Why Is Myrtle Beach So Dangerous? A Local Safety Expert Explains

A few months back, a cellphone video of a boardwalk brawl went viral—tourists screaming, police sirens echoing, beachgoers scattering in flip-flops. Overnight, headlines like “Why Is Myrtle Beach So Dangerous?” began flooding Reddit threads, news tickers, and travel Facebook groups.

As someone who’s visited Myrtle Beach half a dozen times over the last 12 years—sometimes solo, sometimes with family—I couldn’t ignore the narrative shift. Suddenly, a town I once described as a budget-friendly coastal escape was now trending for all the wrong reasons.

I’ve walked that same boardwalk at sunset, camera slung over my shoulder, and chatted with retirees enjoying their beachfront condos just blocks away. I’ve also stayed at budget motels where the front desk quietly advised me not to walk around at night. That contrast is what drove me to dig deeper.

I reached out to a few local contacts, including a friend who runs a short-term rental business just off 3rd Avenue South. I also spoke with a retired Myrtle Beach police officer who now consults on neighborhood watch programs.

And last May, I spent a week documenting not just the tourist hot spots, but also the lesser-known side streets, public safety checkpoints, and areas where the Myrtle Beach crime rate becomes more than just a statistic.

This guide isn’t meant to scare you off—Myrtle Beach still offers sun, seafood, and surf. But if you’re asking “Why is Myrtle Beach so dangerous?” or “How dangerous is Myrtle Beach today?”… I’ve got real answers from both locals and my own well-worn travel notebooks.

We’ll explore the Myrtle Beach safety concerns making headlines, but we’ll also break down what’s real, what’s exaggerated, and—most importantly—how to stay safe if you decide to visit. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family with young kids, or someone considering retirement in South Carolina, let’s unpack the truth behind the buzz.

I. The Facts: Why Is Myrtle Beach So Dangerous?

Let’s get something clear right away—Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has one of the highest per-capita rate of crime in the United States. That’s not clickbait. According to the FBI’s latest Uniform Crime Reporting data and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Myrtle Beach’s violent crime rate is nearly double the national average.

But context matters.

Much of this crime is concentrated in a few small zones, particularly downtown areas near the boardwalk and a few rundown pockets behind Ocean Boulevard. Property crimes—like car break-ins and theft—make up the bulk of incidents, especially during peak tourist seasons like Spring Break or Bike Week. There’s also a consistent presence of gun-related incidents in the nightlife zones, mostly after midnight. One security officer I spoke with told me bluntly: “Nothing good happens on Ocean Blvd after 1 a.m.”

When I compared the data with other East Coast destinations I’ve personally explored—like Ocean City, Daytona Beach, and even Atlantic City—Myrtle Beach consistently showed higher rates of assault, robbery, and drug-related arrests. However, these numbers can also be misleading due to Myrtle Beach’s small permanent population (around 35,000) and huge tourist influx (over 19 million annually). That skews per-capita metrics dramatically.

So… how dangerous is Myrtle Beach really?

If you’re visiting as a tourist and sticking to popular, well-lit areas, the risks are relatively moderate—as long as you use common sense and avoid obvious red flags (more on that later). But if you’re wandering around 3rd Avenue South at night looking for a gas station, or parking your rental in an unmonitored back lot near the Intracoastal Waterway, you might find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The Myrtle Beach shootings that grab national headlines tend to happen in very specific areas, and often involve disputes between individuals who already know each other—not random violence against tourists. Still, the frequency of these incidents, particularly in summer, has made this city a bit of a hot topic among safety experts.

The reality is layered: Myrtle Beach isn’t a crime town, but it does have high-risk pockets—some of which are uncomfortably close to where unsuspecting tourists book their vacations. If you’re heading there this year, understanding those layers is key to staying safe.

II. Misconceptions vs. Reality

One of the biggest reasons people keep asking “Why is Myrtle Beach so dangerous?” is the media’s love of a viral headline. A single boardwalk fight, a beachfront theft caught on camera, or an isolated shooting during Bike Week becomes national news overnight. The result? Myrtle Beach starts trending on Reddit threads like r/TravelNightmares or r/SouthCarolina, with people sharing half-true stories, blurred facts, or worse… secondhand panic.

