A Generations’ Beach Town
North Myrtle Beach is Beach Town, USA, where in the 1940s and 1950s and early 1960s a generation of teenagers created the basis for modern beach culture that persists even today. Images of sandy bodies and bleached out hair…either from the sun or from a bottle, it didn’t matter – ultra-deep tans and a rebellious dance called the Shag done in dance halls and open-air pavilions. Smiling, happy teenagers hanging out at the beach until darkness swallows the horizon, beach music, sand-covered floors of dance halls, the images are familiar to millions of people.
North Myrtle Beach is the birthplace of the Shag, and much of what we consider classic beach style started here, too. Today, North Myrtle Beach is still a beach town, and you can still see the Shag danced out, albeit in Shag clubs and planned performances. The pace is slower these days…those teenagers are older now, and today’s teenagers are more apt to hang out elsewhere, in more trendy spots, the latest hot beach spots, although there are still plenty here to continue the tradition.
Another major attraction of yesteryear that holds its appeal is Barefoot Landing, on the Intercoastal Waterway, a shopping and entertainment complex whose major draw today is the nightlife, such as House of Blues and the Alabama Theater. Read more about these nightlife spots on our Nightlife page.
North Myrtle Beach is now also known for having numerous golf courses, located inland a bit from the beaches but very easy to find. Find out the names and specifics of golf courses in the area on our golfing page.
The North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center has all sorts of good information on the area and can help you with an orientation to the town, too. It’s located on Highway 17 N in town.
Nightlife in North Myrtle Beach
Whether you like to cut a rug doing the ol’ Shag, or a more metro-style disco is your scene, or if you just want a fun place to take your kids for dinner, there are plenty of choices along the Grand Strand to choose from. Although called the Redneck Riviera, you’ll be happy to find a good diversity of nightlife, something for everyone.
Alabama Theater
The Alabama Theater shows live comedy theater and music, located at Barefoot Landing. Their main show is called One, the Show, which is a mix of comedy and vivacious music and lots of energy. The theater was created by the country-rock band of the same name, Alabama.
House of Blues Myrtle Beach
Also located in Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, the House of Blues is your best bet for catching live big-name acts. They feature both local and national live shows. Sunday mornings are special at the House of Blues, where you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast and listen to live gospel music.
North Myrtle Beach – A Year-Round Resort!
North Myrtle Beach city, situated on the eastern coastline of South Carolina, grew from 3 communities who joined together. In 1968 the city was formed and a popular summer resort started to flourish. North Myrtle Beach has long since been a summer retreat for families escaping the daily grind of work, a place to relax and enjoy themselves.
However, in recent times, that summer tourism has expanded and now people come to enjoy the delights that can be found on the Grand Strand all year around.
Housing a permanent population of approximately 12,000 inhabitants in its 9.3 square miles, many of which are employed on some aspect of the tourist industry which drives North Myrtle Beach, the area is currently undergoing some massive redevelopment and new development in order to cope with the growing need for accommodation.
Not only are the tourist numbers rising, but people are relocating to the area for their retirement – lured by the beauty of the ocean, as well as the call of the golf courses!
Some of the major players in the tourist business, such as hotel chains and restaurants have opened their doors in the area, and North Myrtle Beach offers some great shows for those who like a little sparkle after dark.
There’s great shopping in the area too – and not just for souvenir hunters! There are factory outlet malls and specialty stores throughout the city, especially in – but not restricted to – the two main complexes of Barefoot Landing and Broadway on the Beach.
One of the biggest pulls to the area is golf. Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is the golf capital of the United States. If you don’t like the first course, try the next, and then the next, there are plenty to choose from! Some near the ocean, some a little further inland. Some of the private for resort users only, others are open to the public.
Some of the courses offer a normal recreational golf standard, and some of the courses offer a little more of a challenge, catering for the more professional player. If you play golf, Myrtle Beach is THE place to be!
All of this means that North Myrtle Beach is a growing economy and consequently house prices are soaring!
Recently quoted as having one of the largest increases in equity prices in the United States, anyone with property in this area could make a substantial return on their initial investment – but would anyone want to leave a city that currently has so much going for it?