The Grand Strand, as the Myrtle Beach area is commonly called, stretches for 60 miles along the South Carolina coast and encompasses many communities within two counties Horry County and Georgetown County. Each community with its own identity and unique qualities. These are some of the major communities comprising the Grand Strand:

Myrtle Beach

Families began vacationing in Myrtle Beach (originally called New Town) more than a century
ago, making their way from inland locales by horse and buggy, then ferrying over the Waccamaw River to reach the undeveloped coast. Oceanfront development began in the early 1900s. Myrtle Beach became a town in 1938 and a city in 1957. Myrtle Beach has a population of nearly 23,000 and is the largest and most developed community of the Grand Strand, with hundreds of hotels, restaurants, attractions, retail stores, and other businesses.

Atlantic Beach

Nicknamed the Black Pearl, Atlantic Beach was established around 1934 as an oceanfront community for African Americans during the days of segregation. For the next four decades, Atlantic Beach was one of the most popular resorts for African Americans on the East Coast, and in 1966 the town was incorporated. The leaders of Atlantic Beach are currently working to revitalize the community while paying tribute to its rich heritage. Several festivals and cultural events take place each year. Atlantic Beach has close to 400 residents.

Aynor

Affectionately called the Little Golden Town, Aynor is located in western Horry County and has close to 600 residents. The town got its start in the early 1900s as a terminus for a railroad from Conway and was incorporated in 1913. In the early days, Aynor had a bustling tobacco market as well as a brickyard, cotton gin, and several mills. Each September, the town hosts the Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down Festival, with crafts, food booths, music, dancing, and more.

Conway

Tree-lined streets, historic homes and churches, a revitalized business district, and the wondrous Waccamaw River are attributes of Conway, the seat of government for Horry County. Incorporated in 1898, Conway is home to nearly 12,000 people, a number that continues to grow as more people discover this charming city and the lifestyle it affords. Conway has much to offer visitors as well, including walking tours, riverboat cruises, antique shops, restaurants and cafes, the Horry County Museum, and numerous historic landmarks.

Little River

One of the area’s earliest coastal settlements, Little River lies a short distance from the ocean along the Intracoastal Waterway, just below the North Carolina border. It was a popular harbor for pirates in the 1700s and Civil War blockade-runners in the 1800s. Today, Little River (population about 7,000) has a thriving charter boat and commercial fishing industry. Little River’s most popular event is the Blue Crab Festival, held each May. Arts and crafts, entertainment, and educational exhibits are featured alongside booths offering a variety of delicious foods – including crab cakes, steamed crabs, and other blue crab creations.

Loris

Located 35 miles northwest of Myrtle Beach, Loris has a population of nearly 2,100 and is one of the fastest-growing cities in South Carolina. The annual Loris Bog-Off, a festival and chicken bog cooking contest, draws huge crowds each year. (A local specialty, chicken bog is made with chicken, rice, sausage, and assorted seasonings.) Loris was incorporated as a town in 1902 and is known for its friendly, small-town atmosphere.

North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach was founded more than 30 years ago when the communities of Windy Hill, Crescent Beach, Ocean Drive, and Cherry Grove united. Each of these communities has its own appeal, as witnessed by generations of vacationers who return to one locale year after year. North Myrtle Beach’s accommodations include everything from rustic beach cottages and mom-and-pop motels to luxury resorts. The city has nearly 11,000 residents and is also home to many fine restaurants and family amusements. Of course, you can’t describe North Myrtle Beach without mentioning the shag, a dance that originated here and continues to thrive in local dance clubs and at annual shag reunions.

Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach

These South Strand communities have been family favorites for generations. Surfside Beach, in fact, proudly calls itself "the family beach." Incorporated as a town in 1964, Surfside Beach (population 4,425) is an active residential community and thriving vacation destination. Along its lovely beachfront, you’ll find beach houses, hotels, condominiums, and a popular fishing pier. To the south is Garden City Beach (population 9,000-plus), an unincorporated community that straddles Horry and Georgetown counties and ends on a peninsula at the mouth of Murrells Inlet. The majority of Garden City’s vacationers stay in beach houses, with condos coming in a close second. With access to the ocean and inlet, Garden City Beach is a hot spot for fishing, crabbing, and other water sports. The community has a fishing pier, marina, amusements, restaurants, and other businesses.

Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island

The pace is just a little slower in these South Strand communities. Murrells Inlet, once the lair of the infamous pirate Blackbeard, is known as "the Seafood Capital of South Carolina," earning its title from the fresh fish, clams, oysters, and crabs pulled from the surrounding waters and prepared in the numerous restaurants nestled along the creek banks. A 1,400-foot boardwalk, aptly called The Marshwalk, winds through the wetlands, offering stunning vistas and glimpses of wildlife and waterfowl. Litchfield Beach boasts quaint shops, delightful restaurants, quiet beaches, and an uncommon beauty. Its neighbor, Pawleys Island, prides itself on being the oldest resort in America, once offering a summer respite for plantation owners and their families. Many of their treasured retreats still stand today.

(Courtesy of Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce)