Spend The Perfect 3-Day Long Weekend in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
President’s Day Weekend at The Beach is where winter starts to loosen its grip. While much of the country is still bundled up and counting down to spring, Myrtle Beach is already offering blue skies, fresh air, and just enough warmth to make you forget what a snow shovel looks like.
February is one of the Grand Strand’s best-kept secrets. Mornings are calm, afternoons are bright, and the pace is refreshingly unhurried. It’s the season for long beach walks, cozy meals that turn into linger-a-while conversations, outdoor adventures that feel energizing instead of exhausting, and golf that doesn’t come with heat advisories.
This 3-day long weekend itinerary is designed for a February escape: perfect for couples, empty nesters, solo travelers, and families ready to thaw out, slow down, and soak up a sunnier version of winter. It’s relaxed, flexible, and full of the small, unexpected moments that make winter at The Beach quietly awesome.
Day 1: The Market Common
Breakfast
Tidal Creek Brewhouse
3421 Knoles St, Myrtle Beach
This craft brewery also doubles as one of the best brunch spots in town, serving house-brewed coffee and elevated breakfast fare like Creekside Omelettes, Crab Cake Benedict and French Toast Tacos. The staff here is friendly and knowledgeable, and if you're not careful, it’s the kind of place where brunch can easily spill into lunch and even happy hour in the backyard beer garden.
Morning Activity
Explore Myrtle Beach's Military Roots
Take a trip on the Myrtle Beach History, Movies & Music Trolley Tour, which highlights the people, places, films, and music that shaped Myrtle Beach. It’s an engaging, low-effort way to connect with the city’s past. If you prefer a self-guided option, head to Warbird Park for a deeper look at Myrtle Beach’s Air Force Base history, with restored aircraft, memorials, and walking paths you can explore at your own pace.
Lunch
Nacho Hippo
1160 Farrow Pkwy, Myrtle Beach
Bold flavors, creative tacos, and shareable plates make this a fun, lively lunch stop that works especially well for families, groups, and anyone who likes a little variety. Standout menu items like the Pork Belly Tacos and massive nacho creations pair with a colorful, upbeat vibe that feels playful and relaxed.
Afternoon Activity
Shop, Stroll & Play
Spend the afternoon browsing local boutiques, national retailers, and tree-lined streets designed for wandering. If you're traveling with little ones, perhaps skip the boutiques and check out great family-friendly spots like 810 Billiards & Bowling, EdVenture Children's Museum or the nearby Savannah's Playground.
Dinner
Explore Elevated Southern Fare
The complex is packed with great dinner options, especially if you’re craving Southern comfort with a twist. Spots like 1229 Shine, Dirty Don’s Seafood, Tupelo Honey, and CK’s Bistro serve up everything from fresh seafood to classic Southern favorites in settings that range from polished to laid-back. If Italian is more your speed, opt for house-made pastas and cozy trattoria vibes at Travinia Italian Kitchen, or grab something sweet and savory from Toffino’s Bakery for a more casual, European-style dinner.
Evening Activity
The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar
2461 Coastal Grand Circle, Myrtle Beach (Coastal Grand Mall)
If you’re not already full from dinner — or if you decide to skip straight to dessert — this is one of the most fun ways to end the night. Over-the-top milkshakes piled high with candy, cookies, and pure fun make this a truly unique dessert stop that’s loved by locals and visitors alike, and an easy hop from The Market Common.
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.