Switch between a spectacular sandy bay and the woodland trails of the Grand Strand in South Carolina’s oldest state park.
Myrtle Beach State Park comprises an oceanfront maritime forest on the Grand Strand coastline. It is a serene and picturesque park that is ideal for picnicking, hiking and beachcombing. Explore some of the site’s 312 acres (126 hectares) of scenic terrain to get closer to nature.
Walk on the long fishing pier and await your catch. Capture crabs and fish, such as flounder, king mackerel and trout, among others. Rods and other equipment are available to rent from the pier’s gift shop. Sunbathe on the beach and cool off in the Atlantic Ocean. Swimming is permitted year-round, although lifeguards only patrol the beach from mid-May until mid-September.
Bring the kids to one of the three playgrounds in this fun park. Attempt the Park Scavenger Hunt with your family. The park also has seven shelters designated for picnics and social gatherings. Take binoculars to spot a range of birds in the sky. Bald eagles are common in summer and autumn, while certain finches and waterfowl are easier to find in winter.
The park has many paths that meander through the dense forest. Cycle or go horseback riding along the nature trails. Among the most prominent walking paths are the Sculptured Oak Trail and the Yaupon Trail, which are both fairly easy.
Stay overnight and gaze up at the stars at the park’s campgrounds. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, secluded in the narrow spaces between the trees. At the back of the beach the park also has six rental cabins that date back to the 1930s.
There is a daily fee to enter the park, with discounts for seniors and kids. Children under 5 can visit the park for free. The park is open daily year-round from morning until late in the evening.
Myrtle Beach State Park is about 5 miles (8 kilometres) southwest along the coast from the city of Myrtle Beach. It is just south of Myrtle Beach International Airport and near landmarks such as Whispering Pines Golf Course, House of Blues Myrtle Beach and Springmaid Pier.
