North Myrtle Beach Packing List

Welcome to beautiful North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Situated along the north end of the famous ‘Grand Strand’, this little slice of paradise is known for everything from world-class golf, an eclectic culinary scene, and 60 miles of pristine coastline.

 

Packing for a vacation, particularly an extended trip, can be daunting—but we’re here to help. We’ve got your complete North Myrtle Beach packing list!

 

Photo Credit: Sorapop Udomsri

Travel Essentials

To get started, plan on bringing these travel essentials. Of course, check your vacation rental to get specifics on items that may be included with your stay.

 

• Personal toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
• Chargers (phone, laptop, etc.)
• Medications
• Contacts/glasses
• Makeup/personal grooming products
• Weather appropriate clothing
• Wallet with ID, cards, etc.
• Any tickets to shows and attractions (if applicable)
• Beach basics (details below)

 

Beach Basics

Photo Credit: White bear studio

It’s not a trip to North Myrtle Beach without plenty of time spent basking in the sun, and you’ll have ample opportunities to do just that. Safety is also a top concern when visiting a beach, so consider packing a few of these beach basics:

 

• Swim suit/bathing suit—bring a few as you’ll likely be hitting the beach and/or pool daily
• Cover clothing (shorts and a t-shirt will work or a dedicated cover; you’ll want this traveling to and from the beach and to enter beachside restaurants)
• Sunscreen—pack lots!! We recommend SPF 30 or higher
• Sunglasses—Bring a few pairs in case one gets misplaced or lost in the ocean (trust us, it happens more than you’d think!)
• Beach chair(s)—you can bring your own or rent some front the city
• Beach umbrella—you can also bring your own or rent these from the city
• Beach blanket—for laying out or keeping your feet cool
• Beach towels—again, you’ll want several of these on hand for the beach and/or pool
• Beach toys, games, etc.—beach entertainment is the best way to keep the kiddos busy so mom and dad can get in some beachside rest and relaxation
• Portable speaker—crank up those beach tunes!
• Cooler—you’ll want plenty of water and snacks to keep you hydrated throughout the day
• Cups/Koozies—keep those beverages cool all day long
• Sandals/Flip Flops—no need to get fancy here, your standard cheap flip flops are great for trekking across the hot sand
• Baby powder—helps get sand off
• Plastic/sandwich bag—store phones/devices
• Chapstick—lips can get sunburned too!
• Aloe vera gel—just in case you do get too much sun
• Hat—the best way to avoid a facial sunburn? Wear a hat!
• Book(s)—there’s no better place to catch up on your favorite read
• Frisbee/kite—just a few entertainment ideas that are perfect for the beach
• Beach bag/wagon—we recommend a large one to comfortably carry all of your stuff

 

Note: When traveling to the beach or pool, leave valuables in the car or in your vacation rental. If bringing essentials (ID, cash, etc.) make every effort to keep an eye on your personal items.

 

Summer Essentials (“Peak Season”)

Photo Credit: EllenSmile

As you might imagine, summer is the most popular time of year to visit North Myrtle Beach. The temps climb into the high ‘80s during the day, though it’s not uncommon to see the ‘real feel’ heat index into the ‘90s or even above 100! Don’t let that scare you away—we promise the beach breeze helps!

 

Because the temperatures are so warm, we recommend a true summer wardrobe. This is the perfect opportunity to pull out your colorful beach attire and flip flops!

 

Here are a few specifics to consider for summer trips:

• Shorts/shirts
• Cotton shirts/tank tops
• Flip flops/open-toed shoes
• Tennis shoes
• Socks
• Dress/dress shirt (if you plan on dining out!)
• Undershirt(s)

 

Keep in mind that it will be HOT! You will get sweaty and will want to bring some extra/backup clothes to change into. Trust us on this one!

 

 

Spring & Fall Favorites (“Shoulder Season”)

The ‘shoulder seasons’ (fall—in particular) are actually our favorite time to visit North Myrtle Beach! The weather is quite mild and the water is warm enough for an enjoyable beach excursion, though you won’t run into near the amount of crowds as you do in the summer. It’s honestly one of the best secrets of traveling here!

 

Spring and fall temperatures average 65-75 during the day and 55-65 in the evenings. Of course, it could be a bit warmer or cooler depending on your exact dates (and beach weather, in general, can be quite unpredictable!).

Knowing the mild temps can make packing a little tricky. Here’s what we recommend:

• Shorts
• Jeans/long pants
• T-shirts/tanks
• Light jacket/cardigan
• Sandals
• Closed-toe shoes (flats, tennis shoes)
• Socks

You’ll likely be able to get away with shorts during the day, though you may need a light jacket at night. Remember, the water warms up in the spring and stays comfortable throughout the fall, so plan on bringing beach gear if you want to hit the water.

 

Winter (“Off Season”)

Photo Credit: william matos alves

What could be more charming than a holiday spent beachside or more relaxing than a month-long beach vacation for a fraction of the price you’d pay in the summer?

Though you won’t be able to enjoy endless hours basking on the beach, winter vacations do offer a few perks. The weather is still quite mild (just ask our ‘snowbird’ visitors that ‘flock’ to North Myrtle Beach from the Northeast!) and there’s still plenty for visitors to do (think shows, tours, and indoor attractions).

 

Here’s our recommended packing list for winter:

• Long pants/jeans
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Light to medium jacket
• Cardigans/sweaters
• Closed-toe shoes
• Socks

Layers are your friend during the winter! The day could be mild with a chill at night, so pack light garments that are easy to mix and match.

There you have it—everything you’ll need to pack to make the most of your North Myrtle Beach vacation. From beach essentials to comfortable outfits for exploring the boardwalk and more—plan on packing several outfits for every occasion.

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list.

In the meantime, check out our official North Myrtle Beach blog for tons of information on top things to do, events, vacation specials, and more!