Here’s your guide to catching an Instagram-worthy sunrise around Myrtle Beach, SC
Home to 60 miles of shore, the Grand Strand offers stunning ocean views. Because it’s part of the Atlantic Coastline, the Myrtle Beach area is especially beautiful at dawn when the sun can be seen rising above the horizon.
Although the summer tourist season has passed, Myrtle Beach sunrises are still gorgeous in the fall and winter. If you want to watch the sun come up in the Grand Strand, here’s what you should know.
Planning your morning
It’s a good idea to search online or check your weather app for the exact time the sun will rise for the day you’ll be out. If you want to make sure you catch the first rays of sunlight on the water, plan to get to your destination about 30 minutes before the official sunrise time.
For the rest of the year and in January and February next year, sunrises are expected from around 6:40 a.m. to roughly 7:20 a.m., according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
https://www.almanac.com/astronomy/sun-rise-and-set/SC/Myrtle%20Beach/
SC places to watch
There are no shortage of places to watch the sunrise along the Grand Strand. Here are some of the best, depending on what kind of experience you want.
Beaches
While any public access beach will offer an Atlantic view, some have better vantage points to see the sunrise because of the coast’s crescent shape.
On the north end of the Grand Strand, watch the sun rise over the sand at The Point at Cherry Grove. The sandy peninsula features the ocean on one side and Hog Inlet on the other, so you can check out the dawn surrounded by water.
On the south end, eastern-facing beaches around Pawleys Island offer a view of the sun rising directly on the water.
Landmarks
The Grand Strand also has plenty of piers to visit, if you prefer watching the sunrise out in the water.
Apache Pier, Myrtle Beach State Park pier, Springmaid Pier and Surfside Beach Fishing Pier open everyday at 6:00 a.m., while 2nd Avenue Pier and the Pier at Garden City open a little later at 7:00 a.m.
If you want to stay off the sand, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is a good option in the downtown area. While the shops and restaurants won’t be open at dawn, the area also offers photo opportunities and a small park.
South of Myrtle Beach, the Marsh Walk in Murrells Inlet opens at 5:30 in the morning. Well before the restaurants and bars open, you can watch the sunrise on the marsh.
Restaurants
If you’re peckish first thing in the morning, you can also check out the sunrise at one of the oceanfront restaurants around the Myrtle Beach area open early for breakfast.
Beachfront Kitchen and Bar in Sand Dunes Resort - Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Lodging
https://beachfrontkitchenandbar.com/
Suite C inside the Sand Dunes Resort at 201 74th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Open everyday at 7:00 a.m.
Café Amalfi
In the Hilton Head Resort at 10000 Beach Club Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Open everyday at 6:30 a.m.
Saltaire Kitchen and Bar in Holiday Inn
https://www.facebook.com/saltairekitchen/
In the Holiday Inn Resort Oceanfront at 1601 N. Ocean Blvd., Surfside Beach, SC 29575
Open everyday at 7:00 a.m.
Sea Captain’s House
3002 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Open everyday at 7:00 a.m.
Sunny Parrot Cafe
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565045218074
In Blockade Runner at 1910 N. Ocean Blvd., North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Open everyday at 7:00 a.m.
Tide to Table Restaurant
https://www.tidetotablerestaurant.com/
In the Oceanfront Litchfield Inn at 1 Norris Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Open everyday at 7:00 a.m.
This story was originally published November 23, 2024 at 6:00 AM.