As part of the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is part of the 60 miles of sandy white beaches along the beautiful, blue Atlantic Ocean. It is a playground for fun, excitement and relaxation. Because of the number of tourists visiting Myrtle Beach each year, it has earned the title of the number one 'Family Beach in America.' It's no wonder why so many people are moving to Myrtle Beach.
Economy:
Myrtle Beach's economy is dominated by the tourism industry. Tourism brings in millions of dollars each year for the city. There is an abundance of hotels, motels, resorts, restaurants, attractions and retail developments to service visitors to the city. The golfing industry, in particular, represents a significant presence in the area with over 250 golf courses in and around Myrtle Beach. A manufacturing base produces plastic, rubber, cardboard, foam and ceramic products though on a small scale.
Tourism:
The city of Myrtle Beach is the heart of the Grand Strand, which is a 60-mile crescent of beach on South Carolina's northern coast. Myrtle Beach's 25,000 residents welcome literally millions of visitors to this full-service community each year. As a result, Myrtle Beach is the premier resort destination on the East Coast, hosting vacationers from all around the country and the world.
The Atlantic Ocean is the primary attraction and the main reason why so many families visit Myrtle Beach year in and year out. Its clean, wide beaches are extremely inviting. Myrtle Beach also offers a wealth of recreation, entertainment, dining, shopping and vacation opportunities for visitors and tourists alike. There are plenty of things to see, do and enjoy during a visit to Myrtle Beach.
Among other tourist attractions are the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Myrtle Waves, Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Freestyle Music Park, The Carolina Opry, Barefoot Landing, Huntington Beach State Park, and Dunes Village Resort.
History:
Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, the Long Bay area was inhabited by the native Waccamaw tribe; while the first European settler arrived in the late 18th century. Then came the American Revolution. All these time, the coast remained barren.
On February 28, 1899, Burroughs and Collins received their charter to build the Conway and Seashore Railroad to transport timber from the coast to inland customers. The railroad began daily service on May 1, 1900 with two wood-burning locomotives. This railroad terminus was nicknamed "New Town."
At the turn of the 20th century, Franklin Burroughs envisioned turning New Town into a tourist destination. After its original founding, New Town continued to grow until 1957 when it finally incorporated. A contest was held to name the town and Burroughs' wife suggested honoring the locally abundant shrub, the Southern Wax Myrtle, or Myrica cerifera. Thus, the town became known as Myrtle Beach.