The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk layout and what you'll find there

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a 1.4-mile paved walkway that runs along the Atlantic Ocean in downtown Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It stretches from 14th Avenue North to 82nd Parkway, with the ocean on one side and shops, restaurants, and attractions on the other. The boardwalk is free to walk on at any time of day or night.

The boardwalk itself has benches, public restrooms, and a wide path designed for both foot traffic and bicycles. The surface is concrete and relatively flat, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. During the day, you'll see families, joggers, and tourists. At night, the boardwalk is lit and remains open, though crowds thin out after sunset.

The boardwalk connects to the Myrtle Beach Promenade, which extends another 1.4 miles north and includes additional shops and dining. Together, these form the main pedestrian spine of downtown Myrtle Beach's waterfront.

Key Takeaways

  • The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is 1.4 miles long, free to walk, and open 24 hours, with public restrooms and benches throughout.
  • Parking is available in nearby lots and garages; street parking fills quickly during peak season (May through August).
  • Restaurants and shops line the boardwalk, with prices ranging from casual food trucks to sit-down seafood restaurants.
  • The boardwalk hosts seasonal events including fireworks, concerts, and festivals that vary by month and year.
  • The beach itself is separate from the boardwalk; you access sand and water by crossing the boardwalk or using designated beach access points.

Where to park and how to get there

Parking near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is paid parking only. The city operates several parking garages and surface lots within a few blocks of the boardwalk. Rates vary by location and season, typically ranging from $1 to $3 per hour during off-season and $2 to $5 per hour during peak summer months. Some lots offer daily maximums (often $10 to $15) if you stay longer.

Street parking along Ocean Boulevard (the road that runs parallel to the boardwalk) is metered and fills quickly during summer and weekends. Parking enforcement is active, and violations result in tickets. If you're visiting during peak season (May through August), arriving early in the morning or after 6 p.m. gives you better chances of finding street parking.

If you're staying in a hotel on or near the boardwalk, check whether your room rate includes parking. Many hotels offer free or discounted parking for guests. The Myrtle Beach Convention Center and some nearby hotels also have parking available to the public.

Restaurants and food options on and near the boardwalk

The boardwalk has a mix of casual dining, fast-casual chains, and sit-down restaurants. Sea Captain's House, a long-standing seafood restaurant, sits directly on the boardwalk and serves lunch and dinner. Croissants Bistemanuel offers French-style pastries and coffee. Lee's Inlet Kitchen is known for seafood and Southern cooking. These sit-down restaurants typically cost $12 to $30 per entree.

Casual options include pizza shops, sandwich shops, and ice cream stands scattered along the boardwalk. Food trucks and outdoor vendors sell items like corn dogs, funnel cakes, and fresh fruit. Prices for casual food range from $5 to $15 per item.

Many restaurants have outdoor seating with views of the ocean or boardwalk. During summer, seating fills up quickly during lunch and dinner hours. If you want to sit down during peak times, arriving before noon or after 7 p.m. improves your chances of getting a table without a long wait.

Shops and entertainment venues

The boardwalk and surrounding blocks have souvenir shops, clothing stores, arcades, and attractions. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park sits at the north end and includes a Ferris wheel, go-karts, and arcade games. Admission to the park itself is free, but individual rides and attractions charge per use (typically $2 to $8 per ride). The Ferris wheel costs around $10 per person.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum is located on the boardwalk and features oddities and curiosities. Admission is around $15 to $20 per adult. The Myrtle Beach Aquarium is a few blocks away and costs approximately $20 to $25 per adult.

Souvenir shops sell t-shirts, hats, beach toys, and local crafts. Prices vary widely depending on the item and shop. Clothing stores include both national chains and local boutiques. Most shops are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. during peak season and have shorter hours during off-season months.

Seasonal events and fireworks

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk hosts fireworks displays on summer evenings, typically Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Fireworks begin around 9 p.m. and last 15 to 20 minutes. The boardwalk fills with people starting around 8 p.m., and the best viewing spots are claimed early. You can watch from anywhere along the boardwalk or from the beach itself.

The boardwalk also hosts seasonal events including the Myrtle Beach Seafood Festival (usually in October), the Boardwalk Bike Fest (May), and various concerts and live music performances. These events are free to attend, though some may have vendor fees or special activities that charge separately. Event dates and details change year to year, so check the Myrtle Beach tourism website or call the visitor center before planning a trip around a specific event.

During winter months (November through February), the boardwalk is quieter and has fewer events, but it remains open and accessible. Holiday decorations appear in November and December.

Beach access and swimming

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk runs along the beach, but the boardwalk itself is not the beach. To reach the sand and water, you cross the boardwalk at designated access points. These access points are spaced throughout the 1.4-mile stretch and are clearly marked. There is no fee to access the beach.

The beach is open to the public 24 hours a day. Swimming is allowed, though lifeguards are only on duty during certain hours (typically 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer). Check current conditions and lifeguard schedules on the Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation website before swimming.

Rip currents can occur, and ocean conditions change with weather and tide. If you're unfamiliar with ocean swimming, ask a lifeguard about current conditions before entering the water. Alcohol is not permitted on the beach, and glass containers are prohibited.

When to visit and what to expect by season

Peak season runs from May through August, when temperatures are warm, schools are out, and the boardwalk is crowded. Expect large crowds, higher prices, and full parking lots during these months. Summer is the best time to swim and enjoy water activities, but it's also the most expensive and busiest.

Spring (March and April) and fall (September and October) offer milder weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices. The water is cooler but still swimmable. Many restaurants and shops remain open, though some reduce their hours.

Winter (November through February) is the quietest season. Temperatures range from the 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit. The water is cold, and swimming is uncomfortable for most people. However, the boardwalk is peaceful, parking is easier to find, and hotel rates drop significantly. Many shops and restaurants close or reduce hours during winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the boardwalk dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted on the boardwalk itself during peak season (May 15 through September 15). Outside those dates, leashed dogs are allowed. The beach also has restrictions: dogs are prohibited on the beach from May 15 through September 15 but are allowed during off-season months on designated areas. Check current pet policies with Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation before bringing a dog.

Can I rent bikes or scooters on the boardwalk?

Yes. Several rental shops along the boardwalk rent bicycles, electric scooters, and other wheeled devices. Rental rates typically range from $10 to $20 per hour for bikes and $15 to $30 per hour for scooters. Helmets are usually included. Bikes and scooters are allowed on the boardwalk, though you must yield to pedestrians and follow posted speed limits.

Are there public restrooms on the boardwalk?

Yes. Public restrooms are located at several points along the boardwalk, including near the Amusement Park, the Promenade, and various beach access points. Restrooms are free to use and are open during boardwalk hours. During peak season, they can have lines during busy times.

What time does the boardwalk close?

The boardwalk itself does not close. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, individual shops, restaurants, and attractions have their own hours. Most close between 10 p.m. and midnight during peak season and earlier during off-season. The boardwalk is lit at night, but it is quieter and less crowded after sunset.

Is there a cost to walk on the boardwalk?

No. Walking on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is free. You only pay for parking, food, shops, and attractions. The boardwalk itself and beach access are free to the public.