Things to do in Myrtle Beach in fall
There’s no question that Myrtle Beach is a hugely popular summer destination — but when the tourists head home and fall brings cooler weather, it’s time for the locals to come out and play!
Fall is a wonderful time to visit Myrtle Beach, and today I’m going to share some of our favorite things to do here, including special events that happen in September, October, and November. Let’s go!
What to do in Myrtle Beach in the fall
Outdoor Adventures
Fall is one of the best times of year to be outside in Myrtle Beach! Winter gets cold and summer can be very hot and sticky, so take advantage of the gorgeous fall weather and get outdoors!
Go leaf peeping
There’s no better fall activity than taking in gorgeous color-changing fall foliage. In Myrtle Beach, the best time to enjoy the red, orange, and yellow hues is from late October to mid-November.
Visiting Myrtle Beach in December, January, or February? Check out this post: 40 fun things to do in Myrtle Beach in winter
Get competitive
It’s no longer too hot to walk to the mailbox, so get out and get moving! Play pickleball at Midway Park or challenge your family to a round of mini-golf on one of the many courses in Myrtle Beach.
Shop outdoors
I love an outdoor mall, and Myrtle Beach has several fantastic ones. Head to Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach, the Market Common, or the Tanger Outlets. If it’s raining, go to Coastal Grand Mall and shop inside!
Enjoy some fall treats
Browse a local farmer’s market or head to a pumpkin patch to gather all your in-season fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, handmade crafts, and more!
Take a hike
Check out The Hulk Bike & Run Park for a variety of trails and take in the picturesque views as you walk, run, or bike.
Head to the beach
Even when the weather is cooler, the beach is the place to be when you’re in the Grand Strand. Walk along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, look for shells along the shoreline, or just pull up a beach chair and relax and listen to the waves for a few.
Indoor Endeavors
When the weather gets chilly or rainy, there’s plenty to do inside too! Here are our favorite indoor activities.
Warm up with some BBQ
The south is known for their incredible BBQ, and you’ll find some great restaurants along the Grand Strand. Try the Simply Southern Smokehouse, Little Pigs BBQ, or True BBQ.
Indulge your sweet tooth
Check out Gretel’s Candy House for some after-meal treats. The building itself is worth seeing — it looks just like a real gingerbread house!
Power up — old school style
Find fun, games, food, and drinks at Player 1Up arcade bar in Murrells Inlet, just south of Myrtle Beach. Pinball, skee-ball, basketball…they have all your arcade favorites, plus a full service bar and grill!
Jump around or knock down pins
For some active, indoor fun, head to Big Air Trampoline Park and jump till you drop, or visit Myrtle Beach Bowl or 810 Billiards and Bowling to try for some strikes and spares.
Marvel at the extraordinary
Visit Ripley’s Odditorium for a look at some of the strangest discoveries about our world and the people in it. Beware of mirrors. You’ve been warned.
Dinner and a show
We love Medieval Times for a night of comfort food and grand scale entertainment. Next on our list is Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. Can’t beat dining AND entertainment all in one!
Annual fall events in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach has lots of special events all year-round. Here are some annual events that take place in the fall.
Things to do in Myrtle Beach in September
The weather in Myrtle Beach in September is often still hot and humid. There is a chance of rain every day, so be prepared with a raincoat or umbrella if you’re going out. The average temperature is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit — perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and playing in the sand.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans game
The Pelicans finish up their season in September, so it’s your last chance to attend a game. September is a great time to go, since you’ll avoid the hotter months, and they always have fun promotions going on. Check the schedule here.
Beach ‘n Chili Fest
The World Championship Chili Cookoff is held in Myrtle Beach, and we’ve been going every year since we moved here. It’s one of our favorite events!
Admission is free, and you can purchase tasting tickets to try as much chili as your heart (or stomach) desires. The 3-day event is packed with live concerts, chili challenges, a kids zone with jumping castles, food trucks, a car show, a dog show, and lots and lots of chili!
You might even get to meet someone pretty special in the chili world!
SeptemberFest!
Everyone loves fall festivals! Barefoot Landing hosts SeptemberFest! in mid-September, an event that includes a grape stomp as the main attraction. They also have lots of activities for kids, live entertainment, wine and craft beer sales, and photo ops for pets!
Irish Italian International Festival
In late September, celebrate Irish and Italian heritage (whether it’s yours or not!) with this free event in North Myrtle Beach that features food, music, arts and crafts, a children’s area, and a spaghetti eating contest!
Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally
Bike Week is a big deal in Myrtle Beach, and they host it twice a year. Spring is the bigger of the two events, but the Fall Rally is a hit with motorcycle fans as well. Look for the event in late September/early October.
Things to do in Myrtle Beach in October
The weather in Myrtle Beach in October is usually mild with some occasional showers. Temperatures range from the mid-50s to the mid-70s. This is a great time to visit Myrtle Beach, as you can enjoy the outdoors without being too hot, and with fewer crowds!
Surfside Beach Family Festival
Look for the Surfside Beach Family Festival in early October, just south of Myrtle Beach. The event features live music, food, art and crafts for sale, and kids activities.
Cruisin’ the Beach Car Show
Fans of classic and vintage cars won’t want to miss the Cruisin’ the Beach Car Show in October. The event takes place at Broadway at the Beach, and in addition to the cool cars, vendors will be on site with memorabilia, clothing, jewelry, food, and more.
Brookgreen Gardens’ Harvest Home Weekend
In early October, Brookgreen Gardens hosts their Harvest Home Weekend, featuring a pumpkin patch, scarecrow building, a hay maze, live music, and food vendors, amidst the lovely backdrop of the gardens.
OktoberFest!
Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach started hosting their OktoberFest! event in 2021. Restaurants and shops at the outdoor mall offer German and fall-inspired food and drinks, along with special discounts, live music, contests, and a special German costume contest for dogs!
BooFest!
Also at Barefoot Landing, attend BooFest! in late October for some Halloween fun. Enjoy costume contests, kids’ activities, performers like stilt walkers and balloon artists, and fun photo ops!
Things to do in Myrtle Beach in November
The weather in Myrtle Beach in November is typically pleasant, with lows around 50 and warming up to mid-60s during the day. If you’re looking for a place to live that offers a taste of all four seasons, without the biting cold in winter (and if you can go without snow), Myrtle Beach might be for you!
Brew at the Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens
In early November, check out Brew at the Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens. Sample a wide variety of local craft beers while enjoying snacks and entertainment. Food trucks will also be on site.
Dickens Christmas Show
Get all your Christmas shopping done in mid-November, at the Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals. The Victorian Holiday Marketplace is held in the Myrtle Beach Convention Center with over 300 vendors attending, alongside strolling musicians, displays of trees, wreaths, and stockings, and of course Santa Claus!
Lighting of the Landing
Get the holidays going with Barefoot Landing’s tree lighting and fireworks. In addition to the main event, enjoy music, face painting, and visits with Santa.
Intracoastal Christmas Regatta
Welcome the start of the Christmas season with the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Watch the brightly-lit parade of boats as they cruise the waterfront, bring a toy to donate, or even participate in the flotilla yourself!
If you’re looking for a fun, picturesque getaway with endless activities, great food, and sandy beaches, but without the crowds, definitely head to Myrtle Beach in the fall. There’s so much to do that you’ll want to visit in every season. Or maybe you’ll even follow our lead and make Myrtle Beach your home!
