Myrtle Beach State Park

Named for the pretty wax myrtle shrubs that decorate the landscape, Myrtle Beach State Park offers one of the finest stretches of beach along the Grand Strand – a spectacular ribbon of Carolina beachfront that stretches 25 miles south from the North Carolina border. While the nearby town of Myrtle Beach rages with partiers and tourists, this delightful 312-acre state park protects the magnificence of the area’s nature. The park’s nature center has informative interactive displays on reptiles, butterflies and the area’s natural history. Park naturalists run programs on seine-net fishing, the park’s flora and fauna, and loggerhead sea turtles, ...

Named for the pretty wax myrtle shrubs that decorate the landscape, Myrtle Beach State Park offers one of the finest stretches of beach along the Grand Strand – a spectacular ribbon of Carolina beachfront that stretches 25 miles south from the North Carolina border. While the nearby town of Myrtle Beach rages with partiers and tourists, this delightful 312-acre state park protects the magnificence of the area’s nature. The park’s nature center has informative interactive displays on reptiles, butterflies and the area’s natural history. Park naturalists run programs on seine-net fishing, the park’s flora and fauna, and loggerhead sea turtles, which nest along Carolina beaches. The Sculptured Oak Nature Trail meanders through one of the state’s last stands of maritime forest. Visitors can walk along the boardwalk, fish straight off the pier (license required), and camp at one of the park’s 350 sites. Proceeds from the day-use admission fees ($4 adults/$1.50 children) go toward park programs, protection and maintenance.

About the Expert

Debra Landau has written eight Lonely Planet guidebooks, including books on the USA, Caribbean, and the South.