What To Do In Myrtle Beach In December

December in Myrtle Beach feels like a secret. The summer crowds have gone home, the ocean keeps rolling, and the whole coast exhales. You get the beach without the bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Is it warm enough to swim? Usually, no. But you can still walk the sand in a hoodie, hunt for shells, and watch dolphins from the shore. Think of it as the beach’s cozy season.

Take a Quiet Beach Walk (Yes, Really)

Morning is the sweet spot. The light is soft, the air is crisp, and the sand is practically yours. It’s like having a giant Zen garden that happens to be next to the Atlantic.

Bring a thermos of coffee. Wear layers. If the wind picks up, lean into it and pretend you’re in a moody music video.

Catch a Holiday Show

Myrtle Beach goes all-in on Christmas entertainment. The Carolina Opry, Alabama Theatre, and Pirates Voyage all roll out holiday productions. You get singing, dancing, acrobatics, and enough tinsel to make your living room jealous.

Are these shows cheesy? Sometimes, in the best way. It’s like a holiday sweater come to life, but with better lighting.

Walk Through a Thousand Candles

Brookgreen Gardens hosts Nights of a Thousand Candles, and it’s a stunner. Thousands of real candles and lights turn the sculpture garden into a glowing wonderland. It feels like stepping into a storybook, minus the talking animals.

Book tickets early. December evenings get chilly, so bring a coat and maybe gloves. The hot cider helps.

Eat Seafood Without the Wait

Summer restaurant waits can feel like a second job. In December, you can stroll into many seafood spots and get a table. She-crab soup, fried oysters, and shrimp and grits taste even better when you’re not sweating.

Myrtle Beach Weather in December - MyrtleBeach.com

Try a local oyster roast if you spot one. It’s messy, salty, and weirdly social. Like a campfire, but with shells.

Play Golf for Less

Golf is a big deal here, and winter rates are friendlier. Courses are quieter, so your round feels less like rush hour. The air is cool, the fairways are green, and you might finish before lunch.

Just check for overseeding schedules. Some courses punch greens in winter. A quick call saves surprises.

Explore State Parks and Marshwalks

Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park are lovely in December. Fewer people mean more birds, more quiet, and better photos. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Murrells Inlet’s MarshWalk is also worth a wander. The views are moody and beautiful, and the seafood joints are still hopping. It’s like a low-key boardwalk for grown-ups.

See the Lights, Ride the SkyWheel

Broadway at the Beach and North Myrtle Beach put on holiday light displays. You can drive through some, or walk around with cocoa. The SkyWheel may run weather permitting, and the views are wild when the lights are on.

12 Fun Things To Do In Myrtle Beach During December | QuartzMountain

Is it too cold for a Ferris wheel? Maybe. But the heated gondolas help. And the ocean looks dramatic from up there.

Do a Little Holiday Shopping

Outlet malls and local shops are calmer in December, at least on weekdays. You can actually browse without elbowing anyone. That’s a holiday miracle in itself.

Look for coastal-themed ornaments and gifts. They beat another scented candle, right?

What About New Year’s Eve?

If your December trip stretches to the 31st, check local events. Some bars, restaurants, and resorts host parties, and fireworks may pop up along the coast. It’s not Times Square, and that’s kind of the point.

Embrace the Slow Pace

December in Myrtle Beach isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing enough. Sleep in, take a long walk, eat something warm, and watch the sunset at 5 p.m. like it’s a scheduled event.

If summer here is a loud party, December is the quiet coffee the next morning. Different vibe, same beautiful coast. And honestly? That might be the best way to see it.