Category: Area Information

Many travelers think visiting Myrtle Beach in September is too late in the year to find things to do and enjoy the weather, but the opposite is true. Early fall in Myrtle Beach is quite an active time at the beach and nearly everything in the city is still open so you can check out all the best attractions with less crowding and shorter lines. Though Labor Day marks the ‘unofficial’ end of the summer for most, it is still hot enough in September in Myrtle Beach to do all the summertime things you love—beachgoing, watersports, fishing, and riding roller coasters—without navigating the flocks of other tourists. Strolling the Boardwalk in Myrtle Beach in September is another favorite activity made even more pleasant with quieter crowds. And though a few seasonal shops and restaurants shutter in the off-season, nearly all remain up and running through September, and the promenade is open for strolling and sightseeing year-round.

With the fabulous blue skies in Myrtle Beach and warm average temperatures during September, travelers are happy to spend the last of summer at the best spots in the Grand Strand: sparkling hotel pools and sandy beaches. The ocean holds steady at 70 or 80 degrees in September, and hotel pools in Myrtle Beach remain open for at least another month, so you can go swimming and lounge in the sun for your entire vacation if you wish. 
If you’re still somehow on the fence and wondering, “Is September a good time to go to Myrtle Beach?” We have all the proof you need to finish booking your hotel for a fantastic fall trip:

1 | Get Great Hotel Deals in September

Getting off-season hotel rates without the off-season temperatures is just one reason September is a prime month to visit the Grand Strand. All the amenities are still open, and thanks to fewer tourists, you can enjoy spacious pool decks and shorter lines at the waterslide and pool bar. Since more hotels will have extra rooms they’re eager to sell, you’ll find many room deals in September, too. This leaves cash in your pocket to spend on other adventures or for dining at the best restaurants around the Grand Strand. You can even upgrade your stay and try out a 5-star resort you wouldn’t usually spring for.

2 | Have Myrtle Beach Attractions To Yourself

You don’t have to worry about trying to elbow your way through crowds at your favorite attractions when you head to Myrtle Beach in September. This time of year, places like Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach are clear of the summertime crowds, so you can actually enjoy shopping and strolling the waterfront areas. And, the beautiful weather in September makes the plaza patios seem extra inviting spots to partake in a spontaneous drink or two. If you’re heading to town on a girls’ trip or couples getaway, check out the area’s hot nightlife during the quieter months. Dance the night away and listen to awesome live shows without spending your evening in line at the bar or wading through seas of people.

3 | Enjoy Fabulous September Weather in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach weather in September is perfect for experiencing any and all outdoor activities. The average air temperature in Myrtle Beach during the month of September is 85º, which is warm enough to take a swim but cool enough in the mornings and evenings to make spending time outside pleasant. 

Though visiting in September does put you here during hurricane season, storms are well-monitored and most travelers won’t experience any disruption to their vacations. If you’re caught in a rainstorm, conditions will generally clear quickly and there are other things to do when it rains.

4 | Take Your Pick of Endless Outdoor Activities

All of the outdoor activities from summer are still available in September, so you can enjoy the best Myrtle Beach experiences in the fall, too. The events and celebrations and countless things to do are what make September one of the best times to visit. Here are some of the top ways to take advantage of the beautiful weather and give summer a grand send-off:

See the Season’s Flora & Fauna

Take a tour of Brookgreen Gardens to explore acres of lush local flora and fauna and see sculptures from some of the country’s most prolific artists. Brookgreen Gardens also hosts the Lowcountry Zoo, which is home to a variety of native animals. While you’re there, stop by the butterfly exhibit to experience this seasonal display before it closes in October.

Take an Ocean Cruise While the Weather Is Warm

Visit Voyager Fishing Fleet to embark on a deep-sea fishing adventure or join a family-friendly dolphin-watching tour. There are a few dolphin tours each day throughout the month for cruising in the sunshine or watching the sunset. Half- and full-day fishing charters are also still offered in September, so choose your adventure and climb aboard for a day in the late-summer sunshine.

Have an Active Day on the Water

You’ll find various other outdoor ideas for fun hosted by River Island Adventures. Explore the local waterways on a kayak or take a tour on a pontoon boat. This outfitter hosts many challenging adventure games on their own private island and offers a variety of glamping and camping excursions. Trying these experiences in September means you won’t have to worry about getting too hot to paddle or too cold in the evenings. You can spend all day and night soaking in the end-of-summer fun.

