Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand are popular among Canadians in the summer, and certainly during Spring Break season in the late winter/early spring when warm weather and sandy beaches beckon families looking to escape the cold and snow at home. But city tourism officials maintain that Fall may be the best time of all to visit the South Carolina destination.
With blue skies and sunshine well into late fall, visitors will still find temperatures averaging between 23 and 26 degrees Celsius – ideal for golf at the area’s famed courses – as well as fewer crowds on the beaches and boardwalk, leaving more space to revel in the area’s coastal charm and laid-back atmosphere.
“It’s a great way to extend summer,” says Denielle Van Dyke of Visit Myrtle Beach. “The weather is really beautiful, the ocean water is still warm – you can still go to the beach – but there’s not quite as many visitors.”
And as the leaves begin to drop at home, so do the prices in Myrtle Beach, meaning even greater value for shoulder- and off-season travellers as local accommodations and attractions post great incentive deals for visitors.
Fishing on the pierAt same time, fall in Myrtle Beach offers a host of seasonal celebrations and festivals, plus outdoor activities and hidden gems that showcase the area’s unique charm.
Van Dyke says Fall is her favourite time of year to play golf (not too hot) and also for outdoor activities like kayaking in one of the area’s two state parks.
Along with year-round entertainment, first-rate music, and family attractions – including arguably the world’s foremost mini-golf venues – plus shopping and sampling fresh coastal Carolina cuisine, visitors can be as busy as they care to.
Of course, Myrtle Beach goes all out for Halloween (don’t’ miss the Halloween ‘capital’ Conway) and US Thanksgiving (Nov. 28), leading into the colourful Christmas season, which includes such notable events as Winter Wonderland at the Beach, Nights of 1000 Candles, and The Great Christmas Light Show.
“There’s something truly special about fall in Myrtle Beach,” says Stuart Butler, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Myrtle Beach. “It’s the perfect time to enjoy festivals, take in the beauty of the area and soak in the warmth of our community. We invite everyone to experience the magic of autumn along the Grand Strand and to create memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime.”
For more information, check out the Fall Vacation guide HERE.