Myrtle Beach, August 29, 2025
News Summary
As Labor Day weekend approaches, Knoxville residents can take advantage of nearby beach destinations. Myrtle Beach, known for its golf courses and beautiful shores, offers a perfect getaway with family and friends. With quick access via Interstate 40, a wide range of accommodations, and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s time to pack your bags and make the most of the sunny holiday weekend. Discover your ideal beach escape and enjoy quality time on the sandy shores this Labor Day!
Knoxville Residents: Get Ready for a Beach Escape This Labor Day Weekend!
As Labor Day weekend approaches, many Knoxville residents are itching to enjoy the sunny weather and sandy shores. Luckily, the good news is that there are several beautiful beaches just a drive away, making it easy to plan a perfect getaway with friends and family.
Quick Access to the Atlantic Ocean
If you’re eager to dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean, the fastest route is via Interstate 40. A beach located just north of Charleston, South Carolina, is only 383 miles away, which means you can arrive in a little over six hours. Sounds tempting, right?
Alternate Routes to Consider
Before hitting the road, keep in mind that the Pigeon River Gorge pass has only one lane in each direction. This can lead to possible slowdowns, so it might be wise to explore alternative routes. One popular alternative involves taking I-81 north to I-26 east. While this scenic route adds about 50 minutes to your journey, the stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains make the extra time worth it!
More Beach Options
Those interested in Folly Beach, which is about 384 miles from Knoxville, can also look forward to a roughly six-hour drive using I-40. Once you arrive, you can dive into adventure with activities like surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, all while soaking up the sun.
For a slightly longer adventure, Hilton Head awaits approximately 420 miles south of Charleston. Expect about seven hours of travel time via I-40. If you’d like to stop for some delightful local eats along the way, I-75 south through Atlanta is another option, even though it adds about an extra 2.5 hours to your journey.
Don’t Forget Myrtle Beach!
Myrtle Beach is another fabulous option at about 415 miles from Knoxville. You can complete the drive in just under seven hours on I-40. Alternatively, take the route via I-81 north, I-77 south, and I-74 east, adding less than an hour to your travel time for a change of scenery.
Sunset Beach Awaits
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider checking out Sunset Beach in North Carolina, located 440 miles from Knoxville. It takes almost seven hours to reach via I-40, but an alternate route through Winston-Salem (I-81 north to I-77 south, then I-74 east and I-73 south) can add just 30 minutes to your trip.
Family-Friendly Options
The Edisto Beach State Park is another family favorite, accessible in about 6.5 hours from Knoxville. You can set up camp and enjoy all the beauty the park has to offer. Don’t forget about Isle of Palms, a preppy beach a short six-hour drive away, packed with golf and plenty of recreational activities.
Considering Air Travel?
If you’re looking for speed and convenience, you might want to check out flights from the Gulf Shores International Airport, which now offers non-stop flights to a variety of major U.S. cities, including seasonal flights from Knoxville. Consider Allegiant Air for roundtrip options, with a travel time of less than three hours. Once you arrive, you’ll find rental cars and rideshare services readily available for an easy beach experience.
Whether you choose to drive or fly this Labor Day weekend, there’s a vast selection of accommodations awaiting you—from beachfront rentals to family-friendly hotels—to make your beach escape unforgettable. So pack your bags, grab your sunglasses, and get ready for a fantastic weekend at the beach!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Myrtle Beach Golf Industry Hits $1.6 Billion Economic Impact
Bermuda Golfers Make Waves at World Amateur Championships
Myrtle Beach Golf: Queens on the Greens Empower Women of Color
Myrtle Beach Golf Sector Generates $1.6 Billion in Economic Impact!
Myrtle Beach Golf Community Mourns the Loss of Innovator Darren deMaille
Additional Resources
- Knoxville Moms: 20 Beaches Nearest to Knoxville
- WBIR: Knoxville Woman Back Home After Severe Crash
- Knoxville Moms: A Tennessee Mom’s Guide to a 30A Beach Vacation
- Gulf Shores: Fly Alabama’s Beaches
- Knox News: Beaches Near Knoxville
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
