Beach Info

Here is some basic information to help you prepare for your trip to one of the world's greatest beaches.

General Travel Tips

Sources of information
Avoid sunburn
Do you need a lifeguard?
Protect your valuables
Carry travelers checks
Foreign currency exchange
Automatic Teller Machines
Keep important documents
Traffic considerations
Beach Safety Tips

Myrtle Beach FAQ

Are dogs allowed on the beach?
Can I fish on the beach? Do I need a license?
What are the average air and water temperatures in Myrtle Beach?
Can we bring horses to Myrtle Beach and ride them on the beach?
Where can we get married or renew our vows while we're at the Beach?

General Travel Tips

In planning a trip to Myrtle Beach, keep these tips in mind

Sources of information
If you're looking for something special, Sands Resorts can help point you in the right direction. Find attractions, restaurants, golf information and more with a simple touch of the keyboard to playinthesands.com or just a short phone call away. You can reach us at 1-800-726-3783. Sands makes it easy to "Play in the Sands!"

Avoid sunburn
Don't let sunburn spoil a great getaway. Use sunscreen with a high SPF. Other pointers: apply sunscreen 30 minutes before exposure to the sun; reapply after swimming, physical activity, or prolonged time in the sun; wear a hat and swimsuit cover-up (or t-shirt) for added protection; avoid the midday sun; don't fall asleep while sunbathing. Finally, beware of cloudy days - burning rays penetrate clouds.

Do you need a lifeguard?
Lifeguards are on duty along many Grand Strand beaches during the summer months. Inexperienced swimmers or families with children should make sure the beach area they visit is staffed by a lifeguard. Other pointers: don't swim alone; if you encounter a riptide (a strong current that can pull you away from shore), yell for help, and begin swimming parallel to the beach until you are free from the current's pull.

Protect your valuables
Don't leave valuable items in your car, hotel room, or other visible/accessible places (such as on a beach towel while swimming).

Carry travelers checks
Lost cash cannot be replaced, but Traveler's Checks can. Traveler's Checks in U.S. currency are widely accepted in the Myrtle Beach area. These checks must be signed twice: first, at the bank in which they are purchased, and second, when they are used to make a purchase - in front of the merchant.

Foreign currency exchange
Foreign currency or foreign traveler's checks can be exchanged at most commercial banks (with proper ID).

Automatic Teller Machines
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available in our hotel lobbies. Emergency cash may be obtained from many commercial banks with a major credit card, if the cardholder has cash advance privileges. Western Union fund transfers also are available, but be sure to verify whether the office can intercede at a local bank if Western Union remits the funds by check rather than cash.

Keep important documents
Keep personal identification, medical information, and health insurance cards with you at all times in case of emergency.

Traffic considerations
Local highways often are congested during rush hour traffic or inclement weather. Familiarize yourself with the area by using road maps and asking for directions. Allow extra time to reach your destination. Tune in to a local radio station for traffic updates. Consider alternate routes when traffic is heavy. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, and be prepared for sudden stops.

Beach Safety Tips
Through the Swim Safe program, local communities offer these safety tips for ocean swimmers:

• Swim in areas with a lifeguard
  
• Swim with a buddy
  
• Swim sober
  
• Don't fight the current (signal for help!)
  
• Don't float where you can't swim
  
• Watch small children closely
  
• Don't dive into the surf (protect your neck!)
  
• Leash your boogie board or surfboard
  
• Ask a lifeguard about ocean water conditions
  
• Look for, read, and obey all beach safety flags
  

Myrtle Beach FAQ

Are dogs allowed on the beach?
The City of Myrtle Beach now prohibits animals of any kind in the downtown area from March 1 through September 30. The law was passed to regulate any accidents or incidents caused by the animals. Currently, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 7 feet.

As a general rule, dogs are not allowed on the Grand Strand beaches from May 1 - Sept. 30 between 9 AM-5 PM. If you are on the beach between 21st Avenue N. and 13th Avenue S. the law is from March 1 (not May 1) through September 30. In areas under the jurisdiction of Horry County (Garden City, South Strand campgrounds and the Shore Drive area between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach), pets are not allowed on the beach between 9 AM and 6 PM from June 1 through September 1. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. In some areas, owners of dogs found running loose may be fined up to $200.00.

Can I fish on the beach? Do I need a license?
Yes, you can fish on the beach and you don't need a license.

What are the average air and water temperatures in Myrtle Beach?

(Information provided by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce)

Can we bring horses to Myrtle Beach and ride them on the beach?
Horses are permitted on the beach beginning the third Saturday in November and ending on the last day in February each year, subject to the following conditions:

1. You must obtain a permit from the city clerk of Myrtle Beach to ride a horse on the beach. Horses are permitted only in Myrtle Beach (not Surfside, Murrells Inlet, Garden City, Etc.).
   
2. Not more than six horses and riders are to be in a single group at one time.
   
3. Riding across or on any sand dune is prohibited.
   
4. Access to the beach will be from Myrtle Beach State Park.
   
5. There will be no parking of horse trailers or staging on the public rights-of-way.
   
6. All riders will be required to clean up after their horses in all areas landward of the mean high tide line.
   

If you want to rent a horse while you're here, you can try the following. However, many stables no longer rent horses for riding on the beach anymore because of the increased insurance liability they have to pay.

M&K Ranch
Conway, SC
843-365-0025

Inlet Point Plantation
North Myrtle Beach, SC
843-249-2989

Beaver Dam Equestrain Center
Adrian Parkway Conway, SC
843-365-9550

Where can we get married or renew our vows while we're at the Beach?
If you're planning to get married while you're in Myrtle Beach, both parties must apply in person Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM at the County Courthouse, located at 1201 3rd Ave. in Conway. That phone number is (843) 248-1294. After you apply, there is a 24-hr. waiting period. Either party can pick up the license after the waiting period. The cost is $50.00. You may get married in the Myrtle Beach Courthouse for an additional $40.00. You will be married in the Courtroom (if it is available) or in another room in the Courthouse. Another option is "Have Gavel - Will Travel", a traveling Justice of the Peace. The phone number is (843) 448-9253.

In addition to the wedding chapels listed below, Sands Resorts can help make arrangements for your wedding and/or reception. Call Group Sales at 800-840-2601. 

Myrtle Beach Wedding Chapel
534 W. Broadway
Myrtle Beach
http://www.myrtlebeachweddingchapel.com/
843-445-9580

Together Forever Wedding Chapel
1912 Hwy. 17 S.
North Myrtle Beach
http://www.mbweddings.com/
843-361-0104
Toll free 800-930-0104

Beach Weddings
807 Sea Mountain Hwy.
North Myrtle Beach
http://www.myrtlebeachweddings.com/
Toll Free 1-888-228-1960