1937 was when tourist development begain with a log-cabin type motel. The individual communities have maintained their identities even after Hurricane Hazel came through in 1954. Many who reside in the North Strand area say that they have the world's widest beach. It is disputable however but no one will deny that the beach is wide, especially during low tide. This portion of the Grand Strand makes it inviting for sunbathing, taking long walks, plenty of sand for the kids to build sand castles, get the friends and play some volleyball. You will often catch someone riding a bicycle and three-wheeled low riding bikes which can be rented.

Little River

This is the little community where the North and South Carolina meet. Little River is a small charming fishing village, where you will find a very relaxed life, which is kind of unusual as the other parts of the Grand Strand are usually packed full of people. You will find plenty of little shops which have plenty of unique merchandise. While you are there stop by and schedule a deep-sea fishing excursion, or take a cruise along the Intercoastal waterway, or talk with the fisherman along the docks as they pull in their prized catches from the waters. Within Little River you will find plenty of restuarants with fresh seafood and marinas. Little River is growing just like the rest of the Grand Strand, but it is still possible to find little places of solitude amoungst this small fishing village.

Little River hosts the Blue Crab Festival which brings in thousands of people from the area and abroad. During this festival you will find plenty of entertainment, lots of arts and crafts, and a plethura of fresh seafood.

North Myrtle Beach

The Shag or Vanna White may come to mind when someone talks about North Myrtle Beach. North Myrtle Beach makes up the largest area of the North Strand which was established in the 1960's when John Jenrette argued that the four smaller communities of Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill would be better off if they all formed into a single municipality. You will find small cottages amoung the vast number of ocean front hotels and other accomodations where you will find plenty of space for your get together. North Myrtle Beach has and holds the reputation as the Shag Capitol of the world as every year thousands flock to North Myrtle Beach to get their Shag on. You will find that in mid May through June North Myrtle Beach will be flooded with 75,000-90,000 celebrating students from all over the country, where they come to dance and romance. Police have come to control the crowds fairly well but there always seems to be a few who can't control themselves and find theirselves dancing their way to the jailhouse. For those willing to demonstrate some self control, will tell you that North Myrtle Beach is one of the best places here along the Grand Strand to enjoy your fill, and that there is no better place along the east coast to celebrate the end of a school year.

Cherry Grove which is slightly south of Little River is one of the small communities that makes up North Myrtle Beach. The only way into Cherry Grove is on Sea Mountain Highway from US 17, so careful and watch the signs because if you blink you might miss it. There aren't as many hotels and oceanfront accomodations here but it is a small quaint communitiy with rows of houses lining the channels and inlets. Many of the local residents will often be found on the waters catching their own fresh seafood. To some this is the life and nothing could be better.

Cherry Grove's Hogg Inlet has become a perfect area for shrimping, fishing, and crabbing as angelers troll seeking the best spot to cast the fishing line. During the night you might find many gigging for flounder. There is a public boat landing here so you can set sail and do some of your own fishing along the inlet. Hogg Inlet has also become a popular smooching hangout as well as a popular late-night hangout.

The communities of Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Windy Hill virtually run together. If you aren't a local you might not even realize this. There are plenty of oceanfront condominiums and hotels along this stretch of land. Ocean Drive is probably best known as the place where the world famous shag originated. It is along Ocean Drive you will find many clubs where beach music never goes out of style and you will find people doing the shag.

Atlantic Beach although technically not part of North Myrtle Beach sits between Windy Hill and Crescent Beach. Historically Atlantic Beach is known as the "black beach" because during the Jim Crowe years it was the only beach along the eastern coast which made itself open to African Americans. It used to be seperated by chain link fences for years and years and now today some small motels, nightclubs, and small cottages can be found and it is remains as primarily as a African American community.

Briarcliff is where North Myrtle Beach ends and sheltered by a big wall of pine trees. Briarcliff is soley residential and upscale, if someone didn't point this little community out you would probably miss it also. It is on the west side of US Hwy 17 just before the Cololnial Mall coming from the north.

Barefoot Landing is one of the North Strands biggest attractions. It is surrounded by 27 acres of fresh water forming a small lake. It is home to more than 100 unique shops, factory stores, and more than 1,000 feet of floating dock, has a boardwalk, and there are plenty of restaurants in case you get hungry shopping. Alligator Adventure, Princess Riverboat, Alabama Theatre, Barefoot Carousel, and the House of Blues can be found close by.

You will leave the North Strand through what is called Restaurant Row. It is home to a variety of fine restaurants lining both sides of Hwy 17, everything from seafood, to italian, and even some country cooking can be found here. Nearly every day during the summer months hungry patrons can be found standing in line nearly at every restaurant, but don't worry once inside you will be sure to find the food worth the wait. We encourage you to get out before 5pm and after 8pm as between those hours is the peak time.

Shore Drive an unicorporated community can be found close to Myrtle Beach which is highly developed with high-rise hotel, condominiums, retiree homes, and a constant flow of renters, timeshare purchasers, and an upscale residential community.