Morning is an underrated time to be in Myrtle Beach. The Atlantic has a way of convincing even the most committed night owl that getting out of bed was the right decision. You’ll be rewarded with a world class sunrise and a feeling of accomplishment even before you start on the day’s adventures. And if you’re traveling with a group, it might just be the perfect time to get some solo serenity.

Grab a great cup of coffee, a leisurely breakfast, or a walk along the beach, and you’ve already had a pretty good day before most people have even found their flip-flops.

There’s nothing better than waking up at an oceanfront stay and planning the day ahead. Here are our favorite things to do in Myrtle Beach in the morning.

1. Kickstart Your Day With Coffee

Few things pair better with a Myrtle Beach morning than a fresh cup of coffee and the sound of the ocean nearby. If you’re easing into vacation mode, these local cafés are among the best places to start your day. Here are a few great options.

• Beach Hippie Coffee (Downtown Myrtle Beach) – Opens at 6 am. Just a few blocks from the Boardwalk.
• Grand Strand Coffee (Downtown Myrtle Beach) – Opens at 7 am. A cozy independent coffee shop.
• Tidal Creek Brewhouse (The Market Common) – Opens at 8 am. Locally roasted coffee and perfect for exploring The Market Common area.
• Native Joe’s Scoop & Grind (North Myrtle Beach) – Opens at 7 am. Specialty coffee, smoothies, and light breakfast options just a few minutes from the beach.
• Starbucks at Broadway at the Beach (Broadway at the Beach) – Opens at 6 am. Sometimes you just want the classic. Fun for exploring the Broadway complex early.

2. Watch the Atlantic Wake Up

Photo Credit: Scott Alan Ritchie

Take your coffee to go to Second Avenue Pier or the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and watch the sun come up in all its glory over the Atlantic. You’ll be in a prime location to head out on afternoon adventures from here.

There are plenty of benches to sit and plot out the rest of your day. Alternatively, head to the quieter Golden Mile area for truly uninterrupted views of the coastline.

3. Walk the Beach Before the Footprints Arrive

Get the family up early for the time honored tradition of making the first footprints in the sand. Morning is also a great time to look for dolphins in the calmer waters!

4. Go For a Peaceful Run

Milder temps and alluring ocean views make sunrise one of the best times to lace up your running shoes in Myrtle Beach.

You’ll find lots of good options for a peaceful early run, from hard-packed sand along the shoreline to the paved paths of Ocean Boulevard to scenic nature trails in Myrtle Beach State Park. The Market Common is also a great spot early in the morning.

5. Take Advantage of Prime Shelling Time

Photo Credit: Hattie-Cane

Overnight tides often leave behind fresh treasures along the shoreline for morning shellers. Keep an eye out for colorful scallop shells, coquinas, moon snails, olive shells, sand dollars, and whelks.

Huntington Beach State Park, Myrtle Beach State Park, and the serene coastline along the Golden Mile area are some of the best spots for shell finders.

6. Grab a Classic Myrtle Beach Breakfast

Myrtle Beach has spent decades perfecting the art of feeding hungry beachgoers, one stack of pancakes or one flaky biscuit at a time. These are some excellent tried and true options for breakfast or brunch:

• Johnny D’s Waffles & Bakery (Myrtle Beach) – Famous for its creative waffles, stuffed French toast, and house made pastries.
• Blueberry’s Grill (Barefoot Landing) – Fancy breakfast favorites, including lemon ricotta pancakes, eggs Benedict, and fresh pressed juices.
• Mammy’s Kitchen (Ocean Boulevard) – A favorite for a real Southern breakfast. You’ll find biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and big portions.
• Croissants Bistro & Bakery (Myrtle Beach) – Craving pastries? This is your spot. You’ll also find breakfast sandwiches, quiches, and great coffee.
• Golden Egg Pancake House (North Myrtle Beach) – A go to for classic pancakes, waffles, omelets, and comfort food.

