10 "Winter Only" Things To Do You Need to Experience this Winter in Myrtle Beach
When winter rolls into the Grand Strand, everything slows down in the best way — wider beaches, friendlier tee times, cozier restaurants and seasonal experiences you won’t find in summer.
Some experiences are truly winter-only affairs, while others are at their best because of off-season quiet or special programming.
Here are ten experiences that feel special, unique or only possible during the winter months in Myrtle Beach. These ideas are perfect for your winter getaway from the cold or to fill up your snowbird bucket list this season.
1. Horseback riding on the beach
Winter’s wide-open beaches and quieter shoreline make horseback riding feel almost dreamlike with long stretches of packed sand, soft light, and the kind of calm you just don’t get in summer.
A standout choice is Inlet Point Plantation in North Myrtle Beach, offering private-island rides, small-group beach treks, and scenic waterway trails that feel tailor‑made for the slower, cozier pace of the season.
- Pro tip: Book an early-morning or sunset ride — winter light and nearly empty sand make for private, cinematic rides.
2. Let Fido run free on the sand
Winter is the perfect time to let pups stretch their legs on the sand — and enjoy a quieter shoreline together. Dog access to many stretches of beach is limited or tightly regulated during peak season, but winter opens up more leash‑optional areas and friendlier rules.
Beyond the beach, the area has plenty of pet‑friendly fun: restaurants like Sneaky Beagle are built around dog‑friendly dining, local breweries like Tidal Creek Brewhouse that offer a great backyard for pets to play, and expansive bark parks in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach offer places for pets to run, mingle and burn energy.
- Pro tip: Bring fresh water and a towel — winter waves are cold, but a wet dog is still a dog.
3. Winter bird-watching & migration walks
Winter concentrations of waterfowl, raptors and shorebirds make local refuges and inlets prime birding months. Head to state parks, inlet areas and marshes for self-guided walks or tap into the area’s active local birding community through groups like the Waccamaw Audubon Society, which offers regular programs, outings and seasonal birding activities.
Two of the best spots are Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park, the latter offering some of the East Coast’s most reliable winter birding and even a printable birding checklist on its website.
- Pro tip: Dawn is your best friend for active birdlife and flattering photos. Like they say "the early bird gets the bird".
4. Golfing with winter tee times and rates
Cooler, drier air and hugely reduced tee sheets make winter the smartest season for championship golf without the crowds. It’s also when multi‑course resorts like Myrtle Beach National, Barefoot Resort, and Legends Golf Resort roll out some of their best winter rates and bundled specials.
Book midweek rounds, explore these multi‑course deals, and check out winter‑specific offers through Play Golf Myrtle Beach for even more off‑season value.
- Pro tip: Layer for the early morning and shed as the sun warms the course — winter golf is about comfort and calm.
5. Celebrate the Holidays at The Beach
Winter officially kicks off in December when holiday revelry is in full swing. Think festive shows at the Carolina Opry, Alabama Theatre, and Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre, plus dazzling lights displays all across the Grand Strand.
Make time for North Myrtle Beach’s Great Christmas Lights Show, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk’s Winter Wonderland at The Beach, and the beloved Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens.
- Did You Know? It all adds up to one of the most magical — and underrated — holiday getaways on the coast. That's why we were recently featured by Southern Living as a great, lively, and budget-friendly spot to celebrate the holiday season.
6. Restaurant Week & Off-season dining deals
Each January, many of the 2,000+ restaurants in Myrtle Beach participate in S.C. Restaurant Week with great deals, exquisite prix-fixe menus, and creative early-bird specials designed to draw diners when things are a little quieter. Restaurant Week South Carolina runs from January 8–18, 2026, making it a perfect time to plan a winter getaway built around memorable meals.
Beyond Restaurant Week, winter is also prime time for other off-season offers — think up to 50% off at some of the Grand Strand’s famous seafood buffets, expanded happy hour menus, and value-driven specials at everything from waterfront grills to local neighborhood favorites.
- Pro tip: Even in winter, the best off-season menus still fill for prime nights — make reservations for weekend evenings.
7. Snowbird gatherings, meet-ups & community leagues
The bevy of extended-stay visitors that come to Myrtle Beach in the wintertime create a vibrant seasonal community with plenty of fun activities to enjoy.
From potlucks and socials to Pickleball leagues, veterans meetups, trivia nights and happy hours, there is a bevy of long-stay programming happen in winter.
Tap into resort calendars, RV park schedules, Facebook groups and local bulletin boards for areas like The Market Common, Cresswind in Myrtle Beach or Del Webb at Grande Dunes for recurring socials and clubs.
- Pro tip: Main Street North Myrtle Beach and its classic shag dancing clubs offer a great starting point for getting connected with other snowbirds and an active community of retired visitors living beach life to the fullest.
8. Can-Am Days Festival
Though it's meant to usher in spring and the return of our friends from up north, Can-Am Days takes place to close out winter, running from March 13-22, 2026. This year the long-running event will celebrate 65 years of celebrating Canadian culture and connection to The Beach.
Popular events during this time include parades, concerts, car shows, food festivals and more!
- Pro tip: Check out our Can-Am Days Deals Page for hotel deals, savings and offers specific to this event.
9. Oyster roasts
Oyster season follows the classic “R‑month rule,” meaning the freshest, safest oysters are traditionally enjoyed from September through April, which makes winter prime time for salty, steam‑rising oyster roasts along the Grand Strand.
Look for some of the area’s biggest celebrations, including the Oysters & Art Festival in donwtown Myrtle Beach and Shuckin’ the Strand Oyster Roast in Murrells Inlet each February, plus the Oyster Roast for the Coast in North Myrtle Beach in early March.
These events blend seafood, local music, art, and waterfront charm into a true off-season tradition.
- Pro tip: You can also find weekly roasts at seafood spots like Shuckers Raw Bar in Myrtle Beach or Nance's Creekfront Restaurant in Murrells Inlet.
10. Winter Day Trips
Winter is also an amazing time to explore all 14 coastal communities that make up the Grand Strand with less traffic, fewer crowds, and far more room to enjoy everything each town has to offer.
Start with a slow wander through Downtown Conway, where the Riverwalk, historic buildings, boutique shops, and the Horry County Museum make for a charming (and warm) winter afternoon.
Head south to Georgetown, one of South Carolina’s oldest towns, rich with history and character. Explore the Rice Museum, stroll past historic homes, visit the Harborwalk, and browse small galleries and locally owned shops that shine during the off‑season.
- Pro tip: Communities like Loris or Pawleys Island, each offer a very different flavor of coastal life — from rural charm and local eateries in Loris to Pawleys’ laid‑back Lowcountry feel, quiet beaches, and cozy winter cottage vibes.
Katie Hunter recently relocated to Myrtle Beach, SC, but she is a true South Carolinian at heart. Growing up in Charleston, SC and living in the SC Upstate, Katie cherishes the rhythm of southern hospitality and a refreshing sea breeze. Katie has written stories for her friends and family to enjoy ever since she was little and is excited to uncover everything that makes Myrtle Beach, The Beach. Katie loves baking, the beach, and her Clemson Tigers. She can often be found walking her black labrador retriever or checking out a new restaurant in the Grand Strand with her husband.