Welcome to the fascinating world of the history of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Sit back and learn about the beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, and rich culture that surrounds the area. From its Native American roots to its early settlement by English colonists and more, this area has had a long and storied past. In this blog, you will explore the incredible history of North Myrtle Beach through stories and photographs from its earliest days to the present. So come along with us on this journey to discover just what makes North Myrtle Beach so special!
Overview of North Myrtle beach
North Myrtle Beach is a coastal city located in the Grand Strand region of South Carolina. It is known for its white sandy beaches, diverse entertainment options, and family-friendly attractions that appeal to visitors of all ages.
Geographical Location
North Myrtle Beach is located on the northernmost section of the Grand Strand along the Atlantic Coast. The city is situated between two of South Carolina’s other major cities, Conway and Myrtle Beach, and is easily accessible from Charleston, Wilmington, and other cities in the region.
Early History of North Myrtle Beach
The area that would eventually become North Myrtle Beach was first inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Waccamaw, Pee Dee, and Catawba. These tribes would hunt and fish in the coastal marshes, harvested oysters and clams, and gathered wild plants for food.
19th Century Development
In the 19th century, the area was explored by European settlers who began to settle the land and establish small fishing villages along the coast. By 1851, several small towns had been incorporated along what became known as the Grand Strand in South Carolina.
20th Century Development
The early 20th century saw a boom in tourism to the Grand Strand area, with more people visiting for vacations and extended stays at resorts, cottages, and beachfront homes. By 1930, North Myrtle Beach had become a popular vacation destination for tourists from all over the United States and beyond.
Founding of the City of North Myrtle Beach in 1968
In 1968, the City of North Myrtle Beach was formed from five small beachfront towns all located between Conway and Myrtle Beach, thus officially establishing North Myrtle Beach as an incorporated municipality in South Carolina.
Modern Expansion and Growth
Over the course of the last few decades, North Myrtle Beach has continued to expand in both size and population due to its growing popularity as a vacation destination. In recent years, new developments such as luxury resorts, high-end shopping outlets, and family-friendly attractions have been added to the city’s offerings to visitors.
North Myrtle Beach Attractions and Activities
Beaches and Waterfront Parks
North Myrtle Beach boasts some of the best beaches on the eastern seaboard with miles of shoreline perfect for swimming, fishing, crabbing, surfing, kayaking, and sunbathing. Additionally, there are numerous waterfront parks throughout the city with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway where visitors can enjoy picnics or strolls along boardwalks and nature trails.
Here are the four most popular beaches in North Myrtle beach:
Cherry Grove Beach: Located in the heart of North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove Beach is a fan-favorite with local heartbeats and tourists alike. This beach is best known for its long stretches of pristine white sand, excellent surf, and an abundance of seafood restaurants. There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy, such as jet skiing and parasailing.
Crescent Beach: Crescent Beach is a tranquil area just north of Myrtle Beach that offers a bit more privacy than the other beaches in the area. It's perfect for those looking for a day away from the hustle and bustle of the larger beaches. This area is home to several resort areas, so there's no shortage of activities such as swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Windy Hill Beach: Located along the northern end of North Myrtle Beach, Windy Hill Beach is perfect for those wanting to avoid crowds. This beach boasts a more secluded atmosphere and is great for families with young children. There are also plenty of amenities like picnic pavilions and concessions stands.
Ocean Drive Beach: Ocean Drive Beach is one of North Myrtle Beach’s most popular beaches due to its easy access and vast array of amenities. This beach has something for everyone; from water sports like surfing and parasailing to volleyball courts and arcades. There's also plenty of classic coastal cuisine available at its beachside restaurants.
No matter which beach you choose in North Myrtle Beach, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun! Whether you prefer to relax on the sand or enjoy thrilling water activities, these four popular beaches have something for everyone.
Outdoor Adventures
The area around North Myrtle Beach provides ample opportunity for adventure seekers looking for thrills on land or sea. From ziplining high above treetops to jet skiing across miles of open water to exploring unique natural habitats on guided eco-tours - there is something for everyone!
Shopping & Dining Venues
From buzzing boardwalk arcades to upscale boutique shops and malls - North Myrtle Beach has something for everyone when it comes to shopping! The city also boasts a wide variety of restaurants where visitors can enjoy local seafood dishes or international cuisine while taking in stunning views of the nearby ocean or marina.
Entertainment & Nightlife
A visit to North Myrtle Beach would mean taking advantage of its nightlife scene! The city offers an array of bars, nightclubs, and live music venues where people can dance or sing along with some of their favorite songs or local bands.
Golf Courses & Resorts
North Myrtle Beach is home to several world-class golf courses and luxury resorts offering unparalleled amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, championship golf courses and more! Visitors can enjoy spending their days relaxing in style or challenging their skills on the links at one of these exquisite locations.
Museums & Historical Sites
North Myrtle Beach is steeped in history that can be explored at its numerous museums and historical sites such as The Franklin G Burroughs-Simeon B Chapin Art Museum which features works by local artists, or The North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum, which showcases artifacts from the area’s past that highlight its rich cultural heritage.
Family Friendly Attractions
Surely no visit to North Myrtle Beach would be complete without taking advantage of its many attractions geared towards families, such as Ripley’s Aquarium - South Carolina’s largest aquarium - which offers hands-on experiences with aquatic creatures from around the world or Family Kingdom Amusement Park with over 30 rides including a classic wooden roller coaster!
Conclusion
For more than 100 years now, North Myrtle Beach has welcomed people from all corners of the globe with its enchanting coastline offering miles of beaches backed by lush maritime forests teaming with wildlife - plus its rich cultural heritage featuring popular attractions that appeal to every age group! Whether it’s wandering through historical sites or basking in some sunshine while playing a round of golf, - North Myrtle Beach provides something special for everyone who visits!
