1. Build a sandcastle or sculpture –

Building a sandcastle or sand sculpture is just as fun during the winter as it is during the summer. In fact, it might even be easier and more fun because there are fewer people on the beach during the winter. Less people means more room for building your masterpiece.

2. Ride your bike along the surf –

Riding your bike on the beach is a great form of exercise while also getting out and connecting with nature. Stick to the wetter sand along the surf to make it easier to ride. Biking in soft sand is much more challenging, and for some it might be impossible.

3. Find buried treasure –

Break out the metal detector and put it to work helping you find lost treasure on the beach. People have found jewelry, coins and even civil war relics. There’s no limit to what you might find when you explore the beach with your metal detector in hand.

4. Collect sea treasures –

Collect seashells, sea glass, rocks, shark teeth and fossils on the beach and along the surf. A great time to search is right after high tide or very early in the morning. You can use your collected sea treasures to make jewelry, craft projects and gifts for your loved ones.

5. Catch your dinner –

Go fishing, crabbing, clamming or oyster gathering. Winter is oyster season. While you can catch the rest during other parts of the year, it’s only safe to catch and consume oysters during the winter months. You can still catch fish, crabs and other tasty critters during the winter too, if oysters aren’t your thing.

6. Kayaking and canoeing –

Explore the marshes, rivers and bays in a kayak or canoe. You’ll see lots of wildlife, birds, fish and possibly even some dolphins. You can explore areas that aren’t as easy to reach on foot or on wheels. Plus, you’ll get up close and personal with nature which is good for your health and wellbeing.

7. Reserve a fireplace shelter –

At Myrtle Beach State Park, you can reserve a fireplace shelter where you can roast marshmallows and make s’mores. You’ll also keep cozy while enjoying a great day at the beach. You can leave the shelter to explore and come back to warm back up.

8. Watch the birds –

There are several beach areas, particularly in Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island that are renowned for bird watching. You can see over 200 species of birds throughout the year on The Grand Strand.

Just because the water temperature is too cold for swimming, doesn’t mean there aren’t fun things you can do at the beach in the winter. This quick list just scratches the surface of the fun activities you can do at the beach. Get creative and get out there and have some beachy fun!