There is longer and then there is longer. The way I suggested as an alternative to driving through Myrtle Beach is 10 miles longer (180 miles vs 170) and might take 20 minutes longer according to most software routines. But, I think that it would be a better drive, particularly if you've had your fill of beach for the moment. The algorithms that are directing you down US-17 between Little River and Georgetown, SC assume that you will average 45 mph over that stretch. As Gen points out, while US-17 is not the beachfront road, it is the 'main drag' and will have a number of stop lights, shopping centers, and the like; so it is going to be slow going. Even if you do save a few minutes, it won't be the kind of drive that you will remember fondly as one of the better stretches of your RoadTrip. Let me also take this opportunity to offer a shortcut that I hadn't noticed previously. Rather than take SC-9 and SC-905. SC-90 offers a more direct route from Little River to Conway, SC and US-701.

AZBuck