How to Spend a Layover in North Myrtle Beach (CRE)

Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in North Myrtle Beach gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from CRE to the city takes roughly 30 minutes by Taxi/Rideshare, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.

What’s Worth Seeing in North Myrtle Beach

For a layover visit to North Myrtle Beach, we’d suggest North Myrtle Beach Public Beach Access and Barefoot Landing. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.

It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.

If you’d rather stay inside CRE — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:

• R.M. Aviation FBO Waiting Area
• Grand Strand Airport Observation Point

Getting to North Myrtle Beach from the Airport

From CRE, the Taxi/Rideshare gets you to North Myrtle Beach in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.

Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi/Rideshare offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.

Eating Well on a North Myrtle Beach Layover

• In the city: Duffy Street Seafood Shack and Hamburger Joe’s are both worth a visit if you’re exploring North Myrtle Beach.
• At the airport: The Airport Cafe and R.M. Aviation FBO Refreshments will get the job done without leaving the terminal.

Planning Your Layover Spending

Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in North Myrtle Beach, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.

The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.

Cards are increasingly accepted in North Myrtle Beach, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.

Staying Connected

You’ll find free WiFi at CRE for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate North Myrtle Beach or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.

What to Do With Your Bags

Luggage storage options at CRE can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.

Another option: if you’re only in North Myrtle Beach for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.

Need a Nap? Options at CRE

If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at CRE.

For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.

Nearby Layover Guides

Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.