Myrtle Beach is situated in Horry County and is the primary location of the popular Grand Strand, a collection of beaches situated on the shores of South Carolina. Myrtle Beach is a well known resort town and renowned for golfing, with over 100 golf courses. A vast number of restaurants and numerous amusement parks are located in the area. More than 14 million visitors arrive in the city on a yearly basis and a large number of them own a condominium or are involved in a timeshare.
The city features numerous upscale resorts, including the prominent Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort. The tourism industry is the primary factor for the economy. Myrtle Beach was incorporated in 1938. Data from the 2000 census indicates the city is part of the 13th fastest growing metropolitan area in the country.
History
Settlers arrived in the late 17th century. However, before the American Revolution occurred the area was basically uninhabited. After the Civil War, the Conway Lumber Company bought the vast majority of the land situated along the ocean. Myrtle Beach was created as a resort area for the companys' employees and in 1900 The company built the Seaside Inn. During this time, a contest occurred to establish the name of the town. Myrtle Beach took the name of the local shrub, the wax myrtle. Throughout the 1900's the area became increasingly popular as a place to live and also for vacations.
Transportation
Myrtle Beach International Airport provides air transportation.
Attractions
The beach area is quite popular and is typically very crowded during the primary tourist season. Visitors can enjoy the beauty along the shore when the sun rises. Myrtle Beach is well known for excellent seafood, served at the local restaurants. Broadway at the Beach is a popular destination which features a variety of shops, nightclubs and attractions. The Barefoot Landing contains a vast number of shops, popular restaurants and entertainment. The Coastal Grand Mall is enormous and quite popular. There are numerous other attractions including:
Ripley's Aquarium Magiquest The Palace Theatre Pavilion Nostalgia Park Myrtle Beach Sate Park Huntington Beach State Park The Carolina Opry
Activities
The city has a vast number of quality golf courses which attract a huge crowd every year. The notable North Course at Myrtle Beach National and South Creek are quite popular. There are a vast number of putt-putt golf courses. The Mount Atlanticus and the Dragon's Lair are two of the prominent courses. The Myrtle Beach Speedway typically offers weekly events. Visitors and residents can enjoy watching the minor league baseball team, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, which is associated with the Atlanta Braves. The city is home to a variety of popular festivals.
Higher Education
The Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College are located in the region.
