What Can I Bring on the Beach?
For those who have never been to the beach, it can be a bit confusing on what the “do’s and don’t’s” are and the laws do change every so often so even those who have been before might have a different experience. Well, Vacation Myrtle Beach is here to help! We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions in regards to what one can and cannot bring to the beach. Use this reference during your next Myrtle Beach vacation to ensure that your beach adventure goes off without a hitch!
Beach Tents
New legislation was recently passes that limits the time of year when guests at the beach may use a beach tent. The law varies based on what area of the beach you are on:
North Myrtle Beach: Tents are not allowed between May 15th – September 15th. Only circular beach umbrellas that have a center pole and are no more than 7.5 feet in height and no more than 9 feet in diameter are allowed on the beach between these dates. Tents are allowed on the beach outside of these dates.
Myrtle Beach: Tents are banned from the beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Between those dates, only circular beach umbrellas that are no more than 7.5 feet in diameter are allowed on the beach. Tents are permitted on the beach outside of those dates.
Horry County: Any form of tent, tarp, or pavilion is banned from the beach throughout the year. The only permitted form of shading device is a circular umbrella that is no more than 7.5 feet in diameter shall be allowed on the beach at any time. Note: this applies year round, not certain dates.
Car / Motor Vehicle
No person is allowed to operate any type of motor vehicle on the beach or within a public marsh area. Motor vehicles must be left at proper parking facilities.
Pets
Pets are permitted at the beach during certain times of the year, though rules and limitations do apply and change depending what area you are in:
North Myrtle Beach: Pets in public must be on a leash at all times. Dogs are allowed on the beach throughout the year, but they are not permitted to be on the beach during “peak hours” (9am – 5pm) from May 15th – September 15th.
Myrtle Beach: Pets in public must be on a leash at all times. No pets are allowed on the beach or along Ocean Boulevard from (from 21st Avenue North – 13th Avenue South) during any time of the year due to the large volume of traffic. Dogs are permitted on other areas of the beach but they are not permitted on the beach between the hours of 10am – 5pm between the dates of May 1st – Labor Day.
Horry County: Any animal on the beach must be on a least and shall not exceed six feet in length. In addition, the person handling the animal must maintain control of the animal at all times. Animals are allowed on the beach, but not between 9am – 4pm from June 1st – September 1st.
Alcoholic Beverages
The posession or consumption of any form of alcohol (beer, wine, or liqur) on the beach or beach access is prohibited. Any form of glass container is prohibited. Open containers in any public place including streets, sidewalks, and beach areas and driving under the influence is prohibited.
Boats / Jet Skis
There are various regulations in place regarding the use of personal watercraft along the beach and those regulations vary by location and time of year:
North Myrtle Beach: Boats, jet skis, or any other form of motorized watercraft may not be launched from the beach between the hours of 9am – 5pm between the dates of May 15 – September 15th. Jet skis, sailboats, catamarans, or any other watercraft are not permitted to operate within 100 yards of the shoreline or within 50 yards of anyone in the water.
Myrtle Beach: Boats, jet skis, or any other form of personal watercraft are not to be operated within 100 yards of the shore between the dates of April 15th – September 15th. Jet skis may, however, be launched and returned to the beach on a course perpendicular to the beach. Boats, jet skis, or any other personal watercraft may not be launched from the beach or returned to the beach between the dates of April 15th – September 15th from the areas between 29th Avenue South to 31st Avenue North and from 69th Avenue North to 77th Avenue North.
Horry County: Boats, jet skis, or any other form of personal watercraft must remain at least 400 feet from the shoreline and at least 500 feet from any pier, with the exception of entering or exiting the ocean. Personal watercraft may not be launched within 50 yards of a lifeguard stand unless otherwise designated.
Surfboard / Paddleboard
Bringing a surfboard or kayak to the beach is allowed, but restrictions do apply and depend on what area of the beach you are on and what time of year it is:
North Myrtle Beach: Surfing is not allowed between the hours of 9am – 4pm between the dates of May 15th – September 15th, except in the following designated areas: 13th Avenue South; 28th Avenue South; 38th Avenue South; 6th Avenue North; and Cherry Grove Pier. All surfers are required to wear a surfing leash at all times.
Myrtle Beach: Surfing and kayaking are permitted at the beach but only in restricted areas between the dates of April 30th – September 15th. Surfing and kayaking are allowed in the following areas: 39th Avenue North - 47th Avenue North; 62nd Avenue North – 68th Avenue North; 82nd Avenue North – Northern city limits. Furthermore, the area from 8th Avenue North to the northern most end of the public boardwalk may be used for surfing or kayaking between October 1st – April 15th. Surfing and kayaking are strictly forbidden within 400 feet of any fishing pier.