7 Tips for Visiting The Beach in December
Ashley's Note: I moved to Myrtle Beach more than 20 years ago, far from the bitter Nor’easters that blow through southeastern Pennsylvania this time of year, and I haven’t looked back. I have loved Decembers here with my family ever since, which is why I’m recommending these 7 tips so you can enjoy this most wonderful time of the year at the beach, too.
Myrtle Beach offers a different take on how to walk in a winter wonderland, and you will want to experience it for yourself! No, it’s not the peak of summertime, when most tourists flock to the beach, but there are still plenty of things to do here in December, when the weather is just a smidge cooler, there are less crowds, and no snow in the forecast.
December, even in Myrtle Beach, means outdoor water amenities that are under the hot sun in the summer are off-limits. Look to book your stay at one of the many oceanfront resorts here that offer indoor water features for you to enjoy, such as indoor pools, lazy rivers, and waterparks. Options include the Breakers Resort, which boasts a brand-new indoor Cove Waterpark, where you can all slip, slide, and speed down the Myrtle Mayhem, Riptide Racers, Torpedo Shoot, and Twisted Typhoon; Dunes Village Resort, where there are indoor pools, lazy rivers, and waterparks; and Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark, featuring a massive indoor tube waterpark, pools, hot tubs, and Salty’s Splash House for the little ones.
Our ocean breeze carries a chill in December, so pack appropriately with layers of hoodies, sweaters, or jackets for the mornings and evenings, as well as pants (not shorts), of course. Average local temperatures range from highs in the 60s to lows in the 40s and the average water temperature for winter months is around 60 degrees.
Wintertime is a great time to save money on a beach getaway at one of our resorts. Accommodations here typically offer winter or holiday special discounts and packages, which helps the budget, so you can spend more on your family’s gift wish list!
Indoor play is the way to go when, baby, it’s cold outside, and Myrtle Beach has oodles of indoor activities to choose from. Head to Ripley’s Aquarium, where you not only walk through a glass tunnel swimming with sharks, but also take in their festival of trees; the Hollywood Wax Museum; Sky Zone Trampoline Park; or The Escape Game to challenge your brain.
The live theatres at the beach have some of the best shows on-stage this side of Vegas, and they all transform into a magical holiday theme. Book your ticket and take a seat at The Carolina Opry’s legendary “The Christmas Show of the South,” “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show” at Alabama Theatre, and special holiday performances at Pirates Voyage and Medieval Times.
Check off those Christmas wish lists with a shopping trip while here at the beach in December. Cruise through the unique boutiques lined up within Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing, and The Market Common, plus shopping malls and outlets galore.
Myrtle Beach decks the halls over the holidays, with some of the best light shows around that will wow you. Featuring more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and lights, Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles is an absolute must-see, along with Winter Wonderland at the Beach on the boardwalk, The Great Christmas Light Show that winds throughout the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex, The MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights, City of Conway’s Celebration of Lights, and the Festival of Trees in Ripley’s Aquarium.
Ashley Daniels of Myrtle Beach is a full-time freelance writer, editor, wife, and mother of three sons and two fur babies. Most recently, she also became a published author of "100 Things to Do in Myrtle Beach Before You Die," part of a bestselling national series. A native of Eastern PA, Ashley received her bachelor’s in English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh and her MA in Writing from Coastal Carolina University. Today, her folio boasts nearly 25 years of regional and nationally published printed magazine features, blogs, and web copy for a roster of clients, and ADDY award-winning copywriting. For more info, visit www.ashleymdaniels.com