Beach Rules & Regulations

For the Safety of Our Guests

Help us maintain a safe family resort by obeying the following state and local laws

For complete information about Horry County beaches please visit Horry County Government's Website or the Myrtle Beach Chamber.
For complete information about Georgetown County beaches please visit Georgetown County’s Website.
For complete information about Surfside Beach please visit the Surfside Beach's Website.

When you're ready to book your stay, check availability of our vacation rentals.

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Swimming | Swimming is not permitted beyond 50 yards from the beach or over shoulder depth, unless otherwise stated by lifeguard. Jumping or diving from piers is prohibited. Swimming within 50 yards of a pier is prohibited. Only canvas rafts may be used in the ocean, and rafts must have safety ropes. Swimwear is subject to city ordinances in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach. It is illegal for anyone to wear a thong bathing suit.

Sea Oats | It is illegal to cut, break, or otherwise destroy sea oat plants, beach grass or sand fencing.

Sleeping on the Beach | Sleeping on the beach or at a beach access is not allowed between 9 p.m. and sunrise.

Campfires | It is illegal to build a fire or use a propane-fired grill or other cooker on the beach.

Soliciting on the Beach | It is illegal to solicit on the beach or any other public property.

Alcoholic Beverages | It is unlawful for any person under 21 to buy, possess or consume alcoholic beverages.
Open containers of beer, wine or liquor are prohibited in any public place including streets, sidewalks and beach areas.

Fireworks | Discharging of fireworks is illegal within the city limits of municipalities along the Grand Strand. Establishments that sell fireworks within Horry County are required to post in a conspicuous location rules and regulations regarding fireworks.

Litter | Disposing of litter or solid waste is illegal on public and private property and in S.C. waters. Cigarette butts are considered litter. The court may impose fines, litter cleanup hours, and jail time.

Driving on the Beach | It is unlawful for any person to drive or operate any motor vehicle on the beach or within public marsh areas.

Boating/Surfing

Horry County | It is illegal to use any equipment in a manner that would endanger bathers, swimmers, surfers, or others in the water. Sailboats, motorboats and Jet skis (or other personal watercraft) must remain at least 400 feet from the shoreline and 500 feet from any fishing pier, with the exception of entering or exiting the ocean. Sailboats, motorboats and Jet skis may not be launched or retrieved within 50 yards of a lifeguard stand, unless otherwise designated.

Surfside Beach | Access to the beach for motorized or non-motorized boats or Jet skis is limited to the designated ramp at 4th Ave. S. No motorized vehicle may be used to transport watercraft across the ramp and onto the beach. Watercraft must remain a minimum of 50 yards offshore.
Surfing is not allowed between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 15-Sept. 15, except in an area beginning 270 feet south of 12th Ave. N. and extending north to 14th Ave. N., and in an area beginning 300 feet north of 13th Ave. S. and extending south into Garden City Beach. All surfers are required to wear a surfing leash at all times.

Animals

Owners are responsible for the removal of pet waste on beaches and other public property.

Horry County | Any animal on the beach must be on a hand-held leash not to exceed six feet in length and under the control of the person having custody of the animal. Animals are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 1-Labor Day. It is unlawful to ride a horse or other animal on the public beach or within public marsh areas within the county limits March 1-Oct. 31.

Georgetown County | Dogs must be leashed from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dogs that are not leashed during other hours must be under voice control and owners must be able to demonstrate voice control to a law enforcement officer if asked. No horses on the beach from March 1 to October 31.