The Gay Dolphin - Myrtle Beach's Treasured Shoreline Stop

When you think about Myrtle Beach, there are some places that, quite simply, stand out. One such spot, a true landmark, is the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove. This particular establishment, you see, has been a central part of the Myrtle Beach community for a very long time, actually since the 1940s. It holds a special place in the hearts of many who have visited the area over the years, a place where memories are made and souvenirs are found.

This well-known shop, which opened its doors in 1946, has, in a way, become a symbol of the boardwalk and boulevard itself. It is, perhaps, one of those places that many visitors just have to see when they come to the coast. Its enduring presence, stretching back nearly eight decades, means it has seen generations of families walk through its doors, looking for something special to take home.

For anyone looking for a little bit of retail therapy while on vacation, or just a fun place to explore, the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove is, quite literally, one of the best places to shop in Myrtle Beach. It is not just a place to buy things; it is, more or less, an experience in itself, offering a truly wide array of items and some rather unique photo opportunities that certainly make for good stories later.

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Table of Contents

• The Gay Dolphin - A Long History by the Sea
• What Makes the Gay Dolphin So Special?
• Exploring the Gay Dolphin - What Can You Find Inside?
• Are There Really Gay Dolphins - A Look at the Shop's Name
• The Gay Dolphin Location and Its Place on the Boardwalk
• The Gay Dolphin and Its Quirky Past
• Planning Your Visit to the Gay Dolphin
• The Gay Dolphin - A Myrtle Beach Must-See

The Gay Dolphin - A Long History by the Sea

The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove has, in fact, been a fixture in Myrtle Beach for a remarkably long time. It was incorporated, you know, back in 1946. To put that into some kind of perspective, the city of Myrtle Beach itself was founded in 1938, so the shop arrived just a few years later. This means it has been around for nearly eight decades, growing right along with the town. It is, in some respects, one of the oldest businesses in the Grand Strand area that is still owned and run by the very same family who started it. That, you might agree, is quite a feat in today's world of constantly changing businesses. Kay Plyler Brandon, for instance, was pictured there in the 1950s, showing just how deep its roots go. The shop has truly been a central part of the Myrtle Beach oceanfront, bringing joy to many, many customers since it first opened its doors.

What Makes the Gay Dolphin So Special?

So, what exactly is it that makes the Gay Dolphin stand out from other places to shop? Well, for one thing, it claims to be the nation's largest gift shop, which is, honestly, a pretty big claim. As of 2011, the store covered an impressive 26,000 square feet of space, and the owner, Justin Buz Plyler, mentioned that it typically held around 70,000 different items. That is, quite frankly, a staggering number of things to look at and choose from. It is not just the sheer volume, though. The shop has, in a way, become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Myrtle Beach, drawing people in with its unique charm and vast collection. People often say that a trip to Myrtle Beach simply is not complete without a stop at this rather legendary gift shop, which is, perhaps, a strong testament to its special appeal.

Exploring the Gay Dolphin - What Can You Find Inside?

Stepping inside the Gay Dolphin is, you know, a bit like entering a different world. The interior layout is famously like a maze, with paths that twist and turn, small sets of stairs leading up and down, and different levels that, together, create a real sense of discovery. You might think you've seen it all, and then, suddenly, you turn a corner and find something completely new. This place is absolutely stuffed with over 70,000 items, making it a true beachside souvenir emporium. You can find, for example, a wide variety of seashells, clothing for all ages, things to decorate your home, collectibles of many kinds, pieces of jewelry, and even shark teeth. And, as a matter of fact, there are also "tons of beach decor, shells, jewelry and a lot of other things that are not related to the beach," which means there is, truly, something for nearly everyone, no matter what they are looking for.

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The Gay Dolphin and Its Photo Opportunities

Beyond the endless aisles of goods, the Gay Dolphin also offers, quite simply, a bit of fun with its photo opportunities. There are, apparently, seven different spots where you can snap a memorable picture. These range from a life-sized yeti and a figure of Elvis to Egyptian guardians and pirates. It is, perhaps, a quirky addition that makes the shopping experience even more memorable, allowing visitors to take home not just an item, but a fun visual memory of their time at the Gay Dolphin.

