We've all heard the old Daylight Savings Time slogan “Spring forward; fall back,” but the Myrtle Beach version has an extra twist: “Spring forward into fun.” That's because the additional hour of daylight also means an extra hour of fun in the sun for visitors on the Grand Strand, who can take advantage of the changing clock and longer spring days, to squeeze in more good times during their vacation.
This year's clock switch takes place shortly after midnight, Sunday, March 13, which means most of us will be safely tucked in bed when the time magically changes from 2 to 3 a.m. But we won't fully realize the benefits until about 16 hours later, when sunset on the Grand Strand moves from around 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The following spring days see it stay light even later and later, giving guests extended time to soak up more sun and fun. Here are five ways to use that extra hour to enhance your vacation experience.
- Baseball: America's pastime is Myrtle Beach's idea of a good time on the Grand Strand, with lots of ballparks and diamonds to enjoy a baseball game. The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Advanced Class A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, is coming off a Carolina League championship in 2015 and opens its title defense on April 7 against the Frederick Keys at Pelicans Ballpark beside Broadway at the Beach. The nationally ranked Coastal Carolina University baseball team plays its home games in nearby Conway at the brand new TD Bank Complex, and the Ripken Experience, Market Common and other local fields host youth games and tournaments.
- Beach: Even on winter days that are warm enough to go to the beach, it starts to cool off when the sun goes down. The additional hour means more time to enjoy your day at the beach, especially for those who love watching the skies over the ocean change colors close to sunset. As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, guests at the Breakers Resort can spend more time on the beach and on our indoor/outdoor pool deck. Have a drink from the Rusty Reel Bar & Grill, kick back in a cozy beach chair and use the extra hour for some valuable chill time.
- Golf: Afternoon tee times were hard to come by in the winter months since it was hard to get in 18 holes before dark. But throw in an extra hour on the clock and the longer, warmer days of spring and you have plenty of time to tee off and hole out before nightfall. With more than 80 championship courses within a 60-mile radius of Myrtle Beach, there are plenty of opportunities to play an afternoon round. Let the Breakers’ professional golf staff book your tee times for the best rates available.
- State Parks: The Grand Strand is blessed with two beautiful, oceanfront state parks, both of which list their vague closing times as sunset. That means an extra hour of fun, fishing, hiking and sightseeing at Myrtle Beach State Park on the south end of town and Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet. Both feature the natural beauty of the Carolina coastal wetlands and woodlands, including hiking and biking trails, nature centers and picnic facilities. Myrtle Beach State Park has a fishing pier and Huntington Beach State Park has Atalaya, a Spanish-style castle that is open for tours.
- Sunsets: Guests at the Breakers can awake every morning to see the sun rising over the Atlantic Ocean, but getting a glimpse of the sunset is a bit trickier. Guests can see the sun dip below the western horizon from atop our towers, or there are some scenic spots to catch sunset along the Intracoastal Waterway, such as marina restaurants or aboard the Barefoot Princess Riverboat Cruise.
However you decide to enjoy your extra hour of daylight, be sure to spend your nights with us at the Breakers Resort. It’s the perfect place to enjoy your slightly longer vacation days in Myrtle Beach.
