When I think about late summer (August & September) in Myrtle Beach, I think about the warm sun hitting my cheeks as the cool breeze off the ocean combs through my hair. I especially adore the shift in downtown; what was once a bustling, fast-paced boulevard is now an inviting atmosphere where life is slower and calmer. No more long lines at my favorite restaurants, no more sitting in traffic for 30 minutes.
In the midst of what seems to be a chaotic time in my life, I often find myself experiencing decision fatigue more than ever. This is what motivated me to help you navigate the abundant opportunities Myrtle Beach offers. Since hurricane season falls in late summer, I’ve categorized how I would spend my days downtown based on the weather we typically see this time of year.
Here’s how I would spend a sunny day in Myrtle Beach, SC:
For breakfast, I’d choose Winna’s Kitchen, located in the Arts & Innovation district of downtown Myrtle Beach. I am most likely ordering the Better BLT: crisp bacon, tomato, creamy avocado, arugula, light mayo, and this sweet, savory bacon hatch chili jam, all stacked between house-made sourdough (yes, all their bread is made in-house).
If you’re searching for the classic shrimp & grits while visiting the South, Winna’s Kitchen offers one of the most impressive variants along the Grand Strand. Another reason why I like Winna’s is the ease of parking and access to downtown. After breakfast, I will keep my car parked in the general area, grab my pre-packed beach bag, and enjoy the walk to the sand from 9th Ave N. You should see Peaches Corner before making your way to the beach access.
One of my favorite on-sand activities is sitting back and reading, but here in Myrtle Beach, it’s extremely fun to look for shark teeth. The best time to look for shark teeth is right after high tide or a summer storm. They can be difficult to find, but I particularly enjoy this activity because it teaches patience and helps one overcome discouragement. Their glossy texture is what makes them stand out amongst the matte rocks and shells.
Since the heat can be intense, it’s a great time to start looking for things to do out of the sun around mid-afternoon. Be sure to stop into Hi-Fi Coffee Bar for a coffee before making your way down the boulevard to check out the boardwalk arcade Fun Plaza, where I spend most of my time playing classic favorites like Skee-Ball or Galaga.
By this time, you’ve probably worked up an appetite, and with over 2,000 restaurants along the Grand Strand, it can become difficult to narrow down one spot. Nine Spices Hot Pot & BBQ is known for its unique all-you-can-eat dining experience and claims the top spot for best hot pot & Korean BBQ in Myrtle Beach on Yelp. If you like heat, I enjoy the Tom Yum Soup base for the hot pot, as it pairs well with seafood, and the spicy beef bulgogi for the BBQ grill.
Here’s how I would spend a rainy day in Myrtle Beach, SC:
On rainy days, it’s unlikely you’ll see me out of the house before 10 AM, so for brunch with the family, I would choose one of the three Johnny D’s locations (whichever we happen to be nearest to). The award-winning Red Velvet Waffle, drizzled with a cream cheese icing, is a unique waffle that you must try at least once. Another favorite dish of mine is the Churro French Toast, which is a vanilla custard-dipped house-made bread that is tossed in a churro seasoning mix with that signature cream cheese icing drizzled on top of a bed of strawberries.
Bowling has always been one of my favorite indoor activities to spend time with the family, and Myrtle Beach Bowl is the most nostalgic bowling alley in the area. With extremely affordable shoes and games, our family will plan to spend a few hours here. Be sure to check their website for special events; Friday and Saturday nights in August (2026) offer a glow-in-the-dark bowling theme from 9:30 PM to midnight.
While there is light food at the bowling alley, dinner and a movie are my favorite ways to wrap up a cozy rainy day in Myrtle Beach. Coastal Grand Mall offers a variety of restaurants and shopping. Lil Tokyo, hibachi and sushi, is one that I frequent the most for their extremely affordable early bird/happy hour menus. Right inside the mall, beside the food court, is Cinemark, one of the only Myrtle Beach movie theatres with recliner lounge chairs. Because of the demand, I highly recommend securing your seats in advance and pre-ordering your snacks to skip any lines.
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