Even in the heart of winter, Myrtle Beach remains an idyllic beach destination, mainly because of the Grand Strand’s countless year-round pursuits, including golf, entertainment, dining, and natural beauty. Shrewd travelers visit Myrtle Beach during the winter months to avoid crowds, receive discounted hotel rates, and book cheaper flights. Seemingly endless sunshine and serenity await. Contrary to popular opinion, compiling a list of things to do in Myrtle Beach in the wintertime is as easy as pie, especially with so many shopping centers, golf courses, theaters, city parks, and public beaches at our disposal. Average highs typically range from 56 to 65, but Jack Frost often greets the city with paradisical 70s from late December through late March.
25 Unique Things to Do in Myrtle Beach This Winter
If you plan to visit Myrtle Beach this winter, please bookmark this article for future use. Most attractions, restaurants, courses, and shopping complexes remain open during the coolest months, including everything from the SkyWheel to Brookgreen Gardens and Ripley’s Aquarium. Families, groups, and lovebirds alike cannot resist this 60-mile-long stretch of sand. Its beauty is only outmatched by its ability to entertain. Without further ado, here are 25 unique things to do in Myrtle Beach in the wintertime.
- Play 18 holes of championship golf at a world-famous course
- Explore a nearby state park, such as Huntington Beach or Myrtle Beach
- Spend an afternoon at Ripley’s Aquarium, a jaw-dropping, year-round spectacle
- Stroll down the crowd-less Boardwalk and Promenade
- Shop ‘til you drop at Tanger Outlets on Highway 17 (or Highway 501)
- Meander through the historic, undeniably picturesque Brookgreen Gardens
- On a particularly warm afternoon, spend several hours in the sand
- Refresh and rejuvenate at Celestial Spa, Majestic Spa, or Carolina Wellness
- Work on your short game at on-site Neptune Blacklight Indoor Mini Golf
- Embark on a culinary voyage across the Seven Seas of flavor—including ice cream, Italian classics, and Southern BBQ (with a stop at Restaurant Row)
- Pretend it’s the 1980s inside the Family FunZone’s newly-remodeled arcade
- Swirl, sniff, sip, and savor fine vino at a nearby winery
- Warm-up with a cup of joe at a local cafe
- Splash inside a heated indoor pool
- Spend an evening at Medieval Times, a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience
- Tour the ever-changing (and always spellbinding) Hollywood Wax Museum
- Ride the 187-foot-tall SkyWheel
- Dine, shop, and laugh at Broadway at the Beach
- Walk down the peaceful Conway Riverwalk
- Join an Intracoastal Waterway fishing expedition
- Bike “the Neck”
- Plan a day trip to historic Charleston
- Hop aboard Myrtle Beach’s self-guided brewery trail
- Embark on an Alligator Adventure
- Soar above the Grand Strand in a helicopter
Sand Dunes Resort, the Ultimate Grand Strand Vacation
During the winter months, Myrtle Beach sees much less precipitation. Thus, when the sun is shining, “beach season” remains in full effect. And Sand Dunes Resort is the perfect place to start and finish each day of birdie putts, live shows, long walks, and great buys. On-site luxuries include the aforementioned arcade, a mini-golf course, and an indoor pool, as well as restaurants, semi-private beach acreage, free parking, and unobstructed views of the vast Atlantic Ocean on each balcony.
Please browse through our money-saving packages and specials. Booking direct is the easiest way to save money and avoid hidden third-party fees. You can also call us at 866-845-1011 to book a long-awaited escape to sunny Myrtle Beach.
One of Myrtle Beach’s defining features is its sprawling, 1.2-mile boardwalk, a bustling mecca for amusement, exercise, people watching, and quick eats. There’s no doubt that the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is a crowded tourist trap. However, what sets this scenic, nostalgia-inducing entertainment hub from other open-air destinations is its Southern charm. And there’s no better place to start and finish your day in sandy paradise than right here at Sand Dunes Resort, one of the top-rated hotels near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. We’re less than five miles up the Grand Strand from the Promenade—close enough to the action but far enough from the swarm of tourists.
