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Myrtle Beach Gay Travel

wolfyy’s Myrtle Beach gay travel guide to hotels & where to stay, restaurants, gay bars, and local gay life.

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The Gay Travel Experience: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

While Myrtle Beach is not in the deep South, you’ll undoubtedly encounter quite a bit of southern charm. Here in South Carolina, everyone is friendly, loves to talk, and moves at an easy pace. Restaurant waiters and waitresses specifically always made me feel so comfortable as a tourist.

Myrtle Beach gay travel experience

Myrtle Beach gay life is on the smaller side but definitely grows during the summer season. The local gay population is on the smaller end, but it’s still big enough to support a few local gay bars!

gay Myrtle Beach
gay Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach gay travel experience

As a gay traveler in Myrtle Beach, I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable. However, personal views are on the conservative side, as is typical in the southern United States.

Myrtle Beach gay traveler

I had no problem personally expressing myself or mentioning that I’m a gay guy. But in order to avoid any uncomfortable situations, I refrained from talking about it during encounters like Uber rides.

Myrtle Beach gay scene
Myrtle Beach gay traveler
Myrtle Beach gay scene

The Myrtle Beach experience is truly about lounging on the beach and eating delicious Southern food. So grab your best gay swimwear and get ready for a good old southern good time.

Gay Myrtle Beach: Hotels, Rentals & Where to Stay

Myrtle Beach consists of a pretty expansive stretch of coastline. There are numerous hotels and resorts to choose from along Highway 17, known as the “Grand Strand.”

downtown Myrtle Beach

The true heart of Myrtle Beach is at the intersection of N Ocean Boulevard and 10th Avenue North.

Hotels here provide the easiest access to restaurants and things to do on foot. But don’t let this deter you from exploring the wonderful Myrtle Beach hotels to the north.

downtown Myrtle Beach
booking Myrtle Beach hotels
booking Myrtle Beach hotels

You can easily find something comfortable yet conveniently located anywhere between the Myrtle Beach Airport and the Pine Lakes Country Club, an eight-minute drive to the north.

Gay Friendly Myrtle Beach Hotels

Carolinian Beach Resort is one of the few gay-friendly Myrtle Beach hotels. They’re quite highly rated, too. Definitely give this property a look.

Myrtle Beach hotels
Carolinian Beach Resort Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach hotels

The Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is a slightly pricier but highly rated hotel option. While they’re not along the shore, the property is among the few Myrtle Beach LGBT-friendly hotels.

Carolinian Beach Resort Myrtle Beach

More Myrtle Beach Hotels I Recommend

Here are a few fantastic hotels in Myrtle Beach that are highly rated and perfectly located for experiencing both the beach and the city’s central area.

Hilton Grand Vacations Club

Hilton Grand Vacations Club

Myrtle Beach resort

Coral Beach Resort

Homewood Suites Myrtle Beach

Homewood Suites

Myrtle Beach hotel

The Beverley Beach House

Consider Vacation Rentals in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach condo rentals are an easy way to save a ton of money on your trip. Especially if booked farther in advance, a vacation rental can cost only 50% of what nearby hotels are charging.

Plenty of condo owners put their units on VRBO. This is how I found my place to stay over in The Dunes area of town.

Myrtle Beach vacation rental
Myrtle Beach vacation rental
Myrtle Beach center

If you’ve already searched through some hotels, you might realize that Myrtle Beach isn’t exactly a luxury American destination. Properties tend to be quite old. But that’s probably what makes Myrtle so inexpensive!

Finding a newer or recently renovated property is one more reason to use VRBO when booking a place to stay in Myrtle.

Myrtle Beach center

Myrtle Beach Gay Travel Experiences

Myrtle Beach is most popular with gay travelers in the summer season, but there are still plenty of things to do, no matter what month you visit.

The shoreline is beautiful and stretches on forever. Surely you’ll spend some time in the sand. While you’re at it, show off your a sexy swimsuit from one of these popular gay swimwear brands.

Duplin Winery

A wine tasting or a drink out on the terrace at Duplin Winery is one of the most popular things to do in Myrtle Beach. Year-round, Duplin winery offers 30-minute tastings of their locally produced wines.

