As the summer season comes to an end and the weather finally cools down, fall fun is heating up in Myrtle Beach. Whether your fall getaway has already begun or you are still in the planning process, allow the Dayton House Resort to be your local guide to the best fall fun taking place in Myrtle Beach this year.
While the Myrtle Beach area’s summers may get more attention, savvy vacationers know a bit of an insider’s secret — fall is a great time (and some might say an even better time) to enjoy the Grand Strand. Not only will you snag huge savings on your accommodations, but you’ll also discover awesome shopping deals, cooler weather, fewer crowds and fantastic festivals. Here are a few reasons to plan an autumn escape to Myrtle Beach as the sun-filled days continue:
Free Things To Do In Myrtle Beach This Fall
Whether you are enjoying a long Labor Day Weekend at the beach, a mid-October getaway or a relaxing escape before the holiday season begins, the Grand Strand is full of fun free activities. Check out these ways to have an unforgettable Myrtle Beach vacation this fall:
1. Get Your Beach On
Enjoy a day (or more) on the Grand Strand’s soft coastal sands with your family and friends. In addition to the beautiful stretch of shore found just beyond Dayton House’s oceanfront tanning lawn, the Grand Strand boasts 60-plus miles of coastline — providing plenty of open spaces to roll out a beach blanket, break out a beach umbrella, slather on some sunscreen and relax to the soothing sound of crashing ocean waves.
2. Stroll Along the Boardwalk
Running parallel to the Myrtle Beach coastline and offering amazing Atlantic Ocean views, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a picturesque, 1.2-mile wooden walkway that stretches from 14th Avenue North to 1st Avenue North. Two signature area piers mark the walkway’s endpoints, and fun attractions like the SkyWheel, a collection of Ripley’s attractions and the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove add to the fun to be had along the way.
3. Cast A Line From The Pier
The Myrtle Beach area is home to a number of piers that are prime for fishing. On the Boardwalk, pier fishing is available at Pier 14 and 2nd Ave Pier. On the Grand Strand’s southern end, the Garden City Pier has been voted one of the area’s best fishing piers. Plus, this pier boasts an arcade, a bar and a café and even hosts live music and karaoke on the weekends.
4. Fish In The Surf From The Beach
While the area’s piers always offer a great catch, experienced anglers can also try their luck with a line and a pole right from the beach — and even from the stretch of shoreline found right behind Dayton House Resort. We encourage all surf fishers to stay aware of their surroundings and be especially careful when swimmers or surfers are in the waters. Remember that surf fishing in Myrtle Beach does require a license, which can be purchased online. You’ll find the most up-to-date laws and regulations for fishing in the area on the SCDNR site.
5. Catch A Wave
One of the most enjoyable recreational activities Myrtle Beach has to offer and one that few visitors take advantage of is surfing. With the Atlantic Ocean in your own backyard, guests of Dayton House Resort have lots of opportunities to catch a wave. Offering relatively gentle and approachable swells, the Grand Strand is a great place for those who’ve always wanted to try their hand (or maybe their feet?) at the sport. A number of local vendors offer surfboard rentals and surfing lessons, with Jack’s Surf Lessons and Kokopelli Surf Camp among the most popular choices in the area.
6. Snag A Great Myrtle Beach Hotel Deal
What’s better than all of the fun fall activities listed above? Getting a great price on your oceanfront suite in Myrtle Beach! Beyond our spacious accommodations and wide range of family-friendly amenities, Dayton House Resort always has specials that will help you save big this fall. Book your seaside vacation today and save up to 30% on fall rates plus receive a free hot breakfast each day of your stay. You’re sure to have some sun-powered fun and make long-lasting memories during your Grand Strand vacation with us.
2022 Fall Events In Myrtle Beach
From food festivals and bike rallies to arts and crafts shows and international fairs, the Grand Strand’s fall festival frenzy has begun. Check out our list of Myrtle Beach’s best autumn events that you and your family won’t want to miss:
Saturday Concert Series | Each Saturday, Sept 3rd – Nov 26th
Head north to La Belle Amie Vineyard in Little River for a full day of live music, dancing, food and, of course, wine. Tasting sessions and tours of the countryside vineyard are available, and the music sets the mood for a full festive day at the winery. Live music varies each week from jazz and oldies to soft rock and country. Check the Vineyard’s website for this month’s festival concert schedule.
Wine Wednesdays On The Deck | Each Wednesday, Sept 7th – Nov 30th
Each week La Belle Amie Vineyard also hosts Wine Wednesdays. You’ll enjoy an afternoon relaxing at the vineyard under the cabanas and on the deck while listening to live music and sipping on local wine. The Vineyard Grill is open during the events and serves tasty sandwiches, fruit and cheese trays and small snacks. Reserve your tickets online today.
