Things to do in Myrtle Beach in spring

Spring in Myrtle Beach is magical! The flowers are blooming, the temperatures are just right, and there’s this buzz of excitement in the air as everyone comes out of winter hibernation. While summer gets all the glory (and the crowds!), spring might just be my favorite time to enjoy the Grand Strand.

When late March rolls around and the temperatures start climbing into the 70s, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore the Myrtle Beach area. The beaches aren’t packed yet, restaurant wait times are reasonable, and hotel rates are still in that sweet spot before peak season.

Whether you’re planning a spring break getaway or you’re a local looking for fun things to do, read on for all of our best recommendations, plus special events that happen in March, April, and May!

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What to do in Myrtle Beach in the spring

Beach Time Without the Crowds

The beaches in Myrtle Beach during spring are absolute perfection. While the ocean might still be a bit chilly for swimming in early spring, the beach itself is ideal for long walks, building sandcastles, and flying kites.

We love heading to the less crowded beaches in the mornings. Our favorites are Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach. Harrison and Melody can spend hours building sand creations while Vanessa and Carter like to wade out past the breakers. Daniel and I like to share a patty melt from Sam’s Corner in Garden City and then relax in the sun!

Outdoor Adventures

Spring weather in Myrtle Beach is just about perfect — warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities but not so hot that you’re melting on the pavement. Here are some of our favorite outdoor adventures during springtime.

Take a cruise

Spring is perfect for getting on the water, and Myrtle Beach offers a variety of cruises, from dolphin watching to airboat tours, from pirate ship adventures to The Big “M” Casino boat!

Hit the golf courses

Spring is prime golf season in Myrtle Beach! The courses are gorgeously green, the weather is comfortable, and tee times are easier to snag than during the busy summer months.

For those of us who are a little more comfortable golfing on a smaller scale (raises hand!), try one of the many mini-golf courses for some family fun. I mean many — Myrtle Beach is literally deemed the mini golf capital of the world.

Explore Brookgreen Gardens

If you want to see spring in all its glory, Brookgreen Gardens is a must-visit. In March and April, the azaleas put on a spectacular show, and you could spend all day here wandering the various gardens and sculptures. It’s absolutely worth the short drive south to Murrells Inlet.

We recently invested in a household membership to Brookgreen, and I’m excited to visit in all the seasons and attend the special events!

Catch a Pelicans Game

The Pelicans start their season in April, and we absolutely love going to their games. They always have fun promotions going on, there’s such a great “small town team” vibe, and of course…bat dog. Check the schedule here.

Spring Live Music Series at Barefoot Landing

One of our favorite shopping and dining destinations, Barefoot Landing is always hosting fun events. In March, they kick off their Spring Live Music Series On the Dockside Village Stage, featuring local bands and performers on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons.

Shopping and Dining Al Fresco

As the weather warms up, outdoor dining becomes an absolute treat. We love grabbing a table on the patio at LandShark on the boardwalk or Tupelo Honey at Market Common and soaking up those perfect spring temperatures.

Spring is also a great time to explore the outdoor shopping areas like Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach, and The Market Common without the summer heat and crowds. I recently spent a whole Saturday morning just wandering The Market Common, popping into shops and getting brunch, while the kids were at a movie!

Indoor Options for Rainy Spring Days

Spring in Myrtle Beach can bring some rainy days, but don’t worry – there’s plenty to do indoors too!

Museums and aquariums

Ripley’s Aquarium is always a hit with our crew, especially on those occasional rainy spring days. The kids never tire of walking through the shark tunnel!

Shopping malls

Coastal Grand Mall is our go-to when spring showers hit. The kids love that there’s a movie theater and several arcades attached, making it easy to turn a rainy day into a fun outing.

Indoor entertainment venues

Places like WonderWorks, 810 Billiards & Bowling, and the Hollywood Wax Museum are perfect for those spring days when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Annual spring events in Myrtle Beach

We love our special events in Myrtle Beach, and spring brings some of the best annual celebrations. Here are some can’t-miss events by month.

