Myrtle Beach located on South Carolina's coast is a popular summer vacation spot. It is known for its great beaches, outlet shopping, and extensive entertainment options. The most popular months to visit are from the first of June through the middle of August. What many people do not realize is that the fall time period can be the best time to visit.
Here are my reasons for visiting in the fall:
- You can still enjoy all of those fun beach activities like lying out on the beach, playing in the ocean or swimming pool, or even taking long walks down the beach without having to fight the crowds. The temperatures in late August through the end of September are usually still warm enough to support these outdoor activities. Many of the condominiums and hotels actually heat their pools and lazy rivers during this period of time.
- Myrtle Beach has just opened one of the greatest amusement parks ever. The Hard Rock Park has plenty of thrill rides and great entertainment. It is more fun to visit when it's not ninety degrees outside. The slightly cooler temperatures in the fall are perfect for enjoying this destination. If you are planning on going, make sure to check out their website concert and event information. There have been many concerts by major bands at this park. In many cases, admission includes the concert.
- Accommodations are much cheaper in the fall months. Myrtle Beach has a great selection of houses, condominiums, and hotel rooms. They are priced by the season. Fall is typically a much cheaper rate than in the summer. Also, during the summer most house rentals must be made for a full week (Saturday - Saturday or Sunday - Sunday). In the fall, you rent a house for a partial week or entire weekend.
- Shopping is more enjoyable when the crowds and temperatures are lower. Myrtle Beach has some of the greatest shopping. Tanger Outlets (one on Hwy 501 and one on Hwy 17), Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach, and The Market Common are just a few of my favorite places to go. The newest of these shopping areas is The Market Common. It has plenty of dining options, a great theatre with stadium style seating, and great shopping.
- Evening entertainment is easier to arrange on short notice after those summer months. Myrtle Beach has a couple of great dinner shows (Dixie Stampede and Medieval Times) that you can usually get same day reservations for during the fall. The Carolina Opry, Alabama Theatre, and Legends in Concert are also great evening entertainment options that you can get in usually with same day reservations. It is also easier to get into the more popular seafood restaurants. During the summer, you either have to go early or plan on waiting an hour or more for a table in some of these restaurants.
Reduced crowds, better prices, and cooler yet still warm temperatures are the main reasons to try Myrtle Beach after the summer crowds have left. I hope you give it a try.
