Cities and Towns in Horry County, South Carolina

Founded in 1801, Horry County is one of 46 counties in the state of South Carolina. Historically, Horry County was formed from Georgetown. The city of Conway is the county seat. With FIPS code of 51, Horry County has a population of 365,579 and area of 1,255 square miles (3,250 km²).

List of all cities in Horry County, SC alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Atlantic Beach, SC	29582	843
Aynor, SC	29511	843
	29544	843
Bucksport, SC	29527	843
Carolina Forest, SC	29579	843
Cherry Grove, SC	29582	843
Cherry Grove Beach, SC	29582	843
Conway, SC	29526	843
	29527	843
	29528	843
Crescent Beach, SC	29582	843
Galivants Ferry, SC	29544	843
Garden City, SC	29576	843
Garden City Beach, SC	29576	843
Green Sea, SC	29545	843
Little River, SC	29566	843
Longs, SC	29568	843
Loris, SC	29569	843
Murrells Inlet, SC	29576	843
Myrtle Beach, SC	29572	843
	29575	843
	29577	843
	29578	843
	29579	843
	29587	843
	29588	843
Nichols, SC	29581	843
North Myrtle Beach, SC	29582	843
	29597	843
	29598	843
Ocean Dr Beach, SC	29582	843
Ocean Drive, SC	29582	843
Ocean Drive Beach, SC	29582	843
Surfside, SC	29575	843
Surfside Beach, SC	29575	843
	29587	843

Major Cities and Towns in Horry County, South Carolina

Conway, South Carolina

Location and History

Conway is the county seat of Horry County, located along the Waccamaw River in the northeastern part of South Carolina, about 10 miles from the Atlantic coast. Established in 1732, Conway was originally a trading post and transportation hub for the region. It developed as an important center for the timber and rice industries during the 18th and 19th centuries. The city played a key role in the early agricultural economy of South Carolina, particularly through its river access, which allowed for the transportation of goods like rice and timber to coastal markets. Conway is also notable for its role during the Civil War, when it was a small but strategic area for Confederate forces. In the 20th century, Conway grew with the expansion of the railroad and the development of new industries, transitioning from an agricultural economy to a more diversified one. Today, Conway is known for its charming historic district, scenic riverfront, and as a gateway to the popular tourist destination of Myrtle Beach.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Conway is served by the Horry County School District, with Conway High School and the Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology providing education to local students. The city is also home to Coastal Carolina University, a public university that offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Key landmarks in Conway include the historic Conway Downtown District, which features well-preserved antebellum buildings, and the Horry County Courthouse, an impressive example of neoclassical architecture. The Conway Riverwalk, which stretches along the Waccamaw River, is a popular location for outdoor activities and offers picturesque views of the river. Other notable landmarks include the Historic Strand Theater, which hosts performances and events, and the St. James Church, which dates back to the 18th century.

Key Statistics

• Area: 20.2 square miles
• Population: 25,000 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 29526, 29527
• Latitude: 33.8393° N
• Longitude: 79.0471° W

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Location and History

Myrtle Beach is one of the most famous resort cities in the southeastern United States, located along the Atlantic coast in Horry County. The city was founded in 1938, although the area had been a popular destination for travelers since the late 19th century, when it was primarily a quiet seaside village. Myrtle Beach’s rise to prominence began in the mid-20th century with the development of the Myrtle Beach Pavilion, a beachfront amusement park that attracted tourists from all over the country. The construction of U.S. Route 17 and the establishment of several large hotels and resorts further solidified Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a tourist destination. Today, the city is known for its expansive beaches, vibrant boardwalk, and a bustling tourism economy, which includes entertainment, dining, and a variety of recreational activities. Myrtle Beach is also a popular destination for golf enthusiasts, with dozens of golf courses scattered across the area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Myrtle Beach is served by the Horry County School District, with schools such as Myrtle Beach High School, Myrtle Beach Middle School, and several elementary schools in the area. The city also offers higher education options, including the University of Myrtle Beach, a branch of the University of South Carolina. Myrtle Beach is home to many iconic landmarks, including the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and arcades. The SkyWheel, a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel, offers stunning views of the coastline. The Hollywood Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum provide family-friendly entertainment, while Broadway at the Beach, a massive shopping and entertainment complex, is one of the area’s most popular attractions. Myrtle Beach State Park, with its scenic trails, camping sites, and beachfront, offers visitors a natural escape from the bustling city.

