Van Hire
Myrtle Beach

For travellers staying on Ocean Boulevard, the most convenient collection point is often Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). The airport is a central hub with readily available taxis and ride-share services that can get you to the hire desk easily. Alternatively, some companies have non-airport branches along main roads like Kings Highway (US-17). These can be a great option if they are closer to your accommodation, potentially saving you a trip back to the airport just to pick up the vehicle.

Coordinating a van collection with staggered arrivals at MYR requires a clear plan. Appoint one person as the primary driver to handle the hire paperwork and vehicle collection. Other group members arriving earlier can wait in the airport’s baggage reclaim area or at one of the cafés. The driver can then return to the passenger pick-up kerb once they have the van. Using the cell-phone waiting lot and communicating via text is essential for timing the final pick-up perfectly.

To avoid the heaviest congestion on a busy Saturday, the most reliable route from MYR to North Myrtle Beach is typically SC-31, also known as the Carolina Bays Parkway. While Kings Highway (US-17) might seem more direct, it’s prone to numerous traffic lights and stop‑and‑go delays. Accessing SC-31 from the airport is straightforward and lets you bypass much of central Myrtle Beach traffic. This route is especially beneficial for a larger van, as it involves fewer tight turns and lane changes.

Navigating and parking a full-size van at Broadway at the Beach during peak evening hours can be challenging, but it is manageable with some planning. It’s wise to arrive earlier in the evening to secure a space in one of the larger, less-congested car parks on the perimeter. Drive slowly and be mindful of the high volume of pedestrians. Once parked, you can enjoy the complex on foot, so finding a good spot and staying put is the best strategy for a stress-free visit.

When driving a van between Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, visitors often find the US-17 Business route tricky. This stretch features numerous turn-only lanes that can appear suddenly, along with frequent traffic lights that cause backups. The transition from US-17 Bypass to Business can also be confusing if you’re not familiar with the area. Using satnav and paying close attention to road signs well in advance of your turn will help you navigate this busy corridor more smoothly.

When travelling with bulky beach equipment, look for a passenger van that offers flexible seating and dedicated cargo space. Models with removable or stowable rear seats provide the most versatility for creating a large, separate area for coolboxes, chairs and umbrellas. This keeps the main cabin clear and comfortable for passengers, preventing sandy gear from encroaching on legroom. A van with a deep rear cargo well is also a significant advantage for keeping items secure and organised during transit.

For easy drop-offs near the Boardwalk, use the designated passenger loading zones along Ocean Boulevard. Look for spots near major cross-streets like 9th Avenue North or 12th Avenue North, which provide direct access to the central parts of the Boardwalk. One driver can unload the family, pushchairs and gear while another circles the block or finds parking. This avoids the difficulty of manoeuvring a large van through crowded parking areas right at the main entrance.

To enjoy a pleasant drive to Brookgreen Gardens from Myrtle Beach, plan to leave by 09:00, especially during the peak summer season. This departure helps you get ahead of the main wave of beach‑goers and local traffic that builds up on US-17 heading south. Driving a van requires more time for lane changes and turns, so an early start ensures a more relaxed journey. It also allows you to arrive at the gardens as they open, giving you ample time to explore before the afternoon heat.

The most efficient way to do a post-arrival grocery run is to choose a supermarket located just off a main parkway rather than one on Kings Highway. After picking up your van at MYR, consider stores near SC-31 or International Drive. These locations typically have larger car parks that are easier to navigate with a van and experience less of the intense tourist traffic found on the main oceanfront drags. This strategy allows you to stock up for your stay before you even check into your accommodation.

When staying in Cherry Grove, it’s crucial to confirm your condo’s parking policy for oversized vehicles before you arrive. Many complexes have parking garages with low height clearances that cannot accommodate passenger vans. They may have designated outdoor spaces, but these can be limited and might require a special permit. Enquiring ahead of time will prevent any last‑minute surprises and ensure you have a secure and authorised place to park your van overnight.

Driving a van to Surfside Beach during a peak summer afternoon can be moderately stressful due to congestion on the bridges and connecting roads. The main routes, like the one over the Intracoastal Waterway, can become bottlenecks as people head to and from the beach. In a larger vehicle, the stop‑and‑go traffic requires extra attention and a greater following distance. To minimise stress, try to plan your crossing for earlier in the day or be prepared for a slower, more patient drive.

For an early‑morning sunrise visit, look for public beach access points with dedicated car parks, which are often empty at that hour. Many of these are located along Ocean Boulevard in both Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach. Be sure to check signs for any time‑based restrictions, though most are accommodating for early visitors. Parking at a larger lot, such as those at Myrtle Beach State Park or Huntington Beach State Park, is also a safe and reliable option if you’re willing to pay the entry fee.