5 | Attend Fun Fall Events

There are many events offered only in the fall in Myrtle Beach, which makes visiting in September feel like a brand new adventure. If you’re in town for Labor Day, catching the fireworks and celebrations at Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing are must-do activities, but there are worthwhile events happening all month long. Check out these September events when you visit:

• Saturday Markets: Head to The Market Common every Saturday in September from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to shop for local crafts and fall goodies.
• Statewide Garage Sale, September 7, 2024: The Convention Center hosts South Carolina’s Largest Garage Sale from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission is free!
• Atalaya Festival, September 27–29, 2024: This arts and crafts fest is hosted annually at Huntington Beach State Park and features over 100 artisans. Gates open at noon Friday, 10:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, and close at 5:00 p.m. daily.

Beach ‘n Chili Fest, September 27–29, 2024: Check out the World Championship chili contest, taste samples, and enjoy a beer garden in downtown Myrtle Beach.

Public parking in Myrtle Beach can be a pain to navigate if you aren’t a local or lifelong Grand Strand visitor. Every summer half a million people flock to the Grand Strand, limiting access to convenient parking. We have the expert advice you need to find a spot and avoid steep fines.

During the busy season, public parking in Myrtle Beach is closely monitored by meters and lot attendants. While there is free beach parking in Myrtle Beach, those spaces are limited and fill up quickly, leaving monitored lots or metered spaces the other options. Residents of Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach can avoid meter fees with a two-year parking pass. To apply for a Myrtle Beach parking pass, you must have a valid ID and proof that you’re a local resident. Myrtle Beach parking passes aren’t available for visitors, so we recommend setting aside funds in your vacation budget for parking accommodations. Pay-to-park rates in Myrtle Beach are affordable, ranging in price from $2 to $15 depending on the length of time you’re in the spot. 

Parking in Myrtle Beach might be difficult at times, but it can be easy if you know the right tips and tricks. Check out our top five tips for parking in Myrtle Beach:

1 | Park Outside of Peak Hours

Parking options in Myrtle Beach start dwindling by 10 a.m. Come noon, you’ll be circling the lot to find a space. Head out bright and early for the best parking spots along the Grand Strand. Schedule your dinner reservation for a time after rush hour traffic for more parking availability. This method pays off in more ways than one. While there are no free parking hours in Myrtle Beach proper, surrounding cities offer that luxury. Drive to the north end of the Golden Mile and take advantage of free North Myrtle Beach parking before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. all year. 

Parking outside of peak hours doesn’t include overnight. Beyond paid private lots and free parking for hotel guests, overnight parking in Myrtle Beach is not permitted.

2 | Use a Parking Meter

There are more than 1,500 metered parking spaces in Myrtle Beach. Most drivers prefer to use parking lots or the Myrtle Beach parking garages, leaving metered spaces wide open. Some city meters offer convenient all-day parking access for $15. The parking meters on Myrtle Beach city streets cost $2 per hour, while beach access and street end meters cost $3 per hour. 

3 | Download ParkMobile, Myrtle Beach’s Parking App

ParkMobile is Myrtle Beach’s app for parking. Available for Apple and Android users, ParkMobile makes planning your commute a breeze. This handy app allows you to pre-pay for parking, find available spaces, and reserve a spot in a garage, all from your smartphone. 

4 | Park a Few Blocks Away From Downtown Myrtle Beach

If you don’t mind walking, we recommend parking outside of the downtown area. Most people opt for proximity when choosing a parking spot. The farther you drive away from the city’s center, the more available parking you’ll find in private lots ranging in price from $5 to $20 per day.

5 | Find Alternative Forms of Transportation

If you want to avoid Myrtle Beach parking altogether, check out the bikes and scooters for rent around the Grand Strand. From mopeds to taxis, there are plenty of ways to navigate the streets of Myrtle Beach without getting behind the wheel.

You’ve probably heard January is the cheapest month in Myrtle Beach, but that’s not the only time you can enjoy a budget-friendly trip to the Grand Strand. The off-season lasts from November through February in Myrtle Beach, and any of these months has proven to be the cheapest time of year to vacation in this coastal oasis. The winter also affords quieter beaches, emptier pool decks, and no-wait dining at the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach. With daytime temperatures hovering between 50 and 70 degrees, Myrtle Beach is far from freezing in the winter, so you can still soak in the oceanfront hot tubs and heated pools.

Planning a Cheap Trip to Myrtle Beach

Timing your arrival for the off-season allows you to enjoy the cheapest weekend in Myrtle Beach, without feeling short-changed on fun. But knowing the best days to book a hotel in Myrtle Beach—weeknights, for example—can help you avoid high-priced hotel rates, even in the summer. Once you’re here, take advantage of free festivals and inexpensive things to do in Myrtle Beach to easily fill a three-day itinerary. And don’t ignore the freebies offered at your resort: A Myrtle Beach hotel with a bowling alley or a sports court provides instant entertainment, and these kid-friendly resorts offer room discounts all year.

