Is East Myrtle Beach safe?
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates East Myrtle Beach as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on East Myrtle Beach
“Go with care. East Myrtle Beach contains the city's iconic boardwalk and beachfront attractions, but visitors should stay alert, especially after dark. High rates of opportunistic property crime, auto break-ins, and late-night disturbances along Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway warrant standard urban vigilance despite heavy seasonal police patrols.”
City officials and police have maintained increased seasonal camera surveillance and targeted foot patrols along the Ocean Boulevard corridor following periodic late-night disturbances during peak holiday weekends.
About the area
East Myrtle Beach comprises the vibrant oceanfront district, bustling boardwalk, and the primary tourism core along Ocean Boulevard. It offers direct access to wide sandy beaches, seaside arcades, and high-rise hotels, paired with an active, resort-driven energy that fluctuates dramatically between the summer peak and the quiet off-season.
- Beachfront Resort
- Tourist Heavy
- Bustling Boardwalk
- Nightlife Active
Walking and biking in East Myrtle Beach
Walk score: 72/100 · Bike score: 58/100
Bicycling is popular along Ocean Boulevard and designated side streets, though boardwalk riding is restricted during peak summer daytime hours; local rental shops offer beach cruisers throughout the area.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- High seasonal police presence and active security along the Ocean Boulevard and boardwalk corridor
- Immediate, continuous access to public beach accesses, oceanfront amenities, and dining
- High concentration of resort amenities, convenience retail, and essential services within walking distance
Cons
- Significantly elevated rates of property crime, larceny, and vehicle break-ins compared to national medians
- Elevated poverty rates in adjacent inland tracts leading to noticeable economic contrast
- Late-night rowdiness and alcohol-fueled disputes common around entertainment clusters during peak season
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present along secondary commercial corridors like Kings Highway (US-17 Business) and around downtown transit stops, where panhandling is occasionally encountered.
What East Myrtle Beach is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant as runners, dog walkers, and beachgoers take over the boardwalk with very low safety concern.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Energetic, crowded, and generally safe with families and tourists packing the oceanfront, though personal belongings should be watched.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Bustling and brightly lit around dining hubs, feeling generally secure on main strips but requiring vigilance on quieter side streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Noticeably rowdier around bars and along Ocean Boulevard, where situational awareness is strongly recommended due to occasional fights and theft.
Transit, parking and getting around
Coast RTA operates regional bus routes through the district, with Route 15 (Ocean Boulevard / Kings Highway) connecting the beachfront strip to broader Horry County transit hubs.
City-managed metered street parking and pay-by-plate parking lots are prevalent along Ocean Boulevard and intersecting avenues, typically costing $2 to $3 per hour or $12 to $20 daily during peak season.
Things to do in East Myrtle Beach
- Ride the 187-foot Myrtle Beach SkyWheel for panoramic views of the Atlantic coastline
- Stroll the 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade from Pier 14 to 2nd Avenue Pier
- Spend a relaxing afternoon swimming and sunbathing at the central sandy beach access points
Local favorites
- RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar · Seafood Restaurant · 4.4★ (8450)Multi-level oceanfront venue serving fresh seafood, burgers, and cocktails with panoramic ocean views.
- Peaches Corner · Diner · 4.3★ (3200)Historic boardwalk-area diner operating since 1937, famous for classic footlong hot dogs, burgers, and shakes.
- The Bowery · Bar & Live Music Venue · 4.5★ (2980)Legendary country music club and bar famed as the 1970s house-band home of country group Alabama.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.