A Road Trip Through North Myrtle Beach South Carolina
North Myrtle Beach is a classic beach town filled with landmark attractions, stunning ocean views, and energetic dancing clubs. Many of the dance halls are dedicated to Shag dancing, whose origins can be traced to this small town on South Carolina's Grand Strand. My road trip through South Carolina's coastal area started here, and the region laid the groundwork for the trip ahead with thrilling experiences and gorgeous weather.
The compact streets are lined with unique bookstores, restaurants, and local merchants supplying everything a person needs for a day at the beach. My three-day visit ended too soon, but it was packed with thrilling activities and hours of relaxing on the balcony of a rented beachfront condo. I was able to explore the local venues that define the small city and gain a deeper appreciation for what makes the area one of the best coastal destinations.
Ocean Front Views and Salty Breezes
Oceans 712 is an oceanfront condo, conveniently across from the landmark Boulineaus Food Plus store. The grocery store has everything one needs for the beach, including a bakery and restaurant, and its lighthouse shape makes it easy to recognize. It has been a staple since 1948 and is deeply rooted in tradition, offering beach wares, groceries, and quick meals. Stunning views of the ocean and salty breezes filled the condo, making it an epic way to start the trip. After spending time enjoying the views, I headed out about one block to a classic beach restaurant and bar, Salty Brews, for a bite to eat.
The small restaurant is ideally located and offers small bites, gluten-free options, and outdoor seating. A bonus is that it is next door to the Beach Bookshop, a quaint spot that used to be a Blockbuster, so the books are stacked horizontally rather than vertically, which gives them a quirkiness that adds to its aesthetic appeal and wide selection of classic and modern selections.
Shagging on the Boulevard
The Shag is South Carolina's state dance, and it originated in North Myrtle Beach. There are several clubs dedicated to the unique dance, including the iconic Fat Harold's Beach Club, the OD Pavilion, and the Shag Hall of Fame. The Carolina Shag, as it is sometimes called, is the "swing dance of the South" and is an upbeat and quick six-count, eight-step pattern. It originated in the African American community in the late 1930s and gained popularity with the beach music that accompanied it.
In the 1940s, college students flocked to North Myrtle Beach for Spring Break and Shagged the night away on Main Street and Ocean Drive. The dance was immortalized in the hit Alabama song, "Shagging on the Boulevard," an homage to the coastal town where they were discovered. I happened to be in town during the annual Society of Stranders Fall Migration Shag Festival, and what a sight it was.
Main Street was closed to vehicle traffic, and performance stages were erected for live music. Local artists played a unique blend of rhythm and blues, Shag, and beach music while pedestrians packed the street to enjoy the tunes. I also happened upon Melt, an ice cream shop serving up craft goodies, including the flavor I had to try, Cornbread. It was one of the best cones I've ever had, and it will be a mandatory stop for me anytime I'm in town.
The OD Pavillion
The first pavilion on Ocean Drive opened in 1926 and has undergone various management partners and iterations, and it stands as an open-air landmark today. Ideally located at the beach entrance, it is part Shag club and part arcade so that the entire family can enjoy a respite from the heat, a cool drink, and some downtime playing games. It is covered in photos of patrons, and it has a laid-back atmosphere that's contagious.
Two historical markers were erected to honor past pavilions at this location: one describing Roberts Pavilion, an early open-air oceanfront pavilion on the Grand Strand. The other marker focuses on Ocean Drive Pavilion, the replacement for Roberts Pavilion that was destroyed by Hurricane Hazel in 1954. The history lesson gives a deeper understanding of this location to the community and shines a brighter light on why this history is so relevant to the area.
Iconic Restaurants and Sunset Celebrations
The first night, I boarded a local sunset cruise charter boat for a trip down the Intracoastal Waterway for dinner at the Big Island Chill House. The restaurant is relatively new, and unlike any I have ever seen, even in the islands. The waterfront spot at Barefoot Landing serves up global-inspired menu items in a cozy setting. The two-story building was skillfully designed to resemble a merchant sea captain's home with elegant art and exposed wooden beams.
There are three bars, each offering views of the sunset, which is a tradition ushered in by the ringing of a ship's bell every night. Another highlight is the single preserved oak tree that the back deck was built around —a thoughtful gesture by the owners to leave a touch of natural history that seamlessly blends with the decor.
The second day, after an epic tour of Waites Island, I dined at the casual, open-air Boardwalk Billy's at Doc Holiday's Marina. The lively setting features views of the Intracoastal Waterway and is known for its fresh seafood, sushi, and laidback coastal vibe. Both restaurants provided an ideal nightcap for days spent exploring coastal South Carolina. They left me with promises of good things to come as I sat back and enjoyed the live band playing around the corner from my table.
Exploring Waites Island
I had the distinct pleasure of spending the day on Waites Island with Dr. Gayes, Professor and Executive Director of the Burroughs and Chapin Center for Marine and Wetland Studies at Coastal Carolina University. The hour-long tour allowed me a deep dive into the island's vital role in South Carolina's coastal ecosystem, and the groundbreaking research CCU conducts to protect and preserve this unique environment.
Waites Island is more than 1,000 acres of pristine land and is located at the northernmost point of South Carolina. It can only be reached on horseback, and it offers an insider's view of coastal conservation, a cause that has always been important to me. Dr. Gayes took time out of his schedule to give me a private tour, and I am indebted to him and his students for the informative discussions.
Sunset Kayaking Tours
One of the best ways to see coastal South Carolina is by setting off on a sunset kayak tour on the Intracoastal Waterway. The expert guides at J&L Kayaking led me through the marshland ecosystem, where calm waters and vibrant skies set the scene for an unforgettable experience. Connecting with nature at this level was an eye-opening experience and a highlight of the visit.
My road trip ended in Charleston, but North Myrtle Beach set the tone for the rest of the journey. From the classic beach culture to learning about the Shag, it was a thrilling experience I hope to repeat soon. The iconic dance clubs, waterfront restaurants, and charming retailers provided enough material for a host of stories, and they will not soon leave my mind.
The oceanfront condo was the perfect setting for these stories, and the salty breezes and sounds of the crashing surf made it hard to leave. Exploring the diverse ecosystem by kayak was a highlight, as were the restaurants I visited at night. The overall slow pace of life and unique blend of charisma and Southern hospitality left an indelible impression, and I look forward to visiting again.
