From scenic strolls and salty breezes to seafood feasts and spring kites, here’s how to bloom into the season
Spring in Myrtle Beach feels like that first sip of a chilled rosé on a sunny patio—fresh, inviting, and a little bit fancy. As the weather warms and azaleas begin to pop, locals and visitors alike head outdoors to enjoy the Grand Strand in full bloom. Whether you’re after ocean views, art walks, bird calls, or barbecue, this breezy coastal city has your spring days and nights covered. Here are 14 ways to stretch your legs, fill your plate, and max out your seasonal serotonin.
For Views & Fresh Air
Brookgreen Gardens
A masterpiece of nature, sculpture, and Southern history, Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet is 9,000+ acres of peace and pretty things. Walk beneath the live oaks, admire over 2,000 works of American figurative sculpture, and don’t miss the Lowcountry Zoo. Want to feel like you’ve wandered into a storybook? This National Historic Landmark is your springtime ticket.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Just minutes from the high-rises and hustle of downtown, this maritime forest is a quiet escape. Think pine-scented trails, uncrowded beaches, and a fishing pier that stretches right into the Atlantic. Pack a picnic, bring your binoculars, and pretend you’re a National Geographic explorer for the day.
Huntington Beach State Park
More than just a pretty beach, though it is that too, this 2,500-acre coastal preserve is a birding hotspot and home to Atalaya Castle, the former Moorish-style home of Anna and Archer Huntington. Explore the castle ruins, watch for gators in the freshwater lake, and hike along scenic marsh trails with cameras ready.
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
This is what happens when nature meets nightlife. The half-mile boardwalk is lined with salt marsh views and seafood shacks serving up fresh catch with a side of live music. Bonus: dolphins often make cameos. Sunset strolls don’t get much better than this.
The Market Common
Less beach, more boutique. The Market Common is Myrtle Beach’s go-to for shopping, strolling, and sipping lattes or cocktails under string lights. There’s a lake for walking laps, green spaces for lounging, and enough local restaurants to keep your brunch calendar fully booked.
For Family Fun (or Feeling Like a Kid Again)
Ripley’s Aquarium
Sharks? Check. Rays? Yep. A tunnel that lets you walk through the ocean? Also yes. Ripley’s Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach isn’t just for kids—it’s for anyone who likes their marine life up close and Insta-worthy. Don’t miss the penguin playhouse or the chance to pet a jellyfish.
Broadway at the Beach
This is Myrtle Beach’s version of a mega fun zone. Think shopping, dining, rides, escape rooms, a wax museum, and WonderWorks (a literal upside-down house packed with science exhibits). Pro tip: go at night when the fountains light up and the vibe feels like a movie set.
Barefoot Landing
North Myrtle Beach’s answer to a waterfront downtown, Barefoot Landing offers a blend of retail therapy and riverside fun. Watch gators feed at Alligator Adventure, catch a concert at House of Blues, or just meander the wooden walkways with a cocktail in hand. Bonus: it’s family-friendly without feeling like a playground.
Spring Events & Festivals
Kite Festival at Surfside Beach Pier (April 26th)
For two days in April, the sky over Surfside Beach turns into a rainbow of soaring kites. Hosted by Klig’s Kites, this free festival offers workshops, demos, and kid-friendly activities. Bring your own kite or just enjoy the show.
Spring Bike Week (May 9–18)
Leather. Chrome. The distant sound of a revving engine. Spring Bike Week roars into town every May, bringing bikers from across the country for scenic coastal rides and good old-fashioned revelry. Even if you’re not riding, the people-watching is unmatched.
Blue Crab Festival (May 17–18)
Held on the historic Little River waterfront, this foodie fest is all about—you guessed it—blue crab. Come for the seafood, stay for the beach music, arts and crafts vendors, and small-town charm. It’s one of the Southeast’s largest festivals, and the fried crab cakes alone are worth the trip.
Hidden Gems & Chill Spots
Vereen Memorial Gardens
Tucked away in Little River, this 115-acre park is a quiet counterpoint to Myrtle Beach’s more high-energy attractions. Boardwalks wind through salt marshes, and shady forest trails open up to surprise views of the Intracoastal. It’s low-key, lovely, and totally free.
La Belle Amie Vineyard
Located on a former tobacco plantation, La Belle Amie offers wine tastings, outdoor concerts, and lawn games under the Carolina sun. It’s a vibe—rustic, relaxed, and just the right amount of buzzed. Bring a chair, grab a glass, and let the acoustic guitars do the rest.
Cherry Grove Point
This is your “I need a break from people” beach. Located at the quiet northern tip of North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove Point is perfect for shell-hunting, paddleboarding, and watching the tide roll in. Bring your own snacks and settle in—this is where the locals go to breathe.
