North Myrtle Beach

Barefoot Resort & Golf

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A vibrant stage performance with acrobats, dancers, and musicians under colorful lighting, viewed by an audience in a theater. Acrobats perform on swinging apparatuses, adding dynamic movement to the scene.

When We Say “Shag,” We Don’t Mean Carpet.

Lat. 33.81601 | Long. -78.68002

Horry County

Acronym To Know… SOS (Society of Stranders)

The Myrtle Beach Name.. And The Grand Strand Moniker.

The earliest name recorded for the Myrtle Beach area was given by its original Native American inhabitants, who referred to it as "Chicora," meaning "the land." European settlers later named it "New Town." Over time, the settlement became known as "Myrtle Beach," inspired by the abundance of wax myrtle trees in the region—and, of course, the beach itself.

The term "Grand Strand" was coined by a local newspaper columnist in 1945, referring to the 60-mile stretch of coastline that extends from Georgetown in the south to Little River in the north.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH WEATHER

Collage of scenes from the movie "Shag" featuring young friends in the 1960s in a convertible and standing together indoors.

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

THE “BIRTH” OF SHAG

1963 “ish”

The Shag dance traces its origins back to the 1920s, when the Jitterbug and Charleston were popular. As music evolved and the Myrtle/North Myrtle Beach area expanded, the Shag developed into its distinctive form. The rise of Motown music had a significant impact on both the dance and the local culture. As more bands from the Carolinas began performing along the coast, they helped create a unique musical genre known as Beach Music—a fusion of Motown and beach sounds.

The smooth, gliding steps of the Shag are believed to have originated from people dancing on the beach, trying to avoid kicking up sand.

In the 1960s, teenagers began flocking to North Myrtle Beach to visit the popular beach clubs and dance the night away, kicking off a tradition that continues today—the S.O.S. (Society of Stranders). This organization brings together shag clubs from all along the East Coast, and the term also refers to the pilgrimages made by thousands to North Myrtle Beach to dance, unwind, reconnect with old friends, reminisce, and create new memories. Annual events such as the Spring Safari, D.J. Throwdown, and Fall Migration celebrate this vibrant tradition. Iconic beach clubs like Ducks, The Spanish Galleon, The O.D. Arcade, and, most famously, Fat Harold’s are central to the festivities. These events not only bring a significant economic boost to the area but also have immense cultural importance. In fact, many people today can trace their existence to their parents meeting at an S.O.S. event or during a Spring or Summer break and eventually getting married. READ MORE.

Trailer & soundtrack from the 1989 Zelda Barron film, "Shag," with Phoebe Cates, Scott Coffey, Bridget Fonda, Annabeth Gish, Page Hannah, Robert Rusler, Carrie Hamilton, Jeff Yagher & Leilani Sarelle.

Bands like The Drifters, The Tams, and The Catalinas have not only created timeless songs but also unforgettable memories. Many of these legendary beach bands continue to perform today, while a new wave of groups has emerged, bringing fresh, original music to the scene.

Movies Filmed in Myrtle Beach
1. Shag (1989)
- This coming-of-age comedy-drama, set in the 1960s, follows four friends on a summer road trip to Myrtle Beach, where much of the movie was filmed. It captures the vibrant dance and beach culture of the time.
2. Magic Mike XXL (2015)
- The sequel to Magic Mike features a scene in Myrtle Beach as part of the story’s road trip. The iconic boardwalk and local scenery are briefly highlighted.
3. Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken (1991)
- Although the film is primarily set in Atlantic City, parts of this inspiring story about a diving horse performer were filmed in Myrtle Beach.
4. Chasers (1994)
- Directed by Dennis Hopper, this comedy about a pair of Navy shore patrol officers includes scenes shot in Myrtle Beach, showcasing its coastal vibe.
5. The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018)
- This horror-thriller was partly filmed near Myrtle Beach, using its eerie outskirts to create suspenseful settings.
6. Barfly (1987)
- While not entirely filmed in Myrtle Beach, some sequences of this cult classic starring Mickey Rourke were shot nearby.
7. For All Mankind (1989, Documentary)
- This documentary about NASA's Apollo program used Myrtle Beach for some archival and atmospheric shots.
TV and Other Productions
- Eastbound & Down (2009–2013): This HBO comedy series starring Danny McBride filmed some scenes in Myrtle Beach, capturing its distinct atmosphere.
- Local Commercials and Documentaries: The area’s vibrant boardwalk and scenic views are often featured in regional commercials and promotional materials.

Vintage photo of a group of people outside a beach club with signs for Coca-Cola, "The Pad," and "Pat Harold's." A classic car is parked nearby.

History of North Myrtle Beach

Hazeled Into Existence.

On October 15, 1954, Hurricane Hazel struck, causing widespread devastation. Many homes and businesses were destroyed, and others became uninhabitable. The beach communities were left paralyzed by the damage. Faced with the daunting task of rebuilding, many property owners chose to sell their land at low prices, making larger parcels available for hotel developments and other commercial ventures. In a way, Hurricane Hazel accelerated development by clearing older homes and facilitating land consolidation.

The 1960s saw a boom in the beach area. Summer tourism surged, and the growth of new golf courses extended the "beach season" into the spring and fall. In 1968, Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive Beach, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill merged to form North Myrtle Beach, though Atlantic Beach chose not to join. In the 1970s, multistory condominiums and hotels began replacing single-family homes along the oceanfront. In Cherry Grove, numerous channels were dug in the marshes, draining wetlands to make way for more development. By the early 21st century, the rapid expansion of housing had placed significant strain on local resources and infrastructure. READ MORE.