Coastal Carolina University Football | On-going This Fall
Taking the field at the newly renovated Brooks Stadium in Conway, the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers bring a taste of Division I college football to the Grand Strand. This year’s schedule runs from early September through late November, and the competing teams primarily include a string of Sun Belt Conference rivals. Grab your teal and white attire and cheer on the local team at one of the most exciting sporting events in the area.
Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival | Sept 23rd – 25th
Lovers of art are in for a treat at the 47th annual Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival. More than 100 top artists and craftsmen from across the southeast gather for this 3-day event filled with one-of-a-kind works of art, live music and local food vendors. The event is held at the historical Atalaya Castle in Huntington Beach State Park, located in Murrells Inlet approximately 20 miles south of Dayton House Resort. Admission is $10 per adult
Irish Italian International Festival | Sept 24th
Perhaps you’ve attended an Irish-themed festival, or maybe an Italian-themed affair, but no other event celebrates both vibrant cultures in one fun-filled setting like the Irish Italian International Festival. The annual event is back for its 18th year on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. Participants will enjoy local arts and crafts vendors, two live entertainment stages, delicious cultural cuisine and street performers. Don’t forget the Spaghetti Eating Contest taking place at 1:30 p.m.
Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally | Sept 26th – Oct 2nd
The open road leads to the Grand Strand for this annual fall motorcycle event. This bike week is considered a “rider’s rally,” with lots of room to roam around the coast. Shops, bars and eateries around town will host riders with merchandise vendors, great specials and fun contests. Jamin’ Leather in Myrtle Beach, the Harley Davidson stores along the Strand and Beaver Bar in Murrells Inlet are popular hangouts for the Fall Rally.
Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art | Oct 7th – 22nd
The Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art celebrates 30 years of great regional artists at this year’s fall series. The festival will feature beloved classics by popular tribute bands and original music by local artists. Each event is held at The Reserve Golf Club of Pawleys Island and starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online.
Little River ShrimpFest | Oct 8th – 9th
As the name of the festival suggests, an array of tasty shrimp dishes (and other favorites from the sea) will be cooked up and served to the lucky attendees of the 17th Annual Little River ShrimpFest, along with a full schedule of live music performances and plenty of dancing in the streets. Other attractions at this fall festival include approximately 150 vendors selling arts, crafts and more; a kids’ zone offering activities like balloon artists and face painting; stilt walkers … and did we mention all the fresh-caught seafood yet? This two-day bash is held on the historic Little River waterfront, approximately 20 miles north of Dayton House Resort.
Myrtle Beach Greek Festival | Oct 13th – 16th
Hosted by St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, this annual celebration of Greek culture and cuisine consistently draws the crowds. This year’s event celebrates the return of a full, -in-person festival featuring the same authentic Greek classics you have come to know and love through the years — like spanakopita, gyros, baklava, Greek cookies and pastries. Off-site parking is available at Captain George’s Seafood Buffet with a free shuttle service.
Taste of the Town | Oct 18th
Sample delectable bites from dozens of local restaurants at the Grand Strand’s premier culinary event. Chefs will prepare their best recipes and newest concoctions while competing for a first-place prize — and patrons will have the opportunity to try them all under one roof. The event is hosted by the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and all proceeds go to help the St. Andrew Catholic School of Myrtle Beach.
Conway Ghost Walk | Oct 20th – 22nd
Learn thrilling tails of the Historic Rivertown at this year’s Conway Ghost Walk. Tour guides dressed in period attire will lead travelers through the streets of Downtown Conway on a one-mile path telling haunted stories of the city’s vibrant past. These tours tend to sell out quickly, so tickets may be purchased in advance for $20. Visit the Conway Visitor Center at 428 Main Street for walk-up ticket availability. Tours are from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Myrtle Beach Gun & Knife Show | Oct 29th – 30th
The Myrtle Beach Convention Center hosts this fall’s Myrtle Beach Gun & Knife Show. Vendors from around the country will be on site showcasing the newest guns, ammo, knives and accessories. Purchases made at the event will strictly adhere to all federal, state and local firearm ordinances and laws. Admission to the event is just $10 per person.
