I recently returned from a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA. I would argue that no city in America better captures the moment we’re living in than Myrtle Beach does. Trumpian in it’s politics and growing rapidly, it is full of southern charm and exemplifies American values of tolerance and acceptance.
The principle city along the famous “Grand Strand”, Myrtle Beach sits on an unbroken 50 mile strip of beautiful white sand beaches lined with palmetto palms, pine trees and southern wax myrtle shrubs from which Myrtle Beach takes it’s name. True to form, faced with such astounding natural beauty Americans thought “What would really make this place special is some high rises and a ferris wheel.” Over the last 120 years they’ve proceeded to create a city full of oceanside hotels, gimmicky roadside attractions, chain restaurants and souvenir shops all signed in neon.
While on the surface Myrtle Beach can seem cheap, garish and maybe even a little seedy, a deeper look presents a more complicated and I would argue charming reality.
A block in from the beach many of the smaller, more intimate inns which first sprang up in Myrtle Beach still remain; many with midcentury modern design elements that I’m a huge fan of. And while the city is located in a deep red county, where Donald Trump secured 2/3 of the vote in the previous election, it also boasts a strong “live and let live” ethos. It’s also heavy on the southern charm – a mentality that seems to extend to all visitors regardless of class, color, creed or even politics.
Myrtle Beach is one of the fastest growing corners of the fastest growing state in the nation and an increasingly diverse array of folks now call Myrtle Beach home and visit for vacation. While that diversity is less obvious than it may be elsewhere, just off the main roads you’ll find diverse communities and variety of diverse restaurants and shops.
Tips:
The more I’ve traveled the more I’ve become a fan of places that might be short on big attractions but long on atmosphere and energy. I’d never advocate that someone pick Myrtle Beach over Miami, New York or even Charleston or Savannah but for those planning a longer trip to the US, or who have been to the US before and want to see someplace new I’d argue Myrtle Beach should be on your list.
- If you’re a fan of mini golf you’re in luck! There are over 50 mini golf courses in Myrtle Beach along with traditional golf courses as well.
- Beachcombers should keep their eyes peeled for fossilized shark teeth – the beach is peppered with them.
- Georgia may be better known for peaches, but for my money South Carolina peaches are even better – they’re widely available from road side stands in season. While there, pick up some boiled peanuts as well. This regional specialty was most likely brought to the American South by enslaved people’s from West Africa. They make a fantastic snack.
- Looking for a quieter spot to hang out? – North Myrtle Beach has the same great beaches but with far less people – though prices are higher.
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