But here’s what I’ve seen, firsthand.

Crime in Myrtle Beach isn’t evenly spread. In fact, during one of my longer stays just south of Danbury CT Street—a quiet, gated community near the Intracoastal Waterway—I rarely saw any signs of trouble. It was peaceful, quiet, and felt safer than parts of downtown Stamford-Norwalk CT, where I once stayed during a high school sports tournament.

But contrast that with a late-night Uber drop-off behind Ocean Boulevard, where I immediately felt my street smarts kick in. Dim lighting, no foot traffic, and a group of bewildered people clearly lost and drunk—it’s not hard to see how someone could get caught in a sketchy situation.

Locals often say, “Myrtle Beach isn’t dangerous everywhere—just in lesser degrees depending on where you are.” Business owners I spoke with along the Grand Strand told me most trouble tends to bubble up in specific nightlife zones, especially during crowded event weekends.

And there’s another layer most tourists miss: a lot of the crime statistics are driven by a small, fixed permanent population, not the millions of seasonal visitors. So while the Myrtle Beach crime rate might appear alarming, it doesn’t mean every block is a danger zone.

Just like in any major beach town, there are lines of demarcation—a few blocks can make all the difference. Knowing where those lines are is what separates a safe, fun vacation from a stressful or dangerous one. And that’s what we’ll break down next.

III. Dangerous Areas in Myrtle Beach You Should Know

There are few places in the U.S. where you can go from a lively oceanfront bar to a potentially dangerous backstreet in under 90 seconds—and Myrtle Beach, unfortunately, is one of them.

Let me be blunt: there are areas you should absolutely avoid, especially at night, even if you’re with a group.

1. 3rd Avenue South:
This is one of the city’s most notorious streets for criminal activity. During a week-long stay at a budget motel nearby (I was doing budget travel experiments that summer), I witnessed three police responses—one involving an arrest just steps from my parked car. Drug activity, frequent assaults, and property crime make this area a known trouble zone.

2. The alleys and streets behind Ocean Boulevard:
While Ocean Boulevard is the heartbeat of Myrtle Beach’s tourist scene, the blocks directly behind it—especially between 6th and 10th Avenue—can shift dramatically after dark. Poor lighting, limited CCTV coverage, and the absence of a neighborhood watch program make it a magnet for petty theft, loitering, and occasionally, worse.

3. Certain intersections near Seaboard Street and Highway 501:
These areas see a higher volume of police calls related to drugs, vehicle break-ins, and confrontations—particularly during large events when the city is overwhelmed.

And it’s not just about violent crime. These areas are also hotspots for scams, pickpocketing, and overpriced vendors who prey on out-of-towners—especially those who seem unprepared or out of their element.

A local safety officer I spoke with—who’s consulted on Remote Video Monitoring systems in Bergen County and now works with private CCTV security camera networks in Myrtle Beach—told me that while crime is manageable with the right deterrents, tourists rarely know what to look out for. “They think palm trees mean paradise. But some of those palm trees are just a few feet from places where you really shouldn’t walk alone.”

If you’re planning a visit, consider staying in a nice complex north of 38th Avenue, or near Market Common, which tends to be better lit and patrolled. Avoid wandering past the boardwalk into backstreets late at night—especially if alcohol’s involved.

And one more thing—while South Myrtle Beach has its charms, it’s also had its share of safety issues. If you’re wondering why is South Myrtle Beach so dangerous compared to the north, it mostly comes down to poverty rates, older infrastructure, and the concentration of nightlife and budget motels with minimal security.

IV. Beach-Specific Dangers Beyond Crime

Not all risks in Myrtle Beach come from people. Some come straight from nature—or from simple unawareness of beach-specific hazards that can turn a laid-back afternoon into a full-blown emergency.