Duplin Winery tasting menu
Duplin Winery Myrtle Beach
Duplin Winery tasting menu

Wine tastings here are inexpensive and include an additional glass of your favorite wine out on Duplin’s spacious patio. If you don’t want to do the tasting experience, it’s just as popular to stop by for a drink.

In fact, Duplin is so popular that locals purchase membership passes so they can come back all the time.

Duplin Winery Myrtle Beach

The Gay Dolphin Gift Shop Arcade

Gay travelers with kids especially should check out the famous Myrtle Beach gay dolphin arcade. Officially known as the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove, they’re located right in the center of town along the boardwalk.

Myrtle Beach main road
Myrtle Beach gay dolphin shop
Myrtle Beach main road

Broadway at The Beach is a popular shopping center filled with restaurants and other attractions. A few locals recommended giving this place a visit.

Myrtle Beach gay dolphin shop

Myrtle Beach Outlet Stores

Heading to an outlet store might not sound like the most fun thing to do while you’re on a beach vacation. But after having found so many good deals on quality clothing, I have to recommend a visit to the Myrtle Beach Tanger Outlets.

tanger outlets Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach shopping outlet
tanger outlets Myrtle Beach

The selection was great and none of the stores appeared to be picked over. As a traveler who doesn’t like to spend too much on clothing, stopping at Tanger was a total win.

Myrtle Beach shopping outlet

Restaurants in Myrtle Beach

It’s impossible to miss the flashy restaurant building fronts, like a giant crab or shark, while driving toward Myrtle Beach from the airport. There are tons of restaurants to choose from in Myrtle, and with these ostentatious entrances, they’re all luring in tourists.

gay traveler in restaurant
gay traveler in restaurant
Myrtle Beach wine bar

I say go give some of these hilarious spots a try! But make sure to seek out some of the lesser-known restaurants too. Here are some of my recommended spots to get you started.

Myrtle Beach wine bar

RipTydes Rooftop Bar

RipTydes Oceanfront Grille is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Myrtle Beach during the warmer months. Conveniently located in the downtown area, they are known for their relaxing open-air seating views of the Atlantic Ocean.

RipTydez Myrtle Beach
rooftop bar Myrtle Beach
RipTydez Myrtle Beach

One of the most popular spots for travelers to hang out in Myrtle Beach, it might be best to make a reservation. Especially during peak season, tables overlooking the water can get snapped up quickly.

Fiesta Mexicana

Fiesta Mexicana is the most authentic Mexican restaurant in Myrtle Beach, without a doubt. As a traveler familiar with the tacos from traveling in Mexico, you can rest assured that the food and service here won’t let you down.

fiesta Mexicana Myrtle Beach
margarita at fiesta mexicana
fiesta Mexicana Myrtle Beach

Fiesta Mexicana it’s also great for happy hour specials. I enjoyed a couple of large and delicious margaritas along with some tacos al pastor.

margarita at fiesta mexicana

Café de Paris

Café de Paris is a relaxing spot to grab a delicious cup of coffee or a midday snack. The interior is gorgeous and the staff is so kind.

This quaint little café is part of Barefoot Landing, a large development of shops and restaurants around a local pond.

café de Paris Myrtle Beach
café de Paris Myrtle Beach
coffee shop desert

My friend Taylor and I enjoyed a few sweet snacks at Café de Paris and grabbed a window-side table to take a break from exploring nearby.

coffee shop desert

More Myrtle Beach Restaurants

Carolina Seafood & Steak was filling, tasty, and an awesome deal. You can get a hearty meal and delicious cocktails here for an affordable price. The wait staff was fun and friendly, too.

Myrtle Beach restaurant meal
Carolina Seafood and Steak
Myrtle Beach restaurant meal

Hook & Barrel is one of the most popular seafood restaurants in the city. I didn’t get to try it myself, but an Uber driver of mine mentioned she loves it.

Carolina Seafood and Steak

New York Prime was another recommendation of hers, a higher-end steakhouse along the Myrtle Beach shore.

Myrtle Beach pizza delivery
Myrtle Beach beachfront
Myrtle Beach pizza delivery

Lastly, if you’re looking for some greasy and delicious late-night food, order some delivery from Pizza di Roma. Their pizza really hit the spot.

