Top 5 Best Beach Photography Locations in Myrtle Beach + The Grand Strand are famous for their stunning coastline, golden sunsets, and iconic piers. If you’re a photographer looking for the best beach photography locations in the area, you’re in the right place!! From wide open dunes to colorful piers and hidden gems, this guide breaks down the top 5 Myrtle Beach + Grand Strand beach photo spots, complete with access details, fees, and pro tips so you can plan your next photoshoot with ease! 🤩
Whether you’re photographing families, couples, weddings, seniors, or engagements, these spots deliver unforgettable backdrops for your clients! Boom!!
1. Myrtle Beach State Park
✨ Access & Fees: $8 per adult, $4 per child (free under 5). Parking is included with entry. I always tell clients to drive straight until they see the pier and park in that lot… it makes it super easy to meet right there!! I like to start with a few shots in the greenery before heading down to the beach.
Tip: remind clients to bring shoes for that first part… sand spurs are no fun on little feet!
✨ Why It’s Great: Myrtle Beach State Park is a favorite for good reason! It offers so much variety in one spot: piers, trees, boardwalks, and wide sandy beaches. Since it’s a state park, there is a small entry fee, but that helps keep it more private compared to public access beaches. Plus, it has every amenity you could want — restrooms, rinse-off stations, and even ice cream nearby.
✨ Best For: Families, maternity, engagements, and even small weddings. The variety of backdrops makes it a perfect choice if you want lots of different looks without driving to multiple locations.
💡 Pro Tip: Sunset here is dreamy, but it does get busy in peak season, so plan ahead. If you’re photographing little ones who can’t stay up for golden hour, the shade under the pier offers gorgeous light earlier in the evening. Always check the park hours too… they change seasonally!
And most importantly: respect the rules, the wildlife, and leave the park as beautiful as you found it!! 🌿
2. Huntington Beach State Park
✨ Access & Fees: $8 per adult, $4 per child. Large parking lots make it easy to access. Your entry pass includes admission to Atalaya Castle.. a stunning historic landmark! But note that the castle closes earlier than the park, so always double-check hours before your session.
Fun tip: state park passes are valid all day and work across every South Carolina state park. So you can photograph one beach during the day and another at sunset with just one pass!
✨ Why It’s Great: Huntington is one of the most peaceful and breathtaking beaches in the area. It’s known for its wide stretches of sand, rolling dunes, and of course, the iconic Atalaya Castle, which adds a one-of-a-kind backdrop to your gallery. While the beach itself doesn’t have shade for earlier sessions, you’ll find a mix of greenery nearby if you need to start your shoot before golden hour. And who knows… You might even see some ALLIGATORS!! 🐊
✨ Best For: Couples, engagements, and anyone who wants a quieter, more private session surrounded by natural beauty.
💡 Pro Tip: Weekdays are best if you want to avoid crowds. Bring bug spray in the summer months… the marshlands can attract lots of mosquitoes. If you’re looking for a location that blends beachy landscapes with rich history, this is your go-to spot!
3. Cherry Grove Point (North Myrtle Beach)
✨ Access & Fees: Public beach access is available. Parking is free, but spots are very limited — especially during peak season. Plan to arrive early or later in the evening to secure a spot!
✨ Why It’s Great: Cherry Grove Point is a hidden gem at the northern tip of North Myrtle Beach. It offers endless dunes, soft white sand, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets along the Grand Strand. The wide, open shoreline and endless dunes are perfect for playful sessions where families can run, explore, and enjoy the natural beauty!
✨ Best For: Families with kids (lots of room to roam!), golden hour portraits, and anyone who loves a more natural, tucked-away setting. You do have to walk a little, so be prepared!
💡 Pro Tip: Golden hour here is truly magical. Plan your session about 45 minutes before sunset for dreamy, glowing light. Be prepared for a short walk out to the point.. and bring along water, especially in summer.
4. Apache Pier (North Myrtle Beach Area)
✨ Access & Fees: Paid parking is available nearby. Since the pier is part of a campground, there’s a small $5 fee to access the pier area. You can technically walk onto the pier for an additional fee, but honestly, you don’t need to… the best shots are from the beach and underneath the structure!
✨ Why It’s Great: Apache Pier is one of the longest wooden piers on the East Coast, which makes it a true Myrtle Beach classic. The pier itself creates gorgeous leading lines, textures, and depth for your photos, while the surrounding beach gives you plenty of open space for playful, natural portraits. Personally, I never shoot on the pier — the real magic is beside it or under it.
✨ Best For: Senior portraits, couples, and anyone who wants those iconic, timeless pier images.
💡 Pro Tip: Start your session beside the pier for clean skies and wide open beach views, then head underneath for more dramatic shots with architectural interest. Sunset light reflects beautifully off the wood beams, giving you warm, golden tones that elevate every shot. Dont forget to shoot near the dunes for variety and contrast!
5. Garden City Pier
✨ Access & Fees: Public beach access is available. Some free parking lots are nearby, but they fill quickly… especially in summer. Paid lots right across the street are also an option if you want guaranteed parking. There are no hours of operation to access the beach.
✨ Why It’s Great: Garden City Pier has small-town coastal charm with a fun, lively energy. The pier itself photographs beautifully, and the surrounding area adds splashes of color, a few rocks and character that make your gallery feel vibrant. It’s the perfect blend of classic beach vibes with a little extra personality!!
✨ Best For: Families and lifestyle portraits. The playful atmosphere is great for capturing laughter, movement, and those perfectly imperfect moments.
💡 Pro Tip: Sunrise here is stunning! You’ll beat the crowds, get easier parking, enjoy cooler temperatures, and get soft pastel light that makes your photos feel dreamy and unique.
Best Beach Photography Locations
Each of these top 5 best beach photography locations in Myrtle Beach + The Grand Strand has its own personality… from piers and castles to wide open dunes and colorful sunsets. No matter which spot you choose, the key is capturing the joy, connection, and story that makes your family unique.
✨ Okay, now it’s your turn!! Let’s make the beach our backdrop and create photos you’ll love looking back on for years to come. CHECK IT OUT HERE!!
