Things to Do in Myrtle Beach in the Winter
Myrtle Beach is a popular tourist destination on the east coast, well known for all of its fun summer activities. But what about the rest of the year? Many people assume there aren’t any things to do in Myrtle Beach in the winter. This, however, is far from the case. There are plenty of things to do in Myrtle Beach this time of year. Whether you’re taking a weekend trip with your friends or a Christmas vacation with the whole family, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Myrtle Beach in the winter.
Thousands of “snowbirds” make Myrtle Beach their home this time of year. Ask any one of these snowbirds and they’ll tell you that they love Myrtle Beach in the winter. During the winter in Myrtle Beach, there is little traffic on the road, you don’t have an hour-long wait at every restaurant, and tourists will find that they can book hotels and vacation rentals for significantly cheaper prices than what they would pay in the summer. Of course, you don’t have the option of going to the beach every day from December to February (unless you like swimming when it’s 50 degrees outside), but there are still tons of fun things to do in Myrtle Beach in the winter.
Visit Ripley’s Aquarium
Image: Ripley's Aquarium Facebook
If you’re in Myrtle Beach during the winter and while kids are still in school, Ripley’s Aquarium will be yours for the taking. Ripley’s includes numerous attractions on two different levels of the aquarium. With over 28 different species, the aquarium can keep you busy for a winter afternoon or morning. Additionally, since the ticket lasts all day, you can also head back after lunch if you so choose and make it an all-day event. Ripley’s Aquarium is a must if you’re in Myrtle Beach!
Walk down the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is one of the top things to do at Myrtle Beach during both the summer and the winter. The boardwalk is full of places to play, eat, sleep, and shop. Just walking down the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk can be an afternoon in it of itself. After you’re done riding the SkyWheel, you can check out a number of other attractions. These include: the Nightmare Haunted House, the Fun Plaza Family Fun Center, the Sling Shot Thrill Ride, the Myrtle Beach Zipline Adventure, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Ripley’s Moving Theater, or Ripley’s Mirror Maze, Gay Dolphin Arcade, Pier 14, 2 Avenue Pier, and Ground Zero.
Ride the SkyWheel
The SkyWheel is an awesome Ferris wheel on Myrtle Beach’s Boardwalk. If you head down to the boardwalk around sunset, this can be a great way to get a view of the whole area. The SkyWheel has enclosed gondolas, so regardless of what the temperature may be outside, you’re set to ride and see some amazing sights. Bonus: if you go during the winter, you’ll miss the long lines that are often present during the summer days.
Look for seashells
Just because it isn’t warm enough to go for a swim, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go to the beach. The weather is pleasant in Myrtle Beach in the winter in the mid-50s to mid-60s range, so you can take a nice stroll on the beach if you have some layers on. While you’re there, feel free to look for seashells. Remember, it’s always best to leave seashells and never bring any home with you as taking anything that belongs at the beach isn’t respectful to nature.
Head to Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is located just south of Myrtle Beach. The botanical gardens are a treasure to the state of South Carolina. It preserves the natural and cultivated landscape of the site and welcomes visitors to come and see the view. The gardens are open year-round on Mondays and Wednesdays off of Highway 17. They have two designated picnic areas in the gardens, so you can plan ahead and picnic in style in the sunshine. Can you think of a better way to spend a winter afternoon?
Visit Warbird Park
Warbird Park is the location of several old fighter air crafts. It serves as a tribute to the United States Air Force servicemen and women who served their country. Myrtle Beach proudly welcomes all to come to visit the tribute which consists of the military aircraft, the Wall of Service, historic markers of information about the base, men and women who served, and buildings, and a viewing area for a civilian airport. For anyone interested in the military or aviation, this is a great sight no matter the time of year. Next time you’re looking for things to do in Myrtle Beach, head to Warbird Park!
