Myrtle Beach Hotels Blog

Visiting Myrtle Beach in January?! What?! While a trip to the beach during a winter month may seem undesirable to some, the January weather in Myrtle Beach actually makes it a great vacation destination. Since there is a lull in tourists, you’ll find fewer crowds at your resort and at area events, shows, and attractions, plus the mild temperatures in South Carolina offer a wonderful escape from winter. If you’re undecided, take a look at this list of 5 reasons to visit Myrtle Beach in January: 

Ring in the New Year Myrtle-Beach Style

Make it to the beach in time to toast to 2023 at one of the many wonderful New Year’s Eve celebrations around town. Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly evening, a romantic couples dinner, or a traditional party, Myrtle Beach offers many types of NYE events. The Grand Strand is known for its brilliant fireworks, too, so watch the night sky and welcome the New Year with a bang. If nightlife isn’t your thing, check out Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach on January 1st to join in their Noon Years Day family-friendly party for kids. 

Trade in the Cold for Mild Myrtle Beach Weather

While the weather in Myrtle Beach in January isn’t necessarily ideal for beachgoers, it is mild and pleasant, especially for anyone traveling from a snowy location. The average air temperature in Myrtle Beach in January is about 55°F, so you can trade in your boots and heavy coat for tennis shoes and lighter layers while exploring all the Grand Strand has to offer. The ocean’s 50℉ is too chilly for a swim, but you can enjoy the beautiful view and stroll along the beach without worrying about frostbite.

Get the Best Deals on Myrtle Beach Hotels in January

January is when you’ll find some of the best Myrtle Beach hotel rates of the entire year. Since the holidays are over and many people aren’t traveling, getting a great deal on your favorite accommodations is easy. The average hotel rate for January is roughly half what you would normally spend during the summer months, and since visitors are sparse, it won’t be hard securing a room in an oceanfront suite, at a kid-friendly hotel, or in any of the boardwalk hotels right in the heart of it all.

Find Many Fun Things To Do in Myrtle Beach

Even though holiday celebrations in Myrtle Beach die down after the first week of the New Year, there are still plenty of fun things to do in the Grand Strand. The weather in January is just right for outdoor activities such as horseback riding, biking, hiking, visiting gardens, and fishing. There are always great events to take in, too! Following the Christmas season, area theaters have ended their holiday performances, so you can be first to catch brand new shows.

Enjoy Off-Season Myrtle Beach Perks in January

Once the holiday tourists disappear, you’ll notice one of the best perks of visiting Myrtle Beach in January: sparse crowds. You may even feel like you have the area all to yourself, yet there are still tons of attractions open and things to do at your hotel and around the Grand Strand. While at your resort, you won’t need to worry about long waits for elevators or a crowded pool deck or arcade. And when you venture out in January around Myrtle Beach, you’ll notice fewer lines at boardwalk attractions, no waiting at area restaurants, a selection of available tee times, and you can easily snag a fabulous seat at the show you’ve always wanted to see.

Book your trip in Myrtle Beach this January to take advantage of off-season hotel deals and less-crowded attractions, restaurants, and shows. Arrive early to ring in the New Year in style at any of the area parties and stick around for lots of events and things to do. The temperatures in Myrtle Beach in January are perfect for outdoor adventures, lounging by indoor pools, and pretty much anything else you’d like to do, so come discover how much fun a winter beach trip can be!

Treat yourself and your family to a fantastic holiday trip to Myrtle Beach this December! Not only is holiday cheer everywhere, but the Grand Strand’s mild December weather makes it a haven for anyone escaping snow and bone-chilling winter temperatures. If you’re considering a Myrtle Beach December getaway, this list of five reasons to go should help seal the deal:

The Holiday Cheer of Myrtle Beach in December

When you arrive in December, the first things you’ll notice about Myrtle Beach are an abundance of local events and bountiful holiday cheer. Walk around Broadway at the Beach gazing at festive decorations, or head over to Brookgreen Gardens for the breathtaking Night of a Thousand Candles.

Because the weather in Myrtle Beach in December is so agreeable, it’s fun to attend outdoor tree lighting events, Christmas parades, or go on a sleigh ride at The Market Common. Don’t forget to see the impressive display at Ripley’s Festival of Trees—there’s a theme for every state!