15 Things to Do on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
There are countless restaurants, attractions, shops, and vendors on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Thus, it’s important to arrive with a foolproof plan intact. Otherwise, you’re bound to lose track of time and overspend on lunch, entertainment, and souvenirs. We always recommend undertaking a bit of research and setting a budget before arrival. Well, without further ado, here are 15 quintessential things to do on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
- Ride into the heavens on the SkyWheel
- Master Skee-Ball at the Fun Plaza
- Slurp up a unique ice cream flavor at MadMyrtle’s Ice Creamery
- Meet a legion of aquatic critters inside Ripley’s Aquarium
Devour a world-famous foot-long hot dog from Peaches Corner- Go for a jog as the sun peeks above the Atlantic Ocean
- Discover all things bizarre inside Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
- Purchase a tote full of South Carolina-themed souvenirs at Gay Dolphin
- Cast a line into the Atlantic from the Second Avenue Fishing Pier
- Brave the hair-raising, shriek-inducing Sling Shot
- Practice your people-watching skills
- Watch a live performance at The Bowery, the historic birthplace of Alabama
- Satisfy your sweet tooth inside I Love Sugar
- Share a bucket of Myrtle Beach’s tastiest fries
- Gaze up at the Second Avenue Pier’s Wednesday evening Myrtle Beach Boardwalk fireworks
Myrtle Beach Hotels on the Beach
After a memorable day with the whole family on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, return to Sand Dunes Resort for some splashtastic fun at the on-site Sands Resorts Waterpark. Admission to the water park is complimentary to all guests. Float down the lazy river, get soaked under the giant water bucket, and watch the kids climb the aquatic jungle gym. Not only is Sand Dunes Resort an affordable South Carolina getaway option, but it also boasts money-saving golf packages, a newly-upgraded Family FunZone, several on-site restaurants, and free parking. Give us a call today at 866-845-1011 to learn more about a potential summertime escape to sunny Myrtle Beach.
We’re less than two months away from one of the most anticipated events of the winter season: the long-awaited Myrtle Beach Marathon. Every March, thousands of athletes flock to our sunny seaside community to run one of the prettiest courses in the country, as much of the route cruises along jaw-dropping Ocean Boulevard. Whether you’re a well-traveled marathon runner or just getting your feet wet, you won’t want to miss out on this spectacular annual event. The Myrtle Beach Marathon also meanders past Sand Dunes Resort’s on-site water park, which is ideal for those with family members who want to watch you run as well as soak up plenty of sun. If you found us by searching for a “marathon near me,” you’re in luck, because you’ll find countless essential details below.
The Myrtle Beach Marathon
Yes, the 26.2-mile Myrtle Beach Marathon is a visual treat, but the event has so much more going for it, including a health and fitness expo, post-run party, and several other race alternatives for those still building up to a full-length race. So, essentially, there’s a marathon “near me” for everyone! This USATF-certified marathon enters its 19th year, and it continues to expand—you’ll now find 12 water stops, five medical stops, and countless unobstructed viewing areas. The finish line rests at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark, one of the city’s premier attractions. Elevation ranges from six to 38 feet, perfect for any type of long-distance run. If you’re looking for 26 pointers on your 26.2-mile run, we recommend visiting Runner’s World. A map of the Myrtle Beach Marathon route, meanwhile, can be found here.
Health and Wellness Expo
The day before the Myrtle Beach Marathon, thousands gather at Dave & Buster’s inside Broadway at the Beach, arguably the top attraction in the city. Runners can pick up a race packet, interact with regional vendors, and, of course, play an unlimited amount of video games. Meanwhile, all food and drinks are 20 percent off from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. This fun event is a hit among runners who’re visiting the area with their family (or a group of friends). If you’re looking for prime steak in an arcade setting, you’re in luck!
Finish Line Festival
The weekend’s top highlight, besides the marathon itself, is the post-run Finish Line Festival inside the Runners Village. After subduing one of the premier winter marathons in the country, listen to live music, enjoy free beer, watch the awards ceremony, and share stories of the day’s best sprints. Liquid Pleasure, a growing multi-cultural icon, is this year’s entertainment. Many snacks, such as doughnuts, pizza, doughnuts, and chocolate milk, will also be readily available.
