Myrtle Beach Traffic Tips

Myrtle Beach is among the United States' top vacation destinations. With so many visitors flocking to our beautiful coastline, the roads quickly become congested! After driving in the car for hours, getting stuck in a jam is frustrating- you just want to start your vacation. Traffic coming into Myrtle Beach can be difficult to avoid- however, we have a few tips to help make your drive to Plantation Resort a little easier.

1.) Downtown Florence is a heavy traffic area that we suggest bypassing. If you're coming from the north on I-95, get on 38 at exit 181B (a few miles past South of the Border). 38 later becomes 501. Click here for a map.

2.) Are you traveling from the south? When driving up I-95, go past Florence to exit 170. This takes you to North Willston Road (Hwy 327). Follow this road to East Palmetto Street (note: this road is also highways 301 and 76). After Marion, East Palmetto Street will become 501. To see a map, click here.

3.) Because you're heading to Surfside, avoid taking 501 all the way into Myrtle Beach (as the best-known route, it’s highly prone to congestion). As an alternative, take 501 to Hwy 544. This will lead you into Surfside, just a mile north of Plantation Resort! Click here for a map.

4.) 501 travelers can also elude some heavy traffic by taking El Bethel Road in Conway. Next, make a left on Highway 378. This road takes you back around to 501 South. Wtih this route, you go around busy downtown Conway. To see a map, click here.

5.) If you’re traveling through Charlotte, we recommend avoiding the Monroe area. Take I-485 to Hwy 218 East to save some time. (For full directions from Charlotte to Myrtle Beach, click here. For a map, click here.)

Carolina Bays Parkway

6.) Business 17 and Bypass 17 are the two main roads in Myrtle Beach. Both have heavy summertime traffic. When driving through central Myrtle Beach, try taking Grissom Parkway instead. Grissom runs from 62^nd Avenue North to Harrelson Boulevard (near the airport).  Click here for a map.

7.) Carolina Bays Parkway (Hwy 31) can also help you avoid traffic jams. If you’re traveling from the North Myrtle Beach area or from 501, avoid Bypass 17 traffic by taking Carolina Bays Parkway all the way to 544 in Surfside. This route is a locals’ secret! For a map from 501, click here. To see a map from North Myrtle Beach, click here.

8.) The last stretch of 544 that leads onto Business 17 can look like a parking lot, especially on the weekends. You can avoid some of the worst of this traffic by our special detour. Get off 544 at Bypass 17 heading south. After about 2.4 miles, make a left onto Glenn’s Bay Road. This will lead you straight to Business 17, where you will make a left heading north. Plantation Resort’s front desk is just over a mile on the left hand side. Click here for a map.

Following these simple tips can help save you a lot of time and frustration. Upon arrival at the Resort, we’ll get you settled so you can start enjoying your vacation right away! Our friendly front desk staff will be happy to provide you with directions to beaches, shows, and Myrtle Beach’s best entertainment (and discounted tickets, too!). If you have any questions or need additional information, please call 1-800-845-5039.