Public beach-access parking across Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and the Grand Strand counties — where to find it, when it's free, and how to pay.
Parking is available at public beach-access points all along the Grand Strand, but rates, free windows and payment methods vary by city and county. Tap a community for the details, then head to its official site for the full list of lots and current rates.
More than 50 public parking locations serve the oceanfront across Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach and Windy Hill.
Parking is free before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. from November through February. In season, oceanfront lots and street-end spaces are metered or pay-to-park — watch posted signs for rates and time limits.
Over 100 public beach-access points, plus downtown garages and metered street parking along Ocean Boulevard and the numbered avenues.
Parking is free October 1–February 28. From March 1 through September 30 it’s paid via pay stations and park-by-phone — download the app before you go. Never park in fire lanes or block beach accesses.
Covers unincorporated beaches like Shore Drive, Arcadian Shores and Garden City. Public beach-access parking is limited — use marked lots and street-end spaces and follow posted signs, rates and time limits.
Motor vehicles aren’t allowed on the beach, and blocking accesses or emergency lanes will get you ticketed or towed.
Beaches like Litchfield, DeBordieu and Pawleys Island. Public parking is mostly limited roadside and street-end spaces, and accesses are only open during posted hours — no overnight parking.
Nearby Huntington Beach State Park offers a paid lot with restrooms and its own beach access.
“The Family Beach” has pay stations and meters near the pier and along the numbered avenues.
Rates run from about $2 per hour up to $40 per week. Check each station for hours and payment options, and keep beach accesses and emergency lanes clear.
Rates, hours and free-parking windows change seasonally. Always check posted signs and pay-station instructions before you leave your vehicle.
From covered garages to metered beach access and public transit, here's how to park and get around the Grand Strand.
The Pavilion Parking Garage at 914 N. Kings Hwy. is the closest covered garage to the Boardwalk and SkyWheel. Rates climb during holidays and events, so bring a card and arrive early.
Paid parking is enforced 9 a.m. to midnight daily, March through September. Downtown meters run about $2/hour; beach-access spaces are $3/hour or $15 all day. Pay at the meter, in the ParkMobile app, or by texting your zone number to 25023.
A 7-day visitor parking pass is $50 from the Lanier Parking office inside the Pavilion garage (914 N. Kings Hwy.). It covers city meters all week.
Coast RTA runs year-round fixed-route buses along the beach corridor. Check current routes on the Coast RTA Ride Tracker app or call 843-488-0865. Rideshare drop-offs avoid the closures too.
Parking rates and bus routes change seasonally; confirm current pricing on the City of Myrtle Beach and Coast RTA sites before you go.
Oceanfront lots and garages fill fast on summer weekends and during events. Get there early or have a backup lot in mind.
Many lots are free in the off-season and in the early morning or evening. Check each city’s posted hours before you pay.
Myrtle Beach and others use app-based pay-by-phone. Download the parking app before you arrive to skip the meter line.
In South Carolina, vehicles with a valid disabled, Purple Heart, Disabled Veteran or Medal of Honor tag — or a disabled hang tag — park free at any public meter.
Never park in fire lanes, block beach accesses or sit in emergency routes. Illegally parked cars are ticketed and towed.
During peak periods, pick one spot and explore on foot, or use rideshare to skip circling for a space.
Flying in or leaving the car behind? Here are your options for reaching the Grand Strand and getting around once you arrive.
Many Grand Strand hotels run shuttles from Myrtle Beach International (MYR) — call ahead to confirm, or stop by the Airport Welcome Center.
Uber and Lyft operate across the area with pickup at MYR and the beach. Rideshare drop-offs also skip event closures.
Coast RTA runs year-round fixed routes along the beach corridor, plus a seasonal Entertainment Shuttle. Check routes and schedules on the Ride Tracker.
Taxis and private car services serve the airport and hotels. Arrange a car service ahead for groups, events or airport runs.
Major rental companies — Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget and more — have counters at Myrtle Beach International Airport.
Myrtle Beach is EV-friendly, with charging at the MB Welcome Center, Coastal Grand Mall, Broadway at the Beach and more.
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