At “The Beach”, summer lasts a little longer so you can enjoy fall festivals and events, long weekend getaways, and dining al fresco on the water.
Or, explore the outdoors while strolling through gardens and kayaking along the saltwater marsh. Autumn is the ideal time to explore all that this iconic destination has to offer. With fewer crowds and blue skies and sunshine well into the late fall, Canadian visitors can experience more of what they love while getting great value during their getaway.
From classic fall activities like corn mazes and pumpkin patches to local food festivals or indulging in coastal flavours, you and your family are sure to find where you belong at The Beach this fall.
Here are some day-by-day recommendations to make the most out of your beachiest fall getaway in Myrtle Beach.
Photo: Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
Day One
Get Right to the Heart of Downtown
You’ve arrived at The Beach and you want to get right in middle of the action!
Head to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, a famous spot in the heart of downtown. The Boardwalk spans 1.9 kms of gorgeous oceanfront views and is dotted with restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. It's also a good chance to walk the beach, put your toes in the ocean or enjoy a stroll along one of the piers. If you're looking for some activities, take a ride on SkyWheel Myrtle Beach to see The Beach from 187 feet up in the air.
When your done on the boardwalk, stroll down the street to nearby Grand Strand Brewing Co., a charming downtown brewery, just off the strip that features locally crafted beers, tasty smashburgers and good vibes all around. If you get a chance, try the Beach Easy easy-drinking wheat — it's the new official beer of Myrtle Beach! When it's time for dinner, enjoy your first full meal at The Beach with a stop at Hook & Barrel, known for their sustainably sourced seafood.
Award-winning chef Heidi Vukov puts a twist on Southern classics like shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and thick cuts of candied bacon. There's lots to get excited about here but appetizers including Oysters a la Heidi and the unique candied bacon rack are show stoppers you won't want to miss.
Hook & Barrel's wine list is extensive, with expert pairings for any dish on the menu. The patio is perfect for dining al fresco, or opt to eat inside the high-end, nautical themed dining room.
Photo: Huntington Beach State Park, Myrtle Beach
Enjoy a Piece of History
Let’s spend the day in one of the two State Parks. The Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park offers events and classes throughout the fall season where the kiddos can learn lessons in beach related topics, like crabbing, surfing, etc. since the temperatures are still warm! Located about 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach proper, Huntington Beach State Park is a relaxing protected beach and wildlife preserve. Take a tour of the park to observe alligators, deer, birds, and other South Carolina wildlife in their natural habitat. Also located at the State Park is Atalaya Castle, a Moorish style home built in the early 1900s.
The fall is also one of the best times for fishing in Myrtle Beach. One option is going out for a short family fishing charter trip with Captain Smiley! If you are an experienced fisherman however, we’d recommend checking out any one of our awesome area piers.
End the day by heading on over to the MarshWalk, a group of eight local restaurants located right on the saltwater marsh in Murrells Inlet. From the cocktails to the seafood, everything served at the MarshWalk is fresh and vibrant. Start off with a drink from the Beer Garden at The Claw House or Tuna Shak. For a traditional southern seafood meal, grab an outdoor table on the back patio at Drunken Jacks. A local tip is to try the hushpuppies, basically deep fried cornbread - you won’t be sorry! For a more modern dining experience, try Wicked Tuna, known for their creative dishes and their commitment to hook to plate seafood.
Photo: Fishing off Pier, Myrtle Beach
Day Three
Broadway at The Beach
Broadway at the Beach is South Carolina’s number one tourist stop. Set on 350 acres in the heart of Myrtle Beach and features world-class shopping, dining and entertainment in a series of magical, interconnected villages, surrounding the 23-acre Lake Broadway. Feel like a kid again at The Simpsons in 4D or zipline across the lake at Soar & Explore. Catch another dazzling display at Broadway Theater with rotating shows throughout the year.
Now for lunch, there are many options at Broadway at the Beach. If you are looking for more southern cooking, try Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, or check out The Hangout, where you will be constantly entertained during your meal (really, you can dance on the tables!). New to the area, VooDoo Brewing Co. offers regional craft beers and a tasty menu with pizza, snacks, burgers and more.
End the evening off by checking out one of our live shows, and The Carolina Opry is the longest-running show in town! On Friday nights, the Opry presents “Time Warp,” a show designed for all ages that takes the audience on a journey throughout generations of entertainment featuring songs from across the decades, dazzling costumes and set designs, plus dancing, singing, comedy and more.
Photo: Caroline Opry, Myrtle Beach
Day Four
Soak in the Sunshine
Spend a little time at the beach and soak in the warm sunshine, teal water and sugary sand. The Myrtle Beach area is known for its flat, wide beaches, and many resorts and vacation rentals offer chairs and umbrellas for their guests.
Before you leave, explore The Market Common, a beautiful neighborhood with shopping, restaurants and parks. Stroll around the shops and look out for the many local businesses with the perfect souvenir to take home with you. Grab a bite at Tidal Creek Brewhouse which serves both coffee and craft beer along with a delicious menu of savory and sweet dishes.
Photo: Fall beach day