Halloween on the MarshWalk! | Oct 31st
Experience the best costume contest on the Grand Strand at Halloween on the MarshWalk this October. Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. with trick or treating for kids and a children’s costume contest at Drunken Jack’s in front of the Pirate Statue at 6:00 p.m. The adult contest begins at 7:00 p.m. with registration between Wahoo’s and Drunken Jack’s. Stroll the MarshWalk and enjoy live music, great drink specials and local fare until 10:00 p.m., when the winners will be announced at The Claw House. More than $4000 in cash and prizes will be awarded.
Discover more Halloween fun taking place in Myrtle Beach this October.
Dickens Christmas Show & Festival | Nov 10th – 13th
Kick off the holiday season at one of the most attended fall festivals in the area. This 4-day event features more than 300 vendors selling everything from jewelry, crafts, gifts, toys, art, gourmet foods, holiday décor and much more. There will also be live entertainment and local food vendors at the event. Reserve your tickets today as this award-winning event will sell out quickly.
Turkey Trots On The Grand Strand | Thanksgiving Day (Nov 24th)
Across the Grand Strand and beyond, race enthusiast will lace up their sneakers for an afternoon of running instead of stuffing their faces with turkey. Sign up for one of the four Turkey Trots taking place this year near Myrtle Beach and have a gobbling good time.
- 16th Annual Myrtle Beach Turkey Trot 5k (Market Common) – Starts at 8:00 a.m.
- 13th Annual Surfside Rotary Turkey Trot 5k/10k – Starts at 8:30 a.m.
- 10th Annual Florence Turkey Trot 5k – Starts at 8:30 a.m.
- 4th Annual North Myrtle Beach Turkey Trot 5k (Barefoot Landing) – Starts at 8:30 a.m.
South Carolina State Bluegrass Festival | Nov 24th
The 2022 date for the SC State Bluegrass Festival has a tentative date of November 24th. In year’s past, nearly 20 bluegrass artists from around the country have performed including Doyle Lawson, Larry Stephenson and The Malpass Brothers. The festival page says the event is undergoing construction. Check back periodically for a finalized schedule.
Fall Rates at Myrtle Beach Resorts | Sept – Nov
To make your fall vacation even sweeter this year, Dayton House Resort is offering a special discount on fall rates. Book your next stay at Dayton House and save up to 30% off your oceanfront accommodations plus receive a free hot breakfast each morning of your stay. You will also receive full access to all of the great amenities Dayton House offers including indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, three hot tubs, an oceanfront tanning lawn, a beachfront tiki bar and more.
What are you waiting for? Book your fall vacation at Dayton House today!
Best Myrtle Beach Attractions To Visit During The Fall
As you have seen, there’s no shortage of fun fall things to do in Myrtle Beach. With plenty of sunshine left and a refreshing mix of cool autumn air, there are endless opportunities for you and your family to enjoy the Grand Strand. Here’s our list of the best Myrtle Beach attractions that are open throughout the fall months:
Brookgreen Gardens | 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet
Lose yourself along the winding trails of the area’s only botanical gardens filled with the country’s largest collection of American figurative sculptures. Beyond the permanent collection, Brookgreen Gardens hosts numerous sculpture exhibits throughout the year and workshops for all experience levels. There are also several annual events hosted at Brookgreen including Nights of A Thousand Candles, Brew at the Zoo and Harvest Home Weekend Festival.
Alabama Theater | 4750 Hwy 17 South, North Myrtle Beach
The Alabama Theater is one of the top live entertainment venues in the area. The theater hosts regular performances of their top-rated variety show, ONE The Show, which features classic musical numbers, breathtaking costumes and an unforgettable experience. Visitors can also enjoy their award-winning Christmas show as the holiday season begins and special performances from artists like the Oak Ridge Boys, Hotel California (an Eagles tribute band) and Larry Gatlin (of the Gatlin Brothers band).
Ripley’s Aquarium | 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach
If you haven’t experienced it yourself, you’ve probably heard about the giant shark tank at Ripley’s Aquarium. It’s astonishing! Visitors can view the tank from below on the 340-foot long glide path or from above on the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure. You’ll also have the chance to pet a stingray, meet a mermaid and pick up a horseshoe crab. Grab the family and enjoy a day of underwater fun at Ripley’s Aquarium, located in Broadway at the Beach.
Duplin Winery | 4650 Hwy 17 South, North Myrtle Beach
Learn about this historic winery as you sample the finest sweet wine in the south. Duplin Winery hosts wine tastings and live music in the courtyard every day of the week, except Sundays. Guests are also welcome to visit the winery’s gift shop filled with classic wines, seasonal favorites, gourmet dips, jams and crackers and a variety of gift sets. A visit to the winery is a great way to spend an afternoon on the Strand!
