Visibility, water, current, and wind. The in-water read.
Visibility
Clear
Calm wind
Water
76°
2–3 mm
Current
0 kt
slack
Surge
5.6s
minimal
Wind
2 mph
offshore N
Visibility is an estimate — wind, rain, tide & water alerts.
The spot
What this place is
The things that stay true when the weather changes.
Getting in
Shore access, walk in off the sand
Best conditions
Lifeguards and police beach patrol watch the swimming areas under a color-coded flag system in season, so check the flag before getting in. Surfing and kayaking are limited to five marked zones along the beach and to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 1 through Labor Day, and surf anglers must stay at least 50 feet clear of swimmers.
Getting through the gate
No fee to enter the beach itself. The only cost is metered parking.
Parking
Metered parking at beach accesses citywide runs $3 an hour or $15 for the day, enforced 9 a.m. to midnight daily from March 1 through September 30, the city's paid parking season.
Rip currents are a real hazard on this stretch of coast: the city's own beach guidance links out to rip current and beach flag information, and the National Weather Service office in Wilmington, which covers Horry County, notes rip currents form most often near low tide and around structures like jetties and piers, A double red flag closes the water to swimming, and violations of the city's beach ordinances are misdemeanors carrying up to a $500 fine or 30 days in jail, or both, Swimming and surfing are barred within 75 yards of any pier, Alcohol and glass containers are banned on the beach, Open fires, including barbecues and bonfires, are banned on the beach
When is the best time to get in at Myrtle Beach, SC?
Lifeguards and police beach patrol watch the swimming areas under a color-coded flag system in season, so check the flag before getting in. Surfing and kayaking are limited to five marked zones along the beach and to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 1 through Labor Day, and surf anglers must stay at least 50 feet clear of swimmers.
Where do you park at Myrtle Beach, SC?
Metered parking at beach accesses citywide runs $3 an hour or $15 for the day, enforced 9 a.m. to midnight daily from March 1 through September 30, the city's paid parking season.