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Myrtle Beach

On leaving Myrtle Beach International Airport, the most direct way to avoid heavy beach traffic is to take Harrelson Boulevard east. Follow the signs to merge directly onto US-17 Bypass, heading north or south depending on your destination. This route lets you avoid the congested stop-and-go traffic often found on Ocean Boulevard and US-17 Business (Kings Highway). Using the Bypass is the key to reaching your lodging or attractions efficiently without getting stuck in the main tourist corridors.

After picking up a rental car, most visitors find it best to enter the specific street address of their hotel or condo into their sat-nav. Using a general resort name can sometimes lead to a main entrance far from the actual check-in office or parking garage. If you’re heading straight to an attraction, using the address for a primary landmark, such as the main car park for Broadway at the Beach, is a reliable strategy. This precision helps prevent frustrating loops around large, confusing resort properties.

The most efficient and least stressful route to North Myrtle Beach from the airport is to use the area’s main highways. From MYR, take Harrelson Boulevard to US-17 Bypass North. After a few miles, merge onto SC-31 North (Carolina Bays Parkway). This expressway was designed to bypass local traffic and has higher speed limits with no traffic lights. Follow SC-31 to the exit for your North Myrtle Beach destination, such as Main Street or Robert Edge Parkway.

The drive from MYR to Broadway at the Beach is relatively short, but timings vary significantly with traffic. During off-peak hours, such as mid-morning or late evening on a weekday, the trip can take as little as 10 to 15 minutes. However, during peak summer season, at weekends, or around dinnertime, the same drive can easily take 30 minutes or more. This is due to heavy congestion on connecting roads like US-17 Bypass and Robert M. Grissom Parkway.

Understanding the difference between these two routes is key to navigating Myrtle Beach effectively. US-17 Business, also known as Kings Highway, is the main commercial artery running parallel to the ocean, packed with hotels, restaurants, shops and numerous traffic lights. In contrast, US-17 Bypass is set further inland and is intended for faster through-traffic with fewer signals. If your aim is to access a specific beachfront business, use the Business route; if you’re travelling a longer distance along the coast, the Bypass is almost always the better choice.

For an evening at the SkyWheel and Boardwalk, the most convenient parking is in the large, city-operated lots along Ocean Boulevard. There’s a prominent multi-storey car park just a block away that offers ample space. Arriving before the main dinner rush, typically before 6pm, gives you the best chance of securing a spot without circling. While there is some metered street parking on side streets, those spots are highly competitive and fill up very quickly.

The best strategy for a stress-free beach drop-off is to locate a public beach access with a small dedicated car park or a turning circle. Have one adult unload the children and gear while the driver waits in a designated spot. Once everything is on the pavement, the driver can then go and find a legal parking space. Stopping directly on busy roads like Ocean Boulevard is unsafe and can cause significant traffic hold-ups, so using these designated access points is crucial.

Getting from Barefoot Landing to Cherry Grove is a straightforward northward progression. After your visit, exit Barefoot Landing and turn north onto US-17. Continue on US-17 for several miles until you reach the junction with Sea Mountain Highway in the Cherry Grove area of North Myrtle Beach. This keeps you moving in the same direction along the main highway and avoids any need to backtrack or get tangled in local Ocean Boulevard traffic.

First-time visitors are often caught off guard by the frequent use of median U-turns, sometimes called 'Michigan lefts', on major roads like Kings Highway. To make a left turn you often have to drive past your destination and use a designated crossover. Additionally, the distinction between US-17 Business and US-17 Bypass can be confusing, leading drivers onto the wrong route. In the core tourist district some side streets abruptly become one-way, which can be disorientating if you’re not watching the signs.

The most effective approach is to pull into your condo’s designated check-in or temporary parking area before unloading. Nearly all large properties have a specific lane or set of spaces for this purpose. Stopping directly on Ocean Boulevard is hazardous and will obstruct traffic. After checking in, the front desk can give you a map and clear directions to the correct parking garage and the best place to unload your luggage.

During peak tourist season, a dinner trip from central Myrtle Beach to the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk requires some planning. While the distance isn’t far, the drive down US-17 Business can take anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes, especially between 5pm and 7pm. This popular route becomes heavily congested with diners and evening traffic. It’s advisable to leave earlier than you think to make your reservation comfortably.

To secure a good spot for a sunrise visit to Huntington Beach State Park, it’s best to leave the Myrtle Beach area about 45 to 60 minutes before the scheduled sunrise. This allows plenty of time for the drive south on US-17 and accounts for any queue at the park entrance. Arriving early guarantees you can park, walk to the beach and get settled before the sun appears over the ocean.