Tanger Outlets | 10835 Kings Road & 4635 Factory Stores Blvd, Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is home to not just one outlet mall but two. Tanger Outlets has two locations on the Grand Strand featuring a huge variety of stores and great fall specials. The Kings Road location is found just off of Hwy 17 N near the Myrtle Beach Mall, and the Factory Stores Blvd location is found on Hwy 501 near the Carolina Forest community. Check the website for today’s hours of operation and the current sales going on at each location.
Broadway at the Beach | 1325 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach
Where else in Myrtle Beach can you ride a Ferris wheel, shop til you drop, eat all three meals of the day (plus dessert), enjoy a variety of live performances, catch a comedy show, dive into an underwater adventure, zip line across a lake, watch fireworks and celebrate the holidays? All this fun and more can be found only at Broadway at the Beach. Kids and adults of all ages are sure to enjoy endless fun at Broadway with age-appropriate entertainment and attractions. See the full list of restaurants, bars, shops and attractions on the website.
Barefoot Landing | 4898 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach
Another all-inclusive entertainment complex on the Grand Strand is Barefoot Landing. Found on the beautiful shores of the Intracoastal Waterway, Barefoot Landing boasts several options for waterfront dining including Greg Norman’s, Lulu’s and Taco Mundo. There’s also a variety of shops and eateries around the grounds, annual family-friendly events each season and live entertainment played nightly at varying bars and restaurants. Check the calendar of events to see what fun is happening this weekend.
Medieval Times | 2904 Fantasy Way, Myrtle Beach
One of the top dinner shows at the Beach is Medieval Times. Guests are transported back to a time when kings and queens ruled the land with talented performers completing difficult horse tricks, jousting tournaments and sword fights. Each show is served with a delicious meal of roasted chicken, herbed potatoes, vegetable soup, corn on the cob and more. You are welcome to arrive up to an hour before the show to explore the castle. After the show, be sure to visit the gift shop and take home a piece of the action to remember your epic experience.
SkyWheel | 1110 North Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach
You won’t want to miss a ride on this Myrtle Beach icon. The SkyWheel of Myrtle Beach is a Ferris wheel standing 187 feet tall featuring 42 climate-controlled gondolas with glass walls. Beyond the fun ride, you’ll enjoy one-of-a-kind views of the Atlantic Coast and Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. The SkyWheel now offers sunrise flights, coming up twice in October. Easily reserve your tickets online or purchase them at the gate. You’re in for a spin like no other!
Hollywood Wax Museum | 1808 21st Ave. N, Myrtle Beach
There’s fun for visitors of all ages at the Hollywood Wax Museum. Beyond the rooms filled with your favorite actors, musicians and sports icons, this entertainment complex is also home to a mirror maze and haunted house. General admissions tickets include entry into all three attractions, or you can choose to purchase a ticket for just one or two of the attractions.
Broadway Grand Prix | 1820 21st Avenue N, Myrtle Beach
With fair-style food and fast action, Broadway Grand Prix is a great place to spend a day in Myrtle Beach this fall. Go-kart wristbands give drivers access to several tracks and even more fun is found at the on-site arcade, rock climbing wall and two 18-hole putt putt courses. Refuel at the Grand Prix Cafe with a sweet treat or scrumptious burger, then load up for another round of races, since your wristbands are good for the whole day. Season passes and week-long passes are also available.
Wonderworks | 1313 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach
WonderWorks is an indoor entertainment park that combines education and fun. You won’t be able to miss the giant upside-down building as you drive along Hwy 17 Bypass. Kids will love playing a round of laser tag, climbing the indoor ropes course and experiencing the 6D simulator ride. There’s even an outdoor adventure zipline that flies guests across Lake Broadway. It’s an awesome way for families to have fun while learning about science.
The Carolina Opry | 8901 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach
Calvin Gilmore presents the original live entertainment theater on the Grand Strand. Year after year, The Carolina Opry produces award-winning shows with top talented artists and performers. Visitors love The Christmas Special that is presented each holiday season, but you can also attend The Carolina Opry Show, the Time Warp Show and several special performances throughout the year. Check the show calendar for the current shows on the schedule.
The Best Myrtle Beach Accommodations | 2400 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach
There is nothing more relaxing than watching the sun rise over the beautiful Atlantic Ocean from your private balcony. Guests of Dayton House Resort will enjoy year-round oceanfront accommodations in the heart of Myrtle Beach. This 2020 Travelers’ Choice resort also features an expansive oceanfront tanning lawn, several on-site eateries and multiple pool and water attractions for guests. Dayton House is a perfect place to call home base for your autumn getaway. Book your room today!