Your guide to some of the best Instagram-worthy sunrise views in Myrtle Beach, SC
No trip to South Carolina is complete without watching the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean. Sneak out to watch the wildlife or have an Instagram-worthy photoshoot before filling up at a classic Myrtle Beach breakfast spot.
From when to arrive and how to park, to kayak tours and SkyWheel rides, here is your guide to experiencing dawn in Myrtle Beach.
Where to watch the sunrise
The Point at Cherry Grove: On this sandy peninsula, you’ll be surrounded by water, with Hog Inlet on one side and the Atlantic on the other. Here, on the north end of the Grand Strand, you can watch the sun rise over the sand.
The south end of the Grand Strand: Beaches in Pawley’s Island are more eastern facing because of the Grand Strand’s crescent-shaped coast. This means the sun will rise directly over the ocean.
Any beach near a pier: whether Springmaid, Apache or 2nd Avenue, piers provide a nice focal point for sunrise photos.
Sunrise times
Find when the sun rises by searching online or checking the back cover of your newspaper. For best viewing, arrive at your location 30 minutes before the official time to see the first rays over the water.
Experiences
If you want to try something new in the morning, try these sunrise activities.
SkyWheel sunrise flight
See the sunrise from 20 stories up. On select mornings, the SkyWheel offers 30-minute sunrise rides, which include coffee and pastries. This experience combines two Myrtle Beach favorites — the iconic SkyWheel and a sunrise over the Atlantic. Tickets are $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for children.
Sunrise kayak tour
Surround yourself with water and experience the wildlife at dawn with a sunrise kayak tour. Here are three area companies that offer sunrise tours.
- Jack’s Surf Camp lets you choose between exploring the saltwater estuary of Murrells Inlet or the black waters of the Waccamaw River.
- Kokopelli Surf Camp offers tours in single or tandem kayaks, or even paddle boards.
- Express Watersports shows kayakers the history and natural features of Murrells Inlet.
Parking
When you’re heading to the beach so early, you might not have to pay for parking. Check these times to see if you can have a free sunrise experience when parking in municipal lots.
City of Myrtle Beach: free before 9 a.m.
North Myrtle Beach: free before 9 a.m.
Surfside Beach: free before 7 a.m.
This story was originally published April 21, 2023 at 8:00 AM.
