MYRTLE BEACH INFORMATION
Welcome Center

For nearly 200 years people have enjoyed visiting the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area to enjoy the sun, surf and sand that is part of life on the Grand Strand, as it is called today. With over 60 miles of shoreline, the Myrtle Beach Area, as presented by navi-gator^®, stretches from Holden Beach, in North Carolina and continues south to Georgetown.

Myrtle Beach was originally known as Long Bay and it was not until early 1900 that the area became easily accessible to vacationers. The area is appropriately named for the beautiful Myrtle trees that are indigenous to the this part of the coast. The first inhabitants of the area were the Waccamaw and Winyah Indians. In Colonial times, pirates (including the legendary Blackbeard) plied their trade off the coast and wealthy planters and their families, who wanted to escape the malaria infested swamps inland, would summer in the area.

Today the area has become known, not only for its spectacular beaches, but as one of the leading golf destinations in the world. The Grand Strand boasts over 90 golf courses, many of which were designed by such masters as: Robert Trent Jones, Tom Fazio, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, the Dyes, Dan Maples and Rees Jones to name a few. Since 1994 the area has been home to the PGA Senior Tour Championship at the world famous Dunes Golf and Beach Club. It is estimated that the Myrtle Beach area will have over 100 golf courses by the year 2000.

Hosting numerous "Live Entertainment Theaters" ... featuring shows by the popular group ALABAMA (who got their start in a small local night spot in Myrtle Beach), world champion exhibition ice skating and spectacular "Western" shows, the Myrtle Beach area has already become known as "the Branson of the South". Over 100 amusement parks and pavilions, 1800 restaurants, world-class deep sea, pier and surf fishing, endless shopping and a host of cultural activities make Myrtle Beach and the entire Grand Strand area a true, year-round, destination for vacationers and visitors of all ages. With more than 60,000 lodging units available, visitors can always find the perfect accommodations to fit their needs.

With its mild climate, natural "low country" beauty, state-of-the-art medical facilities and overall laid back quality of life, the Myrtle Beach area is popular for those seeking a second home or retirement spot. From private-gated residential golf communities to luxury oceanfront condominiums to affordable homes ... the Myrtle Beach area truly has something for everyone.