a fortune.
USA TODAY 10BEST
2018 BEST SOUTH CAROLINA ATTRACTIONS
USA Today named the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and SkyWheel to the list of 10 Best South Carolina Attractions. The SkyWheel was recognized as the largest ferris wheel on the East Coast with scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and entire Grand Strand, and the Boardwalk for its 1.2 miles of open-air cafes, shops and more spanning the beachfront.
AFAR MAGAZINE
2018 TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARDS: THE TOP DESTINATIONS FOR 2018
AFAR Magazine ranked Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as a finalist for best U.S. Beach. The magazine’s readers voted on for places on top of their travel wish list for 2018, including the Grand Strand.
TRAVEL PULSE
2018 BEST DESTINATIONS FOR A LAST-MINUTE VACATION
Travel Pulse named Myrtle Beach the second-best destination for a last minute vacation due to its beautiful beaches, local cuisines and welcoming residents. The area’s 425 hotels and 98,000 rooms offer plenty of room for last-minute vacationers.
COMPASS + TWINE
2018 EAST COAST VS. WEST COAST: BATTLE OF THE BEACHES
Compass + Twine named Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as the best family beach due to its bright white sand and wide range of entertainment, including bars, arcades and souvenir stands.
TRAVEL CHANNEL
2018 10 BEST EAST COAST BEACHES
Travel Channel featured Myrtle Beach as one of the best East Coast beaches in the United States. Myrtle Beach was selected due to its silky white sands and plethora of restaurants, live entertainment, amusement parks and water parks.
EXPEDIA
2018 SAY "SEE YA" TO WINTER IN THESE 25 CITIES
Expedia ranked Myrtle Beach as one of the top places to say “see ya” to winter. Myrtle Beach was selected for its golf links, lazy rivers and sparkling coastline.
INSURIFY
2018 GREENEST CITY AWARDS
INSURIFY named Myrtle Beach the Greenest City in South Carolina. To create the list of winners, Insurify’s data scientists analyzed over 1.5 million vehicles input because statistics show that vehicles represent one of the single greatest sources of polluting emissions in the United States, so the award shows the world that Myrtle Beach is having a meaningful, positive impact on the environment.
SOUTHERN LIVING
2018 GREAT SOUTHERN DOG PARKS
Southern Living named Barc Park South one of the best southern dog parks due to the park being fully fenced in and including a large lake.
FAMILY VACATION CRITIC
2018 BEST FAMILY BEACHES
TripAdvisor’s family vacation site listed Surfside Beach one of the best family beaches in 2018 for not only being a family friendly beach destination, but for being the first certified autism friendly destination in the world. The staff at many of their accommodating hotels, attractions and restaurants have all been certified by Champion Autism Network. In addition, the beaches, public restrooms and showers are all accessible by wheelchair.
BROOKLYN BICYCLE COMPANY
2018 MOST BIKEABLE COASTAL CITIES IN AMERICA
Brooklyn Bicycle Co. named Myrtle Beach on their list of most bikeable coastal cities in America. The company credited Myrtle Beach for its views of the Atlantic Ocean and other natural scenery and called out some of the most famous trails like the 12-mile Waccamaw Neck Bikeway, the 26-mile trail in Huntington Beach State Park, the scenic Conway Riverwalk, and portions of the epic 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway, which spans from Canada to Key West.
REVIEWIT MAGAZINE
2018 BEACH BASH: 25 OF THE BEST BEACHES IN AMERICA
ReviewIt Magazine named Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as one of the best 25 beaches in America. Myrtle Beach was selected for its shopping, thrilling rides, exciting attractions, sizzling nightlife and sophisticated cultural scene.
HSMAI ADRIAN AWARD
2018 GOLD - VISIT MYRTLE BEACH PROMOTS INCLUSIVITY AS AUTISM-FRIENDLY DESTINATION
Hospitality Sales & Marketing International (HSMAI) honored the marketing and public relations team at Visit Myrtle Beach/Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce with a Gold Adrian Award for their public relations campaign titled: Visit Myrle Beach Promotes Inclusivity as Autism-Friendly Travel Destination. This was the 61st annual Adrian Awards, the largest and most prestigious global travel marketing competition.
2017 ACCOLADES
TRIPADVISOR RENTALS
2017 20 AFFORDABLE CHRISTMAS VACATIONS TO TAKE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
TripAdvisor Rentals named Myrtle Beach to its list of the 20 affordable Christmas vacations to take this holiday season. Myrtle Beach earned a the No. 5 spot on this list thanks to its affordability of nightly rental rates, for less than $150/night.
TRAVEL + LEISURE
2017 7 AMAZING SOUTH CAROLINA BEACH DESTINATIONS
Travel + Leisure named Myrtle Beach to its list of the top seven amazing South Carolina beach towns. Myrtle Beach earned a top spot on this list thanks to its 215 days of sun yearly, plus its vibrant nightlife, theaters, upscale shopping, ample outdoor recreational opportunities and 60 miles of beautiful Atlantic Ocean coastline.
COASTAL LIVING
2017 TOP 10 BEST CHRISTMAS BEACH TOWNS
Coastal Living named Myrtle Beach to its list of the top 10 best Christmas beach towns. Myrtle Beach earned the No. 5 spot on this list thanks to 5,500 hand-lit candles at Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles and the Festival of Trees at Ripley’s Aquarium featuring a holiday tree scavenger hunt.
