Myrtle Beach is known for its beaches, but many visitors spend just as much time at the Grand Strand’s shopping, dining and entertainment destinations. In April, with the weather warming and crowds still lighter than summer, it is a great time to explore them. Each destination handles parking in its own way, and knowing what to expect helps you plan.
Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is one of the area’s best-known entertainment complexes, with shops, restaurants, attractions and a lake at its center. It sits along U.S. 17 Bypass, a short drive from the oceanfront. The complex has large parking areas spread around its perimeter. On busy evenings, lots closest to the main attractions fill first, and parking farther out means a longer walk. Check the destination’s official website for current parking information.
Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing, in North Myrtle Beach, is a waterfront shopping and dining destination along the Intracoastal Waterway. It has surface parking spread across the property. Spring evenings can be busy, especially when there are events or shows nearby. North Myrtle Beach also has its own oceanfront district, with parking arrangements set by that city.
The Market Common
The Market Common, on the south side of Myrtle Beach, is a mixed-use district built on part of the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. It features shops, restaurants, apartments and parks laid out on a walkable street grid. Parking includes street spaces and lots or garages within the district. It is a good option for visitors looking for a quieter alternative to the oceanfront, and its compact layout makes it easy to park once and walk between shops, restaurants and the central park.
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
South of Myrtle Beach, the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is a boardwalk along the salt marsh lined with seafood restaurants and bars. Parking is spread across lots near the boardwalk, and some restaurants have their own parking areas. Spring sunsets draw crowds, so arriving before dinner rush helps.
Planning your days on the Grand Strand
- Group stops by area. The Grand Strand is long, and driving from one end to the other takes time.
- Use the right roads. U.S. 17 Bypass and the Carolina Bays Parkway are often faster than Ocean Boulevard for longer trips.
- Arrive early for dinner. Popular restaurants and their parking fill quickly on spring evenings.
- Check event calendars. Festivals, concerts and sports tournaments can affect traffic and parking.
- Read posted signs. Private lots and restricted areas are common, and many are closely enforced.
For official information on city parking, visit the City of Myrtle Beach’s site at cityofmyrtlebeach.com. The Grand Strand offers far more than sand and surf. With a little planning, you can enjoy its shopping, food and waterfront spots without spending your vacation looking for a place to park.
Planning a Grand Strand Day, Step by Step
The Grand Strand is long, and its big destinations are spread from North Myrtle Beach to Murrells Inlet. A plan that groups nearby stops keeps the driving manageable.
- Pick a region for the day. Choose the north end, with Barefoot Landing and North Myrtle Beach, the central area, with Broadway at the Beach and the oceanfront, or the south end, with the Market Common and Murrells Inlet.
- List your stops in that region. Combine a beach morning with an afternoon of shopping and an evening meal nearby.
- Choose your roads. Use U.S. 17 Bypass or the Carolina Bays Parkway for longer trips, and save Ocean Boulevard for short oceanfront hops.
- Check each destination’s parking information. Look at official websites for current parking arrangements and any event-day changes.
- Time dinner wisely. Arrive before the dinner rush at popular spots like the MarshWalk to find parking more easily.
- Plan your return. Note how long the drive back to your lodging will take, especially after dark on unfamiliar roads.
Sample Days Along the Strand
A north end day
Spend the morning on the beach in North Myrtle Beach, following that city’s parking rules. In the afternoon, drive to Barefoot Landing for shopping and a walk along the waterway. Stay for dinner and enjoy the waterfront in the evening before heading back.
A central day
Start with a morning on the beach near your oceanfront lodging, then drive to Broadway at the Beach in the afternoon. Park near the attractions you plan to visit, explore on foot and stay for dinner and evening entertainment.
A south end day
Visit the Market Common in the late morning, park once and walk between shops, restaurants and the park. In the late afternoon, drive south to Murrells Inlet, arrive before the dinner rush and stroll the MarshWalk at sunset.
Common Mistakes Around the Grand Strand
- Crisscrossing the Strand in one day. Driving from one end to the other and back takes time. Group your stops by region.
- Using Ocean Boulevard for long trips. The oceanfront road is part of the experience, but inland routes are often faster.
- Parking in a restaurant’s lot for a different stop. Many lots serve specific businesses. Read posted signs, since towing is common.
- Arriving at the MarshWalk at peak sunset. Popular evenings draw crowds. Arrive early to find parking and a table.
- Forgetting events. Festivals, concerts and tournaments can fill lots and slow traffic. Check calendars before you go.
Questions Visitors Ask
Is parking free at these destinations?
Arrangements vary by destination and can change. Check each destination’s official website for current parking information before you go.
Are these destinations good for families?
Yes. Each offers a mix of shopping, dining and entertainment, and many families combine them with beach days. Large parking areas can mean longer walks, so plan for tired little legs.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Spring offers warm weather and lighter crowds than summer, making it a great time to explore the destinations beyond the oceanfront.
Do I need a car on the Grand Strand?
For most visitors, a car is the most practical way to reach destinations spread along the coast. Rideshare can work for some trips, especially in the evening.
How do I handle parking with a large vehicle or trailer?
Large surface lots can often accommodate bigger vehicles, but some areas have restrictions on trailers, boats and oversized vehicles. Check the destination’s rules before you go, and look for designated areas or the outer edges of lots where turning room is easier.
For more on Grand Strand vacation rentals and local living, visit grandstrand.app.
