SUV Rental
Myrtle Beach

For a typical family vacation with beach gear and luggage, a mid-size SUV often provides the perfect balance of space and maneuverability. It offers ample cargo room for coolers, chairs, and suitcases without feeling overly cumbersome in crowded resort parking lots. If you're traveling with a larger group, have bulky items like golf clubs, or simply prefer more interior space, a full-size SUV would be a more comfortable choice. Consider how much equipment you plan to bring versus how often you'll be navigating tight parking spaces at popular attractions.

The most efficient and least stressful route from Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) to North Myrtle Beach is by taking SC-31, also known as the Carolina Bays Parkway. After leaving the airport, follow signs to get on US-501 North and then look for the entrance to SC-31 North. This multi-lane highway bypasses the heavy, stop-and-go traffic common on US-17 (Kings Highway). It's a much smoother drive, especially in a larger vehicle, and will save you considerable time during peak season.

Before you arrive, it's a wise idea to contact your condo rental agency or the building's front desk directly. Specifically ask for the maximum clearance height of their parking garage, as some older structures may not accommodate taller SUVs, especially those with roof racks. You should also inquire about the garage's layout, mentioning you'll be driving an SUV and asking if there are any particularly tight turns or compact-only spaces. Getting this information ahead of time can prevent a very stressful arrival experience.

Many visitors find it convenient to make a stop along US-501 shortly after leaving the airport area. This main thoroughfare has several large retail centers with grocery stores, pharmacies, and beachwear shops that are easy to access with an SUV. You'll find ample parking at these locations, making it simple to load up on essentials like sunscreen, snacks, and drinks. Planning this stop early in your drive allows you to arrive at your rental with everything you need for your first day on the sand.

During the peak summer season, traffic from Surfside Beach to the airport can be unpredictable, especially on weekends or during weekday rush hours. It's a good practice to add at least 30 to 45 minutes to your expected travel time. The main routes, like US-17 Business and US-17 Bypass, can become heavily congested. Giving yourself this extra buffer accounts for potential slowdowns and ensures a more relaxed journey back to MYR for your departure.

From the airport vicinity, the most straightforward way to reach Broadway at the Beach is by taking Harrelson Boulevard to US-17 Bypass North. Continue on the bypass for a few miles and then take the exit for 21st Avenue North, which leads you directly toward the complex. This route helps you avoid some of the more congested local streets and provides clearer signage. Once you arrive, the expansive parking lots are well-suited for SUVs, but it's still best to arrive earlier in the day to secure a convenient spot.

Yes, instead of searching for limited street parking on Ocean Boulevard, look for the large, city-operated parking lots and garages located a block or two inland. For example, the Pavilion Parking Garage on 9th Avenue North offers ample space and is just a short walk from the heart of the Boardwalk. These lots are generally easier to navigate with an SUV and use a convenient pay-by-plate system. Parking a block away from the main strip can save you a lot of time and frustration.

To secure the best parking for your SUV at the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, plan to arrive in the late afternoon, well before the dinner rush begins. Aiming for a 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM arrival usually allows you to find a spot in one of the restaurant lots before they become crowded. If you arrive later in the evening, especially on a weekend, you may need to use the larger overflow lots and walk a bit further. An earlier arrival ensures a stress-free start to your evening on the inlet.

When driving an SUV at night in busy areas like the Boardwalk or Broadway at the Beach, heightened awareness is key. These areas are often filled with excited vacationers who may not be paying close attention to traffic. Drive slowly, be prepared for people to cross the street unexpectedly, and use extra caution in parking lots. The higher vantage point of an SUV is helpful for visibility, but it's crucial to remain vigilant for pedestrians, cyclists, and golf carts, especially in dimly lit sections.

For a comfortable drive south to Garden City or Huntington Beach State Park, taking US-17 Bypass is generally the better option. While US-17 Business (Kings Highway) runs closer to the coast, it has more traffic lights, congestion, and pedestrian crossings. The Bypass offers a more consistent flow of traffic with fewer interruptions, making for a smoother and quicker journey in your SUV. Once you get closer to your destination, you can easily cut back over to the Business route.

