Cherry Grove channels, Ocean Drive and the shag, family beaches and golf — the four towns of North Myrtle Beach and what each means for buyers.
North Myrtle Beach is really four historic beach towns — Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill — that incorporated into one city while keeping their distinct personalities. The result is a more relaxed, family-and-locals counterpoint to Myrtle Beach proper.
The lifestyle
Ocean Drive is the spiritual home of the Carolina shag, South Carolina's official state dance, still celebrated at the SOS festivals every spring and fall. It's a city with its own nightlife, its own golf, and a deep local culture.
Things to do
- The North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex — 150+ acres of fields, trails, and an amphitheater.
- Boating and fishing in the Cherry Grove tidal channels.
- Area golf and a strong local dining scene, both well covered by the CVB.
The market & the homes
Two things set the real estate apart. First, Cherry Grove's channels: a grid of saltwater canals where homes come with private docks and direct boat access — a rare product on the Strand. Second, the four-town mix means everything from oceanfront condos to family houses a few blocks back, generally at a friendlier entry point than central Myrtle Beach.
Schools & the practical stuff
Schools run through Horry County Schools, and the City of North Myrtle Beach handles permitting, parks, and beach services. The official Explore North Myrtle Beach site is the best single planning resource.
