Myrtle Beach, located on the East Coast, offers a variety of family-friendly activities and a stunning coastline. The Grand Strand, with over 60 miles of Carolina coastline, is a popular destination for visitors. Discover 10 interesting facts about Myrtle Beach while planning your next trip to this top beach location. Get ready and Start planning your trip to Myrtle Beach now book a flight from Detroit to Myrtle Beach and create memories that will last a lifetime.

  1. Native American tribes of the Waccamaw and Winyaw are remembered in Myrtle Beach’s original “locals” through geographical features like Winyaw Bay and the Waccamaw River. Spanish immigrants established the first colony in the region with explorer Lucas Vázquez de Ayllón, but sickness wiped out the community within a year.
  2. Alabama, a legendary country music supergroup, gained fame at The Bowery in Myrtle Beach, Alabama, in 1973. The band, named after a sign, won eight Grammys and established itself as a prominent figure in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
  3. Cape Fear, North Carolina, and Georgetown on the Grand Strand were frequented by pirates in the early 1700s. Legendary English swashbuckler Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard, used to hide in the inlets and assault ships carrying valuables.
  4. The Grand Strand was the backdrop for films like “Shag,” “Chasers,” “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken,” and “Swimming,” featuring Bridget Fonda and Phoebe Cates. The Grand Strand also featured scenes from “Magic Mike XXL” (2015).
  5. Myrtle Beach, previously known as New Town, gained its name from a contest won by Mrs. F.E. Burroughs, wife of Burroughs & Collins, the founder of the development firm. The name was inspired by the abundant wax myrtle trees along the coast, rather than pancake myrtle.
  6. The Seaside Inn, Myrtle Beach’s first hotel, was built in 1901 for a cheap sum of $3,800 near Pavilion Park. Despite lacking indoor plumbing and electricity, guests enjoyed three square meals, a roof, and easy access to the beach for $2 per night. This attraction continues to attract tourists today.
  7. Christopher Jones, Vanna White, and Kelly Tilghman, born in North Myrtle Beach, have achieved fame as actors, while Anthony James, Madison Iseman, and Melissa Wyler are actresses.
  8. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, near Washington Park, was once a harness-racing horse track. Today, it’s home to Fuddruckers and Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf, a NASCAR track, golf course, driving range, and former Myrtle Beach Mall location. The area has evolved into a diverse and exciting destination.
  9. Myrtle Beach is the birthplace of Sports Illustrated. Using the former train route from Conway, a group of Time Inc. executives traveled the region in 1973. While there, they played a round of golf at Myrtle Beach’s first golf facility, Pine Lakes International Golf Club. A plaque commemorating the occasion may still be found on the premises today, close to the clubhouse, where the group finalized its intentions to publish the well-known sports journal.
  10. The Grand Strand, South Carolina, was named Trip Advisor’s top summer destination in 2014 due to its annual 14 million tourists. The region has also been recognized as the No. 1 Hot Spot for Winter Meetings, Best Restaurant Cities on the Huffington Post, and Top 10 Retirement Communities in South Carolina by Movoto. If you want to know more about Myrtle Beach then book dtw flights to Myrtle Beach.

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