Where to Stay in North Myrtle Beach: Vacation Rental Options

North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals range from beachfront condos to soundside cottages, with most managed through a handful of major companies and local agencies

North Myrtle Beach has roughly 3,000 vacation rental units spread across the town, from the Cherry Grove area in the north to Barefoot Landing in the south. Most rentals are one- to three-bedroom condominiums in mid-rise buildings within walking distance of the beach, though you'll also find single-family homes, townhouses, and smaller cottage-style properties. The rental market here is split between large management companies that handle hundreds of units, smaller local agencies with 20 to 100 properties, and individual owners who rent directly.

Prices vary significantly by season and location. Summer weeks (June through August) and holiday periods command the highest rates. Shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October) offer lower prices and smaller crowds. Winter rentals are the most affordable but come with cooler water temperatures and occasional rain. Beachfront properties cost more than sound-side or golf-course-adjacent rentals, and newer buildings with updated amenities charge more than older properties with basic furnishings.

Key Takeaways

• North Myrtle Beach rentals are managed by large companies like Barefoot Vacations and Vacation Rentals by Owner, regional agencies like Intracoastal Realty, and independent owners who list on Airbnb or VRBO.
• Beachfront condos typically rent for $1,200 to $3,000 per week in summer, while sound-side homes and off-beach properties run $800 to $1,800 per week depending on size and amenities.
• Most rental agreements require a security deposit (usually $200 to $500), a signed lease, and payment before arrival; cancellation policies vary widely between owners and management companies.
• North Myrtle Beach has no city-wide rental tax, but South Carolina collects a 12% accommodations tax on all vacation rentals, which is typically added to your final bill.
• Peak season runs June through August and around holidays; booking three to six months ahead is standard for summer weeks, while shoulder season rentals can often be booked closer to your travel dates.

Large Management Companies and Their Coverage Areas

Barefoot Vacations manages roughly 800 properties across North Myrtle Beach, from Cherry Grove to Barefoot Landing. Their portfolio includes beachfront high-rises, oceanfront townhouses, and some sound-side homes. They handle all maintenance, cleaning, and guest communication, and they require a security deposit and a signed rental agreement before check-in. Their website shows real-time availability and allows you to filter by bedroom count, amenities, and price range.

Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) is a platform rather than a management company—it connects individual owners and small agencies with renters. North Myrtle Beach has over 1,000 listings on VRBO, ranging from luxury beachfront condos to modest cottages. Each owner sets their own cancellation policy, deposit amount, and house rules, so terms vary widely. VRBO's review system lets you see feedback from previous guests before booking.

Airbnb lists roughly 400 North Myrtle Beach properties, skewing toward smaller units and owner-occupied homes. Airbnb handles payment processing and holds the security deposit in escrow until after checkout. Their cancellation policies are standardized (flexible, moderate, or strict) rather than custom, which can make planning easier. Airbnb's host messaging system lets you ask questions about parking, pet policies, or check-in procedures before you book.

Regional and Local Agencies

Intracoastal Realty manages about 150 properties in North Myrtle Beach, mostly single-family homes and townhouses rather than condos. They focus on properties with yards, multiple bathrooms, and full kitchens—rentals that work well for families or groups staying a week or longer. Their office is on North Kings Highway, and they handle all communication and maintenance directly.

North Myrtle Beach Accommodations is a smaller local agency with roughly 80 listings, many of them older oceanfront buildings and sound-side homes. They specialize in long-term rentals (monthly or seasonal) but also handle weekly bookings. Their rates tend to be lower than the major companies, and they often negotiate on price for stays longer than two weeks.

Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals (a separate company from the VRBO platform) manages about 200 properties across North Myrtle Beach and the broader Myrtle Beach area. They require a signed lease and security deposit, and they offer a damage waiver option (usually $50 to $100) that covers accidental damage up to a certain amount. Their cancellation policy is generally moderate—you can cancel up to 14 days before arrival for a full refund.

What to Expect: Amenities, Fees, and House Rules

Most North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals include basic furnishings, a full kitchen, air conditioning, and cable television. Beachfront and newer properties often add washer and dryer, dishwasher, and a balcony or patio. High-end rentals may include hot tubs, private pools, or direct beach access. Older or budget properties may lack air conditioning in bedrooms or have limited kitchen equipment.

Cleaning fees are standard across the industry—expect $150 to $300 per stay, charged separately from nightly rates. Some owners include cleaning in the nightly rate; others charge it only at checkout. Linen and towel service is usually included, though some properties charge $25 to $50 extra if you want fresh linens mid-stay. Pet fees (if pets are allowed) typically run $25 to $50 per night or a flat $100 to $200 per stay.

