Three miles north of Surfside Beach, Myrtle Beach State Park offers a rare stretch of undeveloped coastline in the middle of one of America’s busiest resort destinations. More than 300 acres of maritime forest and natural beach sit here — protected from development and quietly different from everything surrounding them.
A short nature trail winds through dense palmetto and pine before opening onto a wide, uncrowded beach. The fishing pier extends 750 feet into the Atlantic and is one of the most productive on the East Coast for spot, bluefish, and king mackerel. Gear is available to rent on-site if you didn’t bring your own.
For families staying at SC Vacation Rentals properties, the park is an easy half-day trip. Go on a morning when you want something different from the main beach — quieter, shadier, and without the crowds. The park also has a nature centre with live exhibits that children tend to stay at longer than expected. Entry is $7 for adults and $3.50 for children. The park opens at 8am year-round, and the early hours before 10am are when you’ll have the trail largely to yourself.
