Beyond the Boardwalk: 10 Secret Beach Spots in Myrtle Beach You Can't Miss

Just 17 miles south of Myrtle Beach proper lies what I consider the crown jewel of the region's hidden coastal treasures. Huntington Beach State Park operates on an entirely different wavelength than the commercial beaches to the north. The park's three-mile stretch of pristine shoreline offers something increasingly rare in popular beach destinations: space to breathe.

As a materials scientist, I'm particularly fascinated by the preservation work happening at Atalaya Castle within the park—a Moorish-style winter home built in the 1930s using locally sourced materials that have withstood decades of salt air exposure. The engineering principles employed here are remarkable, especially considering the harsh coastal environment.

For families, the real magic happens at the northern end of the beach where a natural jetty creates shallow, calm waters perfect for young children. My colleagues who visited with their kids were amazed by the diversity of intact shells—a collector's dream compared to the picked-over main beaches. The causeway leading into the park doubles as one of the East Coast's premier bird-watching locations, with over 300 species recorded. I recommend bringing a good quality field guide to identify the various herons, egrets, and seasonal migrants.

The northern end of Myrtle Beach transitions into North Myrtle Beach and eventually Cherry Grove, where one of the coast's most fascinating geological features awaits. During low tide, particularly after a full moon, the Heritage Shores Nature Preserve area reveals extensive tidal pools that transform into natural aquariums.

The phenomenon here is a textbook example of intertidal zone ecology. As a materials engineer who's studied coastal erosion patterns, I can tell you these pools form because of the unique sand composition and gradual slope gradient that characterizes this particular stretch of coastline.

For families with curious children, these pools offer an unparalleled educational experience. My standard equipment for tidal pool exploration includes a waterproof phone case for underwater photography and a mesh collection bucket for temporary creature observation. The biodiversity here is remarkable—hermit crabs, small fish, sea stars, and occasionally even small octopi can be spotted.

Access requires some local knowledge: park at 53rd Avenue North public access, then walk north approximately 400 meters until you see the wooden boardwalk leading to Heritage Shores.

Few visitors to Myrtle Beach realize there's an entirely undeveloped barrier island accessible just minutes from the northern end of the Grand Strand. Waites Island remains one of the last untouched coastal stretches in South Carolina—a 1,380-acre natural laboratory for coastal ecosystem study and, coincidentally, the perfect escape from summer crowds.

Access requires some effort, which is precisely why it remains pristine. You'll need to either kayak from the Cherry Grove Boat Landing (approximately 20-30 minutes of paddling) or book with one of the few approved tour operators. I've found that inflatable kayaks work surprisingly well for this crossing if you're an experienced paddler and check weather conditions carefully.

The reward for your effort? A beach experience that feels more Caribbean than Carolinian. The shell collecting here is unparalleled—I've found perfect sand dollars, whelks, and even the occasional prehistoric shark tooth. The island's interior features maritime forest and salt marshes where you might spot everything from deer to alligators.

The scientific significance of this island can't be overstated. As one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands on the eastern seaboard, it provides crucial data on natural coastal defense systems—something my engineering colleagues and I have studied extensively in relation to climate resilience.

While technically not a beach in the traditional sense, the salt marshes of Murrells Inlet offer a coastal experience that rivals any sandy shore. Located about 15 miles south of central Myrtle Beach, this extensive estuary system provides both scientific interest and family adventure.

The salt marsh functions as nature's filtration system—a fascinating example of environmental engineering that I've referenced in several of my materials science lectures. The cordgrass species Spartina alterniflora that dominates the landscape has evolved remarkable salt-filtering capabilities that my engineering colleagues have studied for biomimetic applications.

For families, kayaking these peaceful waters offers an intimate encounter with coastal ecology impossible to experience on crowded beaches. During my last visit, I rented a transparent-bottom kayak from Crazy Sister Marina—an investment that paid dividends when we spotted stingrays, juvenile sharks, and countless fish species directly beneath us.