The drive to Brookgreen Gardens is a pleasant trip south from Myrtle Beach, primarily using US-17 Bypass South. The route is well-marked, and the highway driving is comfortable for any size SUV. Upon arrival, you'll find that Brookgreen Gardens has extensive, well-organized parking lots designed to accommodate a high volume of visitors. There is plenty of space for larger vehicles, so you won't have to worry about finding a suitable spot to park your SUV for the day.

To guarantee a parking spot at Myrtle Beach State Park during peak season, the best strategy is to arrive early, ideally before 10:00 AM. The park's lots are spacious and can accommodate SUVs, but they do reach capacity quickly on sunny summer days. If an early start isn't possible, consider visiting on a weekday rather than a weekend, as crowds are slightly smaller. Another option is to aim for a late afternoon visit, as some of the morning beachgoers may have already started to leave.

During a sudden, heavy downpour, the most important thing is to prioritize safety. Reduce your speed significantly and increase your following distance, as roads can become slick very quickly. If visibility becomes poor, pull over to a safe location like a retail parking lot until the worst of the storm passes. Be particularly cautious in known low-lying areas, as street flooding can occur rapidly. The higher ground clearance of an SUV is an advantage, but you should never attempt to drive through deep, standing water.

From the Barefoot Landing area, the most direct route to Cherry Grove is to head north on US-17. However, to avoid some of the local congestion, you can take a short drive west to get on SC-31 North. Take SC-31 to the Robert Edge Parkway exit (SC-90), which will lead you east directly into the Cherry Grove section of North Myrtle Beach. This bypass route is often much faster and involves less stop-and-go driving than sticking to US-17 the entire way.

A convenient and low-stress meeting point is the cell phone waiting lot at Myrtle Beach International Airport. This allows the driver to wait comfortably until the arriving party has collected their luggage and is ready at the curb. For groups meeting up from different locations within the city, a large, easily identifiable landmark with ample parking, such as the Coastal Grand Mall or a spacious grocery store lot, works well. These locations are simple to find and provide plenty of room for multiple vehicles.

For a golf trip, strategic planning is essential to ensure you make your tee times. Always check the location of your course and map your route the night before, factoring in potential morning traffic, especially if crossing major roads like US-501 or US-17. During peak season, add at least 20-30 minutes of buffer time to your GPS estimate. An SUV provides plenty of room for clubs and gear, so focus your planning on timing the drive to avoid the stress of rushing to the first tee.

From most parts of the central beach strip, the simplest way to get to Coastal Grand Mall is to head west on a major numbered avenue, such as 21st or 29th Avenue North, until you reach US-17 Bypass. Take the Bypass south for a short distance, and the mall will be clearly visible on your right. The entrances are well-marked and lead to large parking areas that are easy to navigate with an SUV. This route avoids the more complex Harrelson Boulevard interchange near the airport.

To have a smooth start for a day trip to Georgetown, plan to leave Myrtle Beach before the mid-morning traffic builds up, ideally between 9:00 and 9:30 AM. Use US-17 Bypass South to get out of the main tourist area efficiently. This route has fewer traffic lights than the Business route and allows for a more consistent speed. The drive itself is scenic and straightforward, and an early departure ensures you arrive in Georgetown with plenty of time to explore before the lunch crowds.

To make the most of a day trip to Charleston, plan to depart from Myrtle Beach no later than 8:00 AM. This allows you to get ahead of local traffic and puts you on track to arrive in Charleston around 10:00 AM, before the historic district becomes too congested. The drive is primarily on US-17 South, which is a comfortable route for an SUV. Leaving early ensures you have a full day for sightseeing and can find parking more easily upon your arrival.