1. Rip Currents:
These invisible ocean hazards are by far the most serious natural threat along the Myrtle Beach shoreline. I’ve seen multiple rescues in a single afternoon during choppy weather, particularly near unguarded sections of beach just north of 82nd Parkway. If you’re not familiar with how rip currents work, don’t rely on your swimming ability alone. Look for safety signage, and always choose beaches staffed with professional lifeguards.

2. Jellyfish & Marine Wildlife:
During one of my summer stays, I got stung while wading waist-deep near 2nd Avenue Pier—a surprise encounter that led to a quick visit to a local urgent care. Jellyfish are seasonal, but they’re not rare. Keep vinegar or a basic first-aid kit handy, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

3. Storms & Hurricane Season:
The Atlantic hurricane season (June to November) hits South Carolina harder than many travelers realize. One September trip I took was nearly derailed by a last-minute evacuation due to a storm surge warning. Always check forecasts, and avoid booking beachside rooms during peak storm months unless you’re flexible with cancellations.

4. Beach Scams & Vendor Rackets:
While not physically dangerous, financial scams can sour your trip just as quickly. I’ve seen people get charged triple for beach chairs they thought came with their resort package. Stick with clearly marked, official vendors, and always ask about fees before sitting down.

Despite the risks, Myrtle Beach’s coastline is still beautiful, especially during golden hour with the Grand Strand glowing. Just keep your wits about you. Understanding both natural hazards and beach-specific scams can go a long way in ensuring a safer, more enjoyable vacation.

V. Common Tourist Scams and Theft Tactics

It’s easy to let your guard down when you’re on vacation. You’re in flip-flops, the ocean breeze feels like therapy, and someone smiling in sunglasses asks if you’ve paid for parking yet. That’s exactly how one of the most common Myrtle Beach scams begins.

Here’s what I’ve personally seen and experienced over multiple visits—because yes, I’ve been scammed here too, once by a fake parking attendant near 8th Avenue North who vanished with $20 and gave me a handwritten “receipt.”

The Most Common Scams:

• Fake Parking Attendants – This is a classic. You’ll see someone with a vest and clipboard asking for payment in cash. They often target overwhelmed tourists just pulling in.
• Overpriced Beach Rentals – Some chair vendors inflate their prices or say your hotel voucher doesn’t count “after 2 p.m.” Always confirm with your front desk first.
• Distraction Theft – Especially on the crowded Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, someone might “accidentally” bump into you while a second person grabs your wallet or bag. This happens more than you’d think.
• Nightclub Hustles – Promoters hand out VIP wristbands with promises of drink specials—many are bait for overpriced cover charges or bars with reputations for petty theft.

During one trip, a fellow traveler I met had her phone swiped from a beach bar after leaving it unattended “just for a second.” Another got hit with hidden surcharges from a jet ski vendor operating without a license.

Theft Hotspots:

• Boardwalk area near the SkyWheel
• Beachfront parking lots around Ocean Boulevard
• Clubs and bars on Celebrity Circle

If you’re wondering why is Myrtle Beach so dangerous for tourists, this is part of it—tourists are often easy targets because they don’t know what to look out for.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Use credit cards over cash, especially with street vendors.
• Keep valuables in a cross-body bag or front pocket.
• Avoid leaving your beach gear unattended—even for five minutes.
• When in doubt, ask your hotel concierge for verified vendor contacts.

Scams don’t define Myrtle Beach, but they’re part of its reputation. A little awareness and preparation can help you avoid the classic traps and enjoy your trip without unnecessary stress.

VI. Nightlife & Alcohol-Related Safety Risks

Let’s talk about the other side of Myrtle Beach—the one that comes alive after dark. From rooftop bars near the pier to beachfront clubs blaring dance music into the early hours, the city doesn’t exactly sleep. But neither do the safety risks.

If you’re asking “why is Myrtle Beach so dangerous at night?”… this is where the real concerns begin.

Trouble Starts After Midnight

On a solo trip back in 2022, I visited a club off Celebrity Circle. The vibe was lively, sure, but within an hour I witnessed two verbal fights, one bouncer-led ejection, and a group of underage-looking teens clearly being served. This wasn’t an isolated event—it mirrors reports I’ve heard from travelers, bartenders, and even local law enforcement.