Most rentals prohibit smoking indoors, loud noise after 10 p.m., and parties or events. Many restrict the number of guests beyond the stated bedroom count. Parking is usually included, though beachfront high-rises may charge $10 to $20 per day for a dedicated spot or require you to use street parking. Check the specific property's rules before booking—they vary significantly between owners and management companies.

Booking Timeline and Seasonal Pricing

Summer weeks (mid-June through August) book up quickly, often by March or April. If you want a specific beachfront property in July, plan to book by late spring. Holiday weeks—Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and Easter—fill up three to six months ahead and command premium rates, sometimes 30 to 50 percent higher than regular summer weeks.

Shoulder seasons (April, May, September, October) offer better availability and lower prices. You can often book these weeks four to eight weeks in advance. Winter (November through March, excluding holidays) has the most availability and lowest rates, though some properties close seasonally or require minimum stays of a month or more.

Most management companies and owners offer weekly rates (Sunday to Sunday or Friday to Friday) rather than nightly rates, though this is changing as more list on Airbnb and VRBO. If you're staying fewer than seven days, expect to pay a higher nightly rate or a minimum-stay fee. Some properties require a two-night minimum in shoulder season and a seven-night minimum in summer.

Taxes, Deposits, and Payment Terms

South Carolina collects a 12 percent accommodations tax on all vacation rentals, which is added to your final bill. This is separate from the nightly rate and cleaning fees. Some rental listings show the tax included in the quoted price; others add it at checkout. Always confirm whether the price you see includes tax before you book.

Security deposits typically range from $200 to $500, depending on the property size and value. Most management companies and owners hold the deposit until after checkout and return it within 7 to 14 days if there's no damage. Some use damage waivers instead—a one-time fee ($50 to $150) that covers accidental damage up to a set amount, with no deposit refund process. Read the cancellation and damage policy carefully before committing.

Payment is usually required in full at the time of booking, though some owners offer payment plans for stays longer than two weeks. Credit cards are standard; some properties also accept bank transfers or checks. Cancellation policies vary—some offer full refunds up to 30 days before arrival, others charge a percentage of the rental fee, and some are non-refundable. Airbnb and VRBO show the cancellation policy clearly before you book; for direct bookings with owners or small agencies, ask in writing before you pay.

Finding Pet-Friendly and Accessible Rentals

Pet policies vary widely. Some properties allow dogs and cats with a fee; others prohibit pets entirely. Airbnb and VRBO let you filter for pet-friendly listings. If you're booking directly with a management company or owner, ask about breed or size restrictions—some properties have weight limits or prohibit certain breeds. Pet fees typically run $25 to $50 per night or a flat fee of $100 to $200 per stay.

Accessible rentals (ground-floor units with wheelchair access, roll-in showers, or grab bars) are available but not abundant. Barefoot Vacations and larger management companies have a few accessible units; Airbnb and VRBO let you filter by accessibility features. Call the management company or owner directly to confirm that the specific accessibility features you need are actually present—online descriptions don't always match reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a vacation rental directly from the owner without going through a management company?

Yes. Many owners list on Airbnb, VRBO, or their own websites and handle bookings themselves. Direct bookings sometimes offer lower rates because there's no management company taking a commission. However, you lose the protection of a large company's cancellation policy and damage procedures. Always ask for references or read reviews before booking directly with an individual owner.

What's the difference between a beachfront condo and a sound-side rental?

Beachfront properties have direct ocean views and beach access; sound-side properties overlook the Intracoastal Waterway or are located inland. Beachfront rentals cost 30 to 50 percent more than comparable sound-side units. Sound-side rentals often have more space (single-family homes rather than condos) and quieter surroundings, making them popular with families and groups.

Do I need to book months in advance, or can I find something last-minute?

Summer weeks and holidays require booking three to six months ahead. Shoulder season (April, May, September, October) can often be booked four to eight weeks in advance. Winter rentals and off-peak weeks sometimes have availability two to three weeks before arrival, though selection is limited. Last-minute deals occasionally appear on Airbnb and VRBO as owners discount unsold dates.

What happens if I need to cancel my reservation?

Cancellation terms depend on the owner or management company. Some offer full refunds up to 30 days before arrival; others charge a percentage of the rental fee or are non-refundable. Airbnb and VRBO show the cancellation policy before you book. For direct bookings, ask about the cancellation policy in writing before you pay, and keep a copy of the rental agreement.

Is there a city tax or resort fee on top of the nightly rate?

South Carolina charges a 12 percent accommodations tax on all vacation rentals. North Myrtle Beach does not add a separate city tax or resort fee. The 12 percent state tax is usually added to your final bill at checkout. Some listings show the tax included in the quoted price; others add it separately, so confirm before you book.