Key Statistics

• Area: 22.6 square miles
• Population: 35,000 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 29572, 29577, 29579, 29588
• Latitude: 33.6891° N
• Longitude: 78.8867° W

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Location and History

North Myrtle Beach is located just north of Myrtle Beach and is part of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of coastline in northeastern South Carolina. North Myrtle Beach was incorporated in 1968 and was initially developed as a quieter alternative to Myrtle Beach, catering to families and retirees looking for a more relaxed beach environment. Originally known as “Cherry Grove,” the area was a rural beachfront community that gradually developed into a resort town in the mid-20th century. With its early growth spurred by the construction of vacation homes and small hotels, North Myrtle Beach saw rapid expansion in the 1980s and 1990s. Today, it is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, boating, and water sports.

Major Schools and Landmarks

North Myrtle Beach is served by the Horry County School District, with schools such as North Myrtle Beach High School and North Myrtle Beach Middle School. The city is also home to the North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center, a community facility with a swimming pool, fitness center, and various recreational programs. North Myrtle Beach is known for its stunning beaches and natural beauty, with several parks and nature reserves, such as Cherry Grove Park and the Heritage Shores Nature Preserve. The North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex is a major sports venue, offering facilities for soccer, baseball, and other recreational activities. The Barefoot Landing shopping and entertainment complex is another landmark, featuring restaurants, shops, and seasonal live entertainment.

Key Statistics

• Area: 16.6 square miles
• Population: 17,000 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 29582
• Latitude: 33.8183° N
• Longitude: 78.7111° W

Surfside Beach, South Carolina

Location and History

Surfside Beach is a small beach town located just south of Myrtle Beach, along the Grand Strand in Horry County. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Surfside Beach was established in the 1950s as a residential and vacation community. The town originally attracted tourists seeking a quieter alternative to the larger, more crowded Myrtle Beach, and it has since grown into a popular resort destination in its own right. Surfside Beach is often referred to as the “Family Beach” because of its family-friendly ambiance and peaceful environment. The town has seen steady development over the years, with the construction of more vacation homes, condos, and hotels. Surfside Beach remains a popular location for beachgoers, with its wide, clean beaches and close proximity to Myrtle Beach’s attractions.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Surfside Beach is served by the Horry County School District, with children attending schools in nearby areas, such as St. James High School and Socastee Middle School. Surfside Beach is home to several small parks, including the popular Surfside Beach Pier, which is a great spot for fishing and enjoying ocean views. The Surfside Beach Welcome Center is another notable landmark, providing visitors with information about local attractions and events. The town is also close to the Huntington Beach State Park, a scenic park that offers hiking trails, birdwatching, and access to pristine beaches. Other key attractions include the Wild Water & Wheels water park, which offers rides and pools for visitors of all ages.

Key Statistics

• Area: 4.0 square miles
• Population: 4,500 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 29575
• Latitude: 33.6287° N
• Longitude: 78.9800° W

Aynor, South Carolina

Location and History

Aynor is a small town located in the western part of Horry County, about 20 miles from Conway. The town was established in the early 1900s, and its history is closely tied to the development of the railroad and agriculture in the region. Originally a farming community, Aynor grew as a transportation hub with the construction of the railroad, which allowed local crops, including tobacco and cotton, to be shipped to larger markets. The town was incorporated in 1913, and by the mid-20th century, it had become a center for both agriculture and light industry. Today, Aynor is a small rural town with a close-knit community, known for its agricultural roots and relaxed lifestyle. It continues to be a quiet residential area, while also serving as a gateway to the larger cities of Conway and Myrtle Beach.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Aynor is served by the Horry County School District, with Aynor High School and Aynor Middle School providing educational services to local students. The town is home to several small businesses and local landmarks, including the Aynor Museum, which showcases the town’s history and agricultural heritage. The Aynor Farmers Market is another popular spot, where residents can purchase fresh produce and local goods. The surrounding area is known for its scenic farmlands, and the town’s location along U.S. Route 501 makes it an ideal stop for travelers heading to Myrtle Beach or Conway. The Aynor Town Hall and the historic post office building also add to the charm of this rural community.

Key Statistics

• Area: 1.8 square miles
• Population: 900 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 29511
• Latitude: 33.9982° N
• Longitude: 79.1565° W