Are There Really Gay Dolphins - A Look at the Shop's Name

The name "Gay Dolphin" often sparks curiosity, and it is, frankly, a good question to ask about its origin. When the shop first opened in 1946, the word "gay" simply meant "happy" to the owners when they thought up their rather whimsical name. It was meant to convey a sense of joy and lightheartedness, a feeling of fun that they wanted their shop to embody. So, the name was, in a way, a reflection of the cheerful atmosphere they aimed to create for their customers. It is, you know, a piece of history that shows how language can change over time.

Now, as for the "dolphin" part, and the idea of "gay dolphins" in the animal world, it is, actually, a fascinating aside that happens to connect to the shop's name. While the shop's name comes from a different meaning of "gay," it is worth noting that homosexual behavior in the animal kingdom is, in fact, quite common. It has been documented in over 450 species of animals with backbones, and this includes, interestingly enough, bonobos, macaques, and yes, even dolphins, along with several types of birds. So, while the shop's name is about happiness, the natural world does, in a way, present its own examples of diverse behaviors, including those among dolphins, which is, truly, a curious coincidence given the shop's moniker.

The Gay Dolphin Location and Its Place on the Boardwalk

The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove is, as a matter of fact, very easy to find. It is located right at 916 North Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, which is, basically, right on the oceanfront. You will find it directly on the newer Myrtle Beach boardwalk, situated between Mr. Joe White Avenue and 9th Avenue North, just a little bit south of Plyler Park. Its prime spot makes it a truly convenient stop for anyone strolling along the boardwalk, perhaps after a ride on the Skywheel, which is also nearby. This location has, in some respects, helped it remain a central part of the Myrtle Beach experience for many, many years.

The Gay Dolphin - A Myrtle Beach Anchor

Being an anchor of the Myrtle Beach oceanfront, the Gay Dolphin has, quite honestly, delighted generations of customers since 1946. Its position right on the boardwalk means it is, more or less, impossible to miss. It is, you know, a place that people return to year after year, often sharing stories of their first visit with their children or grandchildren. This consistent presence has cemented its place as a true landmark, a familiar and comforting sight for those who love Myrtle Beach.

The Gay Dolphin and Its Quirky Past

Over its many decades, the Gay Dolphin has, as you might expect, accumulated some interesting stories and, well, a few quirky details. For instance, the gift shop used to sell baby alligators, which is, frankly, a detail that many find quite surprising today. Imagine walking into a gift shop and finding a live baby alligator! This tidbit just adds to the unique history of the place, showing how things have, in a way, changed over time. It is, perhaps, another reason why the Gay Dolphin is not just a shop, but a place with a real past, full of unexpected turns and fascinating bits of information.

Planning Your Visit to the Gay Dolphin

If you are thinking about visiting the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove, it is, truly, a spot worth checking out. It is open for those looking for a little retail therapy while on vacation, offering a shopping experience that is, quite simply, different from many other places. While Myrtle Beach has many other gift shops, the Gay Dolphin’s claim to be the nation’s largest, combined with its labyrinth-like interior and vast array of items, makes it, perhaps, a must-see. You can find everything from beach scene wood magnets to dolphin wood magnets, and a whole lot more. They are, apparently, also adding items to their online store over the next few weeks, so you can, you know, let them know if there is something specific you would like to see, which is quite helpful.

The Gay Dolphin - A Myrtle Beach Must-See

In essence, the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove stands as a long-standing, very large gift shop in Myrtle Beach. It has been a central part of the community since the 1940s, offering a truly wide selection of items like seashells, clothing, and things for your home. It is known for its many photo opportunities and its maze-like interior. The shop, which started in 1946, is still family-owned and has become a most visited spot. Located right on the boardwalk, it continues to bring joy to many visitors.