Beginner's guide to snowbirding in Myrtle Beach

Imagine waking up to sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean instead of facing a morning of blistery cold. That's the snowbird life in Myrtle Beach — where winter means 60-degree days, empty beaches, and morning coffee on your balcony.

With affordable monthly rentals, welcoming locals, and a thriving community of seasonal visitors, it's the perfect place to test out extended coastal living. Here's everything first-timers need to know.

Why Myrtle Beach is ideal for first-time snowbirds

Here's the thing about Myrtle Beach: it gives you that coastal winter escape without the complications of farther-flung destinations. No six-state road trip. No sticker shock. Just straightforward, affordable beach living.

Here’s what to expect:

• Mild weather
  Winter days settle into the 50s and 60s — warm enough for golf and beach walks, cool enough that you won't melt.
• Monthly rates that make sense
  Thanks to off-season pricing, you can score oceanfront condos and houses at a fraction of summer rates.
• Getting here is easy
  Driving from the Northeast or Midwest? It's a manageable one- or two-day trip. Flying in? Myrtle Beach International Airport is way less stressful than navigating a major hub.
• There's actually stuff to do
  Myrtle Beach stays lively — golf courses, live entertainment, dozens of restaurants, and more all winter long.
• You're not alone
  The snowbird community here is well-established and genuinely welcoming. You'll find seasonal meetups, church groups, fitness classes, and more.

Pro tip: While North Myrtle Beach offers a quieter vibe, staying closer to downtown puts you within walking distance of the boardwalk, restaurants, and that just-bustling-enough energy that makes winter feel less isolated.

When to go and how long to stay

The beauty of snowbirding for the first time? You can ease into it. Start with a month and see how it feels. Love it? Add another.

• Peak snowbird season: Most winter visitors arrive between early December and late February, though the truly committed show up in November and don't leave until March.
• Budget sweet spot: If you're watching your wallet, aim for mid-January through early March. Rates drop after the holidays and availability opens up.
• Holiday bonus: Catch Myrtle Beach's spectacular Christmas displays, including the famous Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens — worth the trip alone.
• Flexibility is your friend: Most vacation rentals offer 28–31 night monthly bookings, which gives you more wiggle room (and often better rates).

Booking tip: Don't wait until October to start looking. The best oceanfront spots with pet-friendly policies and resort amenities get snatched up by late summer.

What to expect as a first-time snowbird in Myrtle Beach

Don’t worry — you won’t be bored. Winter in Myrtle Beach is relaxed, scenic, and just active enough.

A few highlights snowbirds love:

• Top-rated golf courses stay open all year — and tee time prices are much lower than in peak season.
• Live shows & theaters keep the lights on all season at places like the Carolina Opry and Alabama Theatre.
• Dining without the crowds means no long waits, friendly locals, and happy hour specials with an ocean view.
• Boardwalk strolls and midday walks along the pier mean warm sun, cool breezes, and blissfully empty beaches.
• Built-in community. Recreation centers and snowbird groups offer water aerobics, game nights, and organized day trips.
• Locals have time to chat, shopkeepers recognize return guests, and many snowbirds return here year after year.

How to choose the right winter rental in Myrtle Beach

Booking a place for a month isn't like reserving a weekend getaway. You're essentially test-driving a temporary home. Here's what actually matters:

Know your priorities

• Craving peace and quiet? Look north to North Myrtle Beach or south to Surfside Beach. You'll trade some walkability for genuine tranquility.
• Want action within walking distance? Stick closer to downtown or the boardwalk area. You'll be able to stroll to restaurants, entertainment, and that vital coffee shop you'll visit daily.
• Traveling with pets? Ground-floor condos or rentals with fenced yards will save your sanity. Your dog doesn't care about ocean views — they care about grass.

Essential snowbird amenities

• Full kitchen: You're likely not eating out every meal for a month, though you may be tempted.
• In-unit laundry: Hauling clothes to a communal laundry room gets old fast. Really fast.
• Strong Wi-Fi: Even if you're not working remotely, you'll want reliable internet for staying connected.
• Outdoor space: That balcony or patio you think you won't use? You'll use it constantly. Morning coffee, afternoon reading, sunset watching — outdoor space becomes your favorite room.

Look for monthly pricing

Many Myrtle Beach vacation rentals offer discounted rates for stays of 28 days or more — and Vacasa makes booking easy across dozens of snowbird-friendly listings.

Settling in: Make Myrtle Beach feel like home

Even if you’re only staying a month or two, a few thoughtful touches can help you settle in.

Add personal touches

• Bring a favorite blanket, candle, or framed photo to create a cozy and familiar space.
• Stock your rental with small luxuries—coffee beans, a good book, or a favorite mug.

Live like a local

• Browse year-round farmers markets and seafood shops for fresh, local flavors.
• Discover winter-friendly restaurants, coffee spots, and coastal cafés that stay open all season.
• Check out winter passes at attractions like Brookgreen Gardens or the Myrtle Beach Art Museum.

Stay social and active

• Join a club or seasonal group (golf, bowling, pickleball, and bridge).
• Volunteer or attend free winter events at libraries and rec centers.
• Take part in a beach cleanup or local craft class to meet fellow long-term visitors and locals alike.
• Join online neighborhood groups or social media forums to stay updated on events and meetups.