Introduction
Meta Description (150 chars): Garden City Beach is a relaxed beach town along the South Carolina coastline known for its family-friendly atmosphere, wide sandy beaches, beach access points, and popular attractions like the Garden City Pier.
A Guide to Garden City Beach, South Carolina
Nestled along the northern end of the Grand Strand in South Carolina, Garden City Beach is a quintessential small beach town. Known for its laidback vibes, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly atmosphere, Garden City Beach has been a popular vacation destination for decades.
Overview and Location
Overview and Location
Garden City Beach is located in northeastern Horry County, approximately 10 miles south of the North Carolina border. It sits between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the marshlands of Murrells Inlet to the west. The town is part of South Carolina's Grand Strand region, a 60-mile stretch of beaches and beach towns.
Garden City Beach is situated on a narrow peninsula bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and King's Creek, a tidal creek that flows into Murrells Inlet. The town itself is quite small at just 0.9 square miles in area, with a year-round population of around 100 that swells during the summer tourist season.
Beaches and Access Points
Beaches and Access Points
The main draw of Garden City Beach is its beautiful sandy beaches along the Atlantic shoreline. The town has roughly 1 mile of oceanfront beach that is wide, clean, and sandy.
There are numerous public beach access points in Garden City Beach managed by Horry County. These access points have parking areas, walkways over the dunes, and boardwalks leading to the beach. Popular access points include Garden City Recreation Park, Atlantic Avenue, and Wacca Wache Landing.
Beach amenities include public restrooms, outdoor showers for rinsing off, and lifeguards on duty during the summer swim season. Umbrellas, chairs, and other rentals are available from private companies that set up on the beach.
Things to Do
Garden City Beach offers laidback fun in the sun for the whole family. Popular activities include:
Swimming and sunbathing - The wide sandy beaches are perfect for swimming, playing in the waves, and relaxing on the sand. Lifeguards are on duty in summer.
Fishing - Surf fishing is allowed along the beaches. The Garden City Pier is a popular fishing spot. A fishing license is required.
Golf - Numerous golf courses are located inland near Garden City Beach offering scenic links-style courses. Popular choices include Tradition Golf Club and Surf Golf & Beach Club.
Mini golf - Family-friendly putt putt courses like Pirate's Island Adventure Golf and Surfside Adventure Golf offer fun for all ages.
Watersports - Parasailing, jet ski rentals, paddleboarding, and kayaking are available through private companies. Surfing is also popular when the waves are up.
Garden City Pier - This iconic pier has a bait and tackle shop, arcade, restaurant, and space to fish or take in views. Fireworks displays and live music occur here.
Marshwalks - Guided boat tours through the marshes and tidal creeks of Murrells Inlet provide a chance to spot wildlife.
Dining - Seafood restaurants and family dining spots line the main drag of Kings Highway.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Garden City Beach range from large resort hotels to cozy little motels. There are also vacation rental homes and condos available, which are ideal for families and groups. Some choices for places to stay include:
Hotels - Landmark Resort, Garden City Inn, Surfside Beach Resort, Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort and many more offer oceanfront rooms or suite accommodations.
Motels - Affordable motels like Garden City Inn and Sands Resort provide basic rooms often with kitchens.
Vacation rentals - Condo complexes and private homes offer amenities like multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and living spaces for rent by the week.
Campgrounds - Nearby Myrtle Beach State Park has campsites for tents and RVs just inland of the beaches.
Seasonal Considerations
Seasonal Considerations
Garden City Beach enjoys a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The high season is from May through August when temperatures average around 85°F. This is the most crowded and expensive time to visit.
Spring and fall offer warm weather in the 70s and fewer crowds, making these shoulder seasons ideal times to visit. Room rates also tend to be lower. The off-season from November to February has cooler temperatures in the 50s, but some oceanfront hotels are open on weekends.
Summer brings the chance of thunderstorms while late August through October is peak hurricane season. Tropical systems occasionally impact the South Carolina coastline. Visitors should monitor weather forecasts and alerts.
Conclusion
With its golden beaches, southern hospitality, and relaxed pace, Garden City Beach is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the surf and sun. Families especially will love the gentle waves, kid-friendly attractions, and budget-friendly accommodations. Any time of year, Garden City Beach delivers easygoing, nostalgic fun by the sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family-friendly things to do in Garden City Beach?
Some top family-friendly activities in Garden City Beach include mini golf courses like Pirate's Island Adventure Golf, the arcade and kid's rides at Garden City Pier, checking out the alligators at Alligator Adventure wildlife park, playing at Garden City Recreation Park, or taking a ride on the SkyWheel ferris wheel at The Market Common shopping complex.
When does the summer season with lifeguards start and end?
Lifeguards in Garden City Beach are on duty from 10am to 5pm daily starting on May 15 and ending on Labor Day in early September.
Are there beach wheelchairs available?
Yes, Garden City Beach has a beach wheelchair assistance program. Special all-terrain wheelchairs can be borrowed for free during staffed hours. Contact the Garden City Beach Services office for availability.
Are dogs allowed on Garden City Beach?
Dogs are permitted on the beach from October 1 to April 30 if leashed. No dogs are allowed on the beach itself from May 1 to September 30. Dogs are allowed year-round on the Garden City Pier if leashed.
What is there to do on a rainy day in Garden City Beach?
Some options for indoor activities on rainy days include shopping at The Market Common, seeing a movie at the Stone Theaters, bowling at Little River Lanes, playing arcade games at Garden City Pier, or checking out Ripley's Aquarium and indoor attractions in nearby Myrtle Beach.
Is Garden City Beach safe?
Yes, Garden City Beach is generally quite safe, especially in the main commercial area. However common sense precautions should still be taken, like not leaving valuables unattended on the beach. There are lifeguards on duty in summer, and police patrol the beach areas.
How do I get to Garden City Beach without a car?
The closest airport is Myrtle Beach International Airport which has car rentals, taxis, Uber/Lyft, and shuttle services to Garden City Beach. You can also take Amtrak or Greyhound to Myrtle Beach and then a taxi to Garden City. The Myrtle Beach Area Rapid Transit system (MBART) runs between Garden City and Myrtle Beach.
What are the best seafood restaurants in Garden City?
Top rated seafood restaurants in Garden City Beach include Pier 55 Restaurant at Garden City Pier, Gulf Stream Cafe's beachfront location, Creek Ratz, and Wahoo's Fish House. They serve classic fried seafood plates, boiled shrimp, oyster roasts, crab cakes, and more.
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