Myrtle Beach, a popular vacation spot in South Carolina, has a rich history dating back to the Native Americans who first settled there. The area was known as “Chicora” by these tribes for thousands of years before European arrival. In the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century, Myrtle Beach continued to evolve and grow, becoming a popular destination for visitors.
Located on a 60-mile stretch of beach in the Grand Strand, North Myrtle Beach is part of Horry County, South Carolina. The area has a rich history dating back to the 16th century, with the Intracoastal Waterway opened in 1936 for pleasure boats and commercial shipping, and Myrtle Beach was incorporated in 1938. The Myrtle Beach Air Force also plays a significant role in the community.
In 1967, Myrtle Beach was a small but vibrant community nestled along the South Carolina coast. Over 104,000 people moved to the area over eight years, representing a nearly 28 growth in population. Originally inhabited by the Waccamaw Indians, the area did not see significant growth until after the Civil War when the Conway Lumber Company bought land.
The Ocean Forest Hotel officially opened its doors in 1930 and quickly became known as a gorgeous vacation destination. Hurricane Hazel in 1954 led to a construction boom, leading to the construction of many new beach homes and hotels. The first golf courses were built during this time.
Myrtle Beach is known for its 60 miles of beaches, high-rise hotels, and a rich history that continues to attract visitors. The area is a great place for families to enjoy a day at the beach without excessive drinking, and for those who prefer partying, the Myrtle Beach beaches are a must-visit destination.
📹 Know Before You Go! The City of Myrtle Beach Welcomes You
Myrtle Beach is an extremely popular beach destination. Officials from the City welcome visitors and share important information …
When did people start hanging out at the beach?
The beach vacation gained popularity in Britain in the late 18th century and spread globally. Its origins can be traced back to industrialization and contemporary medical theories. Beaches were associated with fear and anxiety, as they were associated with dangerous wilderness and were often associated with shipwrecks and natural disasters. The Bible, which depicts the ocean as mysterious and destructive, has been a significant source of references to the sea in Western culture. The beach vacation was not a cultural phenomenon before the 18th century, but it has since become a popular destination worldwide.
Is Myrtle Beach a safe place to visit?
Myrtle Beach is a popular destination for property crimes, including theft, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and vandalism. Violent crimes, such as assault, robbery, and homicide, are less common but still occur in certain neighborhoods during peak tourist seasons. Drug-related crimes involve the possession, distribution, and trafficking of illegal drugs. Law enforcement targets drug-related activities to address public safety concerns. Driving under the influence offenses involving alcohol or drugs are common due to tourist activity.
DUI checkpoints and patrols are conducted due to the high rate of DUIs. Financial crimes include identity theft, fraud, and credit card scams. Domestic crimes involve physical, emotional, or psychological abuse within intimate relationships. Tourist-related crimes include scams, pickpocketing, and theft of personal belongings.
Crime rates and patterns in Myrtle Beach can vary over time and are influenced by factors such as seasonal fluctuations, economic conditions, and law enforcement strategies. Crime prevention efforts, community engagement, and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local stakeholders play vital roles in addressing and reducing crime in the area.
Myrtle Beach is generally considered a safe place to live, but crime rates are higher compared to state and national averages, with burglary, theft, and vehicle theft being notable offenses. Due to its location along the coast of South Carolina, it is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, so prospective residents should research the area thoroughly before making a decision to move.
Why do people not like Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach, especially on Ocean Boulevard, faces a reputation of being less safe due to its high visibility of crime. The perception of crime in downtown Myrtle Beach may be a perception that doesn’t exist in other major American cities, but it’s a common issue in small towns like Myrtle Beach. Addressing this perception is crucial to ensure people feel safe and maintain a positive perception of the area.
Why is it called dirty myrtle?
Myrtle Beach, known as “Dirty Myrtle”, is not a commonly used nickname but is believed to have originated from the perception of the area as a rowdy party destination. The more positive nickname, “The Grand Strand”, is preferred by locals and visitors. The city is also known as “Myrtle” or “The Beach”, and there are several smaller communities within the area, such as Conway and Surfside Beach. The history of Myrtle Beach dates back thousands of years, when the area was inhabited by Native American tribes and used for hunting and fishing until European settlers arrived in the late 1600s. Locals also refer to specific areas within the city as “North Myrtle Beach” or “South Myrtle Beach”.
What happened in Myrtle Beach in 1938?
Myrtle Beach, a town in the United States, was named after the southern wax myrtle shrub in 1900. The Withers post office later changed its name to “Myrtle Beach” in 1938. The town was incorporated as a city in 1957. In 1937, Myrtle Beach Municipal Airport was built, which was later converted into a military base in 1940. Commercial flights began in 1976 and shared the runway for over 15 years until the air base closed in 1993. Since then, the airport has been named Myrtle Beach International Airport.
