Gay Dolphin Gift Cove in Myrtle Beach: What to Expect

A Myrtle Beach landmark stocked with beach souvenirs, novelty items, and local goods

Gay Dolphin Gift Cove is one of Myrtle Beach's oldest and largest gift shops, located on the downtown oceanfront. The store carries the typical beach-town inventory—t-shirts, hats, postcards, and shell-themed décor—alongside novelty items, local crafts, and candy. It's a walk-in destination where you can browse without pressure, and the sheer volume of merchandise means you'll likely find something whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for a souvenir to take home.

The shop has operated since 1968 and occupies a prominent corner on North Kings Highway near the boardwalk. Its bright storefront and dolphin signage make it easy to spot, and it draws both tourists and locals year-round. The inventory rotates with the seasons, so what's in stock in summer differs from what you'll find in winter.

Key Takeaways

• Gay Dolphin Gift Cove stocks beach apparel, souvenirs, local crafts, and novelty items across multiple rooms and floors.
• The shop is located on North Kings Highway near the Myrtle Beach boardwalk and is open daily during standard retail hours.
• Prices range widely depending on what you're buying—t-shirts and postcards are inexpensive, while local art and specialty items cost more.
• The store is crowded during peak summer season and holidays, so visiting on a weekday morning or in the off-season means shorter browsing time.

What you'll find inside

The shop is organized into distinct sections. The front area near the register holds impulse buys: candy, small toys, keychains, and postcards. Moving deeper into the store, you'll find t-shirts and beachwear organized by size and design, with both generic beach graphics and Myrtle Beach–specific prints. A separate section carries home décor items—shell boxes, wall hangings, and nautical-themed pieces.

The back rooms and upper floor hold rotating inventory that includes local artwork, handmade jewelry, and regional crafts from South Carolina artisans. The selection of these items changes, so if you're looking for something specific—say, a local artist's work or a particular style of shell jewelry—it's worth asking staff whether they have it in stock or can order it.

The store also carries practical beach items: sunscreen, flip-flops, beach bags, and towels. These tend to be priced higher than you'd pay at a drugstore, which is typical for oceanfront retail, but they're convenient if you've forgotten something and don't want to leave the beach area.

Location and hours

Gay Dolphin Gift Cove sits at 1006 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, a short walk from the boardwalk and close to other downtown attractions. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots, though it fills quickly during summer weekends and holidays.

The shop is open daily, typically from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. during peak season (May through September) and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the off-season, though hours vary by day and season. It's worth checking ahead by phone or online if you're planning a visit on a holiday or during a special event, as hours may shift.

Pricing and what to budget

Prices vary dramatically depending on what you're buying. A basic t-shirt runs $15 to $25, postcards are typically $1 to $3, and small souvenirs like keychains or magnets cost $3 to $8. Local artwork and handmade jewelry range from $20 to over $100 depending on the artist and materials. Candy and snacks are priced above what you'd pay in a grocery store but below what you'd expect at a theme park.

The shop doesn't have a strict budget tier—you can spend $5 on a postcard and a piece of taffy, or $80 on a framed local print. Many visitors spend $20 to $40 picking up a few souvenirs and gifts, though that varies widely based on what catches your eye.

Crowds and best times to visit

Gay Dolphin Gift Cove is busiest during summer vacation (June through August), spring break, and holiday weekends. On these days, the narrow aisles can feel cramped, and checkout lines move slowly. If you prefer a quieter browsing experience, visit on a weekday morning between 9 a.m. and noon, or during the off-season months of October through April.

The shop is also less crowded on rainy days, when beach-goers retreat indoors to shop. If you're visiting Myrtle Beach during a slower period, you'll have more room to move around and more time to chat with staff about specific items or local artisans.

Nearby attractions and how it fits into a beach day

Gay Dolphin Gift Cove is within walking distance of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, so it's easy to combine a visit with a walk along the beach or a meal at one of the nearby restaurants. The shop sits in the heart of downtown Myrtle Beach, close to other gift shops, arcades, and attractions like the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel and the Boardwalk Amusement Park.

Most visitors stop in for 20 to 45 minutes, depending on how thoroughly they browse. It's a natural break during a beach day—you can pop in while walking the boardwalk, grab a souvenir and some candy, and move on. Some people make it a longer visit if they're hunting for a specific gift or want to explore the local art section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find items specific to Myrtle Beach, or is it all generic beach stuff?

The shop carries both. Generic beach-themed items make up the bulk of the inventory, but there's a dedicated section of Myrtle Beach–specific merchandise: t-shirts with local landmarks, postcards of the boardwalk, and regional artwork. The local art and craft section rotates, so what's available changes seasonally.

Is there parking nearby?

Yes, there's street parking along North Kings Highway and several public lots within a short walk. During peak summer season, parking fills quickly, especially on weekends. If you're visiting in the afternoon or on a busy day, you may need to circle or use a nearby paid lot.

Do they sell anything besides souvenirs?

Yes. The shop stocks practical beach items like sunscreen, towels, and flip-flops, as well as candy, snacks, and drinks. There's also a section of local artwork and handmade jewelry that goes beyond typical souvenir fare. Staff can point you toward specific categories if you're looking for something particular.

What's the best time to visit if I want to avoid crowds?

Weekday mornings between 9 a.m. and noon are quietest, especially during the off-season (October through April). Rainy days also see fewer visitors. Summer weekends and holiday periods are the busiest times, with lines at checkout and crowded aisles.

Can I return items if I change my mind?

Return policies vary by item type and whether you have a receipt. Ask at the register about their specific policy when you purchase. Most gift shops have stricter return policies than department stores, so it's worth clarifying before you buy if you're uncertain about an item.