There’s something special about the way North Myrtle Beach greets the day — and how it winds down at night. With wide, quiet beaches, gentle waves, and sky views that stretch for miles, NMB offers some of the most peaceful moments you can experience on the South Carolina coast. If you’re wondering, “Can you see the sunrise from North Myrtle Beach?” The answer is absolutely yes.
Here, the sun rises over the Atlantic, painting the shoreline in soft pastels. In the evenings, the glow shifts westward, lighting up marshes, and the Intracoastal Waterway with warm, golden color. And the best part? You’re never far from a great breakfast, a relaxing dinner, or a refreshing drink to pair with the view.
If you’re an early riser or a sunset chaser, this guide will help you find the top spots for sunset views in North Myrtle Beach, along with the best places to catch a sunrise, where to stay, and how to make the most of each moment.
Best Sunrises in North Myrtle Beach
Whether you take in the sunrise while getting in your steps on the soft sand, or sitting with a blanket and coffee, you’ll see why people say the sunrises in North Myrtle Beach are outstanding.
Cherry Grove Beach & Cherry Grove Pier
Cherry Grove Pier is one of the most iconic sunrise spots in town. The long wooden pier stretches into the Atlantic, giving you a beautiful silhouette as the sun climbs behind it. The beach here is wide and peaceful, making it easy to spread out a blanket and enjoy the quiet.
Nearby Breakfast & Coffee:
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Boulineau’s Kitchen (inside Boulineau’s IGA) - hearty Southern breakfast combinations and delicious coffee
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Salty Brews Cafe - specialty coffees, mimosas, and more
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Snooky’s Oceanfront - If you’re in town on Sunday, enjoy brunch with a Bloody Mary buffet!
Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive is known for its nostalgic charm, but it’s also a lovely sunrise spot. The beach is easy to access, and the soft morning light reflects beautifully off the shoreline.
Nearby Breakfast & Coffee:
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Golden Griddle Pancake House - a Main Street staple for classic morning comfort food
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Hoskins Restaurant - mouthwateringly delicious breakfasts, and locally owned since 1948
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Eggs Up Grill – everything from your favorite omelet to blueberry pancakes and crispy bacon
Windy Hill Beach
Windy Hill is the southernmost point in North Myrtle Beach, and the colors often feel especially soft here. It’s a great place for photographers or anyone who wants a reflective start to the day.
Nearby Breakfast & Coffee:
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Southern Sunrise Pancake House - quality breakfasts and southern hospitality
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Johnny D’s Waffles & Benedicts - elevated breakfast menu with fresh coffee and specialty bowls
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Sweet Girlz Bakery and Cafe - a variety of baked goods, coffee, and breakfast items
Where to Stay for Easy Sunrise Viewing
There are numerous places to stay in North Myrtle Beach, but if you want to wake up and walk straight onto the sand, consider oceanfront hotels. Properties along the beachfront give you effortless access to sunrise views right from your balcony or just a few steps from your room. Many travelers love staying near Cherry Grove Pier or along Ocean Boulevard for the convenience and peaceful morning atmosphere. A few options are:
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Best Western Ocean Sands Resort - independently-owned and right on the beach, and they offer a complimentary deluxe breakfast
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Seaside Resort - one, two, and three-bedroom condos, each with a balcony, so you can enjoy the sunrises from your suite
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Bay Watch Resort & Conference Center - right on the beach with various luxury lodging options. And it’s not too far from Barefoot Landing.
Top Spots for Sunset Views in North Myrtle Beach
While the sun rises in the east over the ocean, the sunsets here glow over marshes, creeks, harbors, and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Here’s the amazing thing about the South Carolina coast: the shoreline actually runs northwest, which means you can also face southward on the beach and catch some beautiful sunsets there as well. A sunset cruise is also an exciting way to enjoy a North Myrtle Beach sunset, and options can be found here.
Below are some of the most memorable sunset spots in town.
The Intracoastal Waterway
The North Myrtle Beach stretch of the 3,000-mile Intracoastal Waterway is one of the most peaceful places to watch the day wind down. Boats drift by, the water reflects the sky, and the colors stretch across the horizon. It’s a great place for a quiet walk or a relaxing dinner, and because it drifts along the length of North Myrtle Beach, there are plenty of options.
Nearby Dinner & Drinks:
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Filet’s Steaks and Seafood - steaks, seafood, and cocktails overlooking the harbor
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Boardwalk Billy’s - seafood, sushi, elevated bar food, and a laid‑back sunset atmosphere
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Captain Archies - plenty of outdoor casual dining and live entertainment regularly.
Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing sits right on the waterway, making it a lovely place to watch the sky change while you stroll, shop, or grab dinner. The boardwalk wraps around a lake and along the Intracoastal Waterway, giving you plenty of places to pause and take in the view with sunset reflections.
Nearby Dinner & Drinks:
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Big Chill Island House - island-inspired cuisine with a sunset celebration every night
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Lulu’s North Myrtle Beach - coastal bites, casual cocktails and family fun
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Greg Norman Australian Grille - steak, seafood, and a warm, glowing waterfront setting
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Taco Mundo - margaritas, Mexican fare, and colorful sunset views
Heritage Shores Nature Preserve
This quiet preserve in Cherry Grove offers boardwalk trails through the marsh, giving you a front‑row seat to the evening glow. The reflections on the water, the silhouettes of blowing grass, and the peaceful sounds of nature make this a beautiful place to end the day.
Nearby Dinner & Drinks:
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Snooky’s Oceanfront - on the beach, but the sunset sky to the south is gorgeous at sundown
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Platt’s Seafood – carry-out seafood dinner to take home after the sun goes down
Where to Stay for Easy Sunset Viewing
For sunset lovers, staying near the Intracoastal Waterway or Barefoot Landing gives you quick access to evening views, waterfront dining, and peaceful strolls. Many places to stay in these areas offer west‑facing balconies or easy access to marinas and boardwalks where the colors reflect beautifully off the water. But there’s one spot on the Intracoastal with proximity to some great restaurants as well. That’s the Harbourgate Resort & Marina.
Tips for the Perfect Sunrise or Sunset Experience
A few simple touches can make your sunrise or sunset outing even more memorable:
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Arrive 15 - 20 minutes early. The most beautiful colors often appear before the sun rises or just after it sets.
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Bring a light jacket or blanket. Mornings can feel cool, even in summer.
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Use simple camera settings. Turn on HDR, tap to focus on the sky, and look for reflections in wet sand or calm water.
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Pack a small beach chair or towel. Comfort makes the moment even better.
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Pair the view with food or drinks. Take a coffee or mimosa to savor as the sun comes up. Or grab a meal after sunup or sundown.
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Check the tide chart. Low tide often creates reflective pools that make photos even more beautiful.
North Myrtle Beach offers inspiring moments from dawn to dusk. Start planning your vacation now. Whether you’re sipping coffee as the sun rises over the Atlantic or enjoying dinner as the sky glows over the marsh, these experiences will linger long after your trip ends.