North Myrtle Beach is an under the radar fall destination thanks to incredible weather, expansive beaches, seasonal festivals and events, outdoor fun and waterfront staples for food and drink. Likewise, with an array of accommodations and activities, the beach town is ideal for affordable getaways, couples escapes, golf or fishing trips, family breaks and snowbird extended stays.
Autumn visitors to this charming coastal community can look forward to:
Fall Festivals and Events
Music on Main (Sept.): Enjoy free live music with locals and visitors alike at the Music on Main concert series summer Thursdays on Main Street through September
Society of Shaggers Fall Migration (Sept. 14-24): A 10-day celebration of South Carolina’s official state dance - The Shag - with dancing, music and more across the beach town’s famous shag clubs
Septemberfest & Duplin Winery Grape Stomp (Sept. 16): A celebration of harvest and wine, featuring festive activities for all ages, live music and grape stomping at Barefoot Landing’s Dockside Village
Irish Italian International Festival (Sept. 30): Live entertainment, craft vendors, and delicious international foods draw thousands to Main Street to celebrate different cultures
US Pro Mini-Golf Association Masters(Oct. 3-7): The best of the best compete for the title of Pro Mini Golf Champ in this three-day tournament, Green Jacket included
Wheel to Surf (Oct. 7): This accessible event, hosted by the Adaptive Surf Project, aims to help individuals with disabilities surf by providing specially-made boards and features an adaptive surfing clinic for all ages and abilities
Cruise to the Coast Car Show (Oct. 7): Classic car lovers flock to North Myrtle Beach during the annual Chicora Car Club Classic Car Show to see makes and models of all styles throughout the years
Shrimp Festival (Oct. 14-15): In neighboring Little River, fresh shrimp and local seafood are served along the nearby Little River waterfront with live music and over 100 vendors
Oktoberfest (Oct. 15): German- and fall-themed food and drinks, special discounts, live music and a Weiner Dog contest at Barefoot Landing
Boo Fest (Oct. 28): Children's and pet costume contests with prizes for the top three in each category, followed by an evening movie screening of "Hocus Pocus" at the Dockside Village Amphitheater in Barefoot Landing
Carolina Beach Music Awards (Nov. 12): This annual event pays tribute to Carolina Beach Music, its influences and offshoots by celebrating winners in various categories and commemorating those who pioneered the music and contributed to this distinct Carolina lifestyle
Outdoor Activities
Beach: Enjoy nine miles of spacious beaches including Cherry Grove, Crescent Beach, Ocean Drive and Windy Hill which are dog-friendly (on leash) seasonally beginning Labor Day
Golf: The Grand Strand is known as “The Golf Capital of the World” and is home to over 80 championship golf courses with many of the top rated and picturesque courses located in North Myrtle Beach along with mini-golf for all ages and abilities
Fishing: Freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities abound with deep-sea charters, pier fishing, surf fishing and inshore fishing
Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Guided tours are offered in various locations and times of day across the Grand Strand, including Waites Island, the Waccamaw River and the Cherry Grove Marsh to experience the serenity and beauty of the area's coastal ecosystem
Horseback Riding: Discover the scenic beauty of North Myrtle Beach from a different perspective through riding along scenic trails, with guided tours from Inlet Point Plantation on Waites Island
Explore Natural Surroundings: From nature walks to bird-watching, experience the local flora and fauna at Heritage Shores Nature Preserve, Russell Burgess Coastal Preserve, The North Myrtle Beach Nature Trail and more
Cruising: Small fishing excursions, private charters, sunset dinner cruises on the Barefoot Queen Riverboat and dolphin cruises are just a few on the water experiences that await
Waterfront Food & Drink
Snooky’s - Situated right on the beach, this charming locally owned restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, serving up everything from mouth watering shrimp and oysters to succulent fish tacos and crab cake sandwiches in a laid-back, friendly atmosphere.
Boardwalk Billy’s - Located on the Doc Holidays Marina overlooking the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway, this casual local favorite is known for its raw bar and sushi, with a spacious deck and a view that can’t be beat.
Flying Fish - A treasured waterfront dining experience serving southern seafood favorites and an extensive selection of sushi with Grade A Tuna, Crunchy Tempura, Eel and Spicy Crab. Don't miss the Spicy Corn Fritters or Fried Quinoa Shrimp during the daily Happy Hour.
Molly Darcy’s - A festive watering hole by the beach, Molly Darcy's Irish Pub & Restaurant serves both Irish and American cuisine. Molly's offers live music on Friday and Saturday night, line dancing on Tuesday nights and Happy Hour daily.
Greg Norman - Serves up mouthwatering dishes and an award winning wine menu – all on the waterfront in an upscale, family-friendly setting that will leave diners feeling like they’re sitting in one of Sydney’s finest harborside restaurants.
Landshark Bar and Grill at Barefoot Landing - A relaxed waterfront eatery featuring American beach food with a fresh coastal twist, cold draft LandShark Lager, frozen concoctions and live music. With an abundance of patio seating and a spacious outdoor bar with covered seating, it is a lively setting day or night at Barefoot Landing.
Crooked Hammock - Situated in Barefoot Landing, the complete working brewery full-service restaurant experience features indoor/outdoor seating, fire pits, a playground for kids, bocce ball, corn hole and of course, hammocks. Enjoy craft beer at the lakefront bar along with a menu inspired by backyard cookouts.
The Oyster Rock - Just outside of North Myrtle Beach, enjoy a family-owned and operated waterfront Calabash seafood restaurant specializing in seafood and raw bar items, mixed with a flavorful variety of beef, chicken and pork dishes, along with sandwiches and burgers all prepared in house daily with the freshest and finest local and regional ingredients. Overlooking the Calabash River, both indoor and outdoor seating offer scenic views of the estuaries.