Myrtle Beach weather is best from June to August, and if you’re chasing the endless sunshine and hot beach days, you can enjoy an affordable trip even during the peak season. Myrtle Beach is only as expensive as you make it: Visiting the beach is free, there are loads of budget-friendly restaurants, and when you shop around for lodging, you’ll find some of the best hotel deals right on the oceanfront. 

Making smart transportation decisions can also reduce trip expenses. Driving versus flying to the Grand Strand may take an extra day but it saves a lot of cash, and selecting the cheapest car rental the Myrtle Beach airport offers can often save you up to $20 per day. Many Myrtle Beach resorts offer free parking so you can arrive by car without paying to keep your vehicle on-site. Shopping around to find cheap flights to and from Myrtle Beach or shifting your travel dates to weekdays can help stretch your vacation budget, too.

Finding Cheap Hotels in Myrtle Beach

When people see gorgeous oceanfront pools and amenity-loaded resorts, they assume the cost of a hotel room in Myrtle Beach is well out of reach. But that’s not so. When comparing a vacation in Myrtle Beach versus Daytona Beach, you’ll quickly find that Myrtle Beach is cheaper than Florida because the Grand Strand offers better lodging deals and more hotels with low or no deposits, no matter which month you arrive. Economy-style lodging is often lackluster at best, but the hotels for cheap in Myrtle Beach feature clean, comfortable rooms with views and excellent resort amenities.

Go ahead and plan your dream vacation for the winter to enjoy the absolute cheapest rates of the year, or vacation here in a warmer month and still enjoy a fabulous getaway that’s cheaper than you might think.

Every year in Myrtle Beach new restaurants, attractions, and events open for visitors and locals to enjoy. Whether you’re planning your first trip to the Grand Strand or you visit Myrtle Beach every year, there’s always something new to experience.

Here’s what’s new in Myrtle Beach for 2024:

• Big Chill restaurant
• Voodoo Brewing Company
• Greg Rowles dinner show at Legacy Theatre
• Seasonal festivals at Brookgreen Gardens
• New Myrtle Beach events
• SurfWorks wave park
• New Myrtle Beach public beach rules

Families returning to Myrtle Beach will find plenty of new attractions in Myrtle Beach. Thrill seekers should plan to visit the new water park in Myrtle Beach, SurfWorks. The newest restaurant coming to Myrtle Beach in 2024 is Big Chill, a waterfront establishment at Barefoot Landing. After dining at Big Chill, vacationers can kick back and relax at the new brewery in Myrtle Beach, Voodoo Brewing Company. 

If you’re getting married on the Grand Strand in 2024, you’ll want to know the new rules in Myrtle Beach. Commercial weddings are no longer allowed on the public beach in Myrtle Beach, but happy couples can still say “I do” on a public beach if their Myrtle Beach wedding isn’t considered commercial, meaning there are no paid services like a photographer or caterer.

Add some new kinds of fun to your vacation itinerary; we’ve done the legwork for you and created a list of the new places in Myrtle Beach to check out in 2024:

New Myrtle Beach Attractions

SurfWorks 

Surf Works is one of the most exciting new attractions in Myrtle Beach slated to open in 2024. This sprawling wave park will feature two surf pools, an auditorium, and dining options. Visitors are welcome to sign up for surfing lessons taught by trained professionals. 

Upcoming Events in Myrtle Beach

Seasonal Events at Brookgreen Gardens

Every year Brookgreen Gardens hosts new events for Myrtle Beach residents and visitors to enjoy. Learn about the Art Deco movement at their 2024 art exhibit or celebrate Mother Earth at their new Earth Day Festival. 

Jimmy Buffet Tribute Show at Alabama Theatre

In honor of the late Jimmy Buffet, on June 28th guests at Alabama Theatre will celebrate the life and music of this American singer and songwriter. The Jimmy Buffet Tribute Show welcomes theatre-goers of all ages to listen and sing along at this new Myrtle Beach event.

New Restaurants in Myrtle Beach

Big Chill at Barefoot Landing

In spring 2024, Barefoot Landing will welcome a new addition to its fleet of restaurants. Big Chill will be a 9,000-square-foot restaurant on the waterfront. If you’re staying at a hotel near Barefoot Landing this upcoming spring, you won’t want to miss dining at this new restaurant in Myrtle Beach.

Voodoo Brewing Company

Voodoo Brewing Company is expanding beyond Pennsylvania and opening up shop in South Carolina in 2024. The new brewery in Myrtle Beach will serve familiar Voodoo brews in a laid-back environment. Cool off after a long day on the beach with an ice-cold beer and good company.

Greg Rowles Dinner Theatre in North Myrtle Beach

Performer Greg Rowles is opening a new dinner show in North Myrtle Beach. Rowles was a regular performer at Alabama Theatre and will make the new Legacy Theatre his stage of choice in 2024. Enjoy dinner and a show at this new Vegas-style attraction and restaurant in Myrtle Beach.

