Got some vacation time to spare? Pack your bags, grab your significant other and head to North Myrtle Beach for a fun-filled yet relaxing long weekend.
Even in winter, the beach is full of things to do. We’ve put together a three-day itinerary full of the area’s top-rated activities that you can enjoy together.
Settle In and Kick Back
After you get checked in, take a stroll on the beach. You’ll notice that temperatures still feel quite mild, you’ll see that you have a lot more of the beach to yourself now than in the summer. Spread out a blanket, sip your favorite hot beverage, and take a moment to settle into vacation mode by soaking in the sounds and sights of the waves as they hit the shore.
Relieve Some Stress
Spend the afternoon outside of your comfort zone by trying a new activity, like axe throwing. At Jack Axe Throwing right here in North Myrtle Beach, you’ll learn how to throw axes like a professional—but will you be able to hit a target? For an hour of throwing, it’s just $25. Before you head out the door, be sure to put on some closed-toe shoes (safety first… no flip flops allowed).
After all that axe throwing, you’ve likely worked up an appetite. Stop for dinner at one of North Myrtle Beach’s delicious restaurants! If you love seafood, drive across the street to Rockefellers Raw Bar. Take a seat in a bar stool inspired by authentic captain’s chairs, then order a round of oysters, peel-n-eat shrimp, or one of their famous steam kettles. Each kettle includes fresh seafood steamed in your choice of seasonings, so you might even want to come back and try a new flavor.
DAY 2:
Rise and Shine
Driving through North Myrtle Beach along Highway 17, it’s hard to miss the number of pancake houses in the area. Fuel up for the day with a massive stack of flapjacks, specialty omelets, or one-of-a-kind benedicts at local favorites like Dino’s House of Pancakes, Hoskins Restaurant, Hot Stacks, Southern Sunrise Pancake House, Jonny D’s, or Blueberry’s Grill (see – we told you there are a lot!)
Tee Off
The North Myrtle Beach area is a golfer’s paradise, so if you like to hit the greens together, don’t miss your chance to tee off at some of South Carolina’s most prestigious golf courses. Beachwood Golf Club is a public 18-hole course right in the heart of North Myrtle Beach. It’s the perfect place to spend a winter perfecting your swings: Beachwood offers an all-grass driving range, two large practice greens, a chipping area and a practice bunker.
If you aren’t quite ready to hit bigger greens, you can still enjoy one of North Myrtle Beach’s favorite pastimes in the form of mini golf. While you’re at it, you can stop by the home of the Masters of Mini Golf. Each year, the US ProMiniGolf Association holds their Masters Tournament here. You can play the same course as the pros at Hawaiian Rumble Mini Golf and Batting Cages. Talk about bragging rights!
Become a Connoisseur of Spirits
After some friendly golf competition, grab a drink at the Grand Strand’s first distillery, Twelve 33. Located in Little River, you can take a guided tour around Twelve 33’s impressive facility to learn how different spirits are made, including fermentation, distillation, blending and bottling. Afterward, enjoy a tasting flight of six handcrafted spirits or a mini cocktail flight. Each flight includes four half-sized cocktails from their seasonal menu, so you’ll get to try something new and different with every visit.
Insider Tip: we recommend opting for the VIP Tour, where you can sample your spirits of choice in their hidden speakeasy. (Shh – you didn’t hear about it from us!)
Join the Festivities
North Myrtle Beach is home to several festivals and events throughout the year, even in the winter! If you’re here for the holidays, don’t miss the tree lightings, Christmas parades and holiday concerts. If you’re making a winter trip after the holidays have passed, check out the event calendars at the area’s local theaters like the House of Blues, Carolina Opry and Alabama Theatre, where you can catch live performances and shows every weekend.
DAY 3:
Reconnect with Mother Nature
On the last day of your vacation, make some time for nature. If you’re an early riser, catch the sunrise on the beach. One of the best-kept secrets in North Myrtle Beach is at the very end of Cherry Grove Beach, known as the inlet point, where natural dunes and grasses create a one-of-a-kind backdrop, for the best Insta-moment.
Stretch your legs before hitting the road and take a stroll along the Cherry Grove Fishing Pier.
Caffeine Up
Get your caffeine fix at one of North Myrtle Beach’s unique coffee shops, like Native Joe’s Scoop & Grind. Here, you’ll find Pura Vida Fair Trade Organic Coffee—which doesn’t just taste good, it does good. Every cup supports the Create Good Foundation, whose mission is to promote health, education and economic programs for families in coffee-growing communities around the globe.
Another local favorite is Café de Paris, a cozy, French-inspired spot in Barefoot Landing. If you brought your furry four-legged friend with you on vacation, you will all enjoy sitting outside at their charming bistro tables.
During your visit, show us your favorite way to enjoy a long weekend at the beach by sharing your photos on social media using #JustCoast!