Local Myrtle Beach theaters also go all out in December. Make sure to schedule time to see any of the wonderful holiday shows and productions during your visit. Some favorites of locals and tourists include Alabama Theatre’s “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show,” The Carolina Opry Christmas Special, and the Legends in Concert Holiday Show. The decorated venues are photo-worthy and the mix of traditional music and new holiday hits gets everyone into the spirit of the season.

December Hotel Deals in Myrtle Beach

While the December weather in Myrtle Beach may warm you up, the hot off-season hotel deals certainly will! The month of December has fewer people visiting, so hotels wanting to fill those vacancies offer some of their best rates in the winter compared to the rest of the year.

The average room cost for a Myrtle Beach hotel during December is about half that of one during the summer months. Use the extra savings to splurge on holiday shows, area attractions, or to extend your vacation and stay for the New Year’s Eve festivities.

Less-Crowded Myrtle Beach Attractions & Restaurants

Expect less waiting and shorter lines at your favorite attractions, shows, and events when you visit Myrtle Beach in December. You can usually find great dining options without reservations, and anyone looking to relax will be happy to find most of the summertime hustle and bustle disappeared with the crowds.

Take in The Grand Strand at a leisurely pace, wandering shops, strolling the boardwalk, and soaking in the hotel’s heated pool or spa. Another bonus of visiting Myrtle Beach in December is you’ll most likely see fewer tourists and more locals, an advantage for the visitor because locals know the ins and outs of everything and they’re great resources for dinner or nightlife recommendations and directions. 

Mild Myrtle Beach Weather in December

If you’re from a northern state, the temperatures in Myrtle Beach in December will offer a welcome respite from the cold. With average temperatures around 60°F during the holiday season, Myrtle Beach is warmer than many US locations and has limited precipitation, so the mild weather feels pleasant to visitors.

The average ocean temperature is only 50℉ in December, so you probably won’t want to take a dip in the Atlantic this time of year, but it is warm enough to walk to shops without a bulky coat, dress up for fabulous dining, and hike through Myrtle Beach parks.

Excellent Holiday Shopping in Myrtle Beach

Ah yes, shopping. While you’re visiting, take advantage of all the fantastic shops and malls in the Myrtle Beach area to check some items off your holiday list. Since the stores are less crowded, you can take your time perusing to find just-right gifts for loved ones you’re missing back home and special souvenirs for yourself as well.

Myrtle Beach in December features lots of pop-up holiday markets and craft fairs too, which are excellent venues for finding one-of-a-kind items made by local artists. For retail chains, boutique stores, and specialty shops, visit these area shopping centers:

  • Coastal Grand Mall
  • Broadway at the Beach
  • Barefoot Landing
  • The Market Common
  • Inlet Square Mall
  • The Pawleys Island Hammock Shops
  • Coastal North Town Center
  • Tanger Outlets (two locations)

You won’t regret your winter getaway to the beach! The warm Myrtle Beach weather in December is the perfect welcome you need to explore the Grand Strand, finish your holiday shopping, and get into the spirit of the season. Take advantage of reduced off-season rates at many Myrtle Beach hotels and resorts this December to make your lead-up to the New Year nothing short of spectacular.

If you’re searching for a new and exciting vacation activity, look no further than ATV riding in Myrtle Beach! ATV riding is a great way to explore the Myrtle Beach area and see things you wouldn’t be able to see on foot. It’s also a lot of fun. And there are plenty of places to rent an ATV in Myrtle Beach, and many trails to choose from, so you can find the best options for your skill level. For a fun adventure on your Myrtle Beach vacation, consider renting an ATV: You won’t be disappointed.

The Best Time of Year To Go ATV Riding in Myrtle Beach 

Fall is hands-down the best time of year to ride an ATV in Myrtle Beach, and here’s why:

  1. The weather is cooler and more comfortable.
  2. The trails are less crowded.
  3. The scenery is beautiful, thanks to the changing leaves.

Not only is the Myrtle Beach weather amazing in the fall and early winter, but you can also enjoy the beautiful colors, on the beach and off. With miles of trails and plenty of things to see, there’s no shortage of adventure to be had riding an ATV in Myrtle Beach.

Best ATV Tours Around Myrtle Beach

The Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach, and the surrounding areas, offer some great spots for ATV riding. Below we have listed some of the best local ATV tour companies to help you plan your adventure.

