The Perfect Winter Weekend in Myrtle Beach, S.C. (3-Day Getaway)
It's More Than Just a Beach...
Winter at The Beach is peaceful, bright, and full of surprises. While summer gets most of the spotlight, winter visitors quickly learn that the Grand Strand is far more than just a beach.
Cooler temps mean quieter mornings, cozy restaurants, beautiful nature preserves, rich arts and history, and miles of shoreline that feel like they belong to you.
This refreshed 3‑day winter itinerary gives a look at what makes Myrtle Beach a fantastic cold‑season getaway for everyone—from empty nesters and couples to solo travelers and families looking for a slower, sunnier escape.
Day 1: Conway, Dinner & a Show
Morning Activity
Downtown Conway Exploration
Just west of Myrtle Beach sits the historic riverfront town of Conway—a cozy, walkable downtown filled with boutiques, murals, the expanded Riverwalk, and inviting local restaurants. It’s a relaxed, easy place to start your winter weekend. Spend your morning exploring the Riverwalk, browsing shops, and taking in the growing arts scene, with a quick stop at Trestle Bakery & Café for a warm coffee or pastry along the way.
Lunch
Rivertown Bistro
Downtown Conway
Just minutes from the museum, this beloved downtown spot serves creative dishes with a Southern twist. Grab a relaxed, yet upscale lunch before heading toward the oceanfront.
Afternoon Activity
Explore The Area’s History
Horry County Museum and L.W. Paul Living History Farm
The Horry County Museum offers an engaging look at the area’s natural and cultural history through well‑curated exhibits. Just down the road, the L.W. Paul Living History Farm brings the region’s agricultural past to life with costumed demonstrations and preserved farm buildings that show what daily life looked like in the early 1900s. You'll enjoy perusing the museum so much that time will fly. You could easily spend two hours or more here.
Dinner
Hook & Barrel
Myrtle Beach
Just a short drive inland toward the beach will set you up for an evening of dinner and a show. At Hook & Barrel, you’ll be welcomed with a warm smile before being led past the open kitchen where the sights and aromas set the tone for an unforgettable meal. Don’t even think twice—order the famous “hanging bacon”, their most talked‑about appetizer, along with Southern favorites like She‑Crab Soup or a Bloody Mary oyster shooter. Entrées shine too, from fresh‑caught swordfish with citrus‑herb butter to miso‑soy glazed butterfish, and if you want to splurge, the towering seafood platter is nothing short of spectacular.
Evening Activity
The Carolina Opry
Myrtle Beach
Wrap up your first night with a world‑class live show. The theater glows beautifully at night, and inside you’ll find an elegant yet comfortable space with wide aisles, roomy seats, and a grand chandelier. Grab a glass of wine, browse the gift shop, and settle in for a memorable performance. Throughout the year, The Carolina Opry features a mix of music, dance, comedy, and nostalgic favorites—often with the feel of a classic variety show. It’s an easy, romantic way to end your evening at The Beach.
Day 2: Little River Adventure
Early Morning
Walk on The Beach
Whether you're waking up to the sound of waves outside your oceanfront window or staying a little farther inland, a sunrise beach walk is one of the best ways to greet a winter morning at The Beach. Most visitors stay oceanfront—and if you do, you’ll have 60 miles of soft sand right outside your door—but even if you’re not, there are public beach accesses everywhere, making it easy to slip out with a warm coffee in hand. The cooler months bring peaceful shoreline views, plenty of seashells, and that perfect quiet only a winter morning by the Atlantic can deliver.
Breakfast
Blueberry’s Grill
Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach
Since you’re heading north, start your day at the Barefoot Landing location of Blueberry’s Grill, known for its inventive breakfast dishes, hearty skillets, and famous cinnamon‑roll pancakes—all served with waterfront views and a relaxed coastal vibe. If you’re craving something different, Johnny D’s or even House of Blues (yes, they do breakfast!) are also fantastic options nearby.
Morning Activity
Captain Smiley Fishing Charters
Little River
A great way to start your day is with a scenic trip on the Intracoastal Waterway with Captain Smiley Fishing Charters. Even if you’re not big on fishing, the winter scenery alone is worth it—quiet marshlands, wildlife, fishing villages where locals wave from the docks, and peaceful stretches of the Little River and Bonaparte Creek. Captain Smiley’s guides know these waters well, making it a relaxing and memorable morning on the water. Tip: check their website for different tour options.
