Is South Myrtle Beach safe?
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates South Myrtle Beach as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on South Myrtle Beach
“Go with care. South Myrtle Beach offers easy beach access and popular family attractions, but visitors need to stay alert regarding personal property and surroundings. The area experiences elevated rates of property crime and pockets of late-night disorder along its secondary corridors.”
Local police maintain seasonal patrols and mobile surveillance along South Ocean Boulevard following periodic late-night weapon violations and disorderly conduct incidents.
About the area
South Myrtle Beach stretches along the southern end of Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway, blending high-rise beachfront resorts with older motels and casual dining. It provides direct oceanfront access and proximity to Myrtle Beach State Park, though inland blocks show economic wear.
- Beachfront Resort
- Tourist Strip
- Budget-Friendly
- Nightlife Pockets
Walking and biking in South Myrtle Beach
Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no municipal bike-share system, though private beach cruisers can be rented locally; cycling is common along Ocean Boulevard and the nearby trails of The Market Common.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Direct, frequent public beach access points with seasonal lifeguard stations
- Convenient location adjacent to Myrtle Beach International Airport and Myrtle Beach State Park
- Abundant family entertainment, mini-golf courses, and casual oceanfront dining
Cons
- High local rates of property crime, specifically vehicle break-ins and opportunistic theft
- Visible pockets of blight and aging budget motels along the Kings Highway corridor
- Elevated late-night noise, loitering, and sporadic drug-related activity off the main drag
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately noticeable along Kings Highway (US-17 Business) and near bus stops, with panhandling occasionally occurring near convenience stores and vacant parcels.
What South Myrtle Beach is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Mornings are calm and safe, filled with early-morning joggers, dog walkers, and beachgoers heading to the sand.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Afternoons are energetic and family-oriented along Ocean Boulevard, with safety largely defined by standard sun and traffic awareness.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Evenings are lively around restaurants and arcades, though visitors should remain alert when walking on unlit side streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Late nights carry safety concerns due to loitering, public intoxication, and sporadic disturbances around budget motel corridors and bars.
Transit, parking and getting around
Coast RTA provides local public transit, with Route 15S serving the Kings Highway and South Ocean Boulevard corridors; there is no passenger rail system in the area.
Paid municipal parking lots and street spaces line South Ocean Boulevard, typically managed via meters or mobile parking apps, while resorts generally offer gated garage parking for guests.
Things to do in South Myrtle Beach
- Walk or fish off the expansive ocean pier at Springmaid Pier
- Play a round of themed miniature golf at Cancun Lagoon Adventure Golf
- Spend an afternoon enjoying pristine maritime trails and quiet shores at Myrtle Beach State Park
Local favorites
- Damon's · American Restaurant · 4.3★ (8600)Longtime oceanfront eatery known for barbecue ribs, steaks, and an outdoor deck with sweeping Atlantic views.
- Angelo's Steak and Pasta · Italian & Steakhouse · 4.4★ (7200)Bustling local staple famous for sizzling ribeyes, hearty pasta platters, and an extensive family buffet.
- Southern House of Pancakes · Breakfast Restaurant · 4.5★ (2300)Popular morning diner serving classic pancake stacks, omelets, and southern breakfast staples.
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.