7. Bike Along Ocean Boulevard

A quiet morning bike ride along Ocean Boulevard is one of the best ways to see Myrtle Beach! The milder temperatures, ocean views, and easy pace make it a favorite activity before settling in for a day at the beach. Ocean Boulevard offers miles of oceanfront scenery.

Detour through the Golden Mile and you’ll find quiet streets lined with lovely beach homes and shady live oaks.

Where to rent a bike:

• Myrtle Beach Bicycles – Beach cruisers and rentals for all ages.
• Pedego Myrtle Beach – Electric bikes and traditional bicycles.
• Beach Bike Shop – Beach cruisers and tandem bikes.

8. Cast a Line

Photo Credit: ChicagoPhotographer

The early bird gets the worm, and maybe lunch if you’re lucky. There are plenty of places to cast a line in Myrtle Beach, from historic piers to the surf. Here’s where to go fishing and what you might find on the other side of your line.

• Apache Pier – The longest wooden fishing pier on the East Coast and a favorite among anglers looking for Spanish mackerel, flounder, whiting, and bluefish.
• Second Avenue Pier – Arguably one of the best spots to even just watch what others are pulling in! You’ll also find easy rentals, bait, and excellent sunrise views. As with Apache Pier, you’ll find the classics, as well as possibly pompano and red drum.
• Myrtle Beach State Park Pier – Great if you’d like a more natural scenic setting. You’ll find sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, and black drum.
• Surf Fishing – Pull up and cast a line in the waves just about anywhere along the Grand Strand. Especially around sunrise, pompano, whiting, and red drum are often active.

Note: If you’re fishing from a public beach, you’ll generally need a South Carolina saltwater fishing license if you’re 16 or older. If you’re fishing from one of the piers, the pier’s blanket license typically covers you. Be sure to check current regulations and size limits before casting your line.

9. Explore the Farmers Markets

Exploring Myrtle Beach’s farmers markets is a great way to get a taste of the region, from local artisans to classic South Carolina eats. Most markets run from spring through late fall.

• The Market Common Farmers Market (Valor Park, Myrtle Beach) – Every Saturday from early April through mid-December, 10 am to 3 pm. One of the area’s largest markets, featuring local produce, baked goods, artisan foods, crafts, and events like live music.
• Surfside Beach Farmers Market (Memorial Park, Surfside Beach) – Every Tuesday from early April through mid-December, 10 am to 3 pm. Seasonal produce, local honey, baked goods, handmade gifts, and more.
• Conway Farmers Market (Downtown Conway) – Typically on Saturday mornings from spring through fall, featuring local farms, fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and handcrafted items.
• North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market (North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex) – Held Friday mornings from spring through fall. Lots of variety! You’ll find local produce, seafood, baked goods, specialty foods, and handmade crafts.

10. Play an Early Tee Time

With more than 80 world class golf courses along the Grand Strand, you’ll have an option for every morning of your trip! It can also be fairly convenient, as many are near some of the best oceanfront resorts.

The morning light and award winning fairways make this a must-do if you brought your golfing shoes. The best part is that plenty are public, but it’s worth booking a tee time ahead.

Just a few of the popular public golf courses:

• Myrtlewood Golf Club – Two championship courses conveniently located just minutes from the beach.
• Arrowhead Country Club – A popular 27-hole spot known for its scenic water features and excellent conditions.
• World Tour Golf Links – Play some of the world’s most famous golf holes inspired by some of the best known holes from around the world.
• River Oaks Golf Club – A local favorite with18 holes, stretching across more than 800 scenic acres along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Start Your Morning With the Best Accommodations in Myrtle Beach

Whether you’re heading out for a sunrise walk, grabbing breakfast at a local favorite, or planning an early tee time, staying close to it all makes it easy to fall in love with Myrtle Beach in the morning.

From family-friendly resorts with water parks to oceanfront escapes perfect for a relaxing getaway, Vacation Myrtle Beach Resorts offers accommodations for every vacation style. Book your stay today.