The scenic Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a 1.2-mile-long promenade that’s home to some of the Grand Strand’s best attractions, restaurants, and hotels. This is one of the most popular best places for photos in Myrtle Beach because the area provides loads of Instagram-worthy backdrops. Smile in front of the bright lights of the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel or pose along the pier nearby.

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk address begins at 14th Avenue North and extends to 1st Avenue North, offering vacationers access to all the businesses and restaurants along the route. Walk from your hotel situated on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk to attractions in any direction with ease. The stroller- and wheelchair-friendly pathways offer convenience for anyone wanting to get out and sightsee.

The Boardwalk in Myrtle Beach is open 24/7, 365 days a year, making it one of the only attractions around that never closes, though each business keeps its own hours of operation. The piers open earliest, letting anglers get a line in right after breakfast, and other attractions along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk follow; the Fun Plaza Arcade and Boardwalk Arcade open at 10 a.m.; the SkyWheel and Ripley’s Crazy Golf and Mirror Maze and Believe It Or Not Odd-Itorium open at 11 a.m., and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, and the Free Fall Thrill Park open at noon. Several places to eat breakfast welcome early risers and many Myrtle Beach Boardwalk restaurants keep serving well into the evening for the late-night crowd.

Entertainment on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade

Walking the Boardwalk is fun in itself but this area also offers loads of entertainment. Mainstays on the Boardwalk are the rides, arcades, and Ripley’s attractions. Looking up at the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel gives you an idea of the amazing views you’ll see from the gondola. This observation wheel is one of many rides to enjoy on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, which offers thrill rides and zip lines for visitors to learn what the saying, “the sky’s the limit” really means.

Seasonal festivals on the Boardwalk provide things to do for any age, and there’s always something new to see. If you’re looking for kid-friendly attractions or things for teens to do, the Boardwalk should be your first stop. Adults also appreciate the beachfront bars offering refreshing drinks and incredible views.

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Restaurants

You don’t need to eat before you venture out for the day because the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk restaurants have any craving covered. Meandering the promenade will reveal all kinds of bars and grills, seafood shacks, upscale restaurants, ice cream shops, and candy stores. It would be hard to stay enough days in Myrtle Beach to try all the fantastic restaurants along this mile-long stretch.

Hotels on the Boardwalk in Myrtle Beach

Vacation plans make themselves when you stay at a Myrtle Beach Boardwalk hotel because you’re steps from the ocean and a few minutes’ walk from many attractions. Anyone who loves to be in the midst of all the action appreciates staying near bustling beaches, nightlife spots, and family attractions. Each hotel along this promenade offers a variety of rooms for every budget, with oceanfront views and all the amenities you’d expect at a world-class resort. You can find a hotel in Myrtle Beach with a Jacuzzi suite for a couples getaway or a water park hotel for a family trip without compromising on the location. 

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Parking

Choosing a hotel in Myrtle Beach with free parking within walking distance of the promenade can save you money on parking meters, but the Boardwalk lots make visiting from anywhere easy. Stay at a hotel in South Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach and take advantage of the parking near the Boardwalk to explore the entire downtown area. Parking includes metered spots and spaces in designated lots and parking decks. Some allow all-day parking at a single rate, depending on the demand, and others charge by the hour. 

Popular parking lots near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk include the Pavilion Parking Garage and Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Parking, which offer daily and weekly passes. There is also the option of a non-resident long-term pass, which cuts costs for snowbirds who love spending time at the Boardwalk. You’ll also find oceanfront lots and first-come, first-served parking near public beach accesses throughout this downtown district.

Any car with a valid handicap placard, a Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans, Medal of Honor license tag, or new “military plates” issued on or after May 6, 2022, may park for free in any public-operated parking meter, including those by the Boardwalk.

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Rules

Many Boardwalk rules are similar to Myrtle Beach area beach laws. Keep these rules in mind while you enjoy this beautiful, exciting area:

• Walking the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, or any public city street, with an open alcohol container is strictly forbidden; visitors are welcome to stop at beachfront bars or restaurants in the area to enjoy a refreshing cocktail and then continue perusing the promenade when finished. 
• Dogs are welcome on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk year-round, but during the high season (May 1st to Labor Day) pets are allowed to walk the promenade only between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m.
• Dogs must be on a leash that is seven feet long or shorter, and any animal droppings must be properly disposed of.
• Bicycles are allowed on the Boardwalk between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. from May 1 to Labor Day and after Labor Day, bikes are allowed anytime.
• It is illegal to disturb or damage the dunes along the ocean and Boardwalk; pedestrians, bicyclists, and beachgoers must stick to the marked paths.
• Littering is illegal in any public place, including the Boardwalk. Trash receptacles are located throughout the area for visitors to use.