Driving a van on Kings Highway requires heightened awareness and patience because of the constant activity. The road is lined with businesses, leading to frequent and often sudden entries and exits from traffic. Expect vehicles to slow down unexpectedly to make turns, and be prepared for numerous traffic lights that can disrupt flow. In a larger van, it’s safest to maintain a generous following distance and stay in the middle or right lane to avoid the chaos of constant left‑turning traffic.

Many multi-storey car parks in Myrtle Beach, especially those at hotels and resorts, have height restrictions that can be too low for a standard passenger van. It’s essential to always check for a clearance sign posted at the entrance before attempting to enter. If you’re staying at a hotel, call ahead to ask about their specific arrangements for oversized vehicles. Often they will have a designated surface car park for vans, but it’s always better to confirm in advance.

For a day trip to Wilmington, plan a loop to maximise your time. Drive north from Myrtle Beach on US-17 in the morning to reach downtown Wilmington and explore the historic riverfront. For your return journey, consider taking a more scenic route by heading towards the coast to visit Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach. From there you can easily reconnect with US-17 South to head back to Myrtle Beach, creating a circular path that avoids seeing the same highway twice.

A sensible plan would be to visit the beach first, in the morning or early afternoon. Public beach access parking in the North Myrtle Beach area is easier to find earlier in the day. After your beach time, you can head over to Barefoot Landing for evening shopping, dining and entertainment. The parking at Barefoot is expansive and better equipped to handle evening crowds and larger vehicles like vans, making it a less stressful end to your day.

After picking up your van at MYR, a good place to get organised is the airport’s cell‑phone waiting lot. It’s located just a short drive from the rental car return area and provides a safe space to pull over. Alternatively, there are several large shopping centres with spacious car parks within a five‑minute drive of the airport along Harrelson Boulevard or Seaboard Street. These offer plenty of room to install car seats and set up your satnav without the pressure of airport traffic.

During peak weekend traffic in the summer, you should budget at least 45 to 60 minutes for the drive from central Myrtle Beach to Calabash, North Carolina. While the distance isn’t great, traffic can become very heavy on US-17 as you head north, especially through North Myrtle Beach. Leaving a little earlier than you think you need to will provide a buffer for any unexpected delays. This ensures you won’t be rushed and can enjoy a relaxed start to your seafood dinner.

The primary parking challenge at Myrtle Beach State Park on a busy day is that the lots closest to the beach fill up very quickly. While the park has ample parking overall, arriving late with a van might mean you have to park in an overflow lot further from the main beach access and pier. This can result in a longer walk carrying all your gear. The key is to arrive early, ideally before 10:00, to secure a more convenient spot for your van.

For a group of golfers, a van with a large, open cargo area behind the last row of seats is ideal. This allows you to lay the golf bags down flat, which helps protect the clubs from bouncing around during transit. Some larger passenger vans offer the option to remove the rearmost bench seat entirely. This creates a cavernous space perfect for stacking multiple bags securely while keeping them easily accessible through the rear doors without disturbing any passengers.

The most effective method for hotel drop-offs on the oceanfront is to use the hotel’s designated porte‑cochère or main entrance loading zone. Pull in, have your passengers and luggage ready to go, and unload efficiently. This is much safer and less disruptive than trying to stop on the busy Ocean Boulevard itself. If the entrance is congested, have one driver stay with the van while the rest of the group unloads, and then proceed to the parking area.

For an evening show at The Carolina Opry, plan to use US-17 for the most direct route. The venue has a large, well‑lit car park that is very accommodating for vans. After the show, traffic exiting onto US-17 can be heavy. Instead of making a difficult left turn to head south, it’s often easier to turn right, go to the next major junction with a traffic light, and make a safe, protected U‑turn to proceed back toward central Myrtle Beach.

When driving a van in heavy rain, expect reduced visibility and the potential for standing water on roads like US-17 and Ocean Boulevard. Due to the area’s flat, low‑lying geography, some lanes can flood temporarily, so it’s wise to avoid the outer lanes if possible. Increase your following distance significantly, as a heavier van takes longer to stop on wet pavement. Using your headlights is essential for visibility, and allowing for extra travel time will reduce the stress of navigating in poor weather.

During Bike Week, areas like Murrells Inlet, North Myrtle Beach and the main stretches of Ocean Boulevard become extremely congested and challenging for a van. Expect heavy motorcycle traffic, frequent stops and significantly reduced parking availability. It’s best to avoid driving through the heart of the main event areas if possible. If you must travel through them, allow for a great deal of extra time and exercise extreme caution, being constantly aware of motorcycles sharing the road.

