Sustainable Travel

Visitors and locals have been enjoying North Myrtle Beach’s coastline since the city was founded in 1968. Millions of memories have been made on our shores, and we hope that with your help, our beach will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Being a responsible beachgoer means more than just packing sunscreen in your bag. The following tips will help you get the most out of your beach day while also giving back to the environment.

 

Looking for some Sustainable Ways to Explore?

Eco-Friendly Visitor Tips

North Myrtle Beach

Shores that are Yours

North Myrtle Beach’s beautiful coastline is an oasis, and to keep it that way, we ask just a few small requests of our visitors. Here in North Myrtle Beach, driving on the beach is prohibited year-round. The use of grills or open fires is also not allowed. Four-legged friends are welcome but must remain on a leash, and please remember to clean up after your pets. Dog hours vary depending on the season, so be sure to check posted regulations for more information. For a full list of beach laws, please click here.

 

Protect NMB: Save the Dunes

Mind the Dunes

A natural first line of defense, sand dunes help protect our coast from storms, beach erosion, and inland flooding. Thick with native vegetation, these dunes also provide a barrier against strong onshore winds. Please help preserve this important ecosystem by always using designated beach accesses and boardwalks when traveling to and from the beach.

 

Coastal Wave Graphic

Watch the Tide

The tide can wash away more than just your worries. Tides change about every six hours, bringing two high tides and two low tides each day. Keep an eye on sand buckets, flip-flops, boogie boards, and other belongings left near the shoreline, as they can quickly be swept out to sea by the changing tide. Be sure to check out our tide chart before you head to the beach!

 

Build Sandcastles Responsibly

King of the Castle

Multiple stories, tall towers, and a moat are all must-haves for an extraordinary sandcastle, but what happens after the architecture ends? Once you’ve snapped a photo of your masterpiece, have just as much fun knocking it down and filling in any large holes. Not only can these holes be an obstacle for unsuspecting beachgoers, but they can also trap sea turtles making their journeys to and from the ocean.

 

Fishing Illustration

Hook, Line and Sinker

Fishing is one of the most popular activities in our area, but not every catch is a keeper. Respecting local size and catch limits helps ensure healthy fish populations for generations to come. South Carolina requires both freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses, so be sure to stop by your nearest bait and tackle shop before casting your line, or visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website at www.dnr.sc.gov for the latest regulations and licensing information.

 

Protect the Locals

Turtle-y Awesome

North Myrtle Beach is fortunate to be a natural nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles and several other species. Between May and August, volunteers with the North Myrtle Beach Sea Turtle Patrol walk more than nine miles of shoreline each morning searching for fresh tracks and nesting activity. If you encounter a sea turtle or a marked nest during your visit, please admire from a distance, but never touch the turtles or shine lights on them. It is against the law to disturb sea turtles in any way. Report all sea turtle activity to the Sea Turtle Patrol at (843)-213-9074. With your help, we can protect these incredible animals for future generations.

 

Bring Your Own Bag

Embrace Reusables

Single-use plastics are one of the leading contributors to ocean pollution, but also one of the easiest sources of waste to reduce. Consider swapping disposable straws, shopping bags, and drinkware for reusable alternatives during your visit. Small choices like these help keep our beaches cleaner and our ocean healthier.

 

Keep Our Oceans Clean

Take Five

Before leaving the beach, make sure you’ve packed out everything you brought with you. Then, challenge yourself to pick up five additional pieces of litter that may have been left behind. Small items like bottle caps, twist ties, and plastic fragments are easily mistaken for food by birds and marine life. What takes just a few minutes can make a lasting difference for our coastal environment.

 

Do Not Disturb

Do Not Disturb

Choosing to skip daily housekeeping during your stay is an easy way to reduce your environmental impact and may even save you money. Fewer towels and sheets to wash means less water and energy are used, while reduced cleaning also means fewer chemicals released into the environment. Check with your accommodations to see if they offer incentives for limited housekeeping. It’s a win-win for you and the beach.

 

Lights Out for Sea Turtles

Lights Out

Did you know sea turtle hatchlings use the glow of the moon to find their way to the ocean? Bright exterior lights at beachfront properties can confuse young turtles and send them in the wrong direction. Between May and October, turn off beachfront lights at dusk whenever possible, and close blinds and curtains to reduce indoor light. If you can see the lights, the turtles can too.

 

Want to Learn More about Sustainability in North Myrtle Beach? Read More Below