Winter Guide to Garden City Beach, Surfside Beach, and Murrells Inlet
There's a version of Garden City Beach less people see. The crowds are gone and the beach is wide open for long walks. Sunrise over the water is best with coffee in hand and the fireplace waiting on you when you return to a Palmetto and Birch property..
The South Strand slows down, the locals come back out, and the marsh and the ocean feel like they’re just yours. If you've only known this coast in the summer, here's what the other half of the year looks like.
Why winter works here
Summer is about the pool and the sand. Winter is about the view. With fewer people around, you notice more: the light changing over the water, the sound of the waves from the balcony, a morning walk that goes a mile without a crowd.
It's also the season for staying in. A long breakfast, a book by the fire, the game on a screen big enough to do it justice, an afternoon with nowhere to be. That's the whole point.
Extra large fireplace and tv at Ocean Currents
What's happening nearby, November through February
Murrells Inlet Oyster Roast
A long-running Inlet tradition in the Wicked Tuna parking lot on the MarshWalk, with all-you-can-eat oysters and live music. It has sold out before, so buy ahead. Event details (https://www.murrellsinletsc.com)
Nights of a Thousand Candles
Late November through early January
Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet lights more than 2,700 candles by hand on select evenings, with live holiday music and a nightly tree lighting. Travel + Leisure named it the best Christmas lights in South Carolina. Buy tickets early, and only through Brookgreen. Get tickets here: (https://www.brookgreen.org/events/nights-thousand-candles)
Murrells Inlet Christmas Parade
Early December
The parade runs south along Highway 17 Business, finishing at Highway 17 and Wachesaw Road. Event details (https://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/events-calendar/murrells-inlet-christmas-parade-0)
Surfside Beach Christmas Parade
December
More than 100 entries, from floats to marching bands, along Ocean Boulevard and Surfside Drive, with a holiday market in Memorial Park afterward. Event details (https://www.surfsidebeach.org)
Christmas on the MarshWalk
December
Holiday drink and dinner specials along the MarshWalk, with Secret Santas handing out prizes for the best Christmas attire. Event details (https://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/article/festival-of-trees-and-myrtle-beachs-top-things-to-do-in-december)
Shuckin' on the Strand
February
Grand Strand Young Professionals host this oyster roast at the Hot Fish Club in Murrells Inlet, with all-you-can-eat oysters, chicken bog, and two beers included. Proceeds go to Substitutes for Santa, which provides holiday gifts to 150 Horry County students. Get tickets (https://www.grandstrandyoungprofessionals.com)
Dates change each year, so check each event's page before you plan around it.
Two oceanfront homes, both made for winter
Both homes also have oversized TVs, made for movie nights by the fire and a full Saturday of football, with college basketball to carry you through February.
Winter is the right time to take the full week. Our rates drop automatically the longer you stay, with no codes to remember. Booking directly at palmettoandbirch.com is always less than other platforms, and you'll have a direct line to us from the first question to checkout
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A one-bedroom oceanfront retreat with an electric fireplace and a view you'll want to wake up to. Right for a couple's getaway or a small family. Sleeps up to 4.
A two-bedroom oceanfront corner condo. Sleeps 6, with a fireplace plus a hot tub that's open year-round.
