2026 Beach Rules for North Myrtle Beach

No matter the time of year, you’re likely counting the days 'til the next time you can park your toes in the sand. If you’re headed to the shores of North Myrtle Beach, you need to know a few things before visiting.

Similar to other beach communities, the city of North Myrtle Beach has passed ordinances and laws that encompass its main beach areas: Windy Hill, Cherry Grove, Crescent Beach, Ocean Drive, and Atlantic Beach. These rules are in place to preserve the beautiful Grand Strand coastline and keep this family-fun destination safe.

Want a smooth, worry-free beach day? We’ve got you covered. Here’s the must-know breakdown of North Myrtle Beach’s 2026 rules—so you can hit the sand with confidence. And when you're ready to plan the perfect getaway, Grand Strand Resorts has your stay waiting.

 

North Myrtle Beach Parking

Photo Credit: Makhh

North Myrtle has over 50 year-round parking locations in the city limits with public beach access. Parking is free in the off-season, but from March to October, it will cost you a few dollars per hour. There are pay stations located in the lots and an app available for online payment. The city provides access to an interactive parking map that provides specific parking locations.

No parking is permitted beyond the posted beach access sign, and doing so will result in a swift towing!

Parking can be a big hassle on a beach vacation; staying on the beach eliminates that issue! Of course, parking is not an issue if you’re staying in an oceanfront condo or rental home. You have instant walk-out access to the beach!

 

Beach Shade

If you’re spending the day on the beach, you’ll definitely want some shade—but North Myrtle Beach has specific rules to keep the shoreline safe and accessible. Here’s what to know:

Peak Season Restrictions (May 15–September 15)

During the busy summer months, large shade structures are not allowed, including:

• Tents
• Cabanas
• Canopies
• Sports umbrellas
• Tarps
• Pavilions
• Any other oversized shading devices

What Is Allowed

You may use round beach umbrellas that meet the following size limits:

• Maximum height: 7 ft 6 in (center pole)
• Maximum diameter: 9 ft

Baby Tents

Traveling with little ones? Baby beach tents are permitted as long as they are:

• Under 36 inches tall
• Under 36 inches wide

Placement Rules

All shading devices must be positioned so they do not block emergency personnel from accessing any part of the beach. For complete details, you can view the full North Myrtle Beach shading ordinance here.

 

Dogs and Pets on North Myrtle Beaches

Photo Credit: PQK

Sometimes, vacations are better with your best furry friend. North Myrtle is a pretty dog-friendly beach but you need to be mindful of some restrictions. During the peak season (May 15 to September 15), dogs are not allowed on the beach from 9 am to 5 pm. North Myrtle does have a leash law that must be followed. Leashes may not exceed 7 feet.

Always keep an eye on your pup and potential distractions. Keep a bag handy. Pet waste must be picked up and properly disposed of.

For more details on our beach rules specifically for dogs, read our full guide here.

 

Swimming on North Myrtle Beaches

Photo Credit: James Kirkikis

There are 54 lifeguard towers that span the 10 miles of coastline on North Myrtle Beach. During peak season, the city tries to keep the towers fully staffed. Please be mindful of any swim advisories and check the lifeguard stands to see if any flags are displayed. These flags can indicate whether swimming is safe currently.

North Myrtle Beach displays different-colored beach lifeguard flags to indicate different situations.

• Green – Low hazard.
• Yellow – Moderate hazard. Moderate surf and or currents are present.
• Red Flag – High hazard. Swimming is strongly discouraged.
• Double Red Flag – The beach is closed.
• Purple Flag – Dangerous marine life is present. This flag does not indicate the presence of sharks. Instead, it advises that jellyfish, stingrays, or other marine life have been spotted.

Always be aware of your surroundings when swimming. You may not swim beyond 50 yards of the shore or where the water is deeper than shoulder height.

In addition to lifeguards, the police department patrols the area regularly.

 

Surfing

Photo Credit: Mark Horninger sr

As eager as you may be to grab your board and catch a big wave, you’ll have to wait until evening. Surfing and skimboarding are prohibited between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm. All surfers at North Myrtle Beach are required to wear a surfing leash at all times. This helps surfers stay safe and keeps the ocean clear of lost boards.

Surfing on North Myrtle’s beaches is not permitted within 300 feet of the pier due to the danger of collision. There are a few other restrictions as to where you can and cannot specifically surf. You can find more information on the North Myrtle Beach Ocean Rescue website.

 

Boating

 

Photo Credit: StacieStauffSmith Photos

Around North Myrtle Beach, you’ll find lots of areas to take a boat tour or rent a watercraft. From a leisurely paddleboard ride to a jet ski flying across the white caps, you’ll find no shortage of opportunities for fun on the ocean.

If you’re taking a boat or other water vehicle out in North Myrtle, you’ll need to observe the watercraft perimeter. All motorized watercraft must be at least 100 yards from shore. Only ages 16 and older may drive a boat in South Carolina. Most places require an adult aged 18+ to rent. Minors must have signed parental consent to ride along.

 

Surf Fishing

Photo Credit: LisaCarter

The waters of North Myrtle Beach are a great place to cast a line. You can catch redfish, seatrout, and lots of other types of fish, all while offshore fishing.

When you’re surf fishing off the coast of South Carolina, you are required to have a fishing license. You can purchase a fishing license online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

When fishing from the shore, be sure to find a spot with no swimmers nearby. Bait can attract all sorts of marine life, and swimmers can easily become tangled in lines.

 

Prohibited Items

• Possession or consumption of alcohol on the beach is not allowed.
• Fireworks are prohibited on the beach.
• Glass containers are not permitted on the beach.
• It is illegal to pick sea oats or remove sand fencing from the sand dunes.
• Littering is illegal. Carry a trash bag with you to contain your waste until you leave the beach.

 

General Beach Safety Tips

• Set up near a lifeguard. Choose a spot close to a staffed stand, and make sure everyone in your group knows how to signal for help if needed.
• Watch children closely. The beach can change quickly—never leave kids unattended near the water.
• Reapply sunscreen often. Even on cloudy days, UV rays are strong, and overcast skies can lead to the worst sunburns.
• Avoid swimmers fishing nearby. Fishing lines and bait attract marine predators—including sharks—so give anglers plenty of space.
• Stay hydrated. Sun, activity, and saltwater can dehydrate you fast. Drink water regularly throughout the day.
• Learn to spot rip currents. Look for areas where waves aren’t breaking, or where sand and foam appear to be pulled rapidly seaward. Lifeguard flags will typically change if rip currents are strong.

 

Book Your Stay and Enjoy North Myrtle Beach

Beach days are the best days, but the best beach days are safe ones when you stay at a North Myrtle Beach vacation home rental. So be sure to come prepared and abide by North Myrtle Beach’s rules for the best day on the sand!