The dry bag I brought proved essential for protecting my camera equipment and phone. If you're bringing young children, I'd recommend also packing a waterproof picnic blanket for comfortable stops along the small islands and sand bars that appear during low tide.

Access is easiest via Morse Park Landing where affordable kayak rentals are available, though bringing your own equipment is more economical for families.

The southernmost gem on my list requires a short drive from central Myrtle Beach, but rewards visitors with what locals call 'Shell Beach'—a stretch of Pawleys Island where unique current patterns deposit an extraordinary variety of intact shells, particularly after storms.

From a materials science perspective, the shell composition here tells a fascinating geological story. The calcium carbonate structures you'll find represent hundreds of marine species, each evolved to withstand specific ocean pressures and predators—nature's perfect example of adaptive material design.

Access this hidden treasure via the public beach access at the southern end of Atlantic Avenue. Arrive at low tide for optimal shell hunting, and bring a mesh shell collecting bag to carry your finds. What makes this location special for families is the gradual slope and typically calm waters of the beach itself, creating safer swimming conditions for children compared to beaches with stronger rip currents.

During my research visits, I've developed a morning ritual: arriving at sunrise with a thermos of coffee to watch dolphin pods that frequently feed just offshore. The early hour not only provides the best shell selection before other collectors arrive but also offers magical lighting conditions that transform the beach into a photographer's paradise.

Like most barrier islands in the region, Pawleys has its share of local legends. Ask longtime residents about the 'Gray Man'—a ghost said to warn islanders of approaching hurricanes—for a taste of local folklore that has persisted for generations.

While technically just across the North Carolina border, I'd be remiss not to include Bird Island Reserve in this collection of hidden coastal gems. This 1,300-acre protected area sits at the northernmost tip of the Grand Strand region and offers perhaps the most pristine beach experience within day-trip distance of Myrtle Beach.

What fascinates me as a scientist is the visible coastal succession occurring here—a living textbook of how barrier islands naturally migrate and evolve. The reserve contains every classic coastal ecosystem: maritime forest, salt marsh, tidal creeks, dunes, and beach—all functioning in remarkable ecological harmony.

Access requires a moderate 1-mile walk from the nearest public parking at 40th Street on Sunset Beach, which naturally filters out casual tourists. The effort creates a perfect family adventure with a rewarding destination. During summer months, I recommend bringing a beach wagon to transport your gear, especially if visiting with children.

The island's most famous attraction is the 'Kindred Spirit Mailbox'—a community journal housed in a simple mailbox among the dunes where visitors leave reflections, poems, and wishes. It's become something of a coastal pilgrimage site and offers a fascinating anthropological study in how humans connect with natural places.

Bird Island earned its name honestly—over 260 bird species have been documented here, making it an ornithologist's paradise. Bring a spotting scope if you're interested in observing the remarkable diversity of shorebirds that feed in the tidal flats during low tide.

Perhaps the most historically significant hidden beaches in the region lie within Hobcaw Barony—a 16,000-acre research reserve and former plantation located just north of Georgetown, about 30 miles south of Myrtle Beach. While primarily known for its historical significance (it once hosted Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill), few visitors realize it contains miles of undeveloped beaches accessible only through reserved tours.

As a materials engineer fascinated by historical preservation, I find Hobcaw particularly compelling. The property contains structures dating back to the 1700s that have withstood coastal conditions for centuries—a testament to historical building techniques that modern engineers still study.

Access requires advance planning as you must book a tour through the Hobcaw Barony Discovery Center. The 'Beaches and Barony' tour (offered seasonally) provides the rare opportunity to visit beaches that have remained essentially unchanged for centuries. The insect repellent I always pack proves essential here, as the transition zones between forest and beach can harbor hungry mosquitoes.

For families with older children interested in history, ecology, or simply experiencing a beach that feels like stepping back in time, Hobcaw offers an unparalleled educational experience. The juxtaposition of historical narratives—from indigenous peoples to enslaved communities to America's elite—against the unchanging rhythm of the coast provides powerful perspective.

