North Myrtle Beach is a charming coastal destination in South Carolina, known for its pristine beaches, family-friendly attractions, and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you have a short connection or an extended layover at Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (CRE), you can experience the best of this beach town. This guide helps you maximize your time and make the most of your layover.
Before You Leave the Airport
Essential Information
- Visa Requirements: Check IATA Travel Centre for your nationality and destination requirements.
- Language: English is spoken throughout North Myrtle Beach.
- Currency: US Dollar (USD). Use ATMs for the best exchange rates – avoid airport currency counters.
- Mobile Data: Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before landing. Consider an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) for instant data access.
- Immigration & Security: Factor in 1+ hour for immigration and 2-3 hours for return security screening when planning your layover.
Getting to North Myrtle Beach from CRE
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (CRE) is located approximately 20-30 minutes from North Myrtle Beach. For specific ground transportation options, visit the CRE airport website.
General transit options include:
- Rental cars (if you have 4+ hours)
- Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft)
- Airport shuttle services
- Taxi services
Pro Tip: For layovers under 3 hours, staying near the airport is safer. For 4+ hours, you have time to explore the beach town.
What to Do During Your Layover
Short Layovers (2-4 Hours)
If your layover is short, focus on airport amenities and nearby dining:
- Relax at the airport: Find a quiet seating area or use a Priority Pass lounge if you have access. One-time lounge day passes cost $39-$59 depending on the airline.
- Grab a meal: Airport food courts are 2-3x city prices, but they’re convenient for short layovers. Eat quickly and return to your gate.
- Stay connected: Use airport WiFi to check your next flight status and download offline entertainment for your next leg.
- Rest: Find a comfortable spot to nap or stretch your legs in the terminal.
Medium Layovers (4-8 Hours)
With 4-8 hours, you can venture into North Myrtle Beach and experience the local culture:
- North Myrtle Beach Boardwalk: Stroll the scenic boardwalk, enjoy ocean views, and grab fresh seafood at local restaurants. The boardwalk is perfect for a quick walk and photo opportunities.
- Beach Time: Spend an hour or two on the sandy beaches. North Myrtle Beach is known for its clean, wide beaches ideal for relaxation.
- Local Dining: Eat in the city, not the airport. North Myrtle Beach has excellent seafood restaurants and casual eateries at reasonable prices. Try local favorites for authentic coastal cuisine.
- Shopping: Browse local shops and boutiques along the main streets for souvenirs and gifts.
Long Layovers (8+ Hours)
Extended layovers give you time for a fuller experience:
- Beach Day: Spend several hours swimming, sunbathing, or walking the beach. Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated.
- Water Activities: Consider paddleboarding, kayaking, or other water sports available through local rental shops.
- Attractions: Visit family-friendly attractions like mini golf, arcades, or local museums.
- Meal & Rest: Enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner at a beachfront restaurant. If you have overnight layover, consider booking a hotel room or cabin-style accommodation.
- Luggage Storage: Use Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero for luggage storage near the airport or in town – typically $5-10/bag/day, much cheaper than airport lockers.
Quick Layover Tips
- Pack a layover bag: Keep snacks, entertainment, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries in your carry-on for easy access.
- Stay hydrated: Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security. Staying hydrated helps manage jet lag.
- Download offline maps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me offline to navigate without relying on airport WiFi.
- Share your location: If exploring solo, share your location with a trusted contact for safety.
- Budget extra time: Always add 15-30 minutes to time estimates for unexpected delays, especially during peak travel times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave CRE airport during a layover?
Yes, you can leave CRE airport during a layover if you have sufficient time. For domestic connections, budget at least 2-3 hours total (including return security screening). For international connections, allow 3-4 hours. Always factor in immigration and security time when calculating if you can leave the airport safely.
What is there to do at CRE during a layover?
At CRE, you can relax in the terminal, grab a meal at airport dining options, or use airport WiFi to stay connected. For longer layovers (4+ hours), you can leave the airport and explore North Myrtle Beach’s boardwalk, beaches, local restaurants, and shops. The beach is approximately 20-30 minutes from the airport.
How long of a layover do I need at CRE?
For domestic connections, a minimum 2-hour layover is recommended. For international connections, allow 3-4 hours. If you want to leave the airport and explore North Myrtle Beach, plan for at least 4-6 hours total layover time to account for travel to/from the airport, security, and exploration time.
Are there lounges at CRE?
Lounge availability at CRE varies by airline. Check with your airline at the ticket counter. If you have a Priority Pass membership (often included with premium credit cards), you may have access to lounges worldwide. Alternatively, most airlines offer one-time lounge day passes for $39-$59.
Is there luggage storage at CRE?
For luggage storage options at CRE, contact the airport directly or use third-party services like Bounce, Stasher, or LuggageHero, which partner with local businesses near the airport. These services cost $5-10/bag/day and are much cheaper than airport lockers.
Plan Your Perfect Layover
Whether you’re exploring North Myrtle Beach’s beautiful coastline or relaxing at the airport, your layover at CRE can be enjoyable and productive. Use the Yopki layover calculator to determine exactly how much time you have and get personalized recommendations for your specific layover duration.
Safe travels!