Autumn in North Myrtle Beach brings a magical change to our coastal paradise. Here at Salty Stay, we’ve watched thousands of guests discover why fall is truly the best-kept secret along the Grand Strand. After the summer crowds fade away, North Myrtle Beach reveals its most charming side with perfect weather, golden sunsets, and incredible fall festivals that celebrate the season in style.
From our luxury vacation rentals like Waves Of Fun, Seas The Day, Salt Life, and Tiki Time, you’ll have front-row seats to witness this stunning transformation. Picture yourself sipping your morning coffee from your oceanfront balcony, watching the sunrise paint the sky in shades of amber and gold. The ocean temperatures stay warm well into October, while average highs hover in the perfect 70s – no sticky humidity, no scorching sand, just pure coastal bliss.
What makes autumn even more special is how our first and second-row properties put you within steps of everything. Whether you’re planning long weekend getaways with friends or cozy dinners with family, you’ll love returning to our game rooms, pools, and hot tubs after busy days exploring fall festivals, farmers markets, and scenic trails along the saltwater marsh.
Top Fall Experiences in North Myrtle Beach
1. Little River ShrimpFest
The Little River ShrimpFest stands out as one of the most beloved fall festivals along the Grand Strand. This waterfront feast celebrates the area’s rich maritime heritage with fresh shrimp, local seafood, and live music that fills the air with coastal charm. The historic Little River waterfront provides the perfect backdrop for this community celebration.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
💵 Price Level: Budget-friendly
📍 Location: Historic Little River Waterfront, Little River, SC
📞 Contact: Check local event listings
⏰ Hours: October weekend event (typically 10 AM – 6 PM)
Learn more about Little River ShrimpFest
2. Heritage Shores Nature Preserve
Heritage Shores Nature Preserve offers one of the most peaceful fall experiences in North Myrtle Beach. This hidden gem features elevated wooden boardwalks that wind through tidal marshes, where coastal birds gather during fall migration. The golden hour light filtering through the marsh creates painterly scenes that nature lovers cherish.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
💵 Price Level: Free
📍 Location: 5611 Heritage Dr, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
📞 Contact: +1843-280-5584
⏰ Hours: Open 24 hours daily
Learn more about Heritage Shores Nature Preserve
3. Cherry Grove Point Golden Sunsets
Cherry Grove Point transforms into a magical viewing spot during autumn evenings. This quiet end of the beach near Hog Inlet offers unobstructed views where golden sunsets paint the sky in shades of peach, coral, and lavender. The calm atmosphere makes it perfect for romantic moments or peaceful family time.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
💵 Price Level: Free
📍 Location: Cherry Grove Point, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
⏰ Hours: Best enjoyed during golden hour (1 hour before sunset)
Learn more about Cherry Grove Point
4. Crooked Hammock Brewery Fall Brews
Crooked Hammock Brewery captures the essence of fall with creative seasonal brews like pumpkin coffee ale and their cleverly named Haulin’ Oats. The year-round outdoor backyard creates a relaxing atmosphere where families can enjoy fall-inspired brew while kids play on the playground.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 4924 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
📞 Contact: +1843-962-7238
⏰ Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 AM-9 PM, Friday-Saturday 11 AM-10 PM, Sunday 10 AM-9 PM
Learn more about Crooked Hammock Brewery
5. La Belle Amie Vineyard Wine Tastings
La Belle Amie Vineyard provides a sophisticated escape from the beach with wine tastings surrounded by rolling vineyards. Fall brings special events like WineStock celebrations, where guests enjoy local wines, live music, and fire pit gatherings beneath the pines.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
💵 Price Level: Mid-range
📍 Location: 1120 St Joseph Rd, Little River, SC 29566
📞 Contact: +1843-399-9463
⏰ Hours: Wednesday and Saturday 10 AM-5 PM
Learn more about La Belle Amie Vineyard
6. Barefoot Landing Oktoberfest
Barefoot Landing hosts an incredible Oktoberfest celebration featuring German and fall-inspired food and drink items. This annual event includes live music, contests, and family activities that bring the community together. The boardwalks come alive with festive decorations and the sounds of celebration.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
💵 Price Level: Varies by activity
📍 Location: 4898 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
📞 Contact: +1843-272-8349
⏰ Hours: October event, typically 12 PM-8 PM
Learn more about Barefoot Landing
7. Irish Italian International Festival
Main Street comes alive during the Irish Italian International Festival, a beloved celebration entering its 21st year. This free, family-friendly festival fills the air with aromas of traditional dishes, sounds of live performances, and the joy of sharing two rich cultures in one unforgettable fall celebration.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
💵 Price Level: Free event
📍 Location: Main Street, North Myrtle Beach, SC
⏰ Hours: September event, typically 10 AM-4 PM
8. SOS Fall Migration Shag Dance
The Society of Stranders Fall Migration brings the official dance of South Carolina to Main Street. This 9-day celebration features nightly entertainment at various shag clubs, with live bands filling the air along Main Street as pros show off their skills and newcomers quickly pick up the steps.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
💵 Price Level: Varies by venue
📍 Location: Main Street, North Myrtle Beach, SC
⏰ Hours: September 12-21, evening events
9. Farmers Markets and Pumpkin Patches
Farmers markets throughout the area pop with pumpkins, mums, and handmade jams during autumn. Corn mazes and pumpkin patches provide classic fall activities that families cherish. These markets offer the perfect opportunity to taste local flavors and take home seasonal decorations.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
💵 Price Level: Budget-friendly
📍 Location: Various locations including Barefoot Landing
⏰ Hours: Typically weekends, 9 AM-2 PM
10. Waterfront Dining Adventures