Myrtle Beach ATV & MX Park

Located about 30 miles from The Grand Strand near Loris, Myrtle Beach ATV & MX Park is a popular destination for local ATV enthusiasts. You can ride all day for just $25 per rider, and spectators are free. They also host races, and offer classes for new riders of all ages. 

Carolina Backwoods ATV Adventures

This outfit, located just over the border in North Carolina, poses one simple question for its potential ATV-ers: down and dirty or high and dry? The answer determines where your guide will take you and your group of no more than 10. Tours are about two hours and protective gear is provided. Call ahead for more details.

Battery Park ATV

About an hour outside of Myrtle Beach lies the off-roading Mecca of Nesmith, S.C.. While ATV-ers vie for space with dirt bikes, Jeeps, and dune buggies, riders enjoy a good amount of freedom out here. Equipment rentals are available (adult ATV rentals are $150) as are lessons and guided group tours on their dozens of miles of property. If you really want to make an event of it, consider booking a campsite. 

Carolina Adventure World

This is more in the neighborhood of Columbia, S.C., rather than in Myrtle Beach, but if you don’t mind a three-hour drive, consider it. This spot is as it sounds — a world of adventure — with more than 100 miles of trails and thousands of acres of muddy bogs, watery crossings, and quiet woods, save for the hum of your motor. As with other companies, a large security deposit is required. But if you are safe, courteous, and leave the hot doggy stunt stuff for the video games, you’ll get every penny of that deposit back.

Myrtle Beach is hosting the 38th annual World Am Golf Tournament! Join over 3,000 golfers on nearly 60 of the Grand Strand’s best golf courses. Visit The Golf Capital of the World and meet new golfers, play new courses, and stand a chance to win! This tournament pays out the top 5 in each flight, which means over 300 people will leave a winner. Not to mention $30,000 in random drawings prizes will be given away! Register for a limited-time entry fee of $559.

If you love the outdoors and want a less-traditional place to stay in Myrtle Beach other than high-rise resorts, then consider camping! Myrtle Beach is home to a long list of popular campgrounds that offer cabins, RV hookups, and tent camping with a variety of amenities.

Want to camp out in Myrtle Beach? Check out these top 10 campgrounds across the Grand Strand:

Myrtle Beach is becoming a music capital, and it’s largely thanks to the work of Calvin Gilmore and the Carolina Opry.

Gilmore, a singer-songwriter in his own right in addition to being a producer and director, founded the Opry in 1986 in a 1,000-seat theater in Surfside Beach. It was a hit. Sell-out crowds inspired Gilmore to open a second show, The Dixie Jubilee, in North Myrtle Beach.

By 1993, both shows were blockbuster successes, and Gilmore consolidated the Carolina Opry in a new, gorgeous 2,200-seat theater in Myrtle Beach.

Today, the Carolina Opry performs 8,000 shows a year and is a highlight of the Myrtle Beach entertainment scene.

The namesake show, performed at least three nights a week, is an award-winning blend of high-energy music, comedy and dance, polished with state-of-the-art lighting, sound and special effects. It features All That, stars of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” Nashville musician Brad Long, and more than 35 performers doing everything from rock to country to Broadway to pop. The variety show is in its 28th season and has been running longer than any show in Broadway history. It received the Governor’s Cup, the state of South Carolina’s highest honor for tourism, and was named the state’s Most Outstanding Attraction by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

But the Carolina Opry has more to offer, too.

Time Warp is a pop music show performed three times a week. Featuring tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s, the show blends music with multimedia screens, special effects and inspired costuming. Performed live by the cast of the Opry, this is a high-energy show that will have you singing along and remembering America’s best popular music.

The Opry also offers its exciting LIGHT shows daily at 9:30 p.m. Laser light shows are combined with classic rock in this crowd-pleaser.  Enjoy shows based on the music of the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd or classic rock from various artists.

During the holiday season, the Carolina Opry offers its acclaimed Christmas Special, featuring holiday classics, music, comedy and dance. The theater is transformed into a Christmas wonderland during the run of the show, with dozens of Christmas trees, thousands of lights and wreaths and garlands delighting visitors as soon as they walk into the lobby.

For information on any of the Carolina Opry shows, call 800-843-6779.