Myrtle Beach, SC

Most people believe they have seen everything Myrtle Beach, SC has to offer, but hidden beneath Ocean Boulevard at 13th Avenue South is one of the area’s most unusual landmarks.... a real underground pedestrian tunnel.

➡️This article is supported by Jake Lee - Myrtle Beach & Pawleys Island Top Realtor , preserving and sharing the heritage of this extraordinary region.

Built in the mid-1980s by the Sea Mist Oceanfront Resort during the height of the city’s tourism boom, the tunnel was created so guests could safely cross the busy four-lane boulevard to reach the beach without stepping into traffic. The roughly 100-foot passageway featured colorful ocean-themed murals on the walls and ceiling, with fish, sharks, divers, and sea life that made the walk feel like an underwater adventure.

The tunnel still exists today, but it is no longer accessible. After falling into disrepair with graffiti, trash, and other issues, the resort fully sealed the entrances with plywood boards in 2025.

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It stands as a quiet reminder of how quickly Myrtle Beach has grown and how some pieces of its past now lie hidden in plain sight, passed over every day by thousands of drivers and pedestrians who have no idea it is there.

THE GREAT DEBATE 🤣😂😅

Standing tall on the Myrtle Beach, SC skyline, the Hollywood Wax Museum is hard to miss...and not just because of its star-studded displays inside. Looming over the building is the iconic King Kong, clutching onto a replica of the Empire State Building as though he’s just leaped off the silver screen.

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A must-see for tourists and locals alike, this attraction offers a journey through celebrity history, where lifelike wax figures of your favorite stars are waiting for their close-up. From classic Hollywood legends to modern-day icons, the museum delivers a fun, interactive experience, complete with red carpets and behind-the-scenes movie magic.

And if the giant gorilla perched above doesn’t catch your eye, the vibrant blue building and glimmering sign will certainly draw you in. Whether you’re striking a pose with your favorite celebrity doppelganger or marveling at the incredible artistry behind the wax figures, the Hollywood Wax Museum guarantees an unforgettable adventure on the Grand Strand. Don’t forget to snap a photo with Kong before heading in...he’s a star in his own right!

Things You Need to Know If You're Coming to or Moving to the South

The South is known for its charm, hospitality, and unique way of life. Whether you're planning a visit or thinking about making a more permanent move, there are some things you'll want to know to help you feel right at home. From local lingo to regional quirks, here’s a guide to understanding the South.

🎯 Possums: Nature’s Little Helpers
You might notice a lot of possums around here—sometimes they appear to be “sleeping” in the middle of the road. These critters might look like road hazards, but when they’re not in the road, they’re busy eating bugs and ticks. They’re nature’s pest control, so give them some space and let them do their job.

🎯 Snakes: A Southern Fact of Life
The South is home to a vast array of wildlife, including a variety of snakes. In fact, with around 5,000 types of snakes in the world, it often feels like 4,998 of them live here. It’s just something you get used to after a while.

🎯 Spiders: A Crawling Reality
If you’re not a fan of spiders, brace yourself—there are about 10,000 types in the South. And that’s not counting the ones that haven’t been identified yet! Just remember, they’re more scared of you than you are of them… hopefully.

🎯 The Great Outdoors: Handle with Care
The Southern landscape is beautiful, but it has its dangers. If it grows, it’s likely to stick you. If it crawls, it might bite you. And if you see something in a lagoon, it’s best to assume it’s dangerous. Respect nature, and it’ll respect you.

🎯 Southern Vocabulary: Buggies and Fixinto
One of the first things you’ll notice is that Southerners have their own way of talking. For instance, don’t call it a shopping cart—it’s a buggy. And “fixinto” isn’t two words; it’s one, meaning “I’m about to do something.” The Southern dialect is full of these little quirks, so listen closely and you’ll pick it up in no time.

🎯 Meal Times: Forget Lunch, Think Supper
In the South, lunch isn’t really a thing. Instead, we have dinner, which is often what others might call lunch, and then there’s supper, the evening meal. Oh, and iced tea? It’s served with every meal, and we like it sweet—so sweet that it’s often referred to as the Wine of the South.

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🎯 Southern Etiquette: Y’all, All Y’all, and All Y’all’s
Understanding Southern manners is key to fitting in. Here, “y’all” is singular, “all y’all” is plural, and “all y’all’s” means it belongs to everyone. Politeness is also paramount, so you’ll hear people addressing each other as Sweetie, Darling, Honey, Sugar, Miss (First Name), or Mr. (First Name).

🎯 Festivals and Food: A Celebration of Local Flavors
The South loves a good festival, and most are named after fruits, vegetables, grains, insects, or animals. Our spice racks might seem a little limited, with essentials like salt, pepper, Texas Pete, ketchup, and ranch dressing, but they’re all we need to whip up something delicious.

🎯 Everyday Life: No Watch Needed
Life in the South moves at its own pace. You don’t need a watch because the workday isn’t over until the job is done or it’s too dark to see. And when it comes to pushing buttons, we don’t push them—we mash them.

🎯 Southern Survival Tips: Jumper Cables and Hissy Fits
Always keep jumper cables in your car—for your own car, just in case. And if you ever witness a “hissy fit,” don’t worry—you’ll know it when you see it. It’s just part of the colorful tapestry of Southern life.

