Here are our expert tips on how to make your vacation the most enjoyable.
For the most part, vacationers have free reign on the beaches to enjoy the sun, play in the sand, socialize, and swim. But if you’re used to hanging by the water in other cities, you might find the rules in Myrtle Beach can be quite different. Bringing the items on this don’t list can even result in misdemeanor charges and hefty fines, turning one of the best “free” things to do in Myrtle Beach into an expensive learning lesson and disappointing vacation.
WHAT ITEMS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON MYRTLE BEACH?
ALCOHOL
Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages on beaches are strictly forbidden. Many people do not know that alcohol is not allowed on the Beach. This is not an easy rule to sneak around due to law enforcement actively patrolling on four-wheelers. Save yourself a lot of hassle, money, and legal woes, and leave the drinks at your accommodations. You can always grab a cocktail at a beach bar after you finish your day in the sand.
GLASS
This is a public service message if there ever was one. The no-glass rule has been saving feet from cuts and scrapes since its inception. Use plastic bottles and containers or aluminum cans on the beach—and be extra thoughtful and recycle them when you’re done.
TENTS
There are very specific seasonal rules for umbrellas and tents on beaches. Myrtle Beach bans large-canopy tents for safety reasons. So forgo the expensive, bulky tent and take a beach umbrella instead. Or, better yet, rent your chairs and umbrellas and let someone else set them up and take them down for you!
BICYCLES
From 10 a.m. to 5 a.m. from May 1 through Labor Day, bicycles (and tricycles) are prohibited from the beaches. During the off-season, bikes are allowed at any time. To be fair, this rule shouldn’t upset anyone because bikes are cumbersome to pack in the first place.
ANIMALS
Don’t bring your dog to the beach, even if you really want to: Your pup isn’t allowed between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the summer months. After Labor Day (and before May 1), dogs may accompany you at any time, but they must be leashed, and poops must be scooped. If you’re traveling with reptiles or exotic animals, remember they are never allowed on the beach. (As you may imagine, service animals are exempt from the prohibited list) Note: Hot sand can burn paw pads! Be aware of the temperature before visiting the beach with your dog during the hours dogs are welcome.
FIREWORKS
Independence Day revelers will have to yield to the authorities on this one. Fireworks are both a nuisance and a hazard. Just don’t do it. Leave the fireworks shows to us—we’re experts and you can see them many times during the summer at Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach, and Myrtle Beach Pelicans games.
GRILLS/FIRES
Starting a fire is never allowed on the beaches. This includes barbecues and bonfires, and the rule stands even if you get hungry or cold. Save yourself the work and fines, pull on a sweater, and leave the cooking to these burger restaurants or the grill at your vacation rental.
VEHICLES
No cars are allowed on the Grand Strand beaches! Know that this beach law also applies to golf carts, ATVs, motorcycles, and similar motorized transport, which all fall under the umbrella of vehicles.”
THONG BATHING SUITS
In case you read this while finalizing your packing list, leave your thong-style swimsuits at home. These are prohibited in public in Myrtle Beach. You’ll need to spring for something with a little more coverage before you hit the family-friendly pools and beaches.
ITEMS THAT DON’T BELONG ON THE BEACH
This category of items has no business on the beach, and you shouldn’t need us to tell you about it, but for the sake of transparency, we’re including no-brainers below. Please, don’t bring these to the beach. We realize they aren’t totally illegal, but they are unnecessary:
WEAPONS
Not necessary, folks. This is a happy place.
PLASTIC BAGS
North Myrtle Beach has enacted a plastic bag ban in City Limits. While Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas don’t have this in a law now, if you are environmentally conscience, tote your belongings and snacks in canvas bags and reusable plastic containers instead.
LOUD MUSIC
Tunes make everything better, usually, but not when cranked up to ear-splitting levels. If you insist on bringing a small stereo, keep the volume at a level that won’t disturb the people next to you—better yet, why not opt for some earbuds or earphones? And for the sake of the kids, keep the content clean.
SURFBOARDS / KAYAKS
While surfboards and kayaks are not prohibited outright, their use is governed by a few rules, as are flotation devices. Check each city’s laws before hanging ten.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT SHOULDN’T YOU DO ON THE BEACH?
When headed to the beach, do not disrupt fellow visitors with loud music or wear inappropriate beachwear. Do not consume alcohol or set up camp with your bike, dog, or beach tent during the busy summer season.
CAN YOU HAVE ALCOHOL ON THE BEACH?
No. We can’t answer the question, “Is alcohol allowed on Myrtle Beach?” enough. But many visitors, most of whom are surprised alcohol is prohibited on our beaches, ask time and again.
CAN YOU BRING COOLERS TO THE BEACH AT MYRTLE BEACH?
Yes, coolers are allowed on the beaches if they do not contain alcohol or glass, as both items are prohibited. A cooler can hold snacks, soda or water, and even a tube or can of sunscreen (pro tip!).
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