North Myrtle Beach isn't just a quieter version of its neon-soaked neighbor to the south. It has a pulse that feels older, more rhythmic, and honestly, a lot more intentional. At the center of that rhythm is the Ocean Drive Beach and Golf Resort. If you’ve ever spent a night wandering near Main Street, you know the vibe. It’s the smell of salt air mixing with fried seafood and the muffled, syncopated beat of Shag music drifting out of a nearby lounge.
People come here for the beach, sure. The Atlantic is right there. But they stay because this specific spot feels like the last bastion of a very specific kind of Southern coastal culture. It isn't a sterile, glass-and-steel skyscraper. It’s a place with some grit and a lot of soul.
The Shag: Why This Resort is Actually a Cultural Landmark
You can't talk about the Ocean Drive Beach and Golf Resort without talking about the Shag. For the uninitiated, the Shag is the official state dance of South Carolina. It’s a six-count, eight-step dance that looks like a smoother, lazier version of the Lindy Hop. It was born right here in the 1940s.
The resort is essentially ground zero for this subculture. It’s home to the Spanish Galleon and OD Beach Club. During events like the Society of Stranders (S.O.S.) Spring Safari or Fall Migration, the lobby doesn’t just have "guests"—it has a community. You’ll see people who have been coming here for forty years. They aren't looking for the latest high-tech amenities. They want the wooden dance floors. They want the beach music.
The Spanish Galleon is legendary. It’s one of those rare nightlife spots that manages to feel both historic and genuinely fun without being a museum piece. If you go, don't expect a modern EDM club. Expect people who actually know how to dance with a partner. It’s refreshing.
Rooms, Views, and What You’re Actually Paying For
Let’s be real for a second. If you are looking for five-star Ritz-Carlton luxury, you might be in the wrong zip code. The Ocean Drive Beach and Golf Resort is a classic beach hotel. It’s comfortable. It’s clean. But its greatest luxury is the footprint.
You have the choice between oceanfront suites and ocean view rooms. Go for the oceanfront. There is a massive difference between seeing a sliver of blue from a side window and having the entire horizon dominate your balcony. The rooms often feature kitchenettes, which is a lifesaver if you don’t want to spend $100 on breakfast and lunch every single day of your vacation.
The layout is sprawling. You’ve got the towers, the pools, and the easy access to the sand. The lazy river is a hit, obviously. Kids love it, and honestly, so do adults who just want to drift in a circle with a drink in their hand. It’s a simple pleasure.
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Location is the Real "Golf" Part
The name mentions golf, but don't expect a 18-hole championship course to be wrapping around the lobby. The resort is a partner for the area's massive golf scene. North Myrtle Beach is basically a pilgrimage site for golfers. Within a fifteen-minute drive, you have access to some of the most storied turf in the South.
- Tidewater Golf Club: Often ranked as one of the most beautiful in the country because of its marsh views.
- The Barefoot Resort courses: Designed by Fazio, Love, Norman, and Dye.
- Surf Golf and Beach Club: A classic, more private feel that’s just up the road.
The resort acts as a "home base" for these excursions. You play 18 holes at Tidewater, get sweaty and frustrated, and then come back to the resort to jump in the ocean. It’s a solid rhythm for a trip.
The Main Street Advantage
One of the biggest mistakes people make when visiting the Grand Strand is staying somewhere where they have to drive to every single meal. That’s a nightmare. Traffic on Highway 17 in July is enough to make anyone lose their mind.
This is where this resort wins. You are at the foot of Main Street.
You can walk to Duffy’s Street Seafood Shack. You can walk to the arcade. You can walk to the little boutiques that sell the "Life is Good" t-shirts and saltwater taffy. Being able to leave the car keys in the room for three days straight is the definition of a vacation.
There is also a weirdly charming amusement park atmosphere right nearby. During the summer, the smell of funnel cake is everywhere. It feels like 1985 in the best possible way.
Dealing With the "Vintage" Reality
A lot of reviews will mention that the property is "older." That's true. It's not a brand-new construction. Because it’s right on the ocean, the salt air is constantly trying to reclaim the building.
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Maintenance is a perpetual battle here. You might find a spot of rust on a balcony railing or an elevator that takes a little longer than you’d like. But there’s a trade-off. Newer resorts in Myrtle Beach are often crammed into tiny lots with zero character. Here, you have wide decks, easy beach access, and a staff that mostly consists of locals who have been there forever.
What About the Food?
You’ve got the OD Cafe on-site for the basics. It’s fine. It’s convenient. But the real move is exploring the immediate radius.
Hoskins Restaurant is a local institution right down the street. If you don't mind a line, their fried chicken and seafood platters are the stuff of legend. It’s been there since 1948. That tells you everything you need to know.
Then there’s the Flying Fish Market & Grill over at Barefoot Landing (a short drive away), but honestly, sticking to the local Main Street joints is more in line with the "OD" experience.
The Seasonal Shift: When Should You Actually Go?
Summer is chaos. It’s loud, it’s hot, and the beach is packed. If you have kids in school, you’re stuck with this, and it’s still fun, but it’s high-energy.
If you want the "real" Ocean Drive, go in the shoulder season. Late September and October are incredible. The water is still warm enough to swim, but the crowds have evaporated. The Shaggers take over the lounges, and the pace of life slows down to a crawl.
Winter is for the hardcore locals and the golfers. It’s quiet. Sometimes eerily so. But the rates drop significantly, making it a budget-friendly escape for people who just want to look at the gray Atlantic and read a book.
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Actionable Advice for Your Stay
If you're planning a trip to the Ocean Drive Beach and Golf Resort, don't just wing it. A little strategy goes a long way in North Myrtle Beach.
Check the Event Calendar First
Before you book, look up the S.O.S. (Society of Stranders) dates. If you aren't a dancer, you might find the resort overwhelmingly crowded during these weeks. Conversely, if you want to learn the Shag, these are the best weeks of the year to be there. The energy is infectious.
Request a High Floor
The lower floors are closer to the pool noise and the street. If you want the sound of the waves to be your primary soundtrack, ask for something above the 6th floor. The views of the coastline stretching toward Cherry Grove are much better from up high anyway.
Pack for the Beach, Not the Resort
The vibe is casual. You don't need a suit for dinner anywhere within walking distance. Flip-flops are the universal currency. Bring your own beach chairs if you're driving; the rentals on the sand can get pricey over a four-day stay.
Parking Strategy
The parking deck can be a bit tight for oversized SUVs. If you’re driving a massive truck, be patient. Once you find a spot, try to keep it. Remember, most of what you need is within walking distance.
Explore the "Horseshoe"
The area where Main Street meets the ocean is called the Horseshoe. This is where the magic happens. On many nights, there are free concerts or festivals. It’s the communal backyard of the resort. Grab a drink, sit on a bench, and just watch the world go by. It’s the best entertainment in town and it doesn’t cost a dime.
The Ocean Drive Beach and Golf Resort isn't trying to be a futuristic mega-resort. It knows exactly what it is: a comfortable, nostalgic, perfectly located hub for people who love the Carolina coast. It’s about the music, the sand, and the specific joy of a cold drink on a balcony while the sun goes down over the marsh. It’s a slice of North Myrtle Beach history that refuses to go out of style.