History of the Beaches

North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach was created in 1968 with the consolidation of Cherry Grove Beach, Crescent Beach, Ocean Drive Beach, and Windy Hill Beach. Did you know Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive Beach, Crescent Beach and Windy Hill were formerly small, separate beach towns? These beaches came together as North Myrtle Beach in May 1968.

BEACHES IN NORTH MYRTLE BEACH
The sound of waves hitting the shore, the smell and taste of fresh salty air, the feel of sand beneath your feet, and water stretching out as far as the eye can see. Nothing engages all the senses like a day at the beach. Wide and welcoming, the beaches of North Myrtle Beach offer plenty of room to relax, spread out, and move at your own pace.
Cherry Grove
Cherry Grove Beach has consistently been named the best beach in South Carolina. Located at the north end of NMB, the highlight is the iconic Cherry Grove Pier. Stretching out hundreds of feet over the water, you can see for miles from the top of the observation deck. There’s a bait and tackle shop on-site if you want to throw a line in the water and see what you catch. To get a bit closer to the water, let Aloha Watersports take you out on a boat to parasail high above the ocean or guide you on a laughter-inducing banana boat ride. When you’re ready to eat, there are options for whatever type of dining you’re in the mood for. At the Prince Resort, you’ll find both the Boardwalk Beach Cafe, a casual eatery on the pier, and 3500 Ocean Grill, offering fresh cuisine from the resort’s lobby tower. Or you can head to Cherry Grove Oceanfront Park for a picnic with a view.
Ocean Drive Beach
Sun, sand, and some Carolina Shag dancing await you at Ocean Drive Beach (or O-D as we call it). The beachfront OD Pavilion is the home of the classic dance, and has live music to get you moving while also featuring nostalgic amusement park rides and attractions. Just a quick walk from the beach will take you to Main Street where Fat Harold’s Beach Club is home to the Ocean Drive Shag Club, another option for shag dancing. Once you’ve worked up an appetite playing in the waves, you can grab a bite and a drink at Duffy Street Seafood Shack where drinks are served by the fishbowl along with all of your seafood favorites. After dinner, satisfy your sweet tooth with a cup or cone of homemade artisanal ice cream from Melt, or craft your own bag of treats from Main Sweets.
Windy Hill Beach
At the southern end of NMB is Windy Hill Beach. If you can tear yourself away from the sand and sun, you’ll love cruising around on a bike or golf cart rental from Trailblaze Adventure Grand Strand. On wheels, you’ll get a different view of the beach and perhaps spy the best spot to lay out. Once you’ve soaked up enough sun, cool off with a frozen drink from the Tipsy Turtle Beach Bar at Beach Cove Resort where they have non-alcoholic drinks for the kids.
Crescent Beach
Tucked away between Ocean Drive and Windy Hill beaches is Crescent Beach. This hidden gem is a perfect place to plant your beach umbrella and enjoy a day of fun in the sun. Here you can toss the frisbee around or take your boogie board in the ocean and try and ride the waves back to the beach. Take your day in Crescent Beach to new heights with New Wave Watersports where parasailing adventures and thrilling banana boat rides launch directly from the beach! Steps away from the beach, you’ll be able to dine with the locals at their favorite restaurants like Molly Darcy’s and Bay Watch Cafe.
Atlantic Beach
Known as The Black Pearl, this independent community has a rich history of embracing change and progress. Recreation on this quiet beach includes renting a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard from Atlantic Watersports where one of their expert instructors will also provide a quick orientation to get you riding the waves in no time.
Neighborhoods
· Barefoot
· Cherry Grove Beach
· Crescent Beach
· Ingram Beach
· Little River Neck
· Ocean Creek
· Ocean Drive Beach
· Seabrook Plantation
· Tidewater
· Windy Hill Beach
Notable People
· Ryan Quigley – football punter who has played for
the Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago
Bears, New York Jets, and Philadelphia Eagles.
· Lou Saban, former football coach; lived here until
his death
· Kelly Tilghman, Golf Channel broadcaster and PGA
Tour’s first female lead golf announcer
· Vanna White, television personality known for
co-hosting Wheel of Fortune
More beaches….
Some of the Best Beaches near Myrtle Beach!
Myrtle Beach State Park
Located in the heart of the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach State Park is one of the most popular public beaches along the South Carolina coast. This 312-acre oceanfront park plays a major role in preserving
and maintaining a portion of the natural heritage of South Carolina’s coastline. This traditional state park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and has the distinction of being the first state park open to the public in South Carolina. Myrtle Beach State Park includes a campground, cabins, nearly a mile of beach, picnic areas, a fishing pier and nature center. In addition, a nature trail provides a rare opportunity to see one of the last stands of maritime forest on the northern coast of South Carolina. Because of this distinction, the forest has been declared a Heritage Trust Site.
Surfside/Garden city Beaches
