Winter in Myrtle Beach has a different kind of charm. The shoreline feels calmer, the light turns softer, and the whole place moves at a pace that makes you want to stay outside longer. If you’re considering a winter trip and wondering, “Will we have enough to do?” you’re in luck. This is the season for fresh air, open views, and low-stress adventure.
This guide covers the best outdoor winter activities in Myrtle Beach, including beach experiences, nature exploration, wildlife viewing, golf, and winter-only coastal events.
Why Winter is Considered Myrtle Beach’s “Secret Season”
Winter transforms Myrtle Beach into a quieter, more peaceful version of itself. You still get the ocean backdrop, but with more breathing room. That’s the “secret season” advantage in a nutshell.
A few reasons winter trips feel worthwhile:
- Milder temperatures
- Decreased crowds
- Wider beaches
- Seasonal advantages for wildlife and shoreline experiences
Enhanced Beach and Shoreline Activities in Winter
Winter changes the beach experience in the best ways. The sand feels more open, the light is gentler, and it’s easier to slow down and actually enjoy the shoreline instead of navigating around it. If you love photos, peaceful walks, or simple oceanfront downtime, this season delivers.
Horseback Riding on the Beach
Beach rides are a favorite for travelers planning Myrtle Beach horseback riding winter experiences.
Myrtle Beach Horseback Rides offers seasonal beach rides from November 1 through February 28, plus trail ride options, and their site notes no prior riding experience is necessary. Your guide also takes complimentary photos during the ride and sends them directly to your phone. Families can use a Buddy Seat for children ages 4 to 8 riding with an adult, and riders 9 and older can ride independently.
Local-style tip: aim for early morning or sunset when you can. Winter light plus an emptier shoreline makes the whole experience feel even more special.
Enjoying Pet-Friendly Beaches
Traveling with your dog? Winter can be a great time for beach walks, but the details depend on where you are staying and which beach area you plan to use.
In Myrtle Beach city limits, dogs are allowed on the beach any time of day from the day after Labor Day through April 30, and leashes are required. If you’ll be exploring outside city limits, check the local rules for that specific area before you go.
Beach Walks, Shelling, and Shark Tooth Hunting
Winter is perfect for slow, treasure-hunt walks. With fewer people on the sand, it’s easier to spot shells and shark teeth without feeling rushed. Take your time, and keep an eye offshore. Winter walks can also come with better chances to spot dolphins.
Strolling Piers and the Oceanfront Boardwalk
Some of the best winter moments are the simplest ones. A pier at sunrise, a slow stroll, and a quiet stretch of ocean in front of you is hard to beat.
Cherry Grove Pier is a favorite for sunrise views and bird-watching, and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is a free 1.2-mile walk along the coast that feels especially relaxing in the off-season.
Nature Exploration and Wildlife Viewing
If your ideal vacation includes peaceful scenery and ‘let’s see what we spot’ moments, winter is a strong season for it. This is where Myrtle Beach winter outdoor activities really shine, since you can mix beach time with parks, trails, and wildlife viewing without the peak-season pace.
Winter Bird-Watching and Migration Hotspots
Myrtle Beach bird watching is especially rewarding in winter. Winter is prime birding season, with raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds in the mix.
Huntington Beach State Park is known as a top East Coast birding location, and Myrtle Beach State Park is also a strong option. Dawn is often the best time for both activity and photography, so a sunrise start can pay off.
State Parks and Coastal Trails
Winter is a great time to explore the parks around Myrtle Beach, especially if you want oceanfront access and quiet trails.
Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park both offer coastal trails, nature access, and fishing piers, plus stretches of beach that feel more natural and less developed.
Vereen Memorial Gardens is another peaceful option, with free boardwalks and wildlife viewing.
Myrtle Beach state parks winter days are all about slow walks, salty air, and spotting something wild when you least expect it.
Conway Riverwalk and Free Disc Golf Courses
When you want scenery that’s not just sand and surf, the expanded Conway Riverwalk offers views of the Waccamaw River and a laid-back change of pace.