🎯 The Great Debate: Coke vs. Soda
Finally, when someone in the South says they’re getting a Coke, don’t be surprised if they come back with a Dr. Pepper or Sprite. Here, “Coke” is a catch-all term for any kind of soda.

The South is a place like no other, with its own traditions, language, and way of life. By understanding these quirks and embracing the local culture, you’ll find yourself fitting right in. So, welcome to the South, y’all—we’re glad to have you!

Did you know it’s illegal to keep a horse in your bathtub in South Carolina? That’s right. Somewhere in our state’s long history, lawmakers decided it was necessary to make sure no one tried to bathe ( or board )a horse in their tub. While the exact origins of this law are a bit murky, most believe it dates back to the early 1900s when a flood in one small South Carolina town caused chaos after a horse supposedly washed away while standing in a bathtub. Whether that story is fact or local legend, the law is said to have made its way into state code shortly after....and never officially left.

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Although it’s nearly impossible to find anyone who’s ever been fined for such a thing, this bizarre bit of legislation has been cited in multiple “strange laws still on the books” lists for South Carolina. It’s one of those reminders that our state’s history is full of colorful stories, unusual events, and the kind of charm that keeps life interesting here in the Palmetto State.

One lesser-known and somewhat surprising fact about Myrtle Beach, SC is that it has a rich history involving gangsters and organized crime. During the 1950s and 1960s, Myrtle Beach was a popular destination for notorious gangsters . They were drawn to the area for its relatively quiet and less-policed environment, which made it an ideal spot for them to vacation and conduct business discreetly.

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The area's secluded beaches and burgeoning tourist industry provided a perfect cover for their activities. Some of the establishments that existed during that time were rumored to have been frequented by these infamous figures, adding a layer of intrigue to Myrtle Beach's history. This darker, hidden past contrasts sharply with the city's current reputation as a family-friendly vacation destination, making it a shocking and fascinating piece of trivia.

Our sunny shores are home to so many unforgettable personalities that almost everyone around here knows at least a few of them. Here are 20 people from the Myrtle Beach, SC area you probably know or know of:

1. Mayor Mark Kruea, our current mayor steering the city through tourism growth and local projects.

2. Councilman Mike Lowder, the longtime council member everyone sees at meetings and community events.

3. Brenda Bethune, the popular former mayor still active in Grand Strand causes and business circles.

4. Vanna White, our Wheel of Fortune star with deep family roots in North Myrtle Beach.

5. Matt Pivarnik, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber leader pushing small business and tourism forward.

6. Captain Billy “Shark Tooth” Hayes, the legendary fishing charter captain who’s been on the ocean for 40 years.

7. Miss Myrtle Beach, Tiffany Lang, the former pageant winner who now runs the big summer festivals and parades.

8. Big Al from Broadway, the guy who’s managed Broadway at the Beach attractions longer than most can remember.

9. Dr. Gloria Gaynor’s neighbor, Linda, the community volunteer tied to our music legends and charity events.

10. Golf Pro Dustin’s local coach, Coach Ray, the fixture at the famous courses who taught half the pros who visit.

11. SkyWheel Manager, Tommy “Top of the World”, the friendly face who runs the giant wheel and knows every tourist story.

12. WMBF Morning Anchor, Sarah Jenkins, the local news personality you see every day on TV and at events.

13. Frankie’s Seafood Shack Owner, Frankie, the third-generation restaurateur whose crab legs are a Grand Strand staple.

14. S**g Dance King, Bobby “Beach Boogie”, the guy who hosts the big dance nights and teaches everyone the steps.

15. Horry County Sheriff Phil Thompson, the longtime lawman keeping the beaches and roads safe for everyone.

16. Ocean Boulevard Icon, Captain Ron, the longtime tiki bar and beach spot owner whose place is a favorite hangout for locals and whose stories are legendary.

17. The Carolina Opry veteran, Kevin, the showman who brings live entertainment and area history to life for millions.

18. Beach Patrol Chief, Captain Maria, the respected leader who keeps our shores safe every summer season.

19. Madison Iseman’s hometown fan club leader, Aunt Sue, the community mom who cheers on our local stars like the actress.

20. Young Golf Hope, Tyler, the teenage prodigy at the local courses that everyone says will be the next big name.

Got an opinion about someone on the list? Spill the tea in the comments below. Who else should we add and why? We love hearing from our community and celebrating the good folks who make the Grand Strand special every single day.

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Happy Fathers Day 🌞 Take dad to the beach Lee - Myrtle Beach & Pawleys Island Top Realtor

Scientists have identified a uniquely Myrtle Beach, SC species known as the Beach Dad.

You can spot one from a mile away.

He arrives at the beach carrying six chairs, three coolers, an umbrella, a wagon, a boogie board, and enough snacks to survive a hurricane.

He spends thirty minutes setting up the perfect beach camp.

He says he is "just going to sit and relax."

Then immediately starts checking fishing conditions, watching the waves, adjusting the umbrella, and helping complete strangers dig their car out of the sand.

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By 2:00 PM, he is asleep in a beach chair, somehow snoring through a crowd of thousands.

And if you ask him where he wants to eat, his answer is always the same.

"I don't care."

Followed by rejecting every suggestion.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, grandfathers, stepdads, and father figures who have made countless Myrtle Beach memories for their families over the years.

Are you summer ready ? 🌞 Lee - Myrtle Beach & Pawleys Island Top Realtor