Fall brings perfect weather for dining al fresco on the water. Restaurants like Joe’s Bar & Grill offer raccoon deck seating with waterfront views, while The Parson’s Table provides candlelit ambiance inside a 19th-century church. Boardwalk Billy’s serves seafood and sushi overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 (Joe’s Bar & Grill)
💵 Price Level: Moderate
📍 Location: 810 Conway St, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
📞 Contact: +1843-272-4666
⏰ Hours: Daily 4:30 PM-9:30 PM
Learn more about Joe’s Bar & Grill
11. Outdoor Adventures Without the Heat
Autumn brings ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Kayaking the calm inlets becomes more enjoyable, while dolphin cruises from Little River Marina offer comfortable viewing. Jet ski rentals and Segway tours provide thrilling ways to explore the area without battling summer heat.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
💵 Price Level: Mid-range
📍 Location: Various waterfront locations
⏰ Hours: Typically 10 AM-5 PM
12. Historic Atalaya Castle Arts Festival
The 50th Annual Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival takes place at historic Atalaya Castle in Huntington Beach State Park. Nearly 100 of the area’s best artists showcase fine art and quality crafts in this beautiful and scenic coastal setting, creating a perfect blend of culture and natural beauty.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
💵 Price Level: $10 adults, free for 15 and under
📍 Location: Huntington Beach State Park, near Murrells Inlet
⏰ Hours: Friday noon-5 PM, Saturday-Sunday 10 AM-5 PM
Tips for Your Perfect Autumn Getaway
Here at Salty Stay, we’ve learned what makes autumn visits truly special. Our guests love starting their days with maple lattes from Be Known Coffee before heading out to explore scenic trails. The cooler temperatures make marsh walks at Heritage Shores even more enjoyable, and the golden hour photography opportunities are simply stunning.
Plan your dining reservations ahead, especially for waterfront restaurants during peak fall festival weekends. The cozy dinners with ocean views become even more magical when you can return to your vacation rental’s fire pit area afterward.
Don’t forget to pack layers! While days stay beautifully warm, evenings can bring that perfect coastal breeze that makes hot tub time irresistible. Our guests particularly enjoy Full Moon Yoga sessions on the beach, followed by evening wine tastings at local venues.
For the best experience, consider booking our luxury vacation rentals early. Fall is becoming increasingly popular as more people discover the magic of autumn in North Myrtle Beach.
Wrapping Up Your Autumn Adventure
Autumn in North Myrtle Beach creates the perfect blend of summer warmth and fall charm that you simply can’t find anywhere else. From spectacular fall festivals and local food celebrations to peaceful nature walks and golden sunsets, every day brings new opportunities to create lasting memories.
What makes these experiences truly special is having the perfect home base at Salty Stay. After days filled with wine tastings at La Belle Amie Vineyard, exploring the boardwalks at Barefoot Landing, or enjoying waterfront feasts along the Intracoastal Waterway, you’ll love returning to your luxury vacation rental. Picture your group gathering around the fire pit, sharing stories of the day’s adventures while the warm waters of the Atlantic provide the perfect soundtrack.
Our first and second-row properties put you within steps of Cherry Grove Point’s golden sunsets and Heritage Shores’ scenic trails, while our spacious accommodations ensure everyone has room to relax and recharge. Whether you choose Waves Of Fun, Seas The Day, Salt Life, or Tiki Time, you’ll experience autumn in North Myrtle Beach like never before.
Ready to discover why fall is the Grand Strand’s best-kept secret? Book your autumn getaway today and experience the magic that awaits at saltystay.com.
Is it worth going to North Myrtle Beach in October?
Absolutely! October brings perfect weather with average highs in the 70s and warm ocean temperatures. From our Salty Stay vacation rentals, we’ve watched countless guests discover why October is actually the ideal time to visit. You’ll enjoy fewer crowds, better restaurant availability, and incredible fall festivals like Little River ShrimpFest and Barefoot Landing’s Oktoberfest.
What makes autumn special in North Myrtle Beach?
Autumn transforms North Myrtle Beach into a coastal paradise with golden sunsets, perfect beach weather, and amazing fall festivals. The Grand Strand reveals its most gracious side when summer crowds fade, creating ideal conditions for romantic dinners, family adventures, and peaceful nature walks through places like Heritage Shores Nature Preserve.
What are the best fall festivals in the area?
The top fall festivals include the Irish Italian International Festival on Main Street, SOS Fall Migration celebrating shag dance culture, Little River ShrimpFest for waterfront dining, and the historic Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival. These coastal festivals offer everything from local food tastings to live music and family-friendly activities that celebrate the season’s charm.
Are ocean temperatures still warm in fall?
Yes! Ocean temperatures stay comfortably warm well into October, making it perfect for swimming, water sports, and beach activities. Combined with average highs in the 70s and no sticky humidity, fall offers ideal beach weather without the scorching summer heat. Our guests love the perfect balance of warm waters and comfortable air temperatures.
What outdoor activities are best during autumn?
Fall brings perfect conditions for kayaking the calm inlets, taking dolphin cruises, exploring scenic trails, and enjoying farmers markets. The cooler temperatures make marsh walks and nature photography more enjoyable, while golden hour sunsets at Cherry Grove Point create magical moments. Wine tastings at La Belle Amie Vineyard and outdoor dining become even more pleasant.
Why choose Salty Stay for an autumn getaway?
Our luxury vacation rentals offer first and second-row ocean locations that put you within steps of all the best autumn experiences. From watching golden sunsets from your private balcony to returning to pools, hot tubs, and game rooms after festival adventures, our properties like Waves Of Fun and Seas The Day enhance every moment of your fall vacation. Visit our area guide to discover why guests choose us year after year.
