Why You Should Visit Myrtle Beach in January

Shelbi’s note: You will mostly find me exploring my city in January because there are fewer tourists, better prices, and new things to discover in the new year. All these things make up for not being able to dive into the ocean!

Start your new year off right by booking a trip to Myrtle Beach! Escape the brutal winters up north (or anywhere for that matter) by venturing to some warmer place with loads of activities and restaurants guaranteed to keep you preoccupied. The Grand Strand buzzes with plenty of excitement during the winter, while maintaining the same laid-back beachy attitude we’re known for.  We have rounded up a few of our top reasons why you should book that ticket or take that road trip to The Beach in January.

Fewer Crowds

Usually, January means back to school and starting fresh after the holidays, so people are normally busy working away. Yet, if you’re lucky, you can take advantage of that long weekend in January (and add on a few extra days if possible) to escape to Myrtle Beach. When you take that step and arrive at your destination, you’ll experience far fewer crowds which means fewer people in lines at your favorite restaurants, easy access to fun attractions, and plenty of picture-perfect walks on a seemingly empty beach.

Discounted Rates

Everything is a chain effect. Since fewer people flock to our shores in the winter months, competitive hotel rates are significantly lower, offering great deals for the new year! Book a resort with a private spa, on-site restaurant, multiple bedrooms, and more. There are plenty of Myrtle Beach resorts or condo rentals up the Grand Strand with great jacuzzi tubs, fire pits, indoor pools, waterparks, and of course, easy access to the beach!

Weather

Winter in Myrtle Beach isn’t all dark and gloomy - the sun actually comes out to play! We witness more sunny days all year round, giving an average temperature of 57 degrees in January and about six rainy days a month. Although it’s not quite warm enough to take a dip in the ocean, that doesn’t prohibit walks, catching the sunrise on the beach or from your private balcony, or participating in a yoga class on the sand. All you have to do is wake up, breathe in the cool, brisk, salt-water-infused morning air, and maybe get a kick start to your day with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Amazing Live Theater Shows

The Myrtle Beach theaters host spectacular shows and performances throughout the year and January has its own special lineup of new and familiar productions. The Alabama Theatre will present the Ricky Mokel, I Think About Stuff comedy show, and tribute bands The Greatest Love of All to Whitney Houston and Let’s Hang On Frankie Valli. The Carolina Opry will have a slew of special performances during the second half of the month including Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone, Beginnings: A Celebration of the Music of Chicago, Lotus Land: The American Rush Tribute Band, Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Micheal Jackson Experience, and more. The Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament and Pirates Voyage will also have select dinner and shows available on the weekends throughout the month. 

Restaurants, Cafes, and Breweries

One of my favorite parts about January is trying the brand-new restaurants that opened in the new year or the seasonal dishes offered at restaurants, cafes, and breweries. Various spots offer seasonal foods, craft beers, cocktails, or coffees, to experiment with new flavors and spice up the menu. Visiting these seasonal spots in January means they have already been tested during the high peek of the holiday season, so they are sure to be safe and delicious. Regardless of whether you’re cafe hopping to try all the different molasses and candy cane flavored coffees or taking a tour at a local distillery, it’s a great time to warm up on a chilly day and explore the local flavors the Grand Strand can offer. 

If none of these reasons have inspired you to take a trip to the Grand Strand in January, then what else besides the fact you’ll be starting your year at The Beach?