In 2010, plans for a new terminal were approved. Kings Highway was paved in 1940, giving Myrtle Beach its first primary highway. The Myrtle Heights-Oak Park Historic District, Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Station, Ocean Forest Country Club, and Pleasant Inn are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove on the Boardwalk, built in 1946, sells seashells and Myrtle Beach souvenirs. Myrtle Beach has been separated from the continental United States since 1936 by the Intracoastal Waterway, forcing the city and area to develop within a small distance from the coast.
When did people start going to the beach for pleasure?
Sea-bathing was a popular treatment for tuberculosis until the mid-1800s, when beachgoing became a leisure activity for relaxation. By the early 1900s, seaside vacations became a cultural phenomenon in Europe and North America, with the therapeutic benefits of sunlight recognized. By 1913, “sunbathing” was referred to as a desirable activity for the leisured class. In the 1920s, tanned skin became fashionable, healthy, and luxurious, leading to the launch of the first sun tan oil by Jean Patou in 1927.
In the 1940s, advertisements in women’s magazines encouraged sunbathing, while swimsuits’ skin coverage began decreasing. In some areas with beaches, hostile architecture was used to keep populations seen as less welcome away. For example, in the 1920s, American urban planner Robert Moses designed a stretch of Long Island Southern State Parkway with low stone bridges to make it difficult for people who relied on public transportation, mainly African Americans, to visit the beach.
Other areas, particularly in the US, designated certain days of the week for persons of color or non-Christians to be admitted to public beaches or passed parking bans to exclude non-residents. Black Americans developed beach resorts catering to persons of color, such as American Beach, Bethune Beach, Bruce’s Beach, Butler Beach, Oak Bluffs, Pacific Beach Club, Paradise Park, and Sag Harbor. As of 2020, some areas in the US legally permitted restricting access to public beaches by allowing beach parking areas to be placed long distances from the shore and providing bridge access only to local residents.
When did Myrtle Beach become a tourist destination?
Myrtle Beach, located in Horry county, eastern South Carolina, is a popular tourist destination known for its golf, tennis, amusement parks, fishing, and swimming. Developed as a seaside resort in the early 1900s, the city has grown since the 1960s and has become the center of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile-long beach area stretching from the North Carolina border to Winyah Bay near Georgetown. Myrtle Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens, an outdoor museum of American sculpture, are located south of the city. The city has grown significantly since its inception in 1957, with a population of 269, 291.
What attracts people to Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach, also referred to as the Grand Strand, is a South Carolina coastal region comprising 14 communities. The region offers a plethora of amenities, including world-class golf courses, 60 miles of sandy beaches, a plethora of entertainment options, family attractions, and a distinctive Southern hospitality. With over 17 million visitors annually, Myrtle Beach is the most visited area in South Carolina. The region enjoys a mild annual average temperature of 73°F with 215 sunny days.
Why is it called Dirty Myrtle beach?
Myrtle Beach, known as “Dirty Myrtle”, is not a commonly used nickname but is believed to have originated from the perception of the area as a rowdy party destination. The more positive nickname, “The Grand Strand”, is preferred by locals and visitors. The city is also known as “Myrtle” or “The Beach”, and there are several smaller communities within the area, such as Conway and Surfside Beach. The history of Myrtle Beach dates back thousands of years, when the area was inhabited by Native American tribes and used for hunting and fishing until European settlers arrived in the late 1600s. Locals also refer to specific areas within the city as “North Myrtle Beach” or “South Myrtle Beach”.
How did Myrtle Beach get so popular?
Travel Pulse has ranked Myrtle Beach among the top 25 beaches in the US, citing its extensive shoreline and diverse attractions. US News and World Report ranked it eighth best family summer vacation destination, highlighting its clean beaches, amusement parks, outlet malls, golf courses, and restaurants. Where to Retire Magazine also ranked it 10th best place to retire, citing its annual population of 2, 373 retiree-aged people.
📹 Myrtle Beach Vacation Guide & MUST-KNOW Tips!
Want to save time & money when you’re visiting the one & only Myrtle Beach South Carolina? Well, this Myrtle Beach Vacation …
Used to love going there, been a few years. Murrells is great and Broadway at the Beach is a landmark must go place, Barefoot Landing not bad either. Was considering relocating down there but housing got wild, wouldn’t be able to afford a house there now with the family. Unless I could find a great paying job, I may have to just consider Florida.
One thing they failed to mention, watch out for the motorcyclists too. I lived there for 3 years and constantly hearing about them getting run over, many died. The problem is that Myrtle Beach is a tourist town and the people are so busy looking around at the sites that they dont pay enough attention to the bikers. Please drive slow and pay attention, esp. during biker weeks, they are everywhere.