The coast just north of Myrtle Beach has many different beaches that are unique and interesting. While Myrtle Beach is famous for its active boardwalk and many tourists, the beaches to the north are quieter but just as captivating.
Cherry Grove Beach is great for families and has a well-known pier, while Ocean Drive Beach takes you back in time with its classic shag dancing and music. If you go further, you’ll find Sunset Beach, which is peaceful and beautiful, and Holden Beach, which feels like a quaint seaside town. These beaches are close to Myrtle Beach, so it’s easy to visit them, and each one has its special charm and stories.
When we look at these beaches, we see that they’re not just close to Myrtle Beach, but they’re worth visiting for their own qualities.
Here’s why these beaches are special: Cherry Grove Beach is perfect for a family day out, especially with its famous fishing pier. Ocean Drive Beach will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time with its old-school dance and music scene. Sunset Beach is the place to be for quiet moments and stunning views, and Holden Beach has a friendly, small-town vibe.
Visiting these beaches, you won’t just enjoy the sun and sand; you’ll also get to experience their unique cultures and environments.
Cherry Grove Beach Highlights
Cherry Grove Beach is a quiet spot just a short drive north from the bustling Myrtle Beach. It’s known for its clean, wide beaches that are perfect for family fun and relaxation. Instead of the busy tourist scene, you’ll find peace and quiet here.
The beach is great for walking or letting kids play and build sandcastles. For those who love being on the water, you can surf or paddleboard. If you like calmer activities, the nearby marshes are great for kayaking.
The Cherry Grove Fishing Pier is also a big part of the beach’s charm. It’s not just beautiful to look at; it’s also a great place for fishing. You might even catch a big fish to brag about!
Ocean Drive Beach Attractions
Ocean Drive Beach, close to Cherry Grove, is known for its fun and variety. It’s a place where you can dance at beachfront clubs or relax on the beach. The Carolina shag, a dance that started here, is very popular. The OD Pavilion amusem*nt park mixes traditional fun with new thrills, great for families. Shoppers can find lots of beach-themed gifts in local stores. Restaurants by the sea offer tasty seafood dishes along with great views. Ocean Drive Beach is friendly and interesting, and it’s a place you should visit when you’re in Myrtle Beach.
Here’s why these attractions matter: The Carolina shag is part of the area’s culture, and dancing it where it began is a special experience. The OD Pavilion gives families a chance to create lasting memories with a mix of rides. Shopping for souvenirs lets visitors take a piece of the beach home with them. Eating fresh seafood while looking at the ocean makes meals memorable. Visiting Ocean Drive Beach allows you to experience the heart of Myrtle Beach’s lively coastal scene.
Sunset Beach is a quiet place away from the crowds, perfect for those who enjoy calm surroundings. The area is full of natural beauty, including the clean and untouched Sunset Beach Pier. Here, people who love fishing or just want to enjoy the view can spend time looking at the sea.
Close by, Bird Island Reserve is an incredible natural area full of local wildlife and birds that come from other places. For a different kind of adventure, visitors can find the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, a special spot where many have left notes with their personal stories and hopes.
Each of these places shows the peaceful charm of Sunset Beach and offers a chance for visitors to get close to nature and relax away from busy tourist spots.
The Charm of Holden Beach
As we continue our trip up the coast from Sunset Beach, we find ourselves at the peaceful Holden Beach. This small, charming town offers a quiet beach experience perfect for families. It’s a place that keeps the friendly feel of a small community against a beautiful natural scene. The beaches here are wide and sandy, with rolling dunes and sea oats swaying in the breeze, providing a great spot for those who love to sunbathe or collect seashells.
At Holden Beach, life moves at a slower pace, which is really enjoyable. Walking by the sea and listening to the waves of the Atlantic Ocean is a great way to unwind and forget the busy world for a while. This beach is a great choice if you’re looking for a simple, peaceful getaway.
When you visit, you’ll understand why Holden Beach is special. It’s not just about the views, but also about the calm feeling you get here. It’s the kind of place where you can take it easy, go for a calm walk by the sea, and enjoy the little things in life.
Bird Island Coastal Adventures
Just up the coast from Holden Beach, you’ll find the peaceful Bird Island Coastal Reserve. This untouched area is perfect for anyone who loves nature and wants to get away from the crowds.
The Reserve is right next to Little River Inlet, and it’s full of natural sand dunes, marshes, and tidal creeks. These are great places to explore or just sit and think. If you visit, you might see the rare loggerhead turtles laying their eggs or hear the beautiful songs of birds flying south or north with the seasons.
The Reserve offers tours with expert guides who can teach you about the plants and animals there and why it’s so important to protect natural places like this. If you’re up for a different view, try kayaking through the calm waters around Bird Island. It’s a chance to see the beauty of this place from another angle and feel even closer to nature.
Bird Island isn’t just a place to visit; it’s an experience that lets you really understand and appreciate one of the wildest parts of the Atlantic coast.
Conclusion
In conclusion, just north of Myrtle Beach, you’ll find beaches that are perfect for different activities and sights.
Cherry Grove Beach is great for those who love nature, while Ocean Drive is full of life and fun things to do.
Sunset Beach is a quiet spot that’s not as well-known, and Holden Beach has a cozy, small-town feel.
Bird Island is a natural paradise that hasn’t been changed much by people.
Each of these places is a great example of the peaceful and beautiful beaches in the Carolinas.
