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Myrtle Beach, located on the eastern coast of South Carolina, has a rich and fascinating history. Let's explore some key aspects of its past:

Native American Settlements: Prior to European colonization, the area around Myrtle Beach was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Waccamaw and Winyah. These tribes relied on the abundant natural resources of the region, such as fish, game, and fertile land for agriculture.

Colonial Era: The first European exploration of the area occurred in the late 17th century when English settlers arrived in the Carolinas. In the early 18th century, the region saw the establishment of several plantations that produced indigo and rice, utilizing slave labor. The coastal area that encompasses present-day Myrtle Beach was known as Long Bay at the time.

19th Century: Throughout the 19th century, the region remained primarily rural and sparsely populated. The development of Myrtle Beach as a tourist destination would not occur until much later. The area's economy revolved around agriculture, timber, and naval stores (such as tar and pitch).

Early 20th Century: The transformation of Myrtle Beach into a popular tourist destination began in the early 20th century. The completion of the Conway and Seashore Railroad in 1900 connected Myrtle Beach to other towns and facilitated transportation. The Burroughs & Collins Company, a timber company, played a pivotal role in promoting Myrtle Beach as a resort destination, constructing the Seaside Inn in 1901 to attract visitors.

Rise of Tourism: By the 1920s, Myrtle Beach had gained recognition as a tourist spot. The completion of the Intracoastal Waterway in 1936 and the establishment of Myrtle Beach Air Force Base during World War II further increased accessibility to the area. In the post-war period, motels, hotels, and beachside attractions sprang up along the Grand Strand, contributing to the growth of Myrtle Beach as a major tourist hub.

Hurricane Hazel: In 1954, Hurricane Hazel devastated Myrtle Beach, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and disrupting the local economy. However, the city rebounded and continued its development as a prominent tourist destination.

Continued Growth: Over the following decades, Myrtle Beach experienced substantial growth, becoming renowned for its expansive sandy beaches, warm climate, golf courses, and family-friendly attractions. High-rise hotels, condominiums, shopping complexes, and entertainment venues lined the beachfront, solidifying the city's status as a popular vacation spot.

Present Day: Today, Myrtle Beach remains a significant tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. In addition to its stunning coastline, the city offers a wide range of recreational activities, including water sports, fishing, golfing, and amusement parks. It continues to evolve and adapt to changing tourism trends, with ongoing development and revitalization projects aimed at enhancing the visitor experience.

The history of Myrtle Beach showcases its evolution from a rural area to a thriving coastal city celebrated for its tourism industry and family-oriented attractions.

Top Tourist Attractions

Myrtle Beach offers a wide array of tourist attractions that cater to different interests and preferences. Here are some of the top attractions in Myrtle Beach:

• Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade: Stretching 1.2 miles along the oceanfront, the boardwalk is a lively hub of activity. It features shops, restaurants, arcades, and the iconic SkyWheel, a giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the beach.
• Broadway at the Beach: This expansive entertainment complex boasts a variety of attractions, including shopping outlets, restaurants, nightlife venues, and family-friendly activities. It also features attractions like Ripley's Aquarium, WonderWorks interactive museum, and Legends in Concert.
• Myrtle Beach State Park: Offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city, the state park spans over 300 acres and features pristine beaches, nature trails, camping facilities, and a fishing pier. Visitors can observe native wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking.
• Ripley's Believe It or Not!: Located at Broadway at the Beach, Ripley's Believe It or Not! is a museum filled with bizarre and intriguing exhibits from around the world. It showcases oddities, illusions, interactive displays, and unique artifacts.
• Myrtle Waves Water Park: As one of the largest water parks on the East Coast, Myrtle Waves offers a range of thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and play areas for all ages. It's a perfect spot for beating the heat and enjoying water-based attractions.
• Brookgreen Gardens: Situated in Murrells Inlet, a short drive from Myrtle Beach, Brookgreen Gardens is a stunning combination of sculpture gardens, botanical gardens, and Lowcountry history. It features a vast collection of sculptures, beautiful landscapes, and the Lowcountry Zoo.
• Family Kingdom Amusement Park: Located right along the beach, Family Kingdom is a classic seaside amusement park with over 35 rides, including roller coasters, water rides, go-karts, and a Ferris wheel. It offers a nostalgic experience for families and thrill-seekers alike.
• The Market Common: A trendy lifestyle center, The Market Common features a blend of upscale shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreational options. Visitors can explore boutique shops, dine at various restaurants, catch a movie, or enjoy a leisurely stroll.
• Myrtle Beach SkyWheel: Standing at 200 feet tall, the SkyWheel offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the city. Each climate-controlled gondola provides a comfortable ride, making it a popular attraction both day and night.
• Myrtle Beach Pelicans: Baseball fans can catch a game at the TicketReturn.com Field, home to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, a Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Enjoy an afternoon or evening of America's favorite pastime.

