Myrtle Beach Area Communities
Atlantic Beach
Many Atlantic Beach residents are descendants of the Gullah-Geechee people, former slaves from the West Coast of Africa
who lived and worked in the coastal area from around Jacksonville, Florida, to Wilmington, North Carolina. Today, many of
these residents are working for preserve the rich heritage and traditions of their community. An annual festival, popular
among tourists and locals, celebrates the Gullah-Geechee culture with food, music and dancing.
Aynor
This small town Southern town once had a bustling tobacco market, as well as a cotton gin, brickyard and several mills, but
today is known for much more, including the popular Harvest Hoe Down Festival. Each September, the annual festival
celebrates country living with food, games, music and fun for the entire family.
Conway
Set along the banks of the beautiful Waccamaw River is the city of Conway. One of the oldest communities in South
Carolina, Conway is the county seat of Horry County (pronounced OR-ee), and has all the charm and grace you'd expect of
an older, Southern town. Oak tree-lined streets run through the picturesque historic district of Conway, inviting visitors to
stay and learn more.
Garden City Beach
Located directly south of Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach stretches south to the entry of Murrells Inlet and straddles the
county line between Horry and Georgetown counties. Year after year, the same families return to this small beach
community for their beach vacation, and the majority stays in either beach houses or condos.
Litchfield Beach
Established in 1978, this popular unincorporated beach community took its name from Litchfield Plantation, a lovely rice
plantation on the Waccamaw River, and is known today for its world-class golf courses, quaint shops and natural beauty.
Litchfield is located in Georgetown County and also serves as a convenient midpoint between the quiet, historic city of
Georgetown and the fun-filled, entertainment destination of Myrtle Beach.
Little River
This small fishing village, located in the northernmost part of the Myrtle Beach area, provides a relaxing, laid back
destination for travelers. Continuously inhabited since the first trading post was established in the 1700s, Little River offers
interesting adventures on land and sea. Originally, it was a popular harbor for pirates and Civil War blockade-runners, but
now the area is known for its deep-sea fishing, charter boats and commercial fishing, casino cruise tours and golf.
Loris
Visitors driving to the northern end of the Myrtle Beach area will pass through the small inland town of Loris on Highway 9.
Located 35 miles northwest of Myrtle Beach, many find this close-knit town well worth the time to stop and explore. Loris
began as a railroad town serving the lumber industry in the late 1880s. Today, a revitalized downtown offers shopping,
dining and southern hospitality. The local farmers market is a feast of fresh produce, home baked goods and arts and
crafts.
Murrells Inlet
Once the lair of the infamous pirate Blackbeard, Murrells Inlet is now widely known as the ‘Seafood Capital of South
Carolina' and is an ideal place to for those who love the outdoors to explore. A half-mile long Marshwalk offers spectacular
views and a chance to watch fishing boats come in with the days' catch, be it fresh fish, clams, oysters, or crabs pulled from
the surrounding waters.
Myrtle Beach
Opportunities for the perfect vacation are endless in bustling Myrtle Beach, from relaxing on the shore to unbelievable
shopping, thrilling rides, exciting attractions and sizzling night life. A sophisticated cultural scene brings it all together,
making Myrtle Beach a sought after vacation destination.
North Myrtle Beach
The area now known as North Myrtle Beach has a rich history that began well before Europeans appeared. Originally the
part-time home and retreat of the Waccamaw and Winyah Native American tribes, they called the coast, "Chicora,"
meaning "the land." The Spanish explored the area in the 1500s, and by the 1700s, what is now known as Cherry Grove
was a successful indigo plantation, as well as the occasional home of the notorious pirate Blackbeard. Today, North Myrtle
Beach is a thriving area and a favorite among tourists. In 1968, four existing communities, Cherry Grove, Windy Hill, Ocean
Drive and Crescent Beach were combined to form the city.
Pawleys Island
Found at the southernmost end of the Grand Strand-around 25 miles south of central Myrtle Beach-Pawley Island is one of
the oldest resorts on the East Coast and was the summer home to wealthy pre-Civil War rice planters, who retreated to the
island to escape the heat and disease-causing mosquitoes. Twelve residences in the historic district, which date from the
late 1700′s to the mid 1800′s, still remain intact, and several serve as historical markers throughout the small island provide
brief histories to visitors.
Surfside Beach
In the early 1800s, much of what is now Surfside Beach was owned by John Tillman and called The Ark Plantation. Sweet
potatoes were main crop produced and the plantation stood until the mid-20th century. By the time Surfside Beach was
officially incorporated in 1964, the quiet, clean community had already established its reputation as a family beach. And it's
all about families in Surfside Beach, where folks who visit find activities to please any age.