For something more active, you’ll also find over a dozen public disc golf courses that are free to play. It’s a simple way to spend time outdoors without adding a big cost to your trip.
Why Winter is the Best Season for Golf in Myrtle Beach
If golf is on your list, Myrtle Beach winter golf can be the sweet spot. Cooler, drier air often feels more comfortable, and days lost to weather tend to be few and far between.
Average highs are about 56°F in December and climb toward the low 60s by March, so pack layers and plan to warm up by the back nine.
Winter can also bring value opportunities. Travelers often find bundled specials and peak discounts, and the course availability tends to feel much more open. Resorts that often come up in winter planning include Barefoot Resort, Myrtle Beach National, and Legends Golf Resort.
Outdoor Coastal Events Unique to Winter
Winter also brings seasonal celebrations that feel extra memorable by the water. Think seafood, lights, and that crisp coastal air that makes everything feel a bit more festive.
Oyster Roasts (Prime Season: Sept–April)
If you’re planning around Myrtle Beach oyster roasts, winter is prime time. Oyster season is often described as running September through April, which lines up with the classic “R-month” rule.
Event examples include Shuckin’ the Strand Oyster Roast in Murrells Inlet and the Oysters & Art Festival in Downtown Myrtle Beach. These events blend seafood, music, and waterfront settings in a way that fits the season perfectly.
Festive Light Displays and Coastal Holiday Events
Two popular Myrtle Beach winter events bring plenty of seasonal ambiance:
- Winter Wonderland at The Beach, with lights along the oceanfront Boardwalk
- The Intracoastal Christmas Regatta, a decorated boat parade that runs from Little River to North Myrtle Beach
Tips for Enjoying Myrtle Beach in the Winter Outdoors
Winter Myrtle Beach is easy to enjoy if you plan around timing and comfort instead of trying to cram every hour.
A simple strategy that works:
- Dress in layers
- Plan early morning or sunset for horseback riding and birding
- Enjoy the peace, quiet, and access that peak season lacks
FAQs
Is Myrtle Beach worth visiting in winter?
Yes. Winter offers a calmer, less crowded coastal experience, and you can still build full days around outdoor activities.
What outdoor activities can you do in Myrtle Beach during winter?
Bach walks, shelling, pier strolls, the boardwalk, Myrtle Beach bird watching, Myrtle Beach state parks winter exploring, the Conway Riverwalk, disc golf, Myrtle Beach winter golf, oyster roasts, and winter events
Can you ride horses on the beach in the winter?
Yes. Myrtle Beach Horseback Rides offers seasonal beach rides during the winter months, and no prior riding experience is necessary.
Are dogs allowed on Myrtle Beach during the winter months?
Dogs are allowed on Myrtle Beach in the off-season within city limits, with leashes required. Rules vary by area, so check local guidelines where you plan to visit.
What wildlife can you see in Myrtle Beach in the winter?
Winter is strong for birding, including raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds, especially in coastal park areas.
Is winter a good time for golfing in Myrtle Beach?
Yes. Myrtle Beach winter golf is popular for comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and good availability.
What seasonal events happen in Myrtle Beach during winter?
Winter highlights include oyster roasts, Winter Wonderland at The Beach, and the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta.
What is the weather like in Myrtle Beach in December through March?
Expect mild coastal winter weather. Average highs run from the mid-to-upper 50s in December toward the low 60s by March.
Where can you go bird-watching in Myrtle Beach during winter?
Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park are strong options for Myrtle Beach bird watching.
Are the beaches crowded in winter?
Compared to peak season, winter is noticeably quieter, which is why it’s called the “secret season.”
Winter Myrtle Beach is not about racing from one attraction to the next. It’s about letting the coast set the pace. With roomier beaches, better wildlife viewing, comfortable golf days, oyster-season flavor, and holiday lights by the water, the secret season gives you plenty to do outside, plus the peace to actually enjoy it.