EXPEDIA VIEWFINDER™
2017 THE BEST AMERICAN TOWNS FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING
Expedia ViewFinder™ named Myrtle Beach to its list of the best American towns for holiday shopping. Myrtle Beach earned a spot on this list thanks to the seasonal vendors visitors can find at the Holiday Bazaar at The Market Commons and wintery events such as the Lighting of the Menorah at Valor Park to the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta.
COASTAL LIVING
2017 10 BEACH TOWNS WITH THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF LIFE
Coastal Living named Myrtle Beach to its list of the Top 10 beach towns with the highest quality of life. Myrtle Beach earned the No. 9 spot on this list, citing that residents benefit from the shops, restaurants and facilities.
TRIPADVISOR RENTALS
2017 TOP SUMMER BEACH HOUSE DESTINATIONS FOR FAMILIES
TripAdvisor Rentals named Myrtle Beach to its lists of top summer beach house destinations for families. Myrtle Beach earned a spot on this list because “it has something for everyone,” including affordable vacation rentals, attractions and a variety of dining options.
TRAVEL+LEISURE
2017 AMERICA’S BEST TOWNS FOR JULY 4th
Travel+Leisure named Myrtle Beach to its list of America’s best towns for July 4th. The destination’s numerous dining options, including fresh seafood and barbecue, were specifically mentioned, as well as its various summertime fireworks displays.
TRIPADVISOR RENTALS
2017 AFFORDABLE JULY 4TH GETAWAYS
TripAdvisor Rentals named Myrtle Beach to its list of affordable July 4th getaways. Earning the No. 4 spot on this list, Myrtle Beach offers vacationers affordable airfare, lodging and a variety of outdoor concerts, events and parades.
COASTAL LIVING
2017 BEST BEACH BOARDWALKS
Coastal Living named Myrtle Beach to its list of best beach boardwalks. The Myrtle Beach boardwalk provides a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, earning it the No. 13 spot on this list.
TRAVELBIRD
2017 MOST INSTAGRAMMED TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
TravelBird named Myrtle Beach to its list of the most Instagrammed tourist attractions. Myrtle Beach earned the No. 10 spot on this list domestically and the No. 19 spot on this list internationally.
TRIPADVISOR
2017 10 U.S. DESTINATIONS WHERE TRAVELERS CAN SAVE BIG THIS FALL
TripAdvisor named Myrtle Beach to its list of 10 popular U.S. destinations where travelers can find great value on a fall trip. Based on a TripAdvisor search of more than 200 booking sites, Myrtle Beach earned a top spot on this list for its affordable airfare and average nightly hotel room rates.
RESONANCE CONSULTANCY
2017 AMERICA’S BEST CITIES
Resonance Consultancy named Myrtle Beach to its 2017 America’s Best Cities List, ranking it no. 7 on the 50 Best Small American Cities for 2017. Myrtle Beach earned the top spot for entertainment options with its numerous family attractions and activities, and was praised for its airport connectivity, sunsets and visitor promotions.
TRIPADVISOR
2017 20 BEST AFFORDABLE SUMMER VACATION SPOTS IN THE USA
TripAdvisor Rentals analyzed the average cost of vacation homes around the United States to come up with a list of affordable and fun destinations. Myrtle Beach was named as an affordable destination for making family memories, highlighting such activities as the SkyWheel, baseball games, mini-golf and much more.
TRIPADVISOR
2017 10 MOST POPULAR SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS WITH THE BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
In TripAdvisor’s inaugural TripMaximizer Report, which studied how far travelers’ dollars can stretch in this year’s 10 most popular spring destinations, Myrtle Beach was ranked as the no. 1 destination overall due in part to its affordable airfares and average nightly hotel costs.
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
2017 BEST CHEAP SPRING BREAK DESTINATIONS
After careful consideration by the editorial team on several factors including hotel costs, free activities and overall atmosphere, Myrtle Beach was named the best cheap spring destination by U.S. News & World Report. It was also named no. 3 in best family beach destinations in the USA and in the top ten of best affordable family vacations, alternative Spring Break destinations and family vacation in the USA by the publication.
TRIPADVISOR
2017 TOP TRENDING SPOTS FOR A SUMMER 2017 VACATION RENTAL STAY
Myrtle Beach was ranked no. 4 on the list of the trendiest spots for a summer 2017 vacation rental stay.
CONVENTIONSOUTH
2017 NEW OR RENOVATED MEETING SITES AWARD
ConventionSouth magazine chose the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront as one of its top new or renovated meeting sites for 2017. The hotel recently completed a property-wide renovation, adding a new main building with an ocean-view lobby and guest registration along with new entertainment offerings including restaurants and a food market, and redesigning its 452 oceanfront guest rooms.
TRAVELCHANNEL.COM
2017 BEST EAST COAST BEACHES
Myrtle Beach was named one of the best East Coast beaches by TravelChannel.com for its beaches, amusement and water parks, restaurants and live entertainment.
ABOUT.COM/TRIPSAVVY
2017 TOP 5 SOUTH CAROLINA RV PARKS YOU MUST VISIT
Myrtle Beach’s Ocean Lakes Family Campground was named to About.com's "Top 5 South Carolina RV Parks You Must Visit" list. The list features five RV parks from various regions of South Carolina. About.com referred to Ocean Lakes as a “lovely RV Park.” Ocean Lakes is the first campground in the Myrtle Beach area to be recognized.
Historic Points of Interest
Rice and Indigo Plantations, centuries-old churches, unique museums, and even haunted cemeteries speak volumes about the rich history, culture, and character of Horry and Georgetown counties.
More History on Horry County
Includes historical photographs, books on county history and geneology, history of Horry County government, Horry County Historical Society, ghosts, and more from the Horry County Government web site.