Warm temperatures are finally here, which means it’s time to enjoy the outdoors, especially our beautiful beaches. Here is a handy list of Myrtle Beach’s rules and regulations. The primary purpose of these laws is to protect all beachgoers and the beach itself.
1. Alcohol is NOT allowed on the beach.
2. Glass containers and bottles are NOT allowed on the beach.
3. It is illegal to disturb or damage the dunes, the sand fencing, the sea grass, and sea oats. Stay on the boardwalks and marked paths at all times!
4. Metal detecting is allowed on the public beach, but NOT in the dunes, the street ends, or any other public property.
5. Littering is illegal. Please use the trash and recycling containers provided.
6. It is illegal to discharge, sell, store or possess fireworks within the city, including the beach. Fireworks displays by pyrotechnic professionals may be approved if permitted and supervised.
7. All fires are prohibited on the beach, including barbecues and bonfires.
8. Commercial activity is prohibited on the public beach. Non-commercial weddings (where no one is being paid) are allowed without a permit. Commercial weddings are not allowed.
9. From May 1 through Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. From the day after Labor Day to April 30 each year, dogs are allowed on the beach at any time of day.
10. At ALL times, dogs must be on a leash seven feet or shorter, and you must pick up and properly dispose of droppings.
11. Dogs and bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., from May 1 through Labor Day. From the day after Labor Day to April 30 each year, dogs and bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk at any time. (The boardwalk is too busy in the evenings during the summer to safely accommodate dogs at that time.)
12. “Umbrellas only” during the busy season. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, only circular umbrellas, up to seven-and-a-half feet in diameter, are allowed on the beach. From the day after Labor Day until Memorial Day, tents and canopies up to 12-by-12 square feet are allowed. Umbrellas must be in line with or behind the lifeguards’ line of umbrellas or landward of the mean high tide line. Tents and canopies, when allowed, must be another 10 feet behind the umbrella line.
13. Items may not be set up on the beach before 8:00 a.m. and must be removed from the beach by 7:00 p.m., daily.
14. “Thong” style bathing suits are not allowed on the beach or in public.
Violations of these beach-related ordinances are misdemeanors, subject to a fine of up to $500 and/or 30 days in jail, upon conviction. Questions? Call 843-918-1014.
