Is Southeast Myrtle Beach safe?
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Southeast Myrtle Beach as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Southeast Myrtle Beach
“Go with care. Southeast Myrtle Beach offers quieter beachfront access and family-friendly resort areas compared to the congested downtown boardwalk, but property crime and petty theft remain elevated. Keep your belongings secure on the beach and lock your vehicle overnight.”
Local law enforcement maintains enhanced seasonal patrols and security camera networks along the Ocean Boulevard corridor to mitigate vehicle break-ins and late-night disorderly incidents.
About the area
Southeast Myrtle Beach spans the coastal corridor south of the main downtown strip down toward Myrtle Beach State Park. It is characterized by high-rise hotels, vacation rentals, classic seafood buffets, and miniature golf courses mixed with older residential neighborhoods.
- Tourist-Heavy
- Beachfront Resort
- Car-Dependent
- Seasonal Crowds
Walking and biking in Southeast Myrtle Beach
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 48/100
Cycling is viable along Ocean Boulevard and the nearby Perrigo Trail at Grand Park/Market Common, though dedicated protected bike lanes are limited on major thoroughfares like Kings Highway.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Slightly calmer atmosphere than the hyper-dense downtown boardwalk zone
- Direct access to Myrtle Beach State Park's preserved coastal maritime forest
- Substantial police presence along primary tourist corridors during peak seasons
Cons
- High rates of seasonal property crime including vehicle break-ins and theft from rentals
- Pockets of high housing vacancy and transient rental turnover
- Spikes in traffic congestion and late-night alcohol-related disturbances during summer months
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately noticeable along South Kings Highway commercial strips and near vacant parcels, though less concentrated than in the immediate downtown transit corridor.
What Southeast Myrtle Beach is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant with early-morning beach walkers, joggers, and minimal safety concerns.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Busy with beachgoers and family traffic; safety is generally good though unattended personal items are vulnerable to theft.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively with restaurant crowds and vacationers; well-lit around resorts but requires basic situational awareness near older motel strips.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Activity slows down outside of bars, but caution is recommended along dark corridors and motel parking lots where opportunistic crime rises.
Transit, parking and getting around
Coast RTA operates bus routes serving the area, primarily Route 15S along Kings Highway and Ocean Boulevard. Myrtle Beach has no passenger rail or BRT system.
Most resorts and hotels offer designated guest parking decks or lots. Public beach access points feature city-metered street parking and paid lots averaging $2 to $3 per hour during the active season (March to October).
Things to do in Southeast Myrtle Beach
- Explore the nature trails, fishing pier, and maritime forest at Myrtle Beach State Park
- Play a round of mini-golf at Jurassic Golf on South Kings Highway
- Fish or catch ocean views from the historic Springmaid Pier
Local favorites
- Damon's Grill · American Restaurant · 4.3★ (5100)Oceanfront dining destination famous for its ribs, steaks, and patio beach views.
- The Market Common (Nearby) · Shopping Mall · 4.7★ (11200)Upscale outdoor lifestyle center with shopping, dining, and scenic walking paths.
- Angelo's Steak and Pasta · Italian Restaurant · 4.4★ (6800)Longtime local staple serving generous Italian buffets and seasoned steaks.
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.