North Myrtle Beach is the northernmost beach community on South Carolina’s Grand Strand, the popular stretch of seashore extending 60 miles down the state’s Atlantic Coast. The city’s own nine miles of shoreline are dotted with pretty beach houses and homey cottages. Peppered amongst the many North Myrtle Beach rentals, visitors will find seafood restaurants for local oysters and sweet crab, lively nightlife spots, charming shops, and theatres, as well as tranquil spas and pristine golf courses. This family favorite offers an abundance of water parks, mini-golf venues, and go-kart tracks, and there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water with the area’s boating tours, kayak rentals, jet ski excursions, and parasailing courses. If you prefer a more relaxed beach experience, head to one of the city’s two piers for a low-key day in the ocean breeze. The area’s peaceful green spaces are also home to hiking and biking trails for outdoors aficionados, from Russell Burgess Coastal Preserve to 10-acre McLean Park with its lake and bandstands.

North Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand region is primarily served by Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), an easy 30-minute journey from town. Larger Charleston International Airport (CHS) is around two and a half hours’ drive away. A taxi ride or renting a car are the most convenient options to get from either airport to North Myrtle Beach. While public transportation in the area isn’t extensive, there is a bus line offered by Coast RTA — Myrtle Beach’s public transit authority — which travels between stops in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach. Although car travel is convenient for getting around, many North Myrtle Beach house rentals are within easy walking distance of the beach.

Visitors are drawn to North Myrtle Beach from June through August when the days are longer and temperatures reach up into the 80s and 90s. The beach is buzzing at this time of year and the city’s range of alfresco dining options and packed program of outdoor concerts and festivals are a major draw. North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex hosts the absorbing Sounds of Summer schedule, which features a concert every third Friday of the month throughout the season. Meanwhile, Cherry Grove Pier lights up the sky — and the moonlit waves — with a fireworks display on the 4th of July. Things cool down a bit between November and March, when locals and visitors alike can enjoy the live music and winter shows at the area’s two performing arts centers.

Barefoot Landing

When the sun goes down, live music fans head to Barefoot Landing, an entertainment complex set along the Intercoastal Waterway. But there’s plenty more to keep all ages occupied — try your hand at the ropes course, take a ride on the carousel, or sample a local beer at the on-site brewery.

Take a walk on Cherry Grove Pier

Soak up the ocean scenery and views of the Grand Strand from Cherry Grove Pier. The wooden pier stretches 985 feet into the Atlantic and features an observation deck at the end — bring your binoculars along for some wildlife-spotting. Early risers will be rewarded with a striking sunrise as fishers set up their rods.

Everything Under the Sun Flea Market

Go on a treasure hunt at Everything Under the Sun, North Myrtle Beach’s largest flea market featuring over 100 vendors. This indoor space runs the gamut from home goods to crafts and clothing. Enjoy the search for that hidden gem, then head over to the cafe for a bite.