Myrtle Beach Rules and Regulations

The Grand Strand has been suitably compared to a splendid patchwork quilt of fishing villages, beautiful beaches and towns large and small. That can make it difficult to unify a list of rules and regulations to inform the approximate fifteen million tourists who head our way every year. Here's our finest effort. If you have questions that remain unanswered, please visit the following websites:

Swimming

• Swimming is prohibited farther than fifty yards from the water's edge or beyond shoulder depth. Jumping or diving from piers is not permitted.
• This is a little known rule, but only canvas rafts equipped with safety ropes may be used in the ocean.
• Swimwear is subject to city ordinances. Thong bathing suits are prohibited on every beach.

Other Beach Activity

• It is illegal to have a tent on the beach from Memorial Day - Labor Day.
• It is illegal to cut, break, or otherwise destroy sea oat plants, beach grass, or sand fencing.
• Sleeping on the beach or at a beach access is not allowed between 9 PM and sunrise.
• Soliciting on the beach or other public property is illegal.
• It is illegal to build a fire or use a propane-fired grill or other cooker on the beach.
• Discharging fireworks is illegal within the city limits of all Grand Strand municipalities.
• Disposing of litter or solid waste is illegal on public and private property. For the record, cigarette butts are considered litter. The court may impose fines, litter cleanup hours, and jail time.
• Glass containers are prohibited on the Beach.
• It is unlawful to drive or operate a motor vehicle on the beach or in public marsh areas.

Animals

• In Horry County – North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach – any animal on the beach must be on a hand held leash not to exceed six feet in length and under control of the person who has custody of the animal.
• Animals are not permitted on the beach from 9 AM – 5 PM from May 15 – September 15.
• Dogs are allowed on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk from 5 – 10 AM from May 1 through Labor Day.
• In Georgetown County, dogs are allowed on public beaches if accompanied by and under the physical control of a guardian by means of a leash or similar restraining device.
• Owners are responsible for the removal of pet waste on beaches and other public property.
• In Surfside Beach, dogs are not allowed on the beach at any time between May 15 and September 15.
• At Huntington Beach State Park, an area designated for the protection of endangered species, dogs and cats must be on a leash at all times.

Horseback Riding on the Beach

• Between March 1 and the third Saturday in November, it is unlawful to ride a horse or other animal on the public beach or within pubic marsh areas.
• Horseback riding on the beach is allowed from the third Saturday in November until the end of February subject to the rules listed below. No permit is required.
• Not more than six horses and riders are to be in a single group at one time.
• Riding across or on any sand dune is prohibited.
• Access to the beach is available only at Myrtle Beach State Park.
• There must be no parking of horse trailers or staging within the public"s right-of-way.
• All riders will be required to clean up after their horses in all areas landward of the mean high tide line.
• There is a $25 per horse fee.
• Phone: 843-238-5325 for more information.
• Riding horses in Huntington Beach State Park or on Pawleys Island is prohibited year round.

Roads/Highways

• Seat belts must be worn at all times in moving vehicles.
• Motorcyclists are required to use headlights at all times.
• Right turns may be made on red signals throughout SC, except where "No Right on Red" signs are posted.
• Vehicles must come to a complete stop before turning and must give right of way to traffic already in an intersection.
• If your windshield wipers are on, your headlights must be on as well.
• Open containers of alcohol, including beer, wine and/or liquor are prohibited in vehicles.
• Children 17 or younger in a moving vehicle must be restrained at all times by means appropriate for child's age and seating location.

Cruising

• And this doesn't reference cruising on the beach. Once upon a time, cruising – up, down and back again – made for good times on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach. Rowdy kids and bad behavior means "Cruisin" the "Blvd" is now regulated by the Myrtle Beach Police Department between Third Avenue South and 21st Avenue North from 2 – 6 AM between March 1 and October
  • There's a heavy police presence during other hours, as well. Unless you're willing to pay a steep price, decent, law-abiding behavior is strongly suggested.