Lunch
Little River Waterfront
If you’re fishing with Captain Smiley, once you’re back at the marina your guide will clean and fillet your catch for you. Walk it right next door to Snooky’s On the Water, where the kitchen will happily grill your fresh catch and pair it with classic Southern sides for an incredible dock‑to‑table lunch. If you’d rather skip the fishing and still enjoy ultra‑fresh seafood, nearby spots along the Little River Waterfront—like Crab Catchers, Patio’s, and Captain Juel’s—serve everything from fried baskets to crack‑your‑own crab legs to elevated coastal entrées, all with a laid‑back waterfront vibe.
Afternoon
Vereen Memorial Gardens
Little River
Vereen Memorial Gardens is the perfect place to walk off your meal, offering peaceful waterfront views, elevated boardwalks over salt marshes, easy nature trails, and plenty of chances to spot winter wildlife. The park features historic markers, quiet wooded paths, and sweeping views of the Intracoastal Waterway—beautiful any time of year, but especially during those soft winter sunsets. There’s even a secluded wooden swing just off the main path near the parking lot, making it an ideal spot for a romantic sunset moment.
Evening
The Crazy Mason
North Myrtle Beach
After a day full of activity, you're likely to want to skip dinner and turn in early this evening, but before you do, consider checking out one of the area's most well-known spots for dessert — The Crazy Mason. Known for its over-the-top, photo-worthy milkshakes piled high with cakes, cookies, candies, and every sweet topping imaginable, it’s a deliciously outrageous way to end your night. You can stop by their North Myrtle Beach shop on Main Street as you head back south, or visit their Myrtle Beach location near Coastal Grand Mall for an equally memorable treat.
Day 3: Beauty of The Marsh
Early Morning
Surfside Beach Fishing Pier
Start your day with a peaceful winter stroll along the newly rebuilt Surfside Beach Pier. Take in panoramic ocean views, watch fishermen reel in their morning catch, and enjoy the fresh salt air as the coastline wakes up around you. It’s an easy, scenic way to ease into the final day of your winter weekend.
Breakfast
Surfside Beach Pier Village
After your pier walk, head into Pier Village for a hearty breakfast. Grab creative BBQ‑inspired breakfast dishes and scratch‑made Southern biscuits at Gracious Pig, enjoy the lively locals’ atmosphere at Neal & Pam’s, or head inland to Benjamin’s Bakery or Milk & Honey Coffee Café for fresh pastries, bagels, and handcrafted coffee. It’s a warm, flavorful way to recharge before the rest of your day.
Late Morning
Huntington Beach State Park
Murrells Inlet
Have you ever wanted to visit a real castle? You can when you explore Huntington Beach State Park, home to the stunning Atalaya Castle. Winter mornings here can be a bit chilly—but they’re usually bright and sunny, perfect for grabbing a light jacket and setting off on a coastal adventure. Built in 1931 by Archer Huntington as a winter home for his wife, sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, this 30‑room Moorish‑style estate once sat on 9,000 coastal acres and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Wander its arched corridors, courtyards, and ironwork gates before enjoying the peaceful shoreline just steps away.
Afternoon
Brookgreen Gardens
Between Murrells Inlet & Pawleys Island
Just across the highway from Atalaya and originally part of the Archer estate, Brookgreen Gardens is home to the first public sculpture garden in South Carolina—created to showcase Anna Hyatt Huntington’s work. Today, the grounds feature more than 2,000 sculptures by over 400 artists, surrounded by sweeping 250-year-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss, tranquil ponds, wooden footbridges, bubbling fountains, and fragrant winter blooms like camellias, jasmine, and daffodils. If you’re famished after a morning at Huntington Beach State Park, stop for lunch at Brookgreen’s on‑site Harvest Restaurant, which offers fresh, seasonal dishes overlooking the gardens.
Dinner
Murrells Inlet Marshwalk
Start your evening on the MarshWalk with a happy hour drink at Tuna Shak or the Inlet Beer Garden, both offering breezy waterfront views and a laid‑back start to the night. Then make your way to Drunken Jack’s, a legendary low‑country favorite for more than 40 years, where you can enjoy a hearty seafood dinner and signature cocktails overlooking the marsh. It’s the perfect winter evening combo of atmosphere, flavor, and coastal charm.
Evening
Dead Dog Saloon
Murrells Inlet Marshwalk
If you’re not ready for the night to end, head over to Dead Dog Saloon, a beloved marshfront hangout known for its lively atmosphere and great live music. It’s the perfect place to sip a drink, soak in the waterfront views, and unwind after dinner. For even more music and a little bar‑hopping fun, check out nearby MarshWalk favorites like Wahoo’s, Creek Ratz, and Bubba’s Love Shack—each offering its own unique vibe and lineup of local bands.