Yes, beach access points that are part of a larger park or that have dedicated, spacious car parks are much easier for vans. Consider the main parking areas at Myrtle Beach State Park or Huntington Beach State Park, which are designed to handle a high volume of vehicles of all sizes. In North Myrtle Beach, the lots at Cherry Grove Point or near 6th Avenue South tend to offer more room to manoeuvre than the smaller, single‑row access points scattered along the coast.

The most reliable route to Conway from Myrtle Beach is US-501. While this road can be busy, it is a direct, multi‑lane highway for the entire trip. To avoid the worst traffic, try to travel outside of the morning and evening rush hours, as it’s a major commuter route. A mid‑morning departure from Myrtle Beach and a mid‑afternoon return from Conway will typically allow you to miss the heaviest periods of congestion, making for a much smoother drive in your van.

Visitors often underestimate the sheer volume of cars turning in and out of restaurant car parks along this stretch of US-17. The traffic flow is constantly interrupted by people slowing to find an entrance or pulling out after their meal. In a larger van, this requires defensive driving and being prepared for sudden stops. It’s also easy to miss a turn, and finding a place to make a U‑turn in a van can be difficult, so careful navigation is key.

A van is perfect for accommodating flexible beach day schedules. Establish a primary meeting spot on the beach as your group’s home base. The van can then serve as a shuttle, with a designated driver making trips back to the hire property at pre‑arranged times, such as noon and 15:00. This allows part of the group to head back for naps or other activities while the rest continue to enjoy the sun, all without anyone having to walk a long distance.

For an early‑morning flight, the best route from North Myrtle Beach to MYR is SC-31, the Carolina Bays Parkway. At that time of day, traffic will be very light, and this highway allows you to maintain a consistent speed without traffic lights or urban congestion. It provides a stress‑free, direct path to the airport exit. This is far more predictable and quicker than taking US-17, which can have unexpected delays even in the early hours.

The best place to wait for arriving passengers at MYR is the free cell‑phone waiting lot. It’s conveniently located just off Harrelson Boulevard before you reach the main terminal. You can wait there comfortably in your van until your relatives call to say they have their luggage and are waiting at the kerb. This eliminates the stress of circling the busy arrivals area and helps ensure a smooth, well‑timed pick‑up.

A good plan is to arrive at Huntington Beach State Park soon after lunch, around 13:00. Park your van in the lot designated for Atalaya Castle first, as it’s a main attraction within the park. You can spend an hour or two exploring the castle and the nearby beach access. Afterwards, you can easily drive the van to other parts of the park, like the causeway for bird watching or other beach access points, before departing around 17:00.

For a multi‑generational trip, prioritise a van with comfortable, individual captain’s chairs in the second row. This gives grandparents easier access and more personal space. Try to create a buffer zone between different family units to give everyone a bit of breathing room on longer drives. Also consider a model with rear climate controls and plenty of cup holders, as these small comforts make a big difference in keeping all passengers happy during a week of holiday travel.

A common mistake is relying on a satnav that directs them onto smaller side streets that are difficult to navigate in a van. Many oceanfront resorts have their main entrances on Ocean Boulevard, but a satnav might suggest a back road. It’s often better to take a major artery like Kings Highway (US-17) or Farrow Parkway to get close to your destination, then make the final turn onto Ocean Boulevard. This avoids tight turns and narrow residential streets.

To manage sand, bring along a few large plastic storage bins or heavy‑duty tote bags. Designate these as the official containers for all sandy items like chairs, toys and umbrellas. Before loading them into the van, rinse them off at the public showers found at most beach access points. Keeping a small dust brush and pan in the van is also helpful for quick clean‑ups of sand that gets tracked onto the floor, helping to maintain the vehicle’s condition.

Attractions with the most van‑friendly parking are typically the larger, purpose‑built complexes. Places like Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing and Tanger Outlets have expansive surface car parks with ample space for manoeuvring a van. Major theatres like The Carolina Opry and Alabama Theatre also have excellent parking. In contrast, smaller attractions along Ocean Boulevard or in the town centre often rely on tight parallel street parking or small lots that are very challenging for a larger vehicle.

The drive to Charleston is not difficult, as it’s primarily on US-17, but it does take about two hours without stops. To make the most of your day, a sensible departure time from Myrtle Beach is no later than 08:00. This helps you avoid the worst of the morning traffic and gets you into Charleston with a full day ahead for exploring. The drive itself is straightforward, but being in a van means you’ll want to be extra mindful of your surroundings in Charleston’s historic, narrow streets.

The most common mistake is underestimating the time needed for the entire return process. Travellers often only budget for driving time, forgetting about refuelling the vehicle, completing the hire return inspection, and waiting for the shuttle back to the terminal. On a busy departure day, this entire sequence can take 30–45 minutes. To avoid stress, plan to arrive at the car hire facility at least 30 minutes earlier than you think you need to, especially if you have to refuel nearby.