When planning a beach vacation, most travelers focus on ocean views, amenities, and proximity to attractions. But it’s just as common to search for areas in Myrtle Beach to steer clear of, especially when booking a short-term rental in an unfamiliar place.
The truth is, Myrtle Beach is a popular, family-friendly destination with many safe and enjoyable neighborhoods. Still, like any tourist-heavy city, some areas are better suited for visitors than others. This guide explains which parts travelers often avoid, why those concerns come up, and how to confidently choose the right area for your stay.
A Quick Reality Check About Myrtle Beach Safety
Before diving into specific locations, it’s important to set expectations.
Myrtle Beach’s safety concerns are often block-by-block, not citywide. Many conversations about unsafe areas in Myrtle Beach stem from:
- Older properties with limited maintenance
- Heavy nightlife zones late at night
- Off-season vacancies near busy corridors
- Areas designed more for locals than short-term visitors
Understanding context matters more than labeling entire neighborhoods as unsafe.
Areas Travelers Commonly Avoid in Myrtle Beach
Below are areas that frequently come up when people search for where not to stay in Myrtle Beach. This doesn’t mean these places are always dangerous, but they may not offer the best experience for vacationers, especially those booking short-term rentals.
Certain Sections of Downtown Myrtle Beach
Downtown Myrtle Beach is one of the most discussed areas when travelers research areas to avoid in Myrtle Beach.
Why Travelers Are Cautious
- Some sections have older motels and properties
- Higher foot traffic late at night
- Noise complaints and limited parking
- Mixed reviews depending on the exact block
What to Know
The downtown area near the Boardwalk can be fun and convenient, but staying just a few blocks inland may feel very different than staying oceanfront.
Tip: If you’re booking downtown, prioritize newer buildings, secure access, and verified reviews.
South End of Myrtle Beach (Near Highway 17 in Places)
The southern end of Myrtle Beach includes a wide range of neighborhoods. Some areas closer to Highway 17 are less popular with vacationers.
Why It Comes Up in Safety Searches
- More residential and commercial zones
- Fewer tourist amenities
- Limited walkability
- Less beach-focused atmosphere
What to Know
This area isn’t necessarily unsafe, but it’s often not what travelers expect when booking a beach vacation rental.
Ocean Boulevard (Late-Night Zones)
Ocean Boulevard is iconic, but not every section offers the same experience.
Why Travelers Proceed Carefully
- High nightlife activity in certain stretches
- Increased noise after dark
- Crowds during peak season
- Greater wear-and-tear on older buildings
What to Know
For some travelers, this energy is a plus. For families or couples seeking quiet, it can feel overwhelming.
Areas With Older, Unmanaged Properties
When people talk about bad areas in Myrtle Beach, they’re often referring to specific buildings, not entire neighborhoods.
Red flags to watch for:
- Outdated listings with few photos
- No on-site management or security
- Consistently poor guest reviews
- Extremely low prices compared to nearby implying issues
Booking advice: Property quality often matters more than the zip code.
Safe Areas in Myrtle Beach Travelers Prefer
To balance things out, it helps to know which areas are consistently recommended when travelers search for safe areas in Myrtle Beach.
Popular choices include:
- North Myrtle Beach – Quieter, family-friendly, well-maintained
- Surfside Beach – Relaxed, walkable, community-oriented
- Barefoot Resort area – Gated communities and golf-focused stays
- Pawleys Island – Calm, upscale, and less commercial
These areas tend to have newer vacation rentals, better lighting, and a more relaxed pace.
How to Avoid Booking in the Wrong Area
If safety and comfort are priorities, here’s how experienced travelers avoid problem areas:
1. Read Reviews Closely
Look for patterns, not one-off complaints.
2. Check the Exact Location
Two rentals listed as “downtown” can feel completely different.
3. Compare Pricing Realistically
If the price seems too good to be true, it often is.
4. Look for Professional Management
Professionally managed short-term rentals tend to maintain higher standards.
Choosing the Right Area Makes All the Difference
Where you stay can shape your entire vacation experience. Knowing which areas travelers typically avoid, and why, helps you make smarter booking decisions and avoid surprises.
At Stay, we focus on short-term rentals in locations travelers actually want to stay. Our local expertise helps guests find properties that are safe, comfortable, and aligned with their travel style, whether that means family-friendly neighborhoods or quieter coastal escapes.
Ready to Plan With Confidence?
Browse our Myrtle Beach rentals and read our travel guides on the Stay blog. When it comes to Myrtle Beach, trust Stay to help you book smarter and relax sooner.