The one thing to remember

Home to the country's first autism-friendly beach town, the Grand Strand offers programs like Project Lifesaver, the airport Sunflower Program and Quiet Room, Savannah's Playground and the Autism Travel Card to make a beach trip comfortable for every family.

The Grand Strand is proud to be one of the country’s most welcoming destinations for visitors with autism and sensory-processing needs. Surfside Beach became the first autism-friendly travel destination in the United States in 2016, and the City of Myrtle Beach followed in 2018.

Today, communities, first responders and attractions across the area work together to make a beach vacation comfortable for every family. Here are some of the programs that help.

Project Lifesaver

Myrtle Beach area police and tourism officials are trained to administer Project Lifesaver, which provides a personalized tracking wristband for children and adults who are prone to wander or at risk of becoming lost — including those with autism, Down syndrome or Alzheimer’s disease. Anyone wearing the wristband can be quickly located by a specially trained search-and-rescue team and returned to their family or caregiver, reducing search times from hours or days to minutes. For more information, call (843) 626-7444 or visit the Myrtle Beach Welcome Center at 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach. Learn more at ProjectLifesaver.org.

Sunflower Program at the airport

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) offers the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, a discreet way for travelers with a hidden disability — including autism — to self-identify. Wearing a Sunflower lanyard quietly signals to airport personnel that a traveler may need a little extra time, patience or assistance, without having to explain.

A quiet room at the airport

MYR was the first airport in the United States to offer a sensory “Quiet Room” — a calm space near baggage claim where families can relax and decompress before or after a flight. It paved the way for similar quiet rooms at airports around the world.

Savannah’s Playground

Near The Market Common, Savannah’s Playground is an award-winning, all-accessible play space for children of all abilities. Built in 2016, it features ADA-approved equipment, sensory-friendly zones for musical play, splash pads, and specialized swings and slides. A renovation completed in early 2026 added new synthetic turf, shaded areas and upgraded equipment to further improve comfort, safety and accessibility.

Autism Travel Card

The Autism Travel Card lets families discreetly identify as having a member with autism. Participating restaurants, hotels and venues offer accommodations such as quiet seating, expedited meals, and adjustments to reduce sensory overload — and hotels can help by adjusting room placement and removing potential triggers. Learn more and request a card at AutismTravel.club.

Sensory-friendly support from first responders

Horry County Police and other safety services offer programs for individuals with sensory or special needs. Many officers have completed awareness training on how to respond to autism and sensory-friendly needs, and can provide kits with fidget toys, headphones and other calming items when necessary. To reach Horry County first responders or complete a sensory-friendly needs form, email [email protected].

Tips for a sensory-friendly beach day

A little planning goes a long way toward a calm, happy trip:

  • Pack sun and sensory protection. Sunglasses or sun goggles, a swim or surf suit to guard against sand and sun, and shade like an umbrella or cabana all help.
  • Have a “mock beach day” at home first. Lay out a big towel on the floor or lawn so the routine feels familiar before the real thing.
  • Use the airport quiet room. If you’re flying in, take a moment there to catch your breath and make a plan before heading to baggage claim.
  • Check the tides. Mornings and evenings are quietest; at low tide, calm tidal pools appear for safer, waveless splashing.
  • Have backup swim options. Hotel pools and water parks can feel less overwhelming than the open ocean.
  • Buy tickets ahead. Purchasing attraction tickets before you arrive means less time in line and more time playing.
  • Explore beyond the beach. Nearby state parks and open green spaces offer calmer room to run and roam.

The Beach is for everyBODY

Visit Myrtle Beach’s “The Beach is for everyBODY” sensory-friendly pledge invites businesses across the Grand Strand to commit to being welcoming and inclusive — practicing patience and problem-solving, and cultivating a space of acceptance so every guest feels they belong. For a list of participating businesses, visit visitmyrtlebeach.com/pledge.

For more sensory-friendly resources and a fuller list of accessible attractions, hotels and eateries, visit VisitMyrtleBeach.com.