These are just a few of the top tourist attractions in Myrtle Beach, showcasing the city's diverse offerings for visitors of all ages and interests.

Climate

Myrtle Beach has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Here are some details about the climate in Myrtle Beach:

• Summers (June to August): Summers in Myrtle Beach are hot and humid, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (around 29-33 degrees Celsius). Humidity levels can be high, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. July and August are the hottest months, and the ocean water temperatures are warm and inviting for swimming.
• Fall (September to November): Fall in Myrtle Beach brings milder temperatures and a decrease in humidity. September remains warm, with temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 25-28 degrees Celsius). October sees further cooling, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 18-24 degrees Celsius). November is cooler, with highs in the 60s Fahrenheit (around 15-20 degrees Celsius).
• Winters (December to February): Winters in Myrtle Beach are generally mild compared to many other parts of the United States. Average high temperatures during this season range from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit (around 12-17 degrees Celsius). While it can occasionally get colder, snowfall is rare and typically light if it occurs at all.
• Spring (March to May): Spring brings a gradual warming of temperatures and an increase in humidity. March is still relatively cool, with highs in the 60s Fahrenheit (around 15-20 degrees Celsius). By May, temperatures climb into the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit (around 21-27 degrees Celsius). Spring also sees an increase in rainfall, with occasional showers and thunderstorms.

It's important to note that Myrtle Beach can experience tropical storms and hurricanes, primarily during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Visitors should stay updated on weather forecasts and heed any advisories or warnings during these periods.

Overall, Myrtle Beach offers a pleasant climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it a popular year-round destination for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Geography

• Coastal Location: Myrtle Beach is a coastal city, positioned along the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of an area known as the Grand Strand, which stretches approximately 60 miles (97 kilometers) along the coast of South Carolina.
• Beaches: The city is renowned for its expansive sandy beaches, characterized by wide shorelines and warm, inviting waters. The beaches of Myrtle Beach attract millions of visitors each year, offering opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and various water sports.
• Barrier Islands: Myrtle Beach is located on a series of barrier islands that run parallel to the mainland. These islands, including Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, and Holden Beach, provide protection to the mainland from the Atlantic Ocean. The islands feature beautiful beaches and marshlands, and they contribute to the diverse coastal ecosystem.
• Inland Waterways: In addition to the ocean, Myrtle Beach is surrounded by various inland waterways. The Intracoastal Waterway runs through the area, providing a route for boats and watercraft. The Waccamaw River and the Great Pee Dee River are also nearby, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
• Marshes and Wetlands: Myrtle Beach is characterized by marshes and wetlands, which are essential components of the coastal ecosystem. These areas, including the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, provide habitats for a diverse range of plant and animal species, including birds, fish, and reptiles.
• Flat Topography: The topography of Myrtle Beach and the surrounding region is generally flat, with relatively low elevations. The area features sandy soils and coastal plains, making it suitable for agriculture, particularly for growing crops such as rice and cotton.
• Intracoastal Waterway: The Intracoastal Waterway, a significant feature of Myrtle Beach's geography, runs parallel to the coastline. It serves as a protected water route for boating and connects various coastal communities along the East Coast.

The geography of Myrtle Beach combines stunning coastal beauty with marshes, wetlands, and inland waterways, creating a diverse and picturesque environment. It is this natural setting that contributes to the city's appeal as a popular tourist destination.