Myrtle Beach Facts

Chicora

Myrtle Beach was first known as, Chicora, “The Land” by the area’s Native Americans.  Later, when white settlers discovered the area, it became “The New Town.” The settlement eventually named Myrtle Beach after the wax myrtle trees common to the area. Today, this stretch of beach is known as the Grand Strand.  It was named the Grand Strand by a local newspaper columnist in 1945 because of the 60-mile stretch of beach between Little River and Georgetown.

Myrtle Beach has history, charm, beaches, dining, shopping, attractions, entertainment and more. Great temperatures year round. 

Dining

There are over 1,650 restaurants with many being buffet-style. There is everything from pizza to sit down elegant dinners on every corner.

Myrtle Beach Is Home Of…

• A popular dance, The Shag, was born on Ocean Drive that became popular during the jitterbug-era during 1940s.
• Sports Illustrated Magazine was first published in 1953 at Pine Lakes International Country Club.
• World-famous, best-selling country group, Alabama, started as Wild Country, playing for tips at the Bowery.

Beaches Everywhere

There are 60 miles of beaches along the Grand Strand with rivers, creeks, marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway   There is no end to water themed activities which include: scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking, canoeing and sailing.

Myrtle Beach was named “Sportstown USA” from Sports Illustrated for its many sports teams, golf courses and parks.

• Pelicans: Atlanta Braves Carolina League Class-A Baseball Team
• Myrtle Beach Speedway: half-mile NASCAR racing track
• Myrtle Beach Stingrays: National Indoor Football team
• 120-plus championship golf courses; 46 mini-golf courses
• 8 fishing piers
• Boating is endless: sailboats, jet-skis, kayaks, canoes
• More than 200 tennis courts in the area
• Coastal Carolina University Chanticleers: Division I NCAA school with 17 sports programs

Myrtle Beach is undoubtedly a one stop vacation destination.