Beautiful family fun beach, a bit more quiet than Myrtle Beach. Garden City Beach was struck by Hurricane Hazel in October 1954, and left only two homes habitable. The community was struck again by Hurricane Hugo is 1989, where nearly half of the beachfront structures were destroyed, including what was then known as ‘The Kingfisher Pier. The Pier at Garden City Formally known as the Kingfisher Pier that was completely destroyed by Hurricane Hugo and replaced, It is approximately 668 feet (204m) long, with a rain shelter at the end of the pier which includes a bar and nightly live music during the tourist season. Recently the pier was destroyed again. The old Surfside pier was heavily damaged by Hurricane Matthew in October 2016. Crews work on Surfside Pier that is slated to reopen later in 2022, five years after it as destroyed by Hurricane Matthew.
Huntington Beach State Park
A sweeping Grand Strand beach, pristine and wide open, stands as one of the most recognizable South Carolina landmarks. Revel in sea-breeze camping, the finest surf fishing South Carolina has to offer and some of the top bird-watching on the East Coast. That’s not all Huntington Beach State Park has to offer. There are also South Carolina landmarks such as Atalaya, the picturesque, Moorish-style winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, philanthropist and sculptor, respectively, who left the park and adjacent Brookgreen Gardens as their legacy. Nature lovers also will enjoy the park’s wide variety of programming, including the chance to see loggerhead turtles and other endangered plant and animal species up close. The park’s freshwater lake is a sure-fire place to see alligators and sometimes even a mink or two. Art lovers, meanwhile, flock by the thousands to the prestigious, juried Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival held each September in and around the former home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington.
Litchfield Beach
Situated along an Atlantic coast barrier island, in a region known as the South Carolina Lowcountry, Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach areas are renowned for their serene natural surroundings, laid-back atmosphere, and close proximity to all of the attractions of nearby Myrtle Beach. A vacation getaway in a condo or beach house rental by The Litchfield Company brings you the relaxation and tranquility of a quiet beach oasis, as well as the opportunity to explore the excitement of South Carolina’s Hammock Coast. From its delightful seafood restaurants to its range of area golf courses, Pawleys Island is the destination of choice for visitors looking to escape the fast-paced entertainment scene, in exchange for a more nuanced and tranquil adventure. More specifically, within the city of Pawleys Island, the Litchfield Beach area offers picturesque views and unforgettable moments with an ocean backdrop and a sense of relaxing seclusion. Conveniently located, Litchfield Beach & Golf vacation rentals provide guests with both the comforts of home and the enjoyment of vacation.
Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island is a barrier island less than 4 miles long and mostly 1 house wide, separated from the mainland by a beautiful salt marsh and accessible by two short causeways. Generations of visitors have returned with the feeling that “their blood pressure goes down when they cross the causeway.” The Civil War and several major hurricanes have changed the face of the island but it still retains the nickname “arrogantly shabby.” Unlike its neighboring resort islands, parts of Pawleys have changed little since the 1700’s. In our historic district you will see a number of signs with a brief history of the antebellum homes, most of which are available for summer rental. Many of these homes are still owned by 3rd, 4th or 5th generations of the same families. In 2012, Liberty Lodge celebrated ownership by
one single family for 100 years! Often is heard the quote “we like the kind of people who like Pawleys” and among these people is a special feeling of treasure shared. Our Town government was incorporated in 1985 and is committed to maintaining the laidback lifestyle and ambiance that is a part of that treasure. Although less secluded and more upscale than it was only a decade ago, Pawleys still retains quaintness and a relaxed pace which makes it a unique island along the US east coast. The beach is peaceful and pristine, and renowned for its surf. Within five miles of the island there are approximately ten first-rate golf courses and a large tennis complex. Fishing is available both in the surf and from our two marsh bridges. On the island are three fine launch boat ramps. Pawleys is a family
beach where you can enjoy crabbing off a crab dock, shelling, biking and canoeing or kayaking. The ambiance is laid back. Our town speed limit is 25 mph, making it as safe as possible for the many users of the road. During high tide explore the salt marsh with your own kayak or rent one. Swimming, fishing and sunning are the main activities of the day. Night life consists of dining out, long conversations on screened porches, shopping in a mainland boutique or strolling the beach.

Please feel free to message or Call the Myrtle Beach Wedding Chapel sand and surf weddings to ask about other locations as well! Pastor Martin has traveled to North Carolina in the past to help make your day perfect! (843) 626-6905

Resources
https://www.explorenorthmyrtlebeach.com/things-to-do/beaches/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_City,_South_Carolina
https://stateparks.com/myrtle_beach_state_park_in_south_carolina.html                                                                                                                                                                                                             https://southcarolinaparks.com/huntington-beach
https://www.litchfieldbeach.com/,https://www.townofpawleysisland.com/about-pawleys-island/