07/17/2025Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is known for beautiful beaches, comfortable year-round temperatures, and plenty to do for families, couples, and groups. In fact, Travel + Leisure has named Myrtle Beach a Top U.S. Summer Destination. Planning a road trip to Myrtle Beach starts with choosing the best route, estimating your drive time, and finding worthwhile stops along the way. Use this guide to make the journey part of your vacation by comparing driving and flying, checking drive times from major cities, and finding nearby places worth adding to your trip.
Whether you should fly or drive to Myrtle Beach depends on where you’re coming from, how quickly you need to get there and back, and your tolerance level for time on the road (or in airports). Driving is usually the better fit for travelers within a half-day’s drive, while flying may make more sense for longer distances or shorter stays.
Use this table to compare driving to Myrtle Beach versus flying:
| Factor | Driving to Myrtle Beach | Flying to Myrtle Beach |
| Best for | Families, groups, flexible schedules, and travelers within a 5- or 6-hour drive | Long-distance travelers, quick trips, or tighter schedules |
| Cost | Often more budget-friendly—particularly for families or groups | Can be more expensive with airfare, baggage fees, and rental cars |
| Flexibility | Easy to add stops, pack more, and explore nearby towns | Less flexible once you arrive, unless you rent a car |
| Travel Time | Better for shorter regional trips, but slower from farther cities | Faster for long-distance travel |
| Packing | More room for beach gear, coolers, and luggage | Limited by baggage rules and fees |
Here are the approximate drive times from East Coast and Midwestern cities where a Myrtle Beach road trip is within reason, plus popular travel destinations to stop at along the way:
Drive Time: 11 hours, 15 minutes
Possible stops between New York City and Myrtle Beach include:
Drive Time: 5 hours, 45 minutes
Possible stops between Atlanta and the Grand Strand include:
Drive Time: 14 hours, 40 minutes
Possible stops between Boston and Myrtle Beach include:
Drive Time: 15 hours, 5 minutes
Possible stops between Chicago and Myrtle Beach include:
Drive Time: 13 hours, 10 minutes
Possible stops on a road trip from Detroit to Myrtle Beach include:
Depending on where you’re driving from, some of the nearby attractions to the north, south, and west of the city may be right on your Myrtle Beach road trip route. Even if they’re not, these top Grand Strand destinations are worth adding time to your drive—or making a day trip while you’re in the area.
35 minutes south of Coral Beach Resort & Suites
Located just south of nearby Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens offers a blend of art, nature, and history that makes it well worth a stop. This 9,000-acre property features one of the country’s largest outdoor sculpture gardens, beautifully landscaped walking trails, and the Lowcountry Zoo.
34 minutes south of Coral Beach Resort & Suites
The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is a lively waterfront boardwalk known for its fresh seafood, laid-back vibe, and scenic views of the adjacent salt marsh. Plan a stop on your road trip (or day trip) to stroll the half-mile wooden path, enjoy a drink or meal at one of the destination’s many open-air restaurants, and catch some live music in the evenings.
37 minutes west of Coral Beach Resort & Suites
Located just inland from Myrtle Beach (and right on the way to the coast for many road trippers), Conway offers a charming small-town escape with a walkable historic downtown and riverfront views. Stroll the scenic Waccamaw Riverwalk, explore local shops and cafés, or visit the Horry County Museum to learn about the area's heritage.
1 hour south of Coral Beach Resort & Suites
Georgetown is a picturesque harbor town rich in history and Southern charm. Its downtown waterfront features brick-lined streets, boutique shops, and seafood restaurants overlooking the Harborwalk. Here, you can tour historic homes, visit the Rice Museum, or take a boat cruise to explore the surrounding rivers and plantations.
1 hour, 45 minutes north of Coral Beach Resort & Suites
Wilmington is a vibrant riverfront city with a rich mix of history, culture, and beach-town energy—and it’s located less than two hours from Myrtle Beach. Stroll the scenic Riverwalk, explore the Battleship North Carolina, or wander through the shops and cafés in the historic downtown.
Packing for a road trip to Myrtle Beach is all about balancing comfort for the drive with everything you’ll need once you arrive at the beach.
No matter where your Myrtle Beach road trip begins, let it end at Coral Beach Resort & Suites. Our oceanfront resort is the perfect place to call home while you’re exploring the Grand Strand, with spacious rooms and suites, multiple pools, an on-property water park, and easy access to top Myrtle Beach attractions. Explore availability and book your vacation on the South Carolina coast today.
For most travelers within a 5–6 hour radius, it’s usually cheaper to drive to Myrtle Beach. This is especially true for families or groups. Driving helps you avoid airfare, baggage fees, and rental car costs, while giving you more flexibility with your schedule.
Drive times vary depending on your starting point. For example, it takes about 5.5 hours from Atlanta, around 11 hours from New York City, and up to 15 hours from Chicago. Your total time may vary based on traffic and planned stops.
The best route depends on where you’re coming from, but most drives to Myrtle Beach connect through major highways like I-95, US-17, or US-501. Many travelers choose routes that allow for scenic or historic stops along the way.
Yes, there are several easy day trips from Myrtle Beach within about two hours. Popular options include Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, Conway, Georgetown, and Wilmington, NC.
Spring and fall are ideal for a road trip to Myrtle Beach, with milder weather and fewer crowds. Summer is the most popular time to visit, but it can mean heavier traffic, higher rates, and busier attractions. Traveling in winter often means reduced crowds, lower rates, and holiday-themed events, but it’s typically too cold for days on the beach.