Why is Myrtle Beach so much more popular as a tourist destination than some of the beaches around

[raccoon]

Charleston, SC? Such as Folly Beach.

Is it just that Myrtle Beach had better PR over the decades?

[babylonsister]

1. I bet it's because of all of the golf courses. nt

[supernova]

2. MB has also become Branson, Eastcoast

There are many country "stars" who now have places both in Myrtle Beach and Branson, MO.

It's sad really. I remember when Myrtle Beach was the "flashy" beach to go to with lots of neon and cars cruising on the beach road.

But, it's true, there are much better beaches in North and South Carolina. Wide, open uncrowded beaches with no overdevelopment. MB is practically on the water; there is very little beach. What little there is has to be constantly replenished.

[JustAnotherGen]

19. I'm going to MB

For the first time for a long weekend in mid-September. Why? Boyfriend and two of his friends bought a shore house down there a few years ago that they rent out for vacationers. Empty for a few days in September. Should be interesting - my only experiences in SC have been going to my company's Global Support center in the capitol and Charleston for a family get together.

I actually hope it is high risey and yuppie-ville. Then again I live in NJ and your more likely to see me at the beach in Deal or Asbury Park then at Pt. Pleasant or Seaside or any of that crap with the big hair and bar fights! :rofl:

[Kat45]

11. I believe that's it.

Actually, the only thing I know about Myrtle Beach is golf courses. My cousin, an avid golfer, bought a condo and moved down there just because of the golf.

[liberal N proud]

3. Greedy developers in Myrtle Beach vs those who enjoy solitude

Myrtle Beach has been over commercialized where the Charleston area has relished it's southern charm and history.

[Lance_Boyle]

4. Myrtle is more easily accessible from the good Carolina,

so vacationing beachgoers don't have to deal with too much jesusland on their way to the shore.

[NightWatcher]

5. the golf courses yes, but people also lack creativity....

its got a beach, a Hooters, and an outlet mall, shit we're there....

pack my black socks and sandals and load the kids in the minivan

[inenemyterritory]

10. Charleston has the same

Will hard to pick you out of the crowd tho, with the black socks and sandals.

[mitchtv]

6. tourists go to SC?

Lost , I suppose

[T Wolf]

7. Do not underestimate the impact of cost - rich people go to Charleston and Hilton Head while

the rest of America goes to MB.

[Warpy]

8. I loved it when I was a kid

and the atmosphere was pure honky tonk and amusement park. People tell me it's been yuppie high rise condoed to death now, a total shame.

People who go there out of habit probably remember it much the way I do, hoping it will somehow come back.

[another saigon]

9. I hope Folly Beach NEVER changes

I can not stand Myrtle Beach. It is the Disney World of Carolina beaches. I hate Disney world as well.

[no_hypocrisy]

12. The oil hasn't reached there yet?

[Vinnie From Indy]

13. Thank God for Myrtle Beach!

I, for one, am grateful that Myrtle Beach is a mecca for the average tourist because it keeps the many other Carolina beaches from becoming Myrtle Beach.

[madmax]

14. Live in North Carolina but,

have never been to our beaches. Been to Myrtle Beach 4 times in 2 years. Love it.

We've stayed at the The Grande Shores 3 x's. and once at another place. Decided that GS was going to be 'our place'. We usually rent a 1 BR condo. Their prices are very good! Once you've stayed they offer you a discount on every return. Near shopping, dining, golf (if that's your thing ;) Also, Hard Rock Cafe and the like.

What we like about it the most is Grand Shores condo, 3 pools, jacuzzi's, bar and restaurant, ocean front, and clean. All rooms have ocean view although they may be a side view. The condo spacious, decent equiped kitchen, washer/dryer. I do my laundry before I leave so I don't have to do it at home. I don't know - just makes me feel better :rofl:

Ahhh, the best part - the beach. Soft clean sand, no rocks or a lot of broken shells and warm clean water.

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7GGLL_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=the+grand+shores+myrtle+beach&fb=1&gl=us&hq=the+grand+shores&hnear=Myrtle+Beach,+SC&cid=10159805502773308647&pcsi=10159805502773308647,1

We're leaving for a week in about 1 hour... :bounce: This time we're getting a 3BR condo because my 2 brothers in law are coming down 1 from CT and one from NJ. First timers ;) Mr. mm told me how much but, duh. He and his brothers are happy! ;)

Gotta run and spray on my fake tan :rofl:

[supernova]

16. Stay away from Ocracoke

You wouldn't want to go there. Awful place, really. Horrible food. Miles and miles of boring open beach with nothing man made to look at.

;-)

j/k

Have fun! :D

[madmax]

17. ahahahahahahaaaaaa

I must check that out next time. Can't fool me ;)

[Sherman A1]

21. Yeah, that's a place to avoid

:sarcasm:

[pipi_k]

15. I'll have to ask my kid

He's down there with his family right now for a week, along with about four other families they know.

The last time they were there in 2008 they found this cute little motel on the beach that they liked, and they went back there this time as well.


Don't know what the attraction is, though.


I vacation year-round in my own backyard. :)

[Orsino]

18. Convenient to bars, putt-putt and skate park.

Only reasons I ever went.

I was raised on trips to Pawleys.

[libnnc]

20. for those of us in the Piedmont/Triad area

it's a quick trip. Just over 3 1/2 hours. That's why we go, anyway. We enjoy North Myrtle and Cherry Grove. Leave home in the morning, be on the beach by noon. :P

[LostinVA]

22. About an hour from Wilmington, which is the terminus of i-40

Which is the terminus of i-40. Plus, lots to do, white sand beaches, and Beach Music!!!!!

Sunset, Carolina, and Ocean Isle right up 17 for some quieter beaches.

[Burma Jones]

23. My Family will never, ever again set foot in Myrtle Beach

Three years ago, we were out in the water, a day later I read about the EPA ordering the beach where we were swimming shut down for high fecal coliform levels THREE DAYS PRIOR to when I had my children in that water. No signs, no attempt by local government (what a joke) to warn people. Fortunately, none of us got sick, I can't speak for anyone else.


We left early, hauled our butts up to Wrightsville Beach, NC and enjoyed the rest of our vacation.

By the way, there is a WORLD of difference between North and South Carolina.


Charleston is one of my favorite places to visit, but don't do the beaches there....too busy eating.

[Little Star]

24. I love Myrtle Beach. It is the best of both worlds....

You can have a relaxing beach front vacation and do nothing else except enjoy the beach. Or you can be like me and enjoy the beach all day then go out and enjoy many, many, many other activities later in the day or evening. Their live theater shows are great.

Another thing that Myrtle beach has that most others do not have are Condo-tels. Rent a 1,2,3,4 bedroom condo beach front and have all the amenities of a hotel. We stay in North Myrtle Beach in a condo-tel and still have quick, easy access to all the many restaurants and entertainment of Myrtle Beach proper.

Other places offer little except the beach. Why not have both? Even if you don't use a lot of the other stuff it's nice to have the options.

[TheCowsCameHome]

25. Because MB has lots of everything.

You name it, it's there.

[taterguy]

26. Because it's close to the border and SC had liquor-by-the-drink before NC

All bars and restaurants in NC were bring your own liquor until the 1970s.

Myrtle was where North Carolinians went, mostly for that reason.

Loss of tourist dollars is what finally led NC to changing its booze laws.

You still can't buy a cocktail on Hatteras. They're one of the last hold-outs.