A well-paced day trip combining these two destinations is very manageable due to their proximity. Most visitors start at Brookgreen Gardens, arriving in the morning to enjoy the cooler temperatures while walking the grounds. After spending three to four hours there, it’s a very short drive south to Pawleys Island for a late lunch at a local restaurant. The rest of the afternoon can be spent relaxing on the beach before returning to Myrtle Beach.

Driving in The Market Common at night is generally a low-speed, pleasant experience but it requires heightened awareness. The area is designed to be very walkable, so be vigilant for pedestrians at the numerous crossings between shops and restaurants. On nights with special events, concerts or popular film releases, both vehicle and foot traffic increase significantly. Expect to drive slowly and be prepared for car parks to be fuller than usual.

Driving to Charleston for a day trip is not complicated at all; it’s a fairly direct two-hour journey south on US-17. The route is mostly a four-lane highway and passes through attractive Lowcountry scenery. A popular and convenient stopping point is the historic town of Georgetown, located about halfway, where you can stretch your legs along the scenic Harborwalk. This breaks up the drive nicely and adds another point of interest to your day.

For a smooth half-day trip to Georgetown, plan to leave Myrtle Beach after the morning rush, around 9:30 or 10:00am. The drive south on US-17 typically takes about an hour with light traffic. This gives you several hours to explore the Harborwalk and historic district. To avoid the afternoon congestion heading back into Myrtle Beach, aim to begin your return journey by 3:00pm.

These three areas offer different levels of quiet. Surfside Beach is known as a family-friendly town and is generally calmer than Myrtle Beach, but still has plenty of amenities. Garden City is a bit more laid-back, with a popular pier and a more residential feel. For the most tranquil experience, Litchfield Beach is the top choice, characterised by natural dunes, upscale homes and a distinct lack of commercial development right on the beach.

The key to a smooth show night is arriving early. Plan to get to the theatre 45 minutes before the performance starts. Both The Carolina Opry and Alabama Theatre have large, well-managed car parks, and arriving early ensures a good spot and a relaxed walk to the entrance. When the show ends, exercise patience as the lot empties. Staff are efficient at directing traffic, so the wait to exit is usually organised and shorter than you might expect.

Savvy golfers often group their tee times by location to minimise driving. They might play courses in the southern part of the Grand Strand one day and northern courses the next. Before heading out they always check a real-time traffic app to anticipate any delays on major routes like US-17 or SC-31. Leaving their hotel with at least 15–20 minutes of buffer time is standard practice to ensure a stress-free arrival for an early tee time.

From the Myrtle Beach State Park area, your best route is to head north on US-17 Business for a short distance and then merge onto US-17 Bypass. Continue on the Bypass until you reach the entrance for SC-31 North (Carolina Bays Parkway). This expressway is the fastest and most direct way to travel to North Myrtle Beach, as it bypasses the traffic lights and congestion of Kings Highway, delivering you smoothly to your destination.

Yes, traffic can become heavily congested at several key bridge crossings. The US-501 bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway is a primary choke point, especially at weekends during check-in and check-out times. Additionally, the Socastee Swing Bridge on SC-544 can cause significant, unannounced delays when it opens for boat traffic. It’s always wise to check a live traffic map if your route includes one of these crossings.

When driving on Kings Highway (US-17 Business), it’s crucial to anticipate your turns well in advance. Many left turns are not made directly but require you to pass your destination, enter a dedicated U-turn lane in the median, then come back to make a right turn. Get into the far-left lane early if you know a U-turn is approaching. Missing one of these crossovers can often mean driving a significant distance before you find another opportunity to turn around.

The most convenient times to visit Coastal Grand Mall are on weekdays, particularly between opening and the lunch rush, from about 10:00am to 12:00pm. Early afternoons on weekdays are also relatively calm. Parking is easier to find, and exiting onto busy roads like US-17 or US-501 is much quicker. Weekends, especially Saturday afternoons, and any rainy day will see the most significant crowds and traffic congestion.

During a heavy downpour, visibility on Myrtle Beach roads can decrease significantly and traffic slows down considerably. Drivers should immediately reduce speed and increase following distance. Low-lying sections of Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway (US-17 Business) are particularly susceptible to temporary flooding or 'ponding'. It’s always safest to avoid driving through large areas of standing water, as its depth can be deceptive.

A day trip to Conway is an easy drive, typically taking about 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach via US-501. For visiting the historic downtown and Riverwalk, there’s ample free public parking in lots located just a block or two from the main attractions. You should budget about 35 to 45 minutes for the return trip in the late afternoon, as commuter traffic on US-501 can make the drive back slightly longer.

Rather than trying to meet at a specific resort with limited guest parking, choose a large public landmark as a rendezvous point. A coffee shop or restaurant at a shopping centre like The Market Common or Broadway at the Beach works perfectly. These locations offer vast, free car parks, making it easy for everyone to park and connect. From there, you can consolidate into one vehicle to head to your final destination.

