The South Strand is made up of Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Murrels Inlet, Litchfield Beach, and Pawleys Island. This section of the Grand Strand is more relaxed and leisurely. A great place to come if you want a more low-key stay with just as much to do. This stretch of land has beautiful marshes, unihabited beaches, a maritime forest. Many of the residents here work hard to protect the areas resources.

Surfside Beach

Surfside was incorporated in 1964 with 881 residents. Today the city is called Surfside Beach where you will find a more family oriented beach. More than 4500 people now call this home, which borders Myrtle Beach. Most of the visitors to Surfside Beach are campers and patrons who want a little more solitude than Myrtle Beach offers. Surfside Beach has 3 of the biggest Campground on the Grand Strand being, Pirate Land, Lakewood, and Ocean Lakes sometimes it is hard to find one as camping becomes more popular amoungst vacationers.

US 17 (Kings Hwy) in Surfside Beach has a vast number of hotels, beach shops, and attractions like Legends in Concert (show of celebrity impersonators). Accomodations along the waterfront here are mostly rental units, mainly beach cottages, condos, townhouses, and apartments. So if you are looking for a rental you most likely will find yourself drawn to Surfside Beach.

Garden City

Garden City another city along the South Strand is mostly because of it's large section of senior citizen communities. The section of Atlantic Avenue in Garden City along the waterfront is the only area of Garden City where you will find anything that resembles Myrtle Beach. There are a few carnival ride amusements and food vendors in this area along with some bars and restaurants. In 1979 a jetty was formed with rocks up to 200 pounds each, this extends out into the ocean some 3,445 feet, it stablizes the inlet. This controls the flow of water even during high tide to make it a perfect boating conditon for commercial fisherman.

Murrels Inlet

Murrels Inlet is the oldest and possibly the most unique fishing village in South Carolina. Many also call this the Seafood Capital of South Carolina. More artists, poets, writers, and anglers live here than in any other part of the Grand Strand. Many nationally known novelists, poets, artists, musicians, make Murrels Inlet their home because of the small-town feel, being able to walk into a fish market or go shopping without being bombarded by people asking for autographs.

Fishing and crabbing in Murrels Inlet has been a way of life for many generations. This 3 mile stretch hosts many seafood restaurants along with little antique shops and seafood markets. Also in Murrels Inlet is the Famous Captain Dick's.

Litchfield Beach

We can now make our way down to what is known as Litchfield. You begin to get away from sand and seas and start to get into a densely wood area along the highway. This area was once known as Magnolia Beach, the popular resort of Litchfield Beach is from Litchfield Plantation which was a rice plantation on the Waccamaw River. The manor house is actually still standing today. The Litchfield Plantation is now a world-class luxury hotel.

The shops, hotels, and restaurants along Litchfield Beach are more new than other areas of the Grand Strand. The beaches along here are the most litter-free and unihabited of any beaches along the South Carolina coastline, although the majority of properties along here are private with a few places for public beach access, with limited parking.

Pawleys Island

Pawleys Island the smallest community of them all along the Grand Strand. It is the oldest resort area in America. During the 1700s the tiny island was a retreat for weathly plantation owners and their families. This little village has stood the test of time from many storms and has adopted the name "arrogantly shabby" which can be found on bumper stickers, t-shirts, and brochures. Pawleys Island has a very relaxed feel perfect for quiet getaway. During Hurricane season don't be surprised if you see the Gray Man, a friendly ghost who warns of coming hurricanes. In 1984 this two mile island became incorporated, and is constantly under a fight to preserve the nature and history the area has to offer. Many want to build the next big high-rise or start the next new restaurant here. There are a few bed-and-breakfasts here that are worth checking out.

Georgetown

Now we bring you to the end of the Grand Stand to a very historic Georgetown. It is a shipping community with some beautiful bed-and-breakfasts. Georgetown is the state's third oldest city as it dates back to 1729 when Elisha Screven laid out the city blocks. Georgetown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The oak lined streets are among the most peaceful in all of the Grand Strand. It is a city rich in history and beauty. The Rice Museum the center of the city is located in the Old Market Building (circa 1842), below the clock and bell tower. The museum has dioramas which depict the production of rice and indigo along with artifacts, maps, and exhibits. Take a walk along Front Street and you will find shops, restaurants, homes and museums.