Bojangles is always another option, a classic southern American comfort food chain. Their specialty is chicken ‘n biscuits!

Myrtle Beach beachfront

Myrtle Beach Gay Bars

There are two main gay bars in Myrtle Beach to check out. Keep in mind that bars, in general, will be much busier in the summer when there are more tourists in town. You can always find a small local crowd though.

myrtle beach gay bars

St. George Gay Bar

St. George is the official Myrtle Beach gay bar. It’s a hangout in the center of town popular with both locals and LGBT travelers, especially for their friendly staff.

Myrtle Beach gay bar

During the week, the St. George gay bar hosts karaoke and trivia nights. They also have some unbeatable drink specials on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

Myrtle Beach gay bar
myrtle beach gay bars

Pulse Ultra Gay Club

Pulse Ultra Club is a Myrtle Beach gay club well-known to gay travelers. They’re tucked away a bit farther south from central Myrtle Beach, but I definitely recommend stopping by.

I didn’t get a chance to visit, but travelers should check it out, especially if visiting during the summer. Next time I’m in Myrtle, you’ll find me here!

Connect with other gay travelers! Join wolfyy’s Gay Travel Talk Facebook group.

Myrtle Beach Gay Travel Tips

Rent a Car

While Uber and Lyft are widely available, getting around Myrtle Beach is much easier with a car.

You can reserve a rental car ahead of your trip and pick it up at the Myrtle Beach airport, which is a decent drive away from the main part of town.

Myrtle Beach condo rental

Uber vs Lyft in Myrtle Beach

I highly recommend using Uber instead of Lyft in Myrtle Beach. While lift may be a little cheaper, I find that the drivers for Uber are much more professional and have cleaner vehicles.

Travelers used to be in big cities might find it useful to know that taxi drivers love to have a little conversation during the ride. Here in the south, it’s common to make small talk while in a taxi.

Don’t be nervous if people start asking where you’re staying, where you’re from, or stuff like that. They’re just being friendly!

condos in South Carolina

South Carolina Liquor Stores

Spotting liquor stores in South Carolina is super easy, even if you have bad eyesight like me! You’ll see a big set of three red dots, typically as the actual liquor store sign. 

These are actually required by law, which is a relic of alcohol control legislation from back in the Prohibition era.

south carolina local life
Myrtle Beach condo rental
condos in South Carolina

Local Tap Water

For those staying in an Airbnb or condo unit, it’s worth noting that tap water is not the tastiest. The water in the condo building I stayed and had a bit of a chlorine-like taste. Stock up on some bottled water if you’re picky with water like me.

Pack Your Tropical Vacation Essentials

Last but not least, don’t forget a durable beach towel and some non-greasy sunscreen!

See wolfyy’s complete list of what to pack for tropical destinations. You’ll find my favorite waterproof gear, lightweight clothing ideas, rain gear, and tons more.

South Carolina Gay Rights

South Carolina is one of the many U.S. states that does not have laws protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. LGBTQ travelers should remain aware of this.

South Carolina gay rights
South Carolina gay rights
south carolina local life

As a Myrtle Beach gay traveler, don’t worry about doing your typical tourist activities. People are generally very polite in Myrtle Beach. But always be cognizant of what you say and how you present yourself, especially in intimate situations.

gay South Carolina

For example, it’s best to avoid discussing LGBT-related topics like sexuality and gender while taking taxi rides or places without many people around. South Carolina does not have any laws to protect against hate crimes based on sexual orientation.

gay South Carolina
Myrtle Beach gay life

I offer these thoughts to educate gay travelers visiting South Carolina, rather than to scare you. And don’t forget that Myrtle Beach gay life does exist! It’s just important to be aware of state laws so that you can conduct yourself accordingly in any adverse situations.

Myrtle Beach gay life

But all in all, Myrtle Beach is an enormous tourist destination that’s been popular for decades. Keep these South Carolina LGBT facts in mind, but make sure to get out there and enjoy the sun-drenched shores!

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Explore more of the southern United States with wolfyy’s Panama City Beach gay guide or Atlanta gay travel guide.

Need more ideas for gay holiday destinations? Explore wolfyy’s full list of gay travel guides.

See wolfyy’s travel resources page for booking discounts and recommended partner sites.


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