What to Know Before Booking a Cherry Grove Beach Vacation

Cherry Grove is a quiet North Myrtle Beach neighborhood with rental homes, a fishing pier, and a boardwalk

Cherry Grove sits at the north end of Myrtle Beach, separated from the main tourist strip by several miles of quieter coastline. The neighborhood centers on a 685-foot fishing pier, a small boardwalk with restaurants and shops, and a wide sandy beach. Most vacation rentals here are single-family homes or small condos rather than large resort towers, which means you'll find fewer crowds and more space than in central Myrtle Beach, but also fewer on-site amenities like pools or front-desk services.

The beach itself is wide and well-maintained, with lifeguards during summer months. The pier is open year-round for fishing and sightseeing, and the boardwalk area has a handful of casual restaurants, ice cream shops, and gift stores. If you're looking for the energy of the main Myrtle Beach boardwalk—with its amusement parks, nightlife, and chain restaurants—you won't find it here. Cherry Grove trades that for a slower pace and easier parking.

Key Takeaways

• Cherry Grove rentals are mostly private homes and small condos without resort amenities, so you manage your own check-in and often have no front desk or daily housekeeping.
• The neighborhood is about 15 minutes north of central Myrtle Beach, so you can drive to attractions but won't walk to them from your rental.
• Summer (June through August) is peak season with the highest prices and most crowds; shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October) offer better rates and fewer visitors.
• The pier, boardwalk, and beach are the main on-site attractions; plan to drive for restaurants, shopping, and entertainment beyond the immediate area.
• Rental companies handle booking and payment, but you'll need to read the specific property rules about pets, parking, cancellation, and check-in procedures before committing.

What rental companies operate in Cherry Grove

Several vacation rental platforms list Cherry Grove properties. Airbnb and VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) are the largest, with hundreds of listings ranging from small cottages to large multi-bedroom homes. Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals, a local company, specializes in the area and handles booking and guest services directly. Barefoot Vacations and Dunes Realty also operate in Cherry Grove and offer phone support for reservations and questions.

Each platform and company has different policies on cancellation, damage deposits, and cleaning fees. Some require you to book directly through their website; others list on multiple platforms. Before you book, check the property's specific rules about pets, parking spaces, noise restrictions, and whether housekeeping is included or costs extra. Many rentals require a minimum stay of three to seven nights, especially during peak season.

Pricing and seasons in Cherry Grove

Rental prices vary widely based on the property size, distance from the beach, and time of year. A small one-bedroom cottage may rent for $80 to $150 per night in the off-season (November through March), while a three-bedroom oceanfront home can run $250 to $400 or more during summer. Peak season (June through August) brings the highest prices and the most visitors; shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October) offer a middle ground of moderate prices and fewer crowds.

Many rentals charge additional fees beyond the nightly rate: cleaning fees (typically $100 to $200), service fees (charged by the booking platform), and sometimes parking or resort fees. Read the full price breakdown before booking—the nightly rate is rarely the final cost. Some properties offer discounts for stays longer than a week or for booking multiple weeks in advance.

Getting around Cherry Grove and nearby areas

You will need a car to stay in Cherry Grove. The neighborhood itself is walkable if you're staying near the pier or boardwalk, but most rentals are a short drive away. Parking at your rental is usually included, though some properties charge for extra spaces or have limited parking.

Central Myrtle Beach—with its boardwalk, amusement parks, and chain restaurants—is about 15 minutes south by car. Barefoot Landing, an outdoor shopping and entertainment complex, is about 10 minutes north. Huntington Beach State Park, a quieter alternative beach with nature trails, is about 20 minutes south. If you want to explore beyond the immediate area, plan on driving 20 to 45 minutes to reach most attractions.

What to do in and around Cherry Grove

The Cherry Grove Pier is the neighborhood's centerpiece. Fishing is open year-round; you can buy a daily or weekly permit on-site or fish for free if you're not keeping your catch. The pier also has a restaurant and bar with ocean views. The boardwalk has a few casual restaurants, ice cream shops, and a small arcade, but it's much quieter than the main Myrtle Beach boardwalk.

The beach itself is the main draw—swimming, sunbathing, and walking are free. Lifeguards are on duty during summer. Several rental companies offer beach chairs and umbrellas for rent if your property doesn't provide them. For activities beyond the beach, you'll drive to central Myrtle Beach (Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, SkyWheel, Ripley's Aquarium), Barefoot Landing (shops and restaurants), or Huntington Beach State Park (nature trails and a quieter beach).

Dining options near your rental

The Cherry Grove boardwalk has a handful of casual restaurants and cafes. The Waccamaw River Oyster Bar and Sea Captain's House are popular for seafood with views. Several pizza places, sandwich shops, and ice cream stands line the boardwalk. Most close by 9 or 10 p.m., so if you want late-night dining or a wider variety, you'll drive south to central Myrtle Beach.

Many visitors cook in their rentals, especially if they have a full kitchen. The nearest grocery stores are a short drive away—Food Lion and Harris Teeter have locations near Cherry Grove. If you plan to cook, check your rental's kitchen equipment before booking; some properties have full kitchens, while others have only a microwave and refrigerator.

Booking tips and what to check before committing

Read the property description carefully. Check the exact location (some listings say "Cherry Grove" but are actually several blocks from the beach), the number and type of beds, and whether the kitchen is full or limited. Look at recent guest reviews, especially comments about cleanliness, noise, and parking. Ask the rental company or owner about anything unclear—response time, cancellation policy, and what happens if something breaks during your stay.

Confirm your check-in method before arrival. Some properties use keyless entry codes; others require you to pick up a key from an office. Ask whether the rental includes parking, beach chairs, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. If you're traveling with pets, confirm the pet policy and any additional fees. Take photos of the property's condition when you arrive and report any damage or cleanliness issues to the rental company within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cherry Grove better for families or couples?

Cherry Grove works well for both. Families like the quieter beach, the pier, and the space of rental homes. Couples often prefer the slower pace and fewer crowds compared to central Myrtle Beach. The lack of on-site nightlife makes it less appealing if you're looking for bars and clubs, but the trade-off is a more relaxed atmosphere.

What's the difference between Cherry Grove and central Myrtle Beach?

Cherry Grove is quieter, less crowded, and more residential. Central Myrtle Beach has the famous boardwalk, amusement parks, and more restaurants and nightlife. Cherry Grove is better if you want a beach vacation focused on the ocean and relaxation; central Myrtle Beach is better if you want attractions and entertainment within walking distance.

Can I book a rental for just a weekend?

Some properties allow weekend stays, but many require a minimum of three to seven nights, especially during peak season. Check the property's minimum stay requirement before booking. Off-season rentals are more likely to accept shorter stays.

What should I do if something breaks in my rental?

Contact the rental company or property owner immediately. Most have an emergency phone line or online portal for reporting issues. Take photos and document what happened. The company will either send someone to fix it or provide instructions. Keep records of all communication in case there's a dispute about damage deposits.

Is it cheaper to rent in Cherry Grove than central Myrtle Beach?

Prices are similar, though Cherry Grove rentals tend to be smaller homes rather than large resort condos, so the total cost depends on the property size. The main difference is what you're paying for—Cherry Grove offers quiet and space; central Myrtle Beach offers walkable attractions and amenities. Compare specific properties rather than assuming one area is cheaper.