When a large tournament ends, the roads immediately surrounding the venue, like Robert M. Grissom Parkway, become very congested. A smart strategy is to have a post-game plan to wait at a nearby coffee shop or restaurant for about 20–30 minutes. This allows the initial wave of traffic to dissipate. Alternatively, using a navigation app with live traffic can help you find less-congested side streets to exit the area more efficiently.

For any morning marine activity departing from Murrells Inlet or Little River, it’s essential to allow plenty of travel time. Most people plan to leave their Myrtle Beach hotel at least 75 to 90 minutes before their scheduled departure. This generous buffer accounts for potential traffic on US-17, the time it takes to find parking at the busy marinas, and the check-in process for the charter. Arriving early ensures a relaxed and on-time start to your trip.

During Bike Week, expect a significant increase in motorcycle traffic throughout the Grand Strand. Be prepared for slower travel times, especially on main roads like Ocean Boulevard, Kings Highway and in hubs such as Murrells Inlet. As a driver it’s critical to be extra vigilant, constantly check your mirrors and blind spots, and provide ample following distance. You may also encounter temporary traffic pattern changes or detours to accommodate event-related activities.

For a short walk from your car to the sand, the state parks are often the best choice. Both Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park have large car parks situated very close to the beach access points. In more residential areas like Surfside Beach or Garden City, many public access points have their own small lots right by the dunes. Arriving early in the day is key to securing one of these convenient spots.

The best approach for parking at attractions with small lots is to visit during non-peak hours, such as earlier in the day or later in the evening after the dinner rush. If the lot is full, it’s better to patiently wait for a car to leave rather than parking in an unauthorised spot at a neighbouring business. When pulling in and out of these tight lots onto busy US-17, be extra cautious and wait for a clear opening in traffic.

The most direct route for a day trip to Wilmington is to take US-17 North the entire way. The drive is straightforward and typically takes about 90 minutes without heavy traffic. A popular spot for a break is the coastal town of Calabash, NC, located just across the state line. It’s famous for its seafood restaurants and provides a nice opportunity to stretch your legs before continuing on to Wilmington.

These two roads serve very different purposes. Highway 31 is a multi-lane expressway with no traffic lights, designed for higher-speed travel between the northern and southern ends of the Grand Strand. It’s the fastest way to cover long distances. In contrast, Kings Highway (US-17 Business) is a bustling commercial road with frequent traffic lights, providing direct access to hotels, shops and restaurants. Use Highway 31 for efficiency and Kings Highway for local access.

Broadway at the Beach is surrounded by several very large, free car parks, making it easy to park for an extended period. Once you arrive you can park your car and explore the entire complex on foot without concern for time limits or having to move your vehicle. For convenience, try to park in the lot closest to the main attraction you intend to visit first, such as Ripley’s Aquarium or the Celebrity Square area.

A good midpoint for lodging is the northern end of Myrtle Beach, around the area known as the 'Golden Mile' or near Grande Dunes. This location offers excellent and quick access to both US-17 Bypass and SC-31 (Carolina Bays Parkway). Staying here places you in a prime position to drive north or south efficiently, significantly cutting down on travel time to attractions at either end of the Grand Strand.

For a safer and often faster return trip from the North Myrtle Beach area at night, taking SC-31 South is your best option. This major highway is well lit and allows you to bypass heavy traffic, numerous traffic lights and pedestrian activity common on Kings Highway after dark. It provides a much more relaxed driving experience, especially after a long day, and will connect you back to the main arteries of Myrtle Beach.

Driving in resort-heavy areas requires constant vigilance. Be particularly cautious along Ocean Boulevard and on secondary roads in North Myrtle Beach, where both pedestrians and street-legal golf carts are common. Visitors are often distracted and may cross streets without looking, so maintaining a low speed is essential. Always be prepared to share the road and yield, especially near beach access points and major intersections.

The Market Common is an ideal spot for a last day before a late flight. It’s located very close to the airport and offers abundant, easy parking where your car will be secure. You can enjoy some last-minute shopping, have a relaxed meal or see a film. Another good option is a final visit to Myrtle Beach State Park, which is also adjacent to the airport and provides simple parking for one last walk on the beach.

The most reliable and efficient route from North Myrtle Beach to MYR is to take SC-31 South (Carolina Bays Parkway). Follow SC-31 until you reach the exit for SC-544, then head toward US-17 Bypass. From there, clear signage will direct you to Harrelson Boulevard and the airport entrance. This route largely avoids the unpredictable stop-and-go traffic of Kings Highway, making it the best choice for a timely and stress-free airport return.