6 Reasons Fall is Myrtle Beach's Best-Kept Secret Season
Myrtle Beach traditionally quieted down after Labor Day as families headed back to school. Today, however, savvy adult travelers are discovering the endless fun beyond the iconic 60-mile Grand Strand, keeping the area buzzing well into November. Nonstop flights from major cities abound, alongside outstanding hotel deals. Beach enthusiasts will appreciate the extra space and ocean temperatures lingering in the mid-70s through October.
Discover six more compelling reasons to visit in fall:
Fall's Epic Eats and Drinks
Brookgreen Gardens' Lowcountry Zoo may not seem like the ideal spot for seasonal toasts, but its September 29 Brew at the Zoo event proves otherwise. Amid stunning landscapes mimicking natural habitats, sample 30+ local and national craft beers, plus engaging demos like homebrewing tutorials from experts.
No Myrtle Beach trip is complete without seafood, and the Myrtle Beach Seafood Festival (October 5-7) delivers oysters, mussels, crabs, gumbo, and po'boys. Now expanded to three days, it features live entertainment, including the Fantastic Shakers performing the local anthem "Myrtle Beach Days."
For more, head to the Little River Shrimp Fest (October 13-14) in this historic fishing village. Indulge in shrimp dishes, acclaimed crab cake sandwiches, mahi-mahi, and beyond.
Later, savor chicken bog—a South Carolina staple of chicken, sausage, and rice—at the Loris Bog-Off (October 20). Home cooks compete while pros serve up favorites to 35,000 attendees, complete with funnel cakes.
Huntington Beach State Park: A Fall Paradise
Just 16 miles south, this 3,500-acre coastal gem excels for autumn camping. Enjoy cool nights, warm ocean waters into November, and a recently expanded campground with 175 WiFi-equipped sites (66 for RVs). Leashed dogs are welcome on the south beach and grounds.
Renowned as one of South Carolina's top birdwatching spots, fall brings roseate spoonbills, painted and indigo buntings, and a who's who of seasonal owls like horned and barred varieties.
Don't miss Atalaya, the historic Huntington estate. Visit September 28-30 for the Arts and Crafts Festival.
Endless Greens: World-Class Golf
Home to over 100 courses, Myrtle Beach shines in fall with highs in the high 60s, perfect for multi-day play. Highlights include Myrtle Beach National's three Arnold Palmer designs amid forests and wetlands, and Tidewater Golf Club's marsh-and-forest layout.
Easily fit three or four rounds into a weekend.
Fabulous Fall Music Scene
From Brookgreen Gardens' '70s tribute to Donna Summer (September 6-9) to Music on Main downtown (through September 27—bring a beach chair), live tunes abound.
Catch the Carolina Opry Christmas Special starting November 1. Or visit Tin Roof for nightly shows and sliders like smoked brisket with peach jam.
Premier Fall Water Adventures
Mild weather extends boating season. Kayak cypress swamps, spot dolphins, turtles, and more in Murrells Inlet, or cruise on Big M Casino yachts in Little River.
Adrenaline-Pumping Fall Thrills
The Adventure Matrix Aerial Park offers zip lines, a 60-foot free-fall, and 45 ninja-style challenges.
Drive a NASCAR at Myrtle Beach Speedway (through October 27), or embrace scares at Nightmare Haunted House's Zombie Zone and Ripley's Haunted Adventure: Laser Strike.
