Myrtle Beach is the heart of the Grand Strand and one of the busiest beaches on the East Coast.
With millions of visitors each year, the city has established rules designed to keep the beach safe, protect natural resources and ensure everyone has room to enjoy the shoreline. If you’re visiting Myrtle Beach, pay particular attention to seasonal regulations for dogs, shade devices, smoking, fireworks and beach equipment.
Dogs are welcome on Myrtle Beach’s public beach, but seasonal restrictions apply.
From May 1 through Labor Day, dogs are only allowed before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. From the day after Labor Day through April 30, dogs are permitted on the beach at any time.
Dogs must always remain on a leash no longer than seven feet, and owners are required to immediately clean up after their pets.
The same seasonal hours also apply to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, where dogs are only permitted before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. during the summer season.
Shade device regulations change during the peak summer season to help lifeguards maintain clear sightlines and allow emergency responders to move quickly along the beach.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, only traditional beach umbrellas are allowed. Umbrellas must have a single center pole and may be no larger than 7½ feet in diameter.
During this period, beach tents, canopies, cabanas and other enclosed shade structures are not permitted.
From the day after Labor Day through the day before Memorial Day, tents and canopies up to 12 feet by 12 feet are allowed. These larger shade structures must be placed at least 10 feet behind the established lifeguard umbrella line.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on Myrtle Beach’s public beaches.
Glass bottles and glass containers are also prohibited to help prevent injuries and make beach cleanup safer.
Fireworks may not be possessed or discharged within the City of Myrtle Beach, including on the beach, except as part of an approved professional fireworks display.
Open fires of any kind are prohibited on the public beach.
This includes bonfires, campfires, charcoal grills, fire pits and other open-flame cooking devices.
Personal beach equipment may not be placed on the beach before 8:00 a.m.
All chairs, umbrellas, coolers, tents and other personal belongings must be removed by 7:00 p.m. each day. Equipment left overnight may be removed by the city.
These rules help beach maintenance crews clean the shoreline, protect sea turtle nesting habitat and prevent unattended items from becoming hazards during high tides or storms.
Always swim near a staffed lifeguard whenever possible and obey all posted warning flags.
Surfboards, kayaks and similar watercraft are only permitted in designated areas during the busy summer season. Watercraft should never be operated in designated swimming areas or near lifeguard-protected sections of beach.
Only approved flotation devices are allowed. Inflatable floats must be fabric-covered with a perimeter grab rope or be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Always follow instructions from lifeguards, Ocean Rescue personnel and Beach Patrol officers.
Myrtle Beach’s sand dunes provide an important natural barrier against storms while protecting native plants and wildlife.
Visitors should always use designated beach access points and never walk through or climb on dunes. Damaging dune fencing, sea oats, beach grass or other protected vegetation is prohibited.
Sea turtles nest along Myrtle Beach’s beaches each summer. Never disturb sea turtle nests, fencing or nesting areas, and always give wildlife plenty of space.
Help keep Myrtle Beach beautiful by leaving the beach cleaner than you found it.
Littering is prohibited, and visitors should properly dispose of all trash before leaving the beach.
If you dig a hole in the sand, fill it in completely before leaving. Deep holes can create hazards for other visitors, emergency responders, beach maintenance equipment and nesting sea turtles.
Parking is only permitted in designated public parking spaces and lots.
Never park in fire lanes, block beach access points, obstruct emergency vehicle routes or park in handicap-accessible spaces without proper authorization.
Many public parking locations use ParkMobile or city pay stations. Always check posted signs for payment requirements, enforcement hours and time limits.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited on Myrtle Beach’s public beaches.
From May 1 through Labor Day, bicycles are only allowed on the Boardwalk between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Selling merchandise, distributing promotional materials or conducting commercial business on the public beach generally requires authorization from the City of Myrtle Beach.
Drone operators must follow all FAA regulations and should never fly over crowds, emergency operations or areas where temporary flight restrictions are in place.
Every year, the most common violations involving visitors include:
In an emergency, call 911 immediately.
If you’re already on the beach, notify the nearest lifeguard tower, Beach Patrol officer or Ocean Rescue personnel. Myrtle Beach Fire Department’s Ocean Rescue Division, Myrtle Beach Police Department Beach Patrol and professional lifeguard services work together to respond to water rescues, rip currents, missing swimmers, lost children, medical emergencies and other incidents along the shoreline.
For non-emergency police assistance, call 843-918-1382.
