Myrtle Beach Rules for Senior Week: Beach, Curfew, and What Gets You a Ticket

Most Senior Week tickets in Myrtle Beach come from a handful of city rules visitors don’t know about: the under-18 curfew, the summer umbrellas-only beach rule, fireworks on the beach, glass containers, and stepping on the dunes. Here’s what each rule says, with links to the official sources, so nothing catches your crew off guard.

Rules can change. Everything below was checked against City of Myrtle Beach sources and local reporting; confirm current rules with the city (843-918-1014) before your trip.

1. The Under-18 Curfew

This is the one most likely to affect a 17-year-old grad. Under a 2025 ordinance reported by WMBF:

• Downtown oceanfront zone — from 6th Avenue South to 21st Avenue North, between the ocean and Kings Highway, plus parts of the Arts and Innovation District: people under 18 can’t be there from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. without a parent or guardian.
• City parks and properties: also off-limits to under-18s during curfew hours without a parent or guardian.
• Everywhere else in the city: the juvenile curfew is midnight to 6 a.m. (WMBF).

If anyone in your group is under 18, plan how they’ll get to and from events. Ride together, and check our Senior Week safety guide for getting home safely.

2. Umbrellas Only (No Beach Tents) in Summer

From Memorial Day through the day after Labor Day, Myrtle Beach city beaches allow only round umbrellas up to 7½ feet in diameter, placed in line with or behind the umbrella line. Tents, canopies, and other shade setups aren’t allowed — except small infant tents no bigger than 4 feet wide, 3 feet deep, and 3 feet high (City of Myrtle Beach). All four Senior Week 2027 weeks fall inside that window.

The city also notes that unincorporated Horry County beaches with a Myrtle Beach address have different rules, and North Myrtle Beach is its own city — so check where you’re actually staying.

3. Fireworks

Per the city’s fireworks rules:

• Fireworks are prohibited at all times on the beach and other public property (except approved professional displays).
• On private property they’re allowed only with the owner’s permission, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Minors can’t shoot fireworks at any time unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Violations are civil infractions: $250 for a first offense and $500 for later ones in the same year.
• Throwing or shooting fireworks at people, animals, buildings, or vehicles (including golf carts), or from a vehicle, is illegal.

Translation: leave the fireworks at home.

4. Beach Basics: Glass, Dunes, and Litter

From the city’s beach rules list:

• No glass containers or bottles on the beach. Pack drinks in cans or plastic.
• Stay off the dunes, sand fencing, sea grass, and sea oats. Use the boardwalks and marked paths.
• Littering is illegal. Use the trash and recycling cans.

The city says violations of its beach ordinances are misdemeanors, with fines up to $500 and/or up to 30 days in jail on conviction.

5. Ocean Safety Rules

When the lifeguards fly a double red flag, the water is closed — no swimming. Learn every flag color in Myrtle Beach Beach Warning Flags Explained.

6. Our Rules at Club Card Events

Rule	Details
Age	Theme parties: graduated seniors 17+. Concerts at House of Blues: all ages.
ID	Valid government photo ID at every event: driver’s license (incl. learner’s permit), state ID, or U.S. passport/passport card.
Your card	Non-transferable; your signature is checked against your photo ID. Lost cards aren’t replaced.
Valid dates	Your card works for the week you chose at checkout.

Full details on the Senior Week Rules, Ages and ID page and in our FAQ.

Staying Outside Myrtle Beach City Limits?

Lots of Senior Week rentals are in North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, or unincorporated Horry County. Each has its own rules on beach shade, fireworks, and more. Check the official site for the town you’re staying in before you pack the beach gear. If you’re in North Myrtle Beach or Cherry Grove, our North Myrtle Beach Senior Week guide covers card pickup and the parties near you.

The Rules Checklist

• Know your curfew if you’re under 18
• Round umbrella, not a tent
• No fireworks on the beach
• Cans or plastic, never glass
• Stay off the dunes
• Trash in the bins
• Respect the red flags
• Real ID + your own card

Quick FAQ

What time is curfew in Myrtle Beach for under-18s?

Under the city’s 2025 ordinance, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the downtown oceanfront zone (6th Ave S to 21st Ave N, ocean to Kings Highway) and midnight to 6 a.m. elsewhere in the city, unless with a parent or guardian.

Can I bring a tent to Myrtle Beach during Senior Week?

No — from Memorial Day through the day after Labor Day, only round umbrellas up to 7½ feet are allowed on city beaches (infant tents excepted).

Are fireworks allowed on Myrtle Beach?

No. Fireworks are prohibited at all times on the beach and other public property, and minors can’t shoot them unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Can I bring glass bottles to the beach?

No. Glass containers and bottles aren’t allowed on Myrtle Beach city beaches.