Whether you are a first-timer to the area or are a seasoned beach pro you are sure to know at least a little bit about the Myrtle Beach area. But, how well versed are you with Myrtle Beach trivia? Check out a few of these little known facts and brush up on your Myrtle Beach knowledge:
Fast Facts
- Myrtle Beach got its name from the wax myrtle trees common to the area. The general Myrtle Beach area is often referred to as the “Grand Strand”.
- The “Grand Strand” is comprised of a 60-mile stretch that runs from Little River, SC down to Georgetown, SC.
- Myrtle Beach hosts over 15 million visitors each calendar year with June – August being the busiest months for travel.
- Myrtle Beach averages an impressive 215 sunny days per year, making it one of the most popular east coast beach destinations.
- Myrtle Beach’s population jumps from around 30,000 in the “off-season” to over 350,000 during the summer months.
- The Myrtle Beach area is home to over 1,500 restaurants that serve up everything from Calabash style seafood and low country cuisine to fresh sushi and ethic offerings.
- Myrtle Beach got its name from the wax myrtle trees common to the area.
Fun Facts
- Myrtle Beach’s very first hotel was Seaside Inn, built in 1901 for only $3,813 total for materials and labor. The cost of staying was just $2 / night and included three meals.
- Oceanfront lots were only $25 in 1905. Now, oceanfront lots can run well over $1 Million in some areas. Let’s throwback to those prices for a bit, shall we?
- Shag, the official state dance of South Carolina, originally hails from the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach. It’s rumored that the “shag” evolved from locals in the 1940’s attempting to do the “jitterbug” but had a little too much to drink and it turned into a slower version with a bit more flare.
- Sports Illustrated Magazine comes from humble beginnings. This popular sports publication started at the Pine Lakes International Country Club in 1953.
- Well known Myrtle Beach natives include Vanna White from Wheel of Fortune, Shane Carruth, an award winning director, and Christopher Jones from Forrest Gump.
- Kings Highway was actually an Indian trail long before European settlers arrived in the area. After colonization, the trail remained a popular route to travel between northern and southern cities.
Do you have any interesting Myrtle Beach facts to add? Let us know!