Things to do in Myrtle Beach in March

March in Myrtle Beach sees temperatures climbing into the 60s and 70s during the day, though mornings and evenings can still be chilly. Pack layers and you’ll be all set to enjoy these March events:

Myrtle Beach Marathon

Attention runners! The Myrtle Beach Marathon is a fun race along the beach that is also a Boston Marathon qualifier. Lots of celebrations happen around the marathon, plus there are additional, shorter races including a Family Fun Run.

Surfside BBQ Festival

One of my favorite events of the year, Surfside Beach’s BBQ Fest takes place along Surfside Drive with rows and rows of vendors and food trucks. We love to listen to the live bands, eat some great BBQ, and let the kids play on the inflatables and nearby playground.

Can-Am Days

Every March, our Canadian friends are celebrated during Can-Am Days. Many attractions offer special discounts for Canadian visitors, but everyone can enjoy the festivities.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival

North Myrtle Beach hosts a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival that’s a blast for the whole family, with food, vendors, kids activities, live music, contests, and of course the show-stopping parade!

Things to do in Myrtle Beach in April

April brings even warmer weather, with temperatures regularly in the 70s and sometimes hitting the low 80s. This is when Myrtle Beach really starts to bloom!

Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival

This three-day festival near the boardwalk brings together dozens of food trucks offering everything from gourmet tacos to artisanal ice cream. We spent an entire afternoon last year sampling our way from truck to truck!

Easter Egg Hunts & Celebrations

If you’re visiting during Easter, you’ll find egg hunts everywhere from McLean Park in North Myrtle Beach to Huckabee Recreational Center in Surfside Beach. The Easter Bunny makes appearances at several locations too, including the Barefoot Bunny Hop at Barefoot Landing.

Myrtle Beach International Film Festival

Film buffs should check out this week-long festival showcasing independent films from around the world, which has been called “The East Coast’s answer to the Sundance Film Festival.”

MarshWalk Masters Golf Tournament

You don’t have to be a true golf master to participate in this event in Murrells Inlet, where you’ll get the chance to putt for prizes in several locations along the MarshWalk. Prizes are also given to the best-dressed, and food and drink specials are available along the course.

Dragon Boat Festival

The Market Common hosts this exciting boat race where a team of 20 paddlers and 1 drummer will attempt to be the fastest boat on the water. In addition to the race, enjoy food trucks, vendors, and kids activities.

Things to do in Myrtle Beach in May

May in Myrtle Beach feels like summer most days, with temperatures in the 80s and plenty of sunshine. The ocean is finally warm enough for swimming, but the summer crowds haven’t fully arrived yet.

Spring Wine Festival in the Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens hosts a wine festival in May, combining wine tastings, live music, food trucks, and games, all in the beautiful surroundings of the blooming gardens.

Military Appreciation Days

Throughout May, Myrtle Beach honors military personnel and their families with special events, including a parade, picnic, and family-friendly activities at various locations.

World Famous Blue Crab Festival

Little River’s Blue Crab Festival is a must-visit in mid-May. Besides the obvious star (delicious blue crabs!), you’ll find arts and crafts, live music, and kids’ entertainment. Children 12 and under are free, and tickets are just $10 for everyone else.

Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally

Motorcycle enthusiasts flock to Myrtle Beach in mid-May for this annual rally. Even if you don’t ride, it’s fun to see all the bikes and enjoy the special events around town.

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Spring in Myrtle Beach offers the perfect combination of beautiful weather, exciting events, and fewer crowds than the summer months. It’s the ideal time to explore everything the Grand Strand has to offer at a more relaxed pace.

Whether you’re building sandcastles on a nearly empty beach, spotting dolphins from a cruise boat, or sampling your way through a food festival, spring in Myrtle Beach will not disappoint!