Key Points
- Myrtle Beach has an above-average rate of pedestrian fatalities and crime. Much of Myrtle Beach is unsafe for pedestrians. But some areas of Myrtle Beach are very pedestrian friendly and walkable.
- The best areas to walk in Myrtle Beach are the Boardwalk, Broadway at the Beach, Market Common, and Barefoot landing. There are some good hiking and biking trails in Myrtle Beach too.
- The public transit system can help you get around Myrtle Beach without renting a car.
Myrtle Beach is known for its celebrity-designed golf courses, boardwalk, and lively seaside vibes. But when it comes to its walkability, opinions vary greatly.
Overall, parts of Myrtle Beach are walkable, while other parts are not.
Statewide, South Carolina had 3.66 pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 residents in 2021, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is much higher than the national average of 2.23.
This article will help you with discuss public transportation and safety concerns, and look at the most and least walkable areas.
Pedestrian Infrastructure
Myrtle Beach does have infrastructure for pedestrians, with sidewalks accessible in many areas. There are also bike lanes throughout the city. But there are still quite a few areas in Myrtle Beach where pedestrian safety is a serious concern.
For example, in 2023 residents asked the city council to improve the design of Coventry Boulevard, near the Market Common area, because of a confusing number of crosswalks and other issues.
WalkScore gave Myrtle Beach a 43 out of 100 for walkability, meaning most errands will require a car. It gave it a 54 out of 100 for bikeability, meaning it is somewhat bikeable. You can check specific neighborhoods and addresses on the WalkScore website.
Overall, the area around the Convention Center is one of the most walkable parts of the city. So if you’re visiting and want to ditch the car, you’ll want to find a good Hotel Near the Convention Center.
Myrtle Beach Crime
In terms of crime, Myrtle Beach, like any city, has areas that are safer than others. While the city center and tourist areas are generally safe, especially during the day time, Myrtle Beach has one of the highest rates of crime in the country.
Nearly every website that tracks crime rates the crime in Myrtle Beach as far higher than the national average, including US News, AreaVibes, and NeighborhoodScout.
North Myrtle Beach has less crime, but it is still far higher than the national average.
The Most Walkable Areas in Myrtle Beach
Even if much of the city is not pedestrian friendly, Myrtle Beach has several areas that are only for pedestrians. They tend to be the tourist areas and allow you to walk freely, without worry at all about cars.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, for instance, offers a scenic and enjoyable walk along the coastline. It is filled with restaurants and shops, and there are regular festivals throughout the year.
Broadway at the Beach is another great pedestrian-friendly area. This entertainment complex has numerous restaurants (including fresh seafood), shops, and attractions, all within a comfortable walking distance.
Market Common, a shopping and dining district, also offers a nice urban village setting that is very walkable in most areas. Barefoot Landing is similar to Market Common and is also a good place to walk.
Lastly, there are some really nice hiking and walking trails in the area you can enjoy while you are there.
The Least Walkable Areas in Myrtle Beach
While certain areas are perfectly suited to pedestrians, others are not as walkable.
For instance, the areas along the US 17 bypass are not good for walking. While there are sidewalks and crosswalks much of the way, the distances are too far to practically walk. Plus the heavy traffic and busy intersections increases the chances of an accident when crossing the street, even if you are following the pedestrian crossing lights..
The neighborhoods further from the city center are also not as walkable. These areas are more residential and may require a vehicle or public transportation to reach shops, restaurants, or other attractions. The areas around Robert M Grissom Pkwy, including the WalMart shopping center, are not at all pedestrian friendly.
Public Transportation in Myrtle Beach
In Myrtle Beach, the public transportation system is managed by Coast RTA. This transit system has multiple routes that traverse the city, connecting different neighborhoods, shopping centers, and tourist attractions. They also have 9 different routes servicing the larger area and connecting Myrtle Beach to Georgetown, Surfside Beach, and Conway.
The Coast RTA operates 362 days a year, closing only for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
There are also bicycle rentals throughout the city, and you can get an Uber or Lyft to get where you’re going too.
The Bottom Line
If you plan your stay close to the walkable areas and take advantage of the public transportation available, you can enjoy a lot of Myrtle Beach by foot. The city has areas that are highly walkable, particularly around the downtown area and tourist attractions.
But there are also areas where it could be dangerous to walk around, due to pedestrian safety, crime, and other factors.