ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Myrtle Beach's Gay Dolphin Gift Cove: Historic Multi-Floor Retail Landmark

cultural-heritage · 2026-03-15

The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove in Myrtle Beach is a family-owned retail establishment that has operated since the 1940s. Spanning seven floors with approximately 30,000 square feet of space, the store offers around 70,000 items including souvenirs, home decor, jewelry, and beach-themed merchandise. The structure was rebuilt after Hurricane Hazel in 1954, incorporating the storm damage into its basement. The venue features themed photo opportunities and labels items with their original shelving dates. It is promoted as a local attraction by the Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center.

Key facts

  • Family-owned retail business operating since the 1940s
  • Seven-story building with approximately 30,000 square feet of retail space
  • Rebuilt after Hurricane Hazel in 1954, incorporating damage into design
  • Offers around 70,000 items including souvenirs and decorative objects
  • Features themed photo opportunities and dated inventory system

Entities

Institutions

  • Gay Dolphin Gift Cove
  • Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center

Locations

  • Myrtle Beach

Sources