For a day trip to Wilmington, aim to leave the Myrtle Beach area by 9:00 AM to avoid the heaviest morning traffic. The drive north on US-17 is generally smooth. To avoid potential backups at the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge upon arrival, try to time your entry into the downtown area for mid-morning, after the local commuter rush has subsided. On your return trip, leaving Wilmington before 4:00 PM will help you miss the worst of the afternoon rush hour traffic heading south.

During Bike Week, expect a dramatic increase in motorcycle traffic, noise, and overall congestion, particularly along Ocean Boulevard, US-17 Business, and in areas like Murrells Inlet. Travel times will be significantly longer, so plan for major delays. When driving your SUV, be extra vigilant, check your blind spots frequently, and provide ample space for motorcyclists. It's also wise to plan your routes to use bypasses like SC-31 whenever possible to avoid the most crowded corridors.

Navigating to restaurants in North Myrtle Beach during peak dinner hours can be challenging due to heavy traffic on US-17. However, the area is generally manageable in an SUV because most restaurant complexes, like Barefoot Landing, have large, well-designed parking lots. The key is to be patient in traffic and allow extra time for your drive. Arriving slightly before or after the prime 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM dinner window can make finding a convenient parking spot much easier.

When you arrive at a busy hotel, it's best for one person to go inside to check in while the driver temporarily waits with the vehicle. Ask the front desk for the best location for unloading, as many hotels have a designated short-term luggage drop-off area. Unload your belongings quickly onto a luggage cart, and then immediately move the SUV to the permanent parking garage or lot. This approach minimizes time spent in the congested check-in lane and is considerate to other arriving guests.

When loading gear near a beach access point, avoid stopping directly in the travel lane. Instead, look for designated public parking spaces, even if it means a slightly longer walk. Pull your SUV fully into a spot, preferably a corner one if available, to give yourself more room. This ensures you can open the rear liftgate and organize your chairs, coolers, and umbrellas without obstructing the flow of traffic or creating a hazard for pedestrians and other vehicles.

A common point of confusion for first-time visitors is navigating the split between US-17 Business and US-17 Bypass shortly after leaving the airport area. To reach oceanfront hotels, you will almost always want to follow the signs for US-17 Business, also known as Kings Highway. Accidentally taking the Bypass will lead you away from the coast. Pay close attention to the overhead signs as you approach this interchange to ensure you stay on the correct path toward the ocean.

For a simple, well-lit route after a late arrival, take Harrelson Boulevard directly from the airport terminal. Follow it until it merges with US-17 Business (Kings Highway) heading north. This road runs parallel to the ocean and is the main artery through the heart of Myrtle Beach. Sticking to Kings Highway is the most direct way to find most central hotels, as it avoids the darker, less-trafficked bypasses and keeps you on a primary commercial road with clear signage.

To avoid the heaviest traffic between Myrtle Beach and Conway, try to travel outside of standard commuter hours. The main route, US-501, gets very congested between 7:30-9:00 AM and 4:30-6:00 PM on weekdays. Plan your drive for mid-day or after 6:30 PM for a much smoother experience. An SUV is perfectly comfortable for this drive, and by timing your trip correctly, you can enjoy a relaxed journey to explore Conway's historic downtown or shopping centers.

For easier accessibility, consider destinations with large, dedicated parking lots close to the main entrance. Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing are excellent choices, as you can typically find parking near your target restaurant or shop, minimizing walking distance. Many of the larger theaters, like the Alabama Theatre or The Carolina Opry, also feature convenient, on-site parking. These locations are far less stressful than trying to find street parking near the Boardwalk.

At large complexes like Broadway at the Beach, families with strollers often look for parking spots at the end of a row. This provides extra space on one side to fully open the doors, set up the stroller, and get children situated without feeling cramped by another vehicle. Arriving earlier in the day increases your chances of finding one of these more convenient spots. The lots are expansive, so even if you park further out, the pathways are generally wide and stroller-friendly.

A proactive approach is best for managing sand in your rental SUV. Keep a small brush or a towel in the car specifically for wiping sand off feet and legs before anyone gets in. Make use of the public showers at beach access points to rinse off thoroughly. It's also helpful to shake out towels and beach bags away from the vehicle. Placing the rental's floor mats upside down can make them easier to shake clean at the end of each day.

