The Grand Strand spans several cities and counties — each with its own beach rules for dogs, tents, alcohol, fireworks, parking and more. Find the ordinances for where you're staying before you go.
The Grand Strand may feel like one continuous beach, but it spans several cities, towns and counties — each with its own ordinances for dogs, tents, alcohol, fireworks, parking and more. Tap a community for the rules visitors ask about most, then open its page for the full details.
Covers Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach and Windy Hill. In summer (May 15–Labor Day) dogs are off the beach 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and only traditional beach umbrellas are allowed — no tents, canopies or sided shade devices.
Alcohol and glass are prohibited, and fireworks are banned except for permitted displays. No fires or grilling, and gear can’t be left out overnight (7 p.m.–8 a.m.). Surfing is limited to designated areas during peak daytime hours.
The busiest beach on the Grand Strand, with strict peak-season rules. Dogs are only allowed before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. (May 1–Labor Day). From Memorial Day–Labor Day only beach umbrellas are permitted; larger tents (up to 12×12 ft) are allowed off-season, behind the lifeguard line.
Alcohol, glass and fireworks are prohibited, and smoking and vaping are banned on the beach. No open fires. Equipment must be off the sand by 7 p.m., and parking uses ParkMobile or city pay stations.
Covers unincorporated stretches like Shore Drive, Arcadian Shores and parts of Garden City. Horry County has some of the strictest shade rules on the Strand — tents, cabanas, canopies and Shibumi-style devices are banned year-round; only umbrellas (up to 7½ ft) and small infant pop-ups are allowed.
Dogs are off the beach 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (May 1–Labor Day). Alcohol, glass and fireworks are prohibited, no fires, and no gear left overnight. Golf carts and horses are only allowed Nov 1–Feb 28.
Quieter beaches like Litchfield, DeBordieu and southern Garden City. Rules are more relaxed in places — daytime tents and canopies are allowed (just take them when you leave), and dogs can be off-leash under voice control outside 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Alcohol and glass are prohibited and many areas are Fireworks Free Zones. Uniquely, bonfires may be permitted with proper notification. Beach accesses close at night, and overnight parking, sleeping and camping are not allowed.
“The Family Beach” allows larger shade than its neighbors — canopies up to 10×10 ft and umbrellas up to 9 ft. Dogs are off the beach 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (May 1–Labor Day); otherwise leashed and welcome.
Alcohol and glass are prohibited. Fireworks are generally banned but allowed on the beach on July 4th (until 11 p.m.) and New Year’s Eve. Gear must be off the sand overnight (9 p.m.–7:30 a.m.), and watercraft launch only from the 4th Ave South access.
Ordinances can change, and temporary restrictions may apply for weather, sea-turtle nesting, special events or public safety. Always obey posted signs and lifeguard instructions.
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