Horry County manages several stretches of beach that fall outside the incorporated limits of Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and other municipalities. These include areas such as Shore Drive, Arcadian Shores, Garden City Beach, parts of the south end near Myrtle Beach State Park, and other unincorporated beachfront communities. Because these beaches are not within city limits, Horry County ordinances apply.
Dogs are welcome on Horry County beaches, but seasonal restrictions apply.
From May 1 through Labor Day, dogs are not permitted between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
At all other times, dogs are allowed provided they:
Reptiles and other exotic animals are prohibited on county beaches.
Horry County has some of the most restrictive shade rules on the Grand Strand.
Large tents, cabanas, canopies, tarps, Shibumis and similar shade devices are prohibited year-round.
The only shade devices generally permitted are:
Umbrellas must be placed in line with or landward of the established umbrella line and may not block lifeguards’ view of the water. Shade devices must be properly secured but may not be tied or connected together.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all county beaches and beach accesses.
Glass bottles and glass containers are also prohibited.
Fireworks are prohibited on public beaches and on oceanfront properties that are designated and posted as Fireworks Prohibited Zones. Even where fireworks may be legal on private property elsewhere in unincorporated Horry County, they are not permitted on public beaches.
Open fires are prohibited on county beaches and beach accesses.
This includes:
Beach equipment may not be left on the beach between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Items left overnight—including umbrellas, chairs, coolers and other personal belongings—may be removed.
For swimmer safety:
Fabric-covered inflatable flotation devices with a perimeter safety rope or U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation devices are permitted. These requirements do not apply to surfboards, paddleboards or skimboards.
Surf fishing is permitted with a valid South Carolina surf fishing license.
Shark fishing is prohibited from any pier, beach or shoreline in Horry County. If a shark or other dangerous marine animal is accidentally caught, it must be released immediately.
Horry County’s dune system provides important protection from coastal storms while supporting native plants and wildlife.
Visitors may not:
Always use designated beach access points.
Littering is prohibited on county beaches.
Visitors should remove everything they bring onto the beach, including toys, umbrellas, chairs and fishing equipment.
If you dig a hole or trench in the sand, fill it in completely before leaving to help protect other beachgoers, emergency responders and nesting sea turtles.
Motor vehicles are not permitted on the beach.
Never block beach access points, emergency lanes or public rights-of-way when parking.
Golf carts are only permitted on Horry County beaches from November 1 through February 28, and must display a valid South Carolina permit and be operated by a licensed driver.
Bicycles are not permitted on the beach between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from May 1 through Labor Day.
Horses are only permitted on designated portions of Horry County beaches from November 1 through February 28. Riders must immediately clean up after their animals.
Nudity, including thong bathing suits, is prohibited.
Solicitation and unauthorized commercial activity on the beach are also prohibited.
Every year, the most common violations involving visitors include:
In an emergency, call 911 immediately.
If you’re on a guarded section of beach, notify the nearest lifeguard immediately. Horry County Beach Patrol and contracted lifeguard services work with local fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies to respond to water rescues, rip currents, medical emergencies and other incidents along the shoreline.