For a sunrise beach visit, you'll have a much easier time finding parking than during the day. Most public beach access lots and street parking spots that are typically full will be wide open before 7:00 AM. Areas like Myrtle Beach State Park or the northern end of Myrtle Beach often have ample early-morning parking. Driving to a less-crowded section of the beach will ensure you can park your SUV right near an access point for a peaceful start to your day.

The most efficient route to Little River from the central Myrtle Beach area is to take SC-31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) North. This highway allows you to bypass the traffic and numerous stoplights on US-17. You can take SC-31 all the way to its end, where it merges with SC-9 North, which then leads you directly into the Little River area. This route is smooth, fast, and ideal for a comfortable drive in an SUV.

A great strategy is to choose a cluster of attractions that are within walking distance of each other. For example, you could park your SUV once in a large lot near several attractions on US-17, like a mini-golf course and a beachwear shop, and walk between them. Alternatively, plan a geographic route, starting at the northernmost attraction and working your way south (or vice-versa) to prevent backtracking through heavy traffic. This minimizes the number of times you need to navigate in and out of busy parking lots.

During the school year, be mindful of reduced speed limits in designated school zones on weekday mornings (typically 7:00-8:30 AM) and afternoons. These are strictly enforced. Also, be aware that roads like Carolina Forest Boulevard and Grissom Parkway can experience heavy local traffic during these times as residents commute to work and school. If your travel plans are flexible, it's often best to wait until after 9:00 AM for a more relaxed drive.

To avoid traffic stress, plan to leave the beach in the mid-afternoon, around 3:30 or 4:00 PM. This allows you to get back to your accommodations and get ready before the peak dinner and show traffic begins around 5:30 PM. Choose a restaurant near your theater to minimize travel between dinner and the show. Parking once at a complex like Broadway at the Beach or Barefoot Landing, where you can dine and see a show, is an excellent way to simplify the evening.

When your rental includes a parking pass, it's crucial to confirm a few details with the property manager beforehand. Ask if the assigned spot has any size restrictions or if it's marked as 'compact only.' You should also inquire about the overall garage clearance height if you're driving a taller SUV. Clarifying these points before you arrive ensures that your provided parking pass is for a space that your vehicle can safely and easily access.

Regardless of where you are coming from, the most reliable way to reach the rental car return at MYR is to get on US-17 Bypass. Follow the Bypass until you see the large, clear signs for Myrtle Beach International Airport and Harrelson Boulevard. This approach avoids the unpredictable traffic of Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway. Once on Harrelson Boulevard, follow the prominent signs specifically for 'Rental Car Return' to guide you directly to the correct entrance.

Even for an early flight, certain areas can have surprising slowdowns during peak season. The interchanges connecting local roads to major highways like US-501 and US-17 Bypass can get congested with service and delivery trucks in the early morning. If you are coming from the north, the area around the US-501 and SC-31 interchange can be a bottleneck. Always allow a little extra time, as even at 6:00 AM, you can encounter unexpected traffic.

For the most convenient morning departure, consider staying at a hotel near the airport along Harrelson Boulevard or just off US-17 Bypass. The Market Common district also offers excellent options that provide a pleasant final evening with great dining, while still being only a 5-10 minute drive from the airport. Staying in one of these areas allows you to completely avoid the potential for beach traffic on the morning of your flight, ensuring a low-stress trip to the rental car return.

For first-time visitors, the biggest stress points are often the main intersections along US-17 Business (Kings Highway), which are crowded with turning traffic and pedestrians. Another challenging spot is the US-501 interchange near Broadway at the Beach, which can be confusing with its multiple lanes and exits. Finally, navigating the tight parking lots of smaller, older beachfront motels can be tricky in a larger SUV. Using bypasses when possible and choosing attractions with ample parking can greatly reduce driving stress.