Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is a legendary destination that has become a true symbol of resort vacations in the USA. Stretching along the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean in Myrtle Beach, this wooden walkway, approximately 2 kilometers long, is the living heart of the Grand Strand tourism area. Here, you can not only enjoy the sea breeze but also experience the authentic atmosphere of a vibrant American resort.

This promenade is a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern infrastructure. Wide pedestrian paths, cozy benches, and stylish lighting create the conditions for comfortable walks at any time of day. The boardwalk connects sandy beaches with a lively entertainment zone, home to numerous hotels, colorful seafood restaurants, and themed shops.

Street musicians and performers add a special dynamic to the place, turning an ordinary walk into a real open-air celebration. The main landmark of the promenade is the giant SkyWheel, standing 57 meters tall, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the endless ocean and the city glowing with lights.

For your convenience, we have gathered up-to-date contact information to help you find your way. The promenade is an open public area, but you can always use the official details to contact the city's tourist support service.

On the Boardwalk Myrtle Beach, you can spend hours enjoying the ocean waves, watching professional surfers, and catching picturesque sunrises. It is an ideal spot for romantic dates, family outings, or large-scale photo shoots against the backdrop of the endless water. On Fridays, the sky above the promenade is often lit up by festive fireworks, and in the summer, free concerts from the Sunset Music Series are held here.

For active tourists, bicycle or rollerblade rentals are available, providing a pleasant way to ride along the entire shoreline. Shoppers will appreciate the souvenir stalls with unique items, while foodies will love the street cafes serving the freshest seafood and legendary ice cream. Those seeking adrenaline should check out Family Kingdom park with its classic roller coasters.

Don't miss the chance to try your luck on the fishing piers or simply watch the street performances and graffiti art that adorns the building walls. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes even more electric: neon signs light up, and bars feature live music and the famous shag—a local beach dance that is a hallmark of South Carolina.

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is located in the heart of the city, making it easy to reach. Most tourists staying in hotels along Ocean Boulevard can reach the boardwalk on foot within minutes, enjoying the sea air even before reaching the main promenade.

If you are arriving from Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), which is only 5 kilometers away, it is most convenient to use a taxi or Uber/Lyft services. The trip will take about 10–15 minutes. The city also operates Coastal Grand Circle buses (routes 11 and 13), with stops located within walking distance of the shoreline.

For those traveling by car via highway US-17, there are several paid parking zones, including municipal garages and lots near 2nd Ave Pier. During the summer season (from 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM), the free Beach Reach tourist trolley runs along Ocean Boulevard, which is a great way to save on parking and see the city sights.

The history of this place is inextricably linked to the development of Myrtle Beach as one of the main resorts on the East Coast. Long before the first tourists arrived, these lands were inhabited by the Waccamaw tribe. In the 18th century, European settlers tried to develop agriculture here, but the sandy soil proved unsuitable for tobacco and indigo, preserving the coastline in its pristine state for a future tourist paradise.

Everything changed at the end of the 19th century when Burroughs & Collins saw the potential for recreation in these shores. In 1897, Franklin Burroughs founded the first settlement here. Interestingly, the city's modern name came about thanks to a contest in 1900, which was won by the founder's widow, who suggested the name in honor of the lush wax myrtle shrubs that grew in abundance along the coast.

The development of the railroad in the early 1900s and the opening of the first hotel, the Seaside Inn, gave a powerful boost to the region's popularity. In the mid-20th century, the boardwalk grew with legendary landmarks like the famous Pavilion, which served as a center of attraction for families for decades. The promenade took on its modern appearance following a major reconstruction, transforming into a high-tech and comfortable area while preserving the historic charm of an old American resort.

For a leisurely stroll along the entire length of the boardwalk to enjoy the views, most visitors need about 1–2 hours. This is enough time to walk along the shore, take commemorative photos, and stop by a few souvenir shops.

However, if you plan to visit the SkyWheel, have dinner at one of the local oceanfront restaurants, or spend time on the beach, it's better to set aside 4–6 hours or even an entire evening. During summer festivals and concerts, you can easily spend the whole day here, moving from one entertainment area to another.

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade warmly welcomes guests at any time of day or night. The promenade is open for visitors 24/7 (round the clock), allowing you to enjoy both the quiet pre-dawn hours by the ocean and the vibrant resort nightlife.

The schedule remains consistent throughout the week:

• Monday — Sunday: 24 hours.

The promenade's location in the heart of tourist activity makes it easy to combine an ocean walk with visits to other iconic spots. Exploring the surroundings of Myrtle Beach will surely enrich your experience, as the state's best entertainment venues are within a radius of just a few kilometers.

There is entertainment for every taste: from extreme water slides and roller coasters to interactive museums and modern golf centers. Below is a list of the most popular attractions located nearby.