Is North Myrtle Beach Safe to Travel in 2023? Everything You Need To Know!

Summer is almost here and many families are planning their vacations to coastal towns all around the US. One of the most popular beach towns on the East Coast is North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. With 10 plus miles of beautiful beaches, North Myrtle Beach is an awesome vacation destination, especially for families.

Less crowded and a bit more laid back than its neighbor to the south, Myrtle Beach; North Myrtle Beach offers wide open beaches and plenty of shops and restaurants. But is North Myrtle Beach safe to travel? Here is all you need to know to be safe and enjoy a relaxing vacation this summer at North Myrtle Beach.

Is North Myrtle Beach Safe? Travel Safety Guide

Table of Contents

What is the Crime Rate in North Myrtle Beach?👮🏻

According to Crime Grade, the crime rate in North Myrtle Beach is 29.69 per 1,000 residents in any standard year. Most of the crimes reported are theft, with very few violent crimes.

There are approximately 172 crimes per year reported in the southwest parts of North Myrtle Beach. The east part of the town is the safest with only 16 crimes reported a year.

These statistics shouldn’t deter your decision to visit North Myrtle Beach. As long as you avoid certain areas and use some common sense safety practices, you should be just fine!

Which are the Safest Places in North Myrtle Beach?

As mentioned above, the east part of North Myrtle Beach is the safest area. With several nice hotels, condominiums and resorts directly on the coast, you and your family will rest assured the chances of being a victim to crime are low.

Some of the safest and top rated accommodations include Avista Resort, Beach Cove Resort, North Beach Resort and Villas, Sea Watch and Seaside Oceanfront Inn. Also, most of the locals at North Myrtle Beach are extremely friendly and happy to help should you have a question or need directions.

What Places Should I Avoid in North Myrtle Beach?

Some of the areas in south west North Myrtle Beach should be avoided, especially at night. Most locals will tell you to avoid the Atlantic Beach area to the south.

In addition, Myrtle Beach to the south has a much higher crime rate. If you decide to take a day trip there to check it out, be sure to avoid the areas near Ocean Boulevard and Joe White Avenue after 9 pm.

In addition, the traffic in Myrtle Beach can be horrendous, especially during the high season, with frequent traffic jams.

Is North Myrtle Beach Safe at Night?🌃

North Myrtle Beach has some really fun bars, restaurants and clubs if you are into nightlife and partying. There was a recent incident where 8 people were arrested at a North Myrtle Beach bar after multiple fights broke out, but it was also 1 in the morning and alcohol was a factor.

So, is North Myrtle Beach safe at night?

If you are aware of your surroundings, avoid dark areas and stay together with your group, safety shouldn’t be an issue. Never leave a bar or club alone and it’s best to have at least one member in your group stay sober should you encounter any drunk confrontations.

If you decide to walk the beach at night to stargaze or bask in a full moon, be sure to never walk alone and be mindful. Also, swimming in the ocean at North Myrtle Beach is not advised since lifeguards are only on duty during the day.

Are the Beaches in North Myrtle Beach Safe to Swim?

You may have heard of reports of water quality advisories being for swimmers in North Myrtle Beach. Well rest assured, the state of South Carolina is on it.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has teamed up with Coastal Carolina University to conduct regular ocean water quality tests to ensure bacteria levels are safe.

Most high bacteria levels occur after a heavy rain with storm-water runoff pouring into the ocean and the occasional swimming advisory is usually lifted within 24 hours.

If you happen to be at North Myrtle Beach during a swim advisory warning, you have a few options. You can still enjoy walking the beach and collecting shells and wading in the water, just avoid swimming.

Or maybe make this your shopping day! If you are gung ho on swimming, most of the advisories are only about 400 feet of coastline. With 60 miles of beaches to choose from in the greater Myrtle Beach area, simply find a different stretch of beach to swim at on that day.

In addition, North Myrtle Beach has a full staff of 120 to man the 54 lifeguard stations lining the beach. Always swim near a lifeguard stand and be sure to look out for the flags posted.

There are some marine life hazards to be aware of at the beach. Green means safe, yellow indicates caution and red means hazardous conditions are present. Double red flags are rare and this means beaches are closed to the public.

Are there sharks in North Myrtle Beach?🦈

Although shark attacks are extremely rare, they may be present at certain times of the year. There is also the occasional jellyfish infestation, yet most jellyfish in the ocean off of North Myrtle Beach are harmless. If there are any sightings of hazardous marine life, the lifeguard stands will post a dark blue flag.

Is North Myrtle Beach safe for families with kids?👩‍👩‍👧‍👦

Yes! Infact North Myrtle Beach has much more relaxed and laid-back vibe than its southern counterpart Myrtle beach and is a perfect place for families with kids with family-friendly beaches, exquisite mini golf courses, beachfront hotels, water sports and a range of fine dining restaurants to satisfy your appetite.

Being a small quaint coastal town, North Myrtle Beach is a perfect place to get away from the claustrophobic crowds of Myrtle Beach and enjoy the true charm of the SC’s sublime coastlines with your family.

All beaches in North Myrtle have lifeguard stations which are manned 365 days of the year to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable beach experience.

Is North Myrtle Beach Safe for Solo Travelers?

Whether you are a solo female or male traveler, North Myrtle Beach is pretty safe to travel as long as you take basic safety precautions.

As stated earlier, crime rate in North Myrtle beach is amongst the lowest in the country, 29.69 per 1000 residents in any standard year. Most of the crime occurs during peak tourist seasons from June to late August when North Myrtle beach sees a huge influx of tourists.

Most of the crimes reported are car theft, pickpocketing or small fights during nights where alcohol is a major factor with less than 15% of crime directed towards tourists.

That doesn’t mean that you should go crazy with your travel plans and not follow basic safety precautions.

Investigate the area in which you will be staying. Visit TripAdvisor to read reviews about the area.
Inform your friends and family of your plans in case of any problems.
If you are visiting an unfamiliar area, seek the assistance of locals. Don’t go to places where locals warn you not to go. Too many tourists become victims of domestic-related crimes simply because they are in the area.
Unless you are staying in a known safe area, avoid going out late at night. Late at night, a lot of crime occurs.
Don’t go snorkeling or hiking by yourself.
Use reputable transportation services such as Uber or Lyft rather than random street taxis.
Always be aware of your surroundings and listen to your instincts.

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Overall Safety Tips to Follow in North Myrtle Beach🦺

In summary, North Myrtle Beach is generally a safe and fun vacation destination as long as you use common sense and are mindful of the following tips.

Keep and eye on your valuables at all times
Always lock your accommodations and vehicle
Avoid certain areas at night, even in groups
Never walk alone at night
Look out for the surf warning flags on lifeguard stations
Always swim near a lifeguard tower
Avoid swimming out in the ocean too far, especially if you aren’t an advanced swimmer
Wear sunscreen at all times!

By following these simple guidelines, you and your family should be safe in North Myrtle Beach and can focus on enjoying your summer vacation.

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