Go fishing
Fishing is something that you can do year-round at Myrtle Beach! There are a number of different types of fishing that you can participate in as well, so whether you’re a seasoned pro or you’re trying something new, there is something for you. Do some research and find out if you’d rather catch some fish on a guided inshore or do a deep-sea charter. There are a number of companies right in Myrtle Beach that will happily take you out.
Take a tour of New South Brewing
New South Brewing is a microbrewery in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. If you’re thinking of things to do, why not do a brewery tour? Tasting some samples of locally brewed beers can be a great way to spend your trip no matter the time of year. They’ve been in Myrtle Beach for 20 years and get new beers frequently.
Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
If you’re looking for things to do, wouldn’t you love to see something FREE on this list? The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B Chapin Art Museum is free admission to everyone every single day. This museum has 11 galleries and exhibitions that change throughout the year. For any art lovers, this is absolutely the place to be when the beach is little more than a place to stroll. The museum maintains four distinct collections of art: The Waccamaw Arts & Crafts Guide Collection, the Bishop Collection of Antique Maps & Historical Prints, the Barbara Burgess & John Dinkelspiel Collection of Southern Art, and the Museum Collection of Gifts & Purchases. If you’re in Myrtle Beach for longer, you can also check out their pottery studio which offers classes. There are both 3-week and 6-week sessions which mean twice a week and once a week, respectively.
See the alligators at Alligator Adventure
Alligator Adventure is located adjacent to Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Of all of Myrtle Beach’s tourists’ attractions, Alligator Adventure is by far the most unique. It is one of the largest facilities for reptile life in the world. There are 24 different animals currently calling Alligator Adventure home, and they range from alligators themselves to flamingos to owls to parrots to snakes. If you’re going to be in Myrtle Beach for an extended period of time, you can even return to Alligator Adventure for FREE once you’ve purchased a ticket one time. Purchase a ticket and you will receive a 2nd day free which is valid for return admission within one week of your initial visit. This is at no additional cost—what a deal! You can go back to see the live show that varies daily or Utan himself, King of the Crocodiles, who weighs 2,000 pounds and measures over 18 feet long.
Go wine tasting
Visit the Wine Shoppe in Myrtle Beach every Friday between the hours of 5 PM and 8 PM for complimentary wine tasting! The Wine Shoppe is Myrtle Beach’s premiere wine bar, beer, and gift shop where tasting is encouraged so that customers can ensure that they’re receiving exactly what they love. If you really love your wine, be sure to check out their website or Facebook prior to the event to know exactly what will happen that night. Occasionally, customers will sometimes get to meet winemakers and vineyard owners. You definitely don’t want to miss out!
Visit the Children’s Museum of South Carolina
If you’re visiting Myrtle Beach with the kids, you’re probably looking for a way to keep them busy without the beach. The Children’s Museum of South Carolina is the perfect combination of activities and exhibits to keep them active. Especially in the off-season, it won’t be crowded, and you can spend a relaxing day with the kids exploring. It’s a hidden gem for kids because of how many different activities there are—any time the beach is cold or rainy—this is the way to go.
Shop at the Tanger Outlet Malls
If the boardwalk shops weren’t enough for you, then don’t you worry! Close by Myrtle Beach are not one but TWO Tanger Outlet Malls. One is located off of Highway 501 and one is located off of Highway 17. If you’re looking for things to do, shopping ‘til you drop should be at the top of your list. Who doesn’t love to get some new things to add to your closet at home while on vacation?! Treat yourself and enjoy your time in Myrtle by heading to the outlets. You won’t regret it.
See a show at the Alabama Theater
Another great thing to do in Myrtle Beach in the winter is to head to the Alabama Theater to see a show. When country music stars wanted to return to their roots in Myrtle Beach, they created the Alabama Theater which has since been voted the #1 theater attraction. If you attend a show, you’re in for an evening of singing, dancing, and comedy. Not a bad way to spend an evening at all. One popular show for the winter time is the South’s Grandest Christmas Show. This show brings the true spirit of Christmas to life with lots of light and sound, holiday songs, and Christmas fun that any family would enjoy! Don’t miss your opportunity to see a show today.
