Heading to Myrtle Beach this summer? Leave thongs, Shibumis at home. What laws say
Tourist season along the Grand Strand kicks off May 1, and to prepare for the large crowds that will flock to Horry County beaches, many of the cities’ laws change for the summer.
Before you pack the car, take note of local laws that govern everything from alcohol and swimsuits to golf carts, tents and curfews — and breaking them could cost you, even possible jail time.
Here’s what you need to know:
• Alcohol is banned on beaches in Horry County, Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, including beer, wine, liquor and glass bottles.
• Thong bathing suits are outlawed in Myrtle Beach, and North Myrtle Beach, Horry County and Surfside Beach ban exposing buttocks. Georgetown County bans nudity on its beaches.
• Don’t dig deep holes. Most areas prohibit holes deeper than 2 feet (1 foot in North Myrtle Beach) because sea turtle hatchlings can get stuck and people can trip. In Horry County, it’s also illegal to leave any hole or trench open.
• Leave large canopies at home. From May through Labor Day, only umbrellas 7 1/2 feet in diameter or smaller are allowed in Myrtle Beach, Horry County and North Myrtle Beach. Surfside Beach allows shade devices smaller than 10 by 10 feet.
• Pets are generally banned from the beach during the day in summer, typically 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and dogs must be leashed. Sleeping overnight on the beach, grilling, campfires and bonfires are also prohibited.
• Golf cart drivers must be at least 16 with a valid license, and carts must be insured and registered. Carts are banned on beaches in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach, and limited to roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, according to The Sun News.
• A permanent curfew in Myrtle Beach’s Central Business District prohibits teenagers from being alone downtown after 9 p.m., passed by city council following several shootings along Ocean Boulevard in 2025.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.
