Honestly, if you go looking for Tilghman North Myrtle Beach on a formal city map, you might get a little confused. It’s not technically its own town. It’s not even an "officially" recognized beach like Cherry Grove or Windy Hill.
But talk to any local who has been around since the 50s, and they’ll tell you exactly where it is.
Nestled right between the neon-lit energy of Ocean Drive and the marshy, fishing-pier vibes of Cherry Grove, Tilghman is a thin slice of coastal paradise that feels remarkably different from its neighbors. It’s where the high-rises start to thin out, replaced by sprawling multi-level beach homes and a sense of quiet that’s hard to find once the tourist season hits full tilt.
The History Most People Skip
Back in 1948, a guy named Charles Tilghman from Marion County looked at a massive tract of land and decided to build something upscale. He didn't want the cluttered, boardwalk-style sprawl. He wanted space.
That’s why, when you walk through the Tilghman section today, it feels more like a residential sanctuary than a tourist trap. While other parts of the Grand Strand were rushing to stack condos like LEGO bricks, Tilghman kept its roots in large, private estates. Of course, things have changed. You’ll find the massive Tilghman Beach and Golf Resort standing tall now, but the area still retains that "hidden" atmosphere.
It’s the kind of place where you can actually find a shark tooth without fighting ten other people for the same patch of wet sand.
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Tilghman Beach and Golf Resort: The Landmark
You can’t talk about Tilghman North Myrtle Beach without mentioning the resort that shares its name. Built around 2007, it’s one of the newer "big" buildings in the area.
What’s wild about this place is the layout. It’s got a 14-story atrium that’s climate-controlled. You walk out of your room and you’re looking down into this massive indoor space rather than a dark, cramped hallway. It’s sort of a trip when you first see it.
The resort sits on the second row, which usually makes people hesitate. "I want oceanfront!" they say. But here’s the thing: because the buildings on the ocean side are lower-profile, if you’re on the 5th floor or higher, you basically have an unobstructed view of the Atlantic anyway. On the other side? You’re looking directly at the Surf Golf and Beach Club, which is easily one of the most manicured greens in South Carolina.
What you actually get here:
- A 600-foot lazy river that actually feels long enough to relax in.
- The "Splash Zone" for kids (which is great because it keeps the main pool from becoming a chaotic mess).
- Proximity to the beach that’s basically a 90-second walk across the street via pedestrian walkways.
- Spacious 2 and 3-bedroom condos—we’re talking 1,200 to 1,700 square feet. That’s bigger than some people's first houses.
Why Locals Sneak Over to Tilghman
If you want to escape the crowds at the Cherry Grove Pier or the shag-dancing madness of Main Street, you head to the Tilghman stretch.
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The beach access points here are usually much quieter. Because there are fewer public parking lots compared to the "official" beaches, the sand doesn't get packed like a sardine can. It’s the prime spot for shell hunting. If you get out there at 6:30 AM right after a tide change, you’ll find stuff that hasn't been picked over by a thousand toddlers yet.
There’s also a weirdly perfect balance of "stuff to do." You’re only about a three-minute drive from the Boulineau’s in Cherry Grove (if you haven’t been, it’s a four-story grocery store that sells everything from fresh shrimp to hardware) and five minutes from the restaurants on Main Street like Hoskins or The Shack.
The Real Estate Reality
If you're looking to buy into Tilghman North Myrtle Beach, be prepared for a reality check on prices. Since 2024, the market has stayed pretty aggressive.
A 2-bedroom condo at the resort will likely set you back somewhere between $360,000 and $400,000. If you want one of those 3-bedroom units with the wraparound balcony and the view of the lakes, you’re looking at $600,000 plus. And the HOA fees? They aren’t pocket change. You’re looking at $600 to $800 a month, though that usually covers your water, cable, internet, and that massive pool maintenance.
For those looking at the detached homes—the "Old Tilghman" style—prices go way north of a million. These are legacy properties. People hold onto them for decades.
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Is It Better Than Ocean Drive?
It depends on what you're after.
Ocean Drive is the "heartbeat." It’s where you go for the Carolina Shag dancing, the festivals, and the nightlife. If you want to walk out of your condo and be at a bar in 30 seconds, stay in Ocean Drive.
Tilghman is for the person who wants to drink their coffee on a balcony without hearing a DJ at 10:00 PM. It’s for the family that wants to actually be able to play a game of bocce ball on the sand without hitting someone’s umbrella. It’s upscale, it’s a little bit more private, and it’s arguably the best location for golfers since you’re sandwiched between the ocean and some of the best courses in the country.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Don't just stay at the resort and never leave.
- The Surf Club: Even if you aren't staying there, driving past those old-growth oaks and the manicured greens gives you a sense of why this area was developed the way it was.
- Dining: Walk or drive over to The Bagel Factory for breakfast. It’s a local staple and keeps you out of the generic hotel breakfast buffets.
- The Walk: Walk south on the beach toward the "Horseshoe" (the end of Main Street). It’s about a 20-minute stroll. You get to see the transition from the quiet residential vibe of Tilghman into the neon buzz of the city center. It’s the best way to see the "real" North Myrtle.
- Parking: If you aren't staying in the area but want to use the beach, look for the public access near 18th Avenue North. It’s often overlooked.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning a trip to Tilghman North Myrtle Beach for 2026, start your search by looking specifically at the second-row properties. You can often save 20-30% on your rental costs compared to oceanfront units while still having the same view and a shorter walk to the sand than you’d have at a massive resort in central Myrtle Beach.
Check the event calendar for the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex as well; it's only about 10 minutes away and frequently hosts major concerts and festivals that are a nice break from the salt air. Most importantly, book your golf tee times at least three weeks out if you're eyeing the Surf Club or nearby Tidewater—they fill up faster than you’d think.