Common Nighttime Issues:

• Brawls and Disorderly Conduct: Especially outside bars between 1–2 a.m.
• Underage Drinking: Some clubs are lax with IDs. This brings chaos—and occasionally, police.
• Over-intoxication + Poor Lighting = Bad Decisions: Wandering home from a club through side streets is not the move here.

I once interviewed a bouncer from a popular spot on Ocean Boulevard. He said, “It’s not that we’re overrun with violence. It’s that drunk people forget where they are—and predators wait for that.”

Safety Tips for Nightlife:

• Use Uber or Lyft. Don’t walk, even if it’s “just five blocks.”
• Stick to well-lit areas and busy streets.
• Watch your drink. Spiking incidents aren’t rampant but they do happen.
• Avoid ATM machines near clubs. Some have been used as bait for theft setups.

Nightlife in Myrtle Beach can be fun—it’s a vacation town, after all—but it comes with a different energy than, say, Bergen County or coastal bars in Stamford-Norwalk CT. It’s louder, wilder, and sometimes less regulated. Use street smarts and always travel in pairs if you can.

VII. Is Myrtle Beach Safe for Families?

Now, let’s shift gears a little. If you’re a parent planning a beach vacation and you’ve typed “Is Myrtle Beach safe for families?” into Google, you’re not alone—I’ve had dozens of clients, friends, and blog readers ask me the same thing.

And the answer is: it depends on where you stay, and what you do.

I’ve visited Myrtle Beach with my niece and nephew and had a great time—Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium, and the Children’s Museum of South Carolina all made for easy, kid-friendly days. But I also made sure to avoid certain neighborhoods, book a hotel with a 24/7 front desk and security, and stick to supervised beach areas.

Family-Safe Zones:

• North Myrtle Beach – Quieter, with more gated communities and family resorts
• Market Common – Modern, walkable, and less chaotic
• Murrells Inlet – A bit farther out, but laid-back with a great local vibe

High-Risk Areas for Families:

• South Myrtle Beach, especially near 3rd Avenue South, has higher rates of crime and fewer family-friendly amenities.
• Nightclub-heavy districts can be noisy, crowded, and unpredictable—especially in the evening.

I spoke with a local mom living in a nice complex near 38th Avenue North, and she emphasized how crucial it is to choose lodging in neighborhoods with active neighborhood watch programs. “We have no issues here,” she told me. “But just a few blocks down, it’s a different world.”

If you’re wondering “Why is Myrtle Beach so dangerous for families?”—it’s not that families are targeted. It’s that some parts of the city weren’t designed with families in mind.

So yes, Myrtle Beach with kids can be safe—but not every corner of the city fits that bill. Do your homework, book in the right zones, and stick to daytime attractions or early dinners. That combo worked for us, and it can work for you too.

VIII. Safety Tips From a Local Expert

To get a more grounded take on what it’s really like to navigate Myrtle Beach, I spoke with [Officer Kevin Daniels], a community liaison with the Myrtle Beach Police Department and a longtime local. Officer Daniels has been part of neighborhood outreach programs and safety patrols for over 12 years. He’s seen both the bad headlines… and the quiet, beautiful mornings that don’t make the news.

“Most tourists don’t need to be scared—they just need to be situationally smart,” he told me during our chat outside a beachfront cafe near 8th Avenue North. “It’s not about paranoia. It’s about awareness.”

So, if you’re wondering how to stay safe in Myrtle Beach, here’s a blend of his advice and insights I’ve picked up over multiple visits.

✅ Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts for Staying Safe in Myrtle Beach

DO:

1. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night.
2. Use Uber or licensed taxis instead of walking long distances after dark.
3. Keep an eye on your drink and don’t leave it unattended.
4. Ask your hotel front desk about recent safety alerts or local concerns.
5. Visit during the day when exploring lesser-known neighborhoods or attractions.

DON’T:

1. Walk alone on the beach at night (tempting, but not the safest).
2. Flash valuables like jewelry or big wads of cash.
3. Leave bags unattended—even on a quiet patch of sand.
4. Assume all areas labeled “tourist zone” are low-risk.
5. Ignore weather alerts, especially during hurricane season.

