Why Myrtle Beach Should Top Your Spring Travel List in South Carolina
If you've always considered Myrtle Beach a prime summer destination, you're not wrong—but spring offers an equally compelling experience along this iconic 60-mile stretch of South Carolina coastline, often surpassing summer in appeal.
Enjoy all the summer highlights—the expansive Grand Strand shoreline, historic boardwalk, vibrant outdoor dining, championship golf courses, stunning natural beauty, and endless entertainment—without the crowds and with ideal weather: sunny days in the mid-70s.
This spring brings exciting events, including the East Coast debut of world-renowned light artist Bruce Munro's installation, the 35th anniversary celebration at the Carolina Opry Theater, and much more.
Seasonal direct flights resume, but high-season hotel rates haven't kicked in yet, meaning excellent hotel deals await. Whether traveling with family, as a couple, or solo, here's why Myrtle Beach deserves a spot at the top of your spring itinerary.
Bruce Munro at Brookgreen Gardens: Southern Light
Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet is a lush, expansive gem and a rare U.S. institution accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Spring transforms the gardens into a floral paradise with blooming foxglove, heliotrope, snapdragons, daffodils, azaleas, and dogwoods. In spring 2020, experience added enchantment with Bruce Munro's Southern Light exhibit, running from early April through September.
Munro's immersive light installations, seen worldwide from Australia's Uluru to California's Paso Robles, illuminate Brookgreen's “garden rooms” across seven exhibits. Highlights include his largest fiber optic firefly display along the ancient Live Oak Allée, 1,448 glowing bees in the bell tower, and a frog chorus with 2,000 illuminated eyes in the adjacent swampland.
Don't miss the Gullah Geechee Program series exploring this unique coastal culture; the Earth Day Family Festival with music, crafts, and kid-friendly activities; and the Brookgreen-sponsored Fireflies in Congaree National Park outing.
Huntington Beach State Park
This 3,500-acre coastal haven south of Myrtle Beach offers premier birdwatching, surf fishing, kayaking, and expanded spring camping options.
A new nature center debuts this spring, featuring a birding area and live animal exhibits.
Spot alligators and even minks at the freshwater lake.
Explore human history via docent-led or audio tours of Atalaya, the Moorish-style National Historic Landmark winter home of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and philanthropist Archer Huntington.
The Carolina Opry Theater
A Myrtle Beach entertainment staple praised by The New York Times and NBC Nightly News, the Carolina Opry Theater marks its 35th anniversary in 2020 with fresh twists from award-winning director Calvin Gilmore.
Expect high-energy music, dance, and comedy with stars like The Voice's Delvin Choice and America's Got Talent's All That!.
The anniversary features surprise cameos and concerts with Travis Tritt, Gladys Knight, and more. Myrtle Beach's live music scene thrives year-round, highlighted by the Carolina Country Music Fest (June 4-7) with Darius Rucker, Luke Combs, and Eric Church. Catch nightly shows at spots like the 75-year-old Bowery, former home to Alabama.
Ripley’s Aquarium
Known for stingray swims and shark sleepovers, Ripley's expands with a 5,500-square-foot African penguin habitat, including a 360-degree crawl tunnel.
It's now South Carolina's first Certified Autism Center, with trained staff and sensory-friendly programs.
The New Brew Trail
Myrtle Beach's craft beer scene is booming. At Barefoot Landing, Crooked Hammock Brewery opens a kid- and pet-friendly beer garden with fire pits, games, playground, and hammocks—plus giant pretzels and jalapeño cornbread.
Tidal Creek Brewhouse arrives at Market Common with Lowcountry fare and events.
Grand Strand Brewing Company follows with handmade beers in a taproom.
The spirits scene heats up at Twelve 33 Distillery, offering Carolina-sourced rum and vodka in a 1930s speakeasy.