Oceanfront Hotels in Myrtle Beach
As stated above, Sand Dunes Resort is just steps from Ocean Boulevard and the Myrtle Beach Marathon route. If you’re aimlessly searching for a marathon “near me” this winter, we highly recommend this growing annual event. After a rousing Finish Line Festival, retreat to our seaside paradise for a refreshing dip in the ocean, a lazy river float, and a long-overdue five-star dinner to commemorate your accomplishment! To check availability during early-March, visit us online. Otherwise, please give us a call today at 866-845-1011.
The oceanside city of Myrtle Beach is alluring to families for numerous reasons, including its world-famous golf courses, lavish shopping meccas, and pristine beaches. But this gorgeous respite is also a world-class entertainment hub, much like Las Vegas but much more kid-friendly. With countless nightly theatric performances, comedy routines, and dazzling musicals to choose from, you’ll never have to go far to discover Myrtle Beach entertainment at its finest. The perfect place to start and finish each day under the sun is right here at Sand Dunes Resort, one of the only Myrtle Beach hotels with a free water park. Guests can also take full advantage of our Family FunZone, on-site dining, exclusive beach access, and convenient location.
Myrtle Beach Entertainment: 9 Unique Experiences
Sifting through a batch Myrtle Beach shows, concerts, and comedic performances can be quite dizzying as there are over two dozen possibilities each night. If you’ve ever visited our breathtaking slice of coastal South Carolina before, you already know that mornings and afternoons are for sunbathing, water sports, and shopping. However, once the sun goes down, most travelers seek out an evening of world-renowned Myrtle Beach entertainment. To ensure that your upcoming visit is nothing short of flawless, we’ve compiled nine of our favorite after-dark destinations—enjoy!
- The Carolina Opry Theater: We couldn’t think of a more suitable place to commemorate an already stellar day in South Carolina than the Opry. With five unique Myrtle Beach shows to choose from, you won’t soon forget your visit to the region’s best theater.
- Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show: Pirates Voyage is becoming a wintertime sensation thanks to its holiday-related dinner shows. The experience is quite similar to the one at Medieval Times—simply swap the knights for pirates.
- Comedy Cabana: The Comedy Cabana, located just three miles down the road, consistently books the most talented comedians in the country. Lewis Black, Dave Attell, and Pauly Shore (among countless others) have all performed at the Cabana.
- Legends in Concert: Some of the continent’s best impersonators perform at Legends, including Elvis Presley, Alan Jackson, and even the Blues Brothers.
- Carolina Comedy Club: This Broadway at the Beach staple has welcomed Gallagher, Ralphie May, Chelsea Handler, and so many more talented performers over the years. It doesn’t get as much love as the Cabana, but it remains one of the best bets for after-dark Myrtle Beach entertainment.
- Alabama Theatre: Several of the most visually-striking Myrtle Beach shows can be experienced at Alabama Theatre, a beloved concert hall in the heart of Barefoot Landing. One the Show, Alabama’s bread and butter, enters its 26th season this year.
- GTS Theatre: GTS hosts everything from an Elvis Presley impersonator to comedic magic acts. But the Motown Tribute Show is where they make hay.
- The Asher Theatre: While Waccamaw Boulevard’s Asher Theatre isn’t as expansive or lavish as many other nearby live venues, we’ve quickly fallen for its intimate setting and calendar of eye-catching musicians.
- Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament: Medieval Times has withstood the test of time as families still cannot get enough of this rousing dinner theater. The awe-inspiring, shriek-inducing battles have never been more impressive.
Quintessential Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Lodging
After a genuinely unforgettable day in our four-season seaside paradise, retreat to Sand Dunes Resort for a moon-lit beach stroll, late-night cocktails, and a comfortable slumber. Start each morning with a fresh cup of joe on your private deck as the sun subtly peeks above the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t forget to read up about the area’s best museums, golf courses, and underwater adventures before your departure. Please give us a call today at 866-845-1011 to learn more about our affordable, oceanfront accommodations. We can also help you locate the premier Myrtle Beach dinner shows, concerts, and performances upon arrival.