Is South Myrtle Beach safe?
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates South Myrtle Beach as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on South Myrtle Beach
“Go with care. South Myrtle Beach offers direct oceanfront access, classic seaside attractions, and family-friendly dining, but it also experiences elevated levels of property theft and seasonal late-night disturbances. Visitors should stay alert along commercial corridors, keep valuables secured, and stick to well-lit resort areas after dark.”
Myrtle Beach police maintain active seasonal patrols and surveillance along South Ocean Boulevard to address recurring vehicle break-ins, cruising traffic, and occasional late-night altercations.
About the area
South Myrtle Beach is a high-traffic coastal corridor characterized by oceanfront high-rises, legacy motels, mini-golf courses, and souvenir shops along Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway. It serves as a major tourist hub in summer, backed by residential pockets with higher-than-average rental turnover and seasonal vacancy.
- Touristy / Beachfront
- Budget Resorts
- Bustling
- Seasonal Crowds
Walking and biking in South Myrtle Beach
Walk score: 60/100 · Bike score: 52/100
Biking is popular on oceanfront side streets and wide sidewalk paths, but dedicated bike lanes are limited on busy corridors like South Kings Highway.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Direct, frequent public beach access points and proximity to Myrtle Beach State Park
- Abundant walkable beachfront dining, amusement attractions, and water parks
- Substantial seasonal police presence and municipal surveillance camera network along main tourist strips
Cons
- High property crime rate, notably vehicle break-ins and theft from unattended beach items
- Higher local poverty and seasonal housing vacancy compared to national averages
- Frequent late-night noise, traffic congestion, and rowdy crowds along South Ocean Boulevard during peak months
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately noticeable along South Kings Highway near older commercial plazas and budget motels, with localized panhandling around convenience stores and intersections.
What South Myrtle Beach is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are peaceful and safe, with joggers, walkers, and early beachgoers enjoying the sunrise.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons are energetic and family-oriented with heavy foot traffic to and from the beach.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Evenings are busy around restaurants and arcades, though heightened traffic and louder crowds require standard awareness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights carry elevated risk for opportunistic property crime, alcohol-fueled disputes, and loitering, making walking alone off main hotel strips ill-advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Coast RTA operates Route 15S connecting South Kings Highway and Ocean Boulevard to central transit centers, though frequency is limited and visitors largely rely on cars or rideshares.
Metered street parking and municipal surface lots line Ocean Boulevard and access streets (typically $2 to $3 per hour during the March-to-October season), while most resorts provide dedicated guest parking.
Things to do in South Myrtle Beach
- Take in panoramic ocean views and fish off the historic Springmaid Pier
- Explore coastal trails and quiet natural beaches at Myrtle Beach State Park
- Play mini-golf under the Mayan pyramid at Cancun Lagoon Adventure Golf
Local favorites
- Damon's · American Restaurant · 4.3★ (5850)Popular oceanfront ribhouse featuring classic American barbecue and expansive open-air deck seating.
- Angelo's Steak and Pasta · Italian & Steakhouse · 4.4★ (4920)Longtime Kings Highway staple famous for garlic rolls, buffet pastas, and sizzling ribeye steaks.
- Loco Gecko Beach Chophouse · Casual Eatery · 4.1★ (1940)Vibrant beachfront grill serving specialty burgers, pizzas, and cocktails in a casual sports-bar setting.
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.