🚗 Transportation Tips: Uber vs. Walking vs. Public Transit

Public transportation in Myrtle Beach exists, but it’s not the most efficient—especially if you’re trying to avoid certain neighborhoods. Uber and Lyft are widely available and generally safer at night than walking, particularly in areas like Kings Highway or near the strip.

Walking during the day is perfectly fine in areas like Market Common, Broadway at the Beach, or North Myrtle Beach, but if you’re asking yourself, is it safe to walk in Myrtle Beach at night?—the answer varies. In the tourist-heavy downtown stretch, stay where there’s foot traffic. Don’t wander into empty alleyways or residential backstreets.

🌞 Day vs. 🌙 Night: Safety Shifts to Know

During daylight hours, Myrtle Beach is pretty lively and secure, especially around shopping zones, beach areas, and attractions. Once the sun sets—particularly on weekends—the vibe changes in some parts. Bars overflow, crowds shift, and the atmosphere around central Myrtle Beach can feel chaotic.

Areas like Ocean Boulevard tend to get rowdy. That’s not necessarily a crime indicator, but it’s worth noting if you’re visiting with kids or solo.

📥 Downloadable Checklist Alert: Want a quick reference guide? We’ve put together a one-page “Stay Safe in Myrtle Beach” Travel Checklist you can print or save to your phone. It includes emergency numbers, safe zones, local transport apps, and more.

IX. When NOT to Visit Myrtle Beach

Despite its undeniable charm, there are definitely times when Myrtle Beach is best avoided—especially if you’re not a fan of chaos, crowds, or unpredictable weather.

Peak Crime Seasons like Spring Break and Bike Week bring in a tidal wave of visitors. While the buzz can be exciting, it’s also when petty crimes, late-night altercations, and even violent incidents spike. Local law enforcement reports show that these weeks see a noticeable uptick in arrests, especially near the main strip and beachfront party zones. If you’re visiting with family or as a solo traveler, this is not the ideal time to enjoy the quieter, more relaxed side of the city.

Hurricane season, typically running from June through November, adds another layer of risk—especially in late summer. While most storms don’t directly hit Myrtle Beach, the threat of evacuations, strong winds, and flood-prone zones becomes very real. Coastal hotels may offer discounts during this time, but they come with the baggage of possible weather delays or cancellations.

Also, large hotel and beach areas during major events tend to attract both partygoers and opportunistic criminals. During Bike Week, for example, even parking lots and beachfront paths have seen incidents of theft or vandalism. That doesn’t mean you can’t go—it just means you should go smart: avoid leaving valuables in your car, stick to well-lit areas, and consider staying in gated resorts, which often provide an extra layer of security.

📌 Real Talk: Several travelers reported feeling uneasy during Bike Week in 2023 due to loud street racing and unruly crowds, especially in North Myrtle Beach. But those who planned ahead and stayed just outside of town said they had zero issues.

IX. Personal Reflections and Why I’d Still Go Back

Let’s be real—when I first visited Myrtle Beach, I was a little on edge. I had read enough headlines to expect sketchy situations around every corner. But what I found wasn’t lawlessness—it was just a beach town with some very human problems… and a whole lot of beauty.

I did have one uncomfortable moment while walking back to my hotel late at night near the boardwalk. A group of intoxicated guys were shouting across the street, and I could feel my heart rate spike. But instead of panicking, I did what locals recommend: crossed into a well-lit, more populated area, and stayed calm. That experience didn’t scare me away—it made me wiser.

Because here’s the thing: Myrtle Beach still has this electric energy that keeps pulling me back. The ocean views at sunrise, the low-key beach bars, the family-run diners tucked into quieter neighborhoods… there’s something warm and nostalgic about it. And yes, there are risks—but they’re risks you can prepare for, not reasons to skip the trip altogether.

So, if you’re asking, “Is Myrtle Beach worth visiting despite the crime?”—my answer is still a strong yes. Just travel smart, not scared. And maybe don’t plan your trip for Spring Break if crowds make you nervous.

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