Planning Your Wheelchair Accessible Vacation to Myrtle Beach

For many people who live along the eastern coast of the United States, the weather is finally warm enough to really start planning some fun outdoor activities, including weekend road trips to the beach.

One of the more popular destination beaches on the east coast is Myrtle Beach, SC. However, if you or someone you know has a physical disability, it is definitely smart for you to plan ahead before you go. Take a look at some of the following tips, advice, and information that we’ve compiled to help make your next trip to Myrtle Beach, SC the best one yet.

Wheelchair Accessibility in Myrtle Beach, SC

There’s a reason why Myrtle Beach, SC is one of the hottest beach destinations in the United States. Besides its 60 miles of sandy beaches, it is also home to plenty of family-friendly activities – from amusement parks that feature water slides, roller coasters, and race tracks – to shopping, golfing, dining, and more!

If you already own a wheelchair van, then great! However, depending on where you’re traveling from, you may want to to rent a wheelchair van and drive to Myrtle Beach. Not only does this save you the extra wear and tear on your personal vehicle – it’s also a great way to test out the features of a different type of handicap van.

Tips for Wheelchair Travelers Heading to Myrtle Beach

#1 – Research handicap parking ahead of time.

In the state of South Carolina, parking at any and all public operated parking meters is FREE to any vehicle displaying one of the following:

• A valid handicapped license tag
• Purple Heart license tag
• Disabled American Veterans  license tag
• Medal of Honor license tag
• Valid, official handicapped hang tag

City buildings also have designated handicapped parking spaces as well.

#2 – Research handicap accessible beach points.

There are numerous beach access points between North Myrtle Beach and South Myrtle Beach. According to the city of Myrtle Beach, beach-going wheelchairs and handicapped parking are available (to varying degrees) at the following locations:

• 29th Avenue South (fully accessible)
• 24th Avenue South (partially accessible)
• 23rd Avenue South (partially accessible)
• Hurl Rock Park at 20th Avenue South (fully accessible)
• 19th Avenue South (partially accessible)
• 17th Avenue South (partially accessible)
• 16th Avenue South (partially accessible, has step at beach end)
• 15th Avenue South (fully accessible)
• 12th Avenue South (fully accessible)
• 11th Avenue South (partially accessible)
• Ninth Avenue South (fully accessible)
• Seventh Avenue South (partially accessible)
• Third Avenue South (fully accessible)
• First Avenue North (fully accessible)
• Second Avenue North (fully accessible)
• Fourth Avenue North (fully accessible)
• Seventh Avenue North (fully accessible)
• Ninth Avenue North, north side of Plyler Park (fully accessible)
• 11th Avenue North (fully accessible)
• 13th Avenue North (fully accessible)
• 1600 North Ocean Boulevard (fully accessible)
• 1708 North Ocean Boulevard (partially accessible)
• 1802 North Ocean Boulevard (fully accessible)
• Anderson Park at 20th Avenue North (fully accessible)
• 2104 North Ocean Boulevard (partially accessible)
• 2302 North Ocean Boulevard (partially accessible)
• 25th Avenue North (fully accessible)
• 2504 North Ocean Boulevard (partially accessible)
• 31st Avenue North (fully accessible)
• 34th Avenue North (partially accessible, has steps at beach end)
• 38th Avenue North (fully accessible)
• 41st Avenue North (fully accessible)
• 44th Avenue North (partially accessible)
• 47th Avenue North (partially accessible)
• 48th Avenue North (fully accessible)
• 51st Avenue North (partially accessible)
• 53rd Avenue North (fully accessible)
• Gardens by the Sea, 5400 North Ocean Boulevard (fully accessible)
• Seaside Place (fully accessible)
• 64th Avenue North (fully accessible)
• 65th Avenue North (partially accessible)
• 66th Avenue North (partially accessible, has steps at beach end)
• 69th Avenue North (partially accessible, has steps at beach end)
• 70th Avenue North (fully accessible)
• 75th Avenue North (partially accessible)
• 76th Avenue North (partially accessible, has steps at beach end)

#3 – Determine your need for a beach-accessible wheelchair.

As you can imagine, it would be difficult (if not impossible) to roll a wheelchair over sand. However, Myrtle Beach has a number of “beach-friendly” wheelchairs available for use at NO COST. These wheelchairs are typically used on a first-come, first-served basis. The difference between these and other types of wheelchairs is that they are equipped with balloon tires and safety belts.

Wheelchairs may be delivered to and picked up from your location by a community service officer anytime between 9 am and 5 pm, depending on the weather. You’ll need to make sure that you have a photo ID.

If you are interested in using a beach-friendly wheelchair, you can contact the Myrtle Beach Police Department help desk by calling: 843-918-1382.