Last reviewed: August 13, 2026.
Cherry Grove is one of four historic beach communities that were consolidated to form the City of North Myrtle Beach in 1968. From north to south, the four commonly used area names are Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach and Windy Hill.
These names remain useful for wayfinding, lodging descriptions and local conversation, but they are not four separate cities. A City planning document describes the same four communities and their consolidation into North Myrtle Beach: North Myrtle Beach community profile.
Cherry Grove
Cherry Grove occupies the north end of North Myrtle Beach. Sea Mountain Highway, the Cherry Grove Fishing Pier, the inlet and the marsh are common landmarks. Use the street address of your lodging because properties described as “Cherry Grove” can be several miles apart.
Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive is centered around Main Street and the beachfront streets nearby. It is known for the shag-dance tradition, music venues and Main Street events. “Ocean Drive” is the community name; do not confuse it with Ocean Boulevard.
Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach lies south of Ocean Drive and north of Windy Hill. It is primarily a lodging and residential beach area with access to businesses along US 17.
Windy Hill
Windy Hill is the southernmost of North Myrtle Beach’s four historic beach communities. Barefoot Landing and Alligator Adventure are nearby on the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway, but verify addresses and travel time before walking or driving from an oceanfront property.
What lies farther south?
The Town of Atlantic Beach is a separate municipality next to the southern North Myrtle Beach area. The City of Myrtle Beach is farther south and is also a separate city. Municipal boundaries are not always obvious from the road, so check the address and rules for the specific place you plan to visit.
Ocean Boulevard is a local beachfront street and does not provide one uninterrupted route from Cherry Grove to every beach community south of Myrtle Beach. For longer north-south trips, use live navigation; US 17 is the principal corridor.
For public access locations within North Myrtle Beach, use the City’s beach-access and amenities map and parking FAQ.
