Sometimes, with care. FAA rules apply in Myrtle Beach, and Myrtle Beach International Airport puts much of the city in controlled airspace, so you'll often need LAANC authorization. The beaches are packed in season and recreational pilots can't fly over people, and the city and Myrtle Beach State Park have their own rules on launching. Check all three before you fly.
Airspace
- Myrtle Beach International Airport sits just southwest of downtown, and its controlled airspace covers a large part of the city and beachfront.
- Grand Strand Airport in North Myrtle Beach adds more controlled airspace up the coast.
- Banner planes and helicopter tours fly low along the beach all summer.
- TFRs often go up for fireworks shows, motorcycle rallies, air shows and VIP visits.
Open B4UFLY or Aloft at your exact launch spot, and request LAANC authorization in controlled airspace. Close to the runways, automatic approval may not be available.
Beach rules and crowds
- Don't fly over people. From spring to fall the beach and boardwalk are crowded. Recreational pilots can't fly over people or moving vehicles.
- Events and parades. Myrtle Beach's city code (Sec. 19-130) lists drones and other unmanned aircraft systems among the items prohibited at permitted parades, public assemblies and special events, along with things like glass containers.
- Horry County parks. Horry County's code of conduct for county parks (Sec. 14-15.5) prohibits taking off or landing any remote-controlled or unmanned aircraft in the parks without prior approval from the county parks department.
- Other city rules. Ask Myrtle Beach beach patrol or the city before launching from a city beach access or park.
- Hotels and condos decide whether you can launch from their property.
- Privacy. Don't film people on balconies or in pools.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach State Park is run by South Carolina State Parks, whose FAQ tells drone pilots to contact the individual park directly. Ask before you fly there. Huntington Beach State Park, to the south, is a separate state park with the same advice. See South Carolina drone laws.
Wildlife
Loggerhead sea turtles nest on Grand Strand beaches in the warm months, and nests are often marked with stakes and tape. Don't fly low over nests or hatchlings, and stay away from shorebird nesting areas and dolphins near shore.
Before you fly
- Pass the TRUST test, or hold a Part 107 certificate for paid work like real estate.
- Register drones of 250 g or more and broadcast Remote ID.
- Get LAANC approval in controlled airspace.
- Fly early in the morning, when beaches are quiet and wind is lighter.
Beach flying tips
Ocean wind can be strong in the afternoon. Keep a big battery margin, launch from a landing pad to keep sand out of the motors, and wipe off salt spray after each flight. Never launch where you can't recover the drone on land.
Recommended drones
The DJI Mini 5 Pro and Mini 4 Pro are light, stable in a sea breeze and need no recreational registration. The DJI Neo is fun for palm-launched selfies on calm mornings. For general advice, read can you fly a drone at the beach.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Related guides
Not sure which to pick?
Tell us what you'll fly and your budget. One of our drone pilots will reply with a recommendation.
Buying drones for a business, agency or store? Get wholesale pricing →
