What to Expect at Myrtle Beach's Official Welcome Center

The Myrtle Beach Official Welcome Center is your first stop for maps, event schedules, and lodging information when you arrive in the city

The Myrtle Beach Official Welcome Center, operated by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, sits at 1200 North Kings Highway (US Highway 17 North) near the North Carolina border. It's designed as a walk-in resource where you can pick up printed guides, ask staff about current attractions and dining, and get directions before you head into the city. The center is free to visit and staffed during regular business hours.

The center stocks materials covering hotels, restaurants, golf courses, entertainment venues, and seasonal events across the Myrtle Beach area. Staff can answer questions about what's open on a given day, suggest itineraries based on your interests, and provide information about nearby state parks and natural attractions. If you're traveling with children, looking for family-friendly activities, or planning a golf trip, the center has curated materials for those purposes.

Key Takeaways

• The Welcome Center is located at 1200 North Kings Highway and is free to enter during business hours.
• You can pick up printed maps, event calendars, hotel directories, and restaurant guides without charge.
• Staff can answer questions about current attractions, hours of operation, and help you plan activities based on your interests.
• The center is particularly useful if you're arriving by car from the north or want information before checking into your hotel.
• Materials cover golf packages, family activities, dining options, and seasonal festivals happening during your visit.

What You'll Find Inside

The center maintains racks of brochures organized by category: accommodations, dining, attractions, golf, entertainment, and recreation. You'll find materials from individual hotels, restaurant chains, and independent businesses, as well as guides published by the Chamber of Commerce. Printed event calendars show festivals, concerts, and activities scheduled for the coming weeks.

Staff behind the counter can answer questions about specific venues, confirm whether a restaurant or attraction is currently open, and provide recommendations based on what you're looking for. They can also direct you to lesser-known spots—local parks, nature trails, historic sites—that might not appear in every tourist guide. If you need directions to a specific address, staff can point you on the map or provide written directions.

Hours and Location Details

The Welcome Center is located at 1200 North Kings Highway, which is US Highway 17 North, positioned near the state line as you enter Myrtle Beach from North Carolina. This location makes it convenient if you're driving into the area from the north. Hours vary by season; the center typically operates extended hours during peak summer travel and reduced hours during off-season months. It's worth checking the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce website or calling ahead if you're arriving very early or late in the day.

Parking is available on-site, and the building is accessible to visitors with mobility needs. The center is designed as a quick stop—most visitors spend 10 to 20 minutes browsing materials and asking questions—so you don't need to plan a lengthy visit.

Information for Specific Interests

If you're a golfer, the center has guides listing courses throughout the area, many with package deals for multi-day play. Families traveling with children can find materials highlighting kid-friendly attractions, water parks, mini-golf, and entertainment venues. The center also stocks information about state parks, nature preserves, and outdoor recreation like kayaking and fishing.

Visitors interested in history and culture can ask staff about historic sites, museums, and cultural events. The center maintains current information about seasonal festivals—from seafood festivals to holiday celebrations—that occur throughout the year. If you're planning a special event or celebration, staff can suggest venues and services that cater to groups.

Before You Visit

You don't need to reserve anything or prepare documents to visit the Welcome Center. Simply stop by during business hours, and staff will help you navigate what's available. If you have specific questions before arriving—about a particular venue, event, or activity—you can contact the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce by phone or through their website, and they can mail materials to you or answer questions directly.

The center is most useful if you're driving into Myrtle Beach and want to gather information before heading to your hotel or first activity. If you're flying in and heading straight to your accommodation, your hotel concierge can often provide similar materials, though the Welcome Center offers a broader range of independent business information and local recommendations.

Related Resources in the Area

Beyond the official Welcome Center, information desks operate at many hotels, shopping centers, and attractions throughout Myrtle Beach. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce website also offers searchable directories of businesses, event calendars, and downloadable guides you can review before your trip. Local visitor centers in nearby communities—North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, and Pawleys Island—maintain their own materials focused on those specific areas.

Many attractions and restaurants have their own websites with current hours, menus, and pricing, which you can review alongside materials from the Welcome Center. Combining printed guides with online research gives you the most complete picture of what's available during your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay to enter the Welcome Center?

No, the Welcome Center is free to enter and browse. All printed materials are complimentary. Staff assistance is also free; they answer questions and provide recommendations as part of the center's service.

Can I get information mailed to me before my trip?

Yes. Contact the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce directly through their website or by phone, and they can send materials to your address. This is helpful if you want to plan your itinerary before arriving.

What if I'm arriving late at night or very early in the morning?

The Welcome Center has set business hours that vary by season. If you're arriving outside those hours, your hotel front desk can provide similar materials and recommendations. You can also visit the Chamber of Commerce website to download guides and event information before your trip.

Is the Welcome Center the only place to get visitor information in Myrtle Beach?

No. Hotels, attractions, shopping centers, and restaurants throughout Myrtle Beach have information desks and printed materials. The official Welcome Center is the most comprehensive single location, but information is available at many points around the city.

Can staff make reservations or book activities for me?

Staff can provide contact information and direct you to venues where you can make reservations. They don't typically book activities directly, but they can tell you which restaurants take reservations, which golf courses require advance booking, and how to contact attractions for tickets or group arrangements.