Prior to its settlement by Europeans, the Myrtle Beach area was inhabited by the Waccamaw tribe of Indigenous people. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, but they had limited success growing commodity crops on the land. The area would be relatively uninhabited for most of the 19th century, but near the start of the 1900s, a growing new community called New Town began to form. Shortly after its formation, the new settlement began transforming into a tourist destination, and its name was changed to Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach was incorporated as a town in 1938, then later as a city in 1957.
These days, Myrtle Beach is known as one of the primary tourist destinations in South Carolina and has a population of around 34,000. The city is home to miles of picturesque beaches, 86 beautiful golf courses, and a huge selection of excellent dining options. While visiting Myrtle Beach, you'll definitely want to spend some time hanging out by the water. If you head to the vast oceanfront beach, you can enjoy a day of boating, fishing, surfing, windsurfing, scuba diving, or just relaxing and getting some sun. You could also head to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, which is packed with luxurious hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, and entertainment venues.
There are quite a few awesome family-friendly attractions worth checking out in Myrtle Beach. If you're traveling with kids, you'll want to stop by the amazing WonderWorks science museum or the unique Ripley's Aquarium. Alternatively, you could take a thrilling ride on the rollercoaster at the Family Kingdom Amusement Park.
Another great activity in the city is catching a wonderful show at the Carolina Opry, which has staged over 9,000 lively productions over more than 30 years. If you get the urge to do some shopping, Barefoot Landing is a bustling spot with lots of shops, eateries, and entertainment destinations. Or, if you're in the mood for a relaxing outdoor experience, consider taking a pleasant stroll through Brookgreen Gardens.
Jet Fest - For any jet-skiing enthusiasts, North Myrtle Beach's annual Jet Fest is a must-attend event. The fun meetup for jet skiers takes place in mid-July at Archie's.
Myrtle Beach Greek Festival - Come on out to St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in mid-October to celebrate Greek culture and heritage.
Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival - The annual Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival takes place every year on historic Carver Street in mid-October. The event will feature lots of great vendors and plenty of wonderful live jazz music.
When you start planning a road trip with an RV, you probably want to take along the whole family, including your pets. With a dog or cat, RVing can be a fun adventure, but it all depends on the comfort level of your pets inside of your vehicle. If you've never traveled with your pet, you may want to take a few short trips before venturing on a longer road trip.
It's easy to find pet-friendly RV rentals in Myrtle Beach with RVshare, and Myrtle Beach is a great place for pets. You can choose from more than 90 pet-friendly restaurants there, like Bruster's Real Ice Cream which offers treats to dogs and their owners. Dirty Don's Oyster Bar and Grill serves fresh, cold water to pets in the outdoor seating area. Also, most public beaches in Myrtle Beach, including the boardwalk, are open to pets during designated hours in the morning and evenings, so you can bring them along to check out the sights and smells.
Many people head to Myrtle Beach to play on the beaches, and you can get a bird's eye view of the city by riding the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach. Surfside Beach is about eight miles south of the city. The water is usually tranquil in this area, making it an ideal choice for families. Another terrific option is Litchfield Beach, about 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach. There are more than 10 beaches; everyone will discover their favorite.
Hikers will find many terrific places to explore. There are numerous hiking trails at Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, and as of 2024, more are being constructed. Visitors to this refuge, about 30 miles west of Myrtle Beach, can also fish, paddle, hunt, and take photos.
Another fantastic hiking option is Heritage Shores Nature Preserve, which is about 20 miles east of the city. There are more than seven miles of hiking trails, including a boardwalk with interpretive signage along its edge. The preserve has a fishing pier, and visitors can bring a kayak to explore this preserve's marshland.
Many attractions are along the Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade. This area is between 14th Avenue and 2nd Avenue Piers. Ripley's operates three venues along the boardwalk. Fade in and out of total darkness while exploring the Zombie Zone at Nightmare Haunted House. Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium shows visitors things they may find hard to believe, and the exhibits change frequently. Another great place to explore along the boardwalk is Ripley's 5D Moving Theater, where visitors will feel like they are riding a roller coaster, racing motorcycles, and driving snowmobiles over mountainous terrain.
There are also fabulous restaurants, along with shopping fun. Consider dining on fresh seafood at Moe Moon's. Get a sugar high by visiting I Love Sugar. Fill up on your favorite Mexican food at Banditos Cantina. Big Mike's Soul Food offers fried chicken, pork chops, and steaks just a short distance off the boardwalk. They also offer delicious breakfast options, including grits.
The South Carolina National Heritage Trail runs through 17 counties in and near Myrtle Beach. Visitors may want to start their visit at Brookgreen Gardens, which covers more than 9,100 acres about 13 miles northwest of the city. This garden contains live oak trees over 250 years old and numerous statues.
Another nearby place to explore on the trail is Hobcaw Barony, about 35 miles south of Myrtle Beach. This facility has over 70 cultural sites, including a servant's village and a mansion. Visitors may also want to explore Hopsewee Plantation, another 15 miles south. Workers constructed the mansion at this site in 1735, and it once belonged to Declaration of Independence signer Thomas Lynch Jr.
Sitting on the coast, Myrtle Beach is a fantastic location to explore. Make the most of your time in the resort city by renting an RV. Choosing a large RV is an ideal plan if you have a large family or group of friends that want to explore this family together. Most families will love staying in a Class C motorhome, and it is easier to maneuver through Horry County and the surrounding area than a Class A rig. Alternatively, a Class B motorhome is an ideal choice if just a couple of you are going and you want to explore remote areas.
Many fantastic luxury campgrounds exist in the Myrtle Beach area, including Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Pirateland Family Camping Resort, and Lakewood Camping Resort. Renting an RV also allows you to camp in more scenic areas, like Myrtle Beach State Park or Huntington Beach State Park. There are so many things to do in Myrtle Beach that everyone will find something they love. Consider visiting Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, Brookgreen Garden, and the Alabama Landing.
While the decision to rent an RV is easy, it can be confusing to choose between the towable ones. Travel trailers are the most popular choice in Myrtle Beach and can be towed by a truck or SUV. These units come in many styles, with most sleeping four to 10 people. They often have slideouts, so you have even more room while camping. Many have indoor and outdoor kitchens, so preparing meals is easy. Alternatively, popups can be hauled by passenger vehicles and fit in tight camping spots.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $200 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Myrtle Beach, SC RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What is included in my Myrtle Beach, SC RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Can I have my Myrtle Beach, SC RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.