Myrtle Beach Beach Rules in 2026

Planning a sunny escape to Myrtle Beach? Great choice. Before you grab your beach bag and head for the waves, it helps to know the official beach rules for 2026. These rules apply inside the Myrtle Beach city limits, which is exactly where The Caravelle Resort is located.

Knowing what’s allowed on the beach and what’s prohibited year round keeps your vacation smooth, safe, and stress free. And when you’re ready to book, The Caravelle Resort is here to welcome you with ocean views, easy beach access, and everything you need for a perfect South Carolina coastal getaway.

Below are the current rules and regulations for the public beach within Myrtle Beach city limits. Because the Grand Strand includes many different towns, make sure you know exactly which stretch of shoreline you’re on.

 

What Are the Myrtle Beach City Limits?

The Myrtle Beach city limits cover the central stretch of the Grand Strand, running from the Atlantic Ocean on the east to the Intracoastal Waterway on the west, with the northern boundary stopping before North Myrtle Beach and the southern boundary ending before Myrtle Beach State Park.

This means that while many places use a “Myrtle Beach” mailing address, they may actually fall under unincorporated Horry County or nearby towns like Surfside Beach or North Myrtle Beach, each with its own beach rules.

 

Nearby Beaches Have Different Rules

This is where visitors often get confused. A mailing address may say “Myrtle Beach,” but it may not be inside the city limits.

• North Myrtle Beach has its own rules for shading, fishing, and attire.


• Surfside Beach and Horry County have their own ordinances, too.

 

Beach Flags for Swimmers

Myrtle Beach sits along the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. While the water is inviting most of the year, large waves and rip currents sometimes make the water unsafe for beachgoers.

Lifeguards can advise when they’re on duty. But usually you’ll have to rely on the flag system, which you can see on the lifeguard stands.

• Green flag: Swimmers can enjoy the water without any risk.


• Blue flag: Beware of potentially unsafe marine life.


• Yellow flag: Slightly unsafe water conditions, like wind, but still safe to swim.


• One red flag: Unsafe water conditions like strong currents.


• Double red flag: No swimming allowed.

 

Umbrellas, Tents, and Shade

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the city only allows:

• Only circular umbrellas (also called round umbrellas) up to 7.5 feet wide.


• Umbrellas must have a center pole and must stay behind the lifeguard's line and the mean high tide line.

During peak season, baby tents larger than the approved infant size of four feet wide by three feet deep and three feet high are not allowed, nor are canopies, large tents, or anything that blocks the ocean views needed by safety crews.

Outside of peak season, small non-umbrella shade structures under twelve by twelve feet are permitted as long as they stay clear of lifeguard stands and follow all spacing rules. Be sure to watch for posted signs advising you about designated areas for equipment so you stay in compliance.

 

Rules for Golf Carts

Photo Credit: Thaninee Chuensomchit

Plenty of vacationers like to get around the Myrtle Beach area via a golf cart. But even though these aren’t considered as much a motorized vehicle as a car, you’ll still have to abide by these rules:

• No golf carts on the beach at all.


• Golf carts must be registered with the SC Department of Motor Vehicles.


• A driver's license and insurance are required to drive golf carts.


• Golf carts can’t be driven after dark, on bike paths, on the Kings Highway, US 501, or US 17.


• Golf carts are not permitted on Caravelle Resort property.

 

Fishing Rules

Ready to catch your mackerel lunch? Not without a fishing license! That is, if you plan to go surf fishing. Otherwise, you’re good to go if you fish from a public pier.

Just remember that swimmers always take priority, and you’ll need to fish 50 feet away from swimmers and not at all in front of the chairs and umbrella line.

 

Kayak and Surfboard Rules

Photo Credit: Dudarev Mikhail

Watersports are a quintessential part of a Myrtle Beach vacation. But there are seasons and certain hours to note.

The City of Myrtle Beach only allows ocean kayaking and surfing at specific times of year and during the day. From May 1 through Labor Day, kayaks and surfing are allowed between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the following locations only:

1. From 710 feet of the Center Line of the 29th Avenue South Street-End to the Southernmost End of City Limits


2. From 34th Avenue North to 47th Avenue North


3. From 78th Avenue North to 81st Avenue North


4. From 87th Avenue North to the Northernmost End of City Limits


5. From 62nd Avenue North to 68th Avenue North

 

What’s Allowed on the Beach and What’s Not

Here’s what you should know before you set up for a day of sunbathing.

Allowed on the Beach

• Chairs, small coolers, and beach games.


• Only canvas rafts close to shore.


• Surf fishing in approved zones.


• Shell collecting as long as you do not disturb nests or endangered species.


• Non-commercial weddings where no one is being paid.

Prohibited on the Beach

These items and activities are prohibited on the beach:

• Glass containers of any kind.


• Any motor vehicle on the sand.


• Open containers of alcohol.


• Fires, grills, or a propane-fired grill.


• Riding horses on city beaches.


• Consuming alcoholic beverages on any city beach or boardwalk.


• Anyone digging holes deeper than two feet deep, and all holes must fill them before leaving.


• Commercial weddings.

 

Swimming, Surfing, and Safety

Safety comes first along the Myrtle Beach shoreline.

• Stay clear of safety ropes and don’t swim in restricted areas.


• All surfers must use a surfing leash.


• Kayaks, surfboards, and flotation devices must stay in designated areas.


• Keep a safe shoulder depth in rough conditions and watch for swim advisories, which may be issued after storms or during certain tides.


• Never swim near piers or fishing lines, and keep your seating location behind the umbrella line so lifeguards have a full view of the water.


• Bicycles are allowed on the Boardwalk May 1 through Labor Day, only between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., and anytime during the day from the day after Labor Day through April 30.

 

Keep the Beach Beautiful

Myrtle Beach protects its shoreline carefully, especially the dunes.

• Do not disturb dune vegetation, sand fencing, beach grass, sea oats, or sea oat plants. It is illegal to damage or destroy sea oat plants, dig into dunes, or cut dune pathways.


• Use the dune walkovers or any designated ramp to get to the sand.


• Do not leave litter or solid waste on the beach. Use the provided trash and recycling containers.


• Cigarette butts must be thrown away properly, and all visitors are expected to properly dispose of trash.


• City crews run scheduled litter cleanup hours, so keep your beach gear clear of the cleaning vehicles.


• Remove any beach day items after 7 p.m.

 

Etiquette That Makes You a Beach Hero

A few simple habits help keep our shoreline clean:

• Never leave trash behind.


• Respect both public and private property, along with other public property near the dunes.


• Keep umbrellas and gear clear of lifeguard zones.


• Avoid walking through dune areas and stay off private property markers.


• If traveling with kids, monitor them closely. A responsible person should always be near children, no matter the child's age.

 

Enjoy the Best of Myrtle Beach at Caravelle Resort

Now that you know the rules, you’re ready to enjoy the ocean, sunshine, and wide beach areas of Myrtle Beach. Caravelle Resort sits right in the heart of the city with easy access to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, ocean breezes, and plenty of family-friendly fun.

When you’re ready for your next escape, book your stay at The Caravelle Resort and enjoy everything the Grand Strand has to offer.