Here are 5 of the best Myrtle Beach, SC summer attractions to try before the season ends
As autumn nears in the Grand Strand, time is running out to get to these seasonal attractions in the Myrtle Beach area. Locals and visitors alike can make the most of summer before it’s gone with these outdoor activities for the whole family.
Outdoor concerts
Late sunsets and warm summer weather make the Myrtle Beach area perfect for outdoor concerts in the summer. Get your live music fix at these local favorites before they wrap up for the year.
The Landing at the Boathouse’s Summer Concert Series will have its last concert at the start of September and both the Music on Main Concert Series in North Myrtle Beach and the Sounds of Summer Concert Series at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex will conclude later in the month.
While The Hangout at Broadway at the Beach hosts some live music events in late autumn and winter, most of their free outdoor concerts run between March and October, according to director of entertainment Cohen Brickley.
Free outdoor concerts at the Deck at House of Blues also pause for the winter. The last concert will be the first week of November.
Farmers markets
Farmers markets are great places to shop for local produce, baked goods, crafts and more, but most close down in the fall and won’t start up again until April.
The Surfside Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Downtown Conway and Valor Park markets close for the season in the last week of October. The Hammock Shops farmers market in Pawleys Island and the Coastal Carolina University market will both have their last market day in November, though the university will also have a special holiday market in December.
Amusement parks
Adults and children alike can enjoy adrenaline rushes and joy rides at amusement parks around Myrtle Beach — at least in the summer. Come autumn, many area parks will shut down rides and close for the year.
Those looking to cool off from the late summer heat can zip down water slides and splash around at Myrtle Waves Water Park until the first week of September, when the park will shut down until May.
Just a block from the ocean, The Funplex at Myrtle Beach lets visitors drop, swing and whirl on a variety of rides in the spring and summer. Thrill seekers have about a month left to visit this year because the park will close for the season in the first week of September.
Water sports beach rentals
A walk on the beach can be beautiful no matter the season, but some ocean activities are just better suited for summer. Because of this, rental companies offering out banana boats, jet skis, parasailing and wakeboarding close up shop with the summer tourist season.
If you’re looking for a heart-pounding beach adventure, make plans soon. Most local companies will typically stop renting equipment out sometime in October and won’t reopen until March or April.
Summer Light: Art by Night
Summer Light at Brookgreen Gardens lets visitors explore the botanical and sculpture gardens lit up by dazzling light installations on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Guests of all ages can enjoy the exhibition and live music by rotating performers. The summer series also features local food trucks, like The Fish Shak and Sunset Slush, for dinner, drinks and sweet treats.
The seasonal exhibition only runs for a limited time. In 2024, the last night of Summer Light: Art by Night will be Saturday, Aug. 24.