The beaches here feature extensive oyster beds that have been harvested sustainably for centuries. If you're fortunate enough to visit during a low tide, you'll witness a coastal ecosystem that functions much as it did before European contact.

Nestled between the more famous Pawleys Island and Huntington Beach State Park lies Litchfield Beach—what locals consider the perfect balance between accessibility and seclusion. Unlike the previous entries that require significant effort to reach, Litchfield offers public access points while somehow maintaining a distinctly uncrowded atmosphere even during peak summer months.

The engineering aspect that fascinates me about Litchfield involves its dune system. While many South Carolina beaches have lost natural dunes to development or erosion, Litchfield maintains an impressive primary dune line that provides crucial storm protection. The community has implemented thoughtful preservation measures that serve as a model for sustainable coastal development.

For families, the appeal lies in the wide, flat beach with gradual slope—ideal for children—combined with amenities within easy reach. The northern section near Litchfield By The Sea offers the most privacy, accessible via the public access point at Litchfield Beach Road.

During my research visits, I've developed a particular appreciation for the tidal creek that cuts through the beach near its southern end. This dynamic water feature creates a natural children's pool during low tide and serves as a fascinating microecosystem for impromptu science lessons. My sand-resistant beach blanket has proven invaluable for comfortable creek-side observation sessions.

For lunch, skip the tourist restaurants and head to Pawleys Island General Store for their famous chicken salad sandwiches—a local institution that costs half what you'd pay at beachfront establishments. Enjoy your meal picnic-style on the beach for the authentic local experience.

Not to be confused with the similarly named Waites Island mentioned earlier, Waties Island represents a unique coastal treasure: a barrier island owned and protected by Coastal Carolina University primarily for research purposes. As someone who has collaborated with university research teams on erosion studies, I've had the privilege of accessing this remarkable living laboratory.

The scientific significance of Waties Island cannot be overstated. As an undeveloped barrier island, it provides crucial baseline data on natural coastal processes increasingly rare along developed coastlines. The university's stewardship has created what amounts to a coastal time capsule—a glimpse of what the entire Grand Strand looked like centuries ago.

While general public access is limited, families can experience this hidden gem through scheduled educational programs run by CCU's marine science department. These programs, typically offered monthly during summer, provide guided exploration of the island's diverse ecosystems. For the scientifically curious family, this educational access offers far more value than simply finding another swimming beach.

During university-led excursions, I recommend bringing a waterproof notebook for recording observations. The island features remarkable examples of maritime forest, salt marsh, dunes, and beach in close proximity—perfect for comparing different coastal ecosystems.

For those unable to join official university programs, the northern end of Cherry Grove Beach offers distant views of Waties Island. Bring a monocular telescope for observing the island's abundant bird life from a respectful distance.

While Surfside Beach itself hardly qualifies as 'hidden,' most visitors completely overlook the remarkable tidepools that form at its southern end during low tide. Located at the border between Surfside and Garden City beaches, this area represents a perfect compromise for families seeking natural exploration without venturing far from conveniences.

The geological formation creating these pools fascinates my engineer's mind. A subtle offshore sandbar creates a natural breakwater that, during retreating tides, traps seawater in a series of shallow, sun-warmed pools perfect for young children to explore safely. The water clarity here often surpasses other Grand Strand beaches due to the natural filtration that occurs as waves pass over the sandbar.

Access is straightforward via the public beach access at Surfside Pier, followed by a 10-minute walk south toward Garden City. Time your visit to coincide with the outgoing tide for maximum tidepool formation. A tide timing watch has proven invaluable for my coastal explorations, eliminating the need to constantly check tide tables.

For families, the combination of safe swimming conditions, fascinating marine microhabitats, and nearby amenities makes this location particularly valuable. The sand castle kit I brought for my colleague's children was a huge hit—the damp sand near tidepools provides perfect building material for elaborate structures.

Unlike truly remote beaches, Surfside offers the security of lifeguards and easy access to restrooms, food, and shade—practical considerations that matter when exploring with young children. The compromise of some additional people nearby is often worth the convenience for families with small children or those new to beach exploration.