September is one of my favorite months in North Myrtle Beach. The crowds thin, the ocean stays warm, and the area takes on a more local feel while still offering plenty to do. The official NMB events calendar also highlights September as a great time for warm-weather beach activities and events.
🌊 Top Things to Do in North Myrtle Beach in September
1. Start with a Beach Morning and Sunset Walk
September is ideal for getting to the beach early, before the day heats up, and returning around sunset. Cherry Grove, Crescent Beach, and Windy Hill are all excellent choices.
2. Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding
For a calmer day on the water, try one of these scenic spots:
• Cherry Grove salt marsh
• Hog Inlet
• Cherry Grove Creek
• Intracoastal Waterway
September is especially pleasant because you can enjoy the waterways without the intense midsummer heat.
3. Go Fishing
September is a terrific month for fishing, including:
• Inshore fishing
• Pier fishing
• Charter fishing
• Flounder and redfish
• Early fall offshore fishing
4. Take a Sunset Boat Ride
A sunset boat ride belongs near the top of the list, especially if you are entertaining visitors. Cruising the Intracoastal Waterway at this time of year can be beautiful.
5. Visit Barefoot Landing
Spend an afternoon or evening browsing the shops, watching wildlife around the lake, enjoying dinner, and listening to live music.
SeptemberFest at Barefoot Landing is a particularly fun fall event, featuring the Duplin Winery grape stomp.
🎶 September Music & Dancing
Music on Main Street is one of the best free things to do in NMB. The series traditionally continues into September, with Thursday evening concerts at the Horseshoe.
If you enjoy shag dancing, September is a major month in North Myrtle Beach thanks to the SOS Fall Migration. In 2026, the event is scheduled for September 18–27 along Main Street and the Ocean Drive area. The gathering celebrates the Carolina Shag—the official dance of South Carolina—with beach music, live bands, DJs, dance lessons, competitions, and nightly dancing at local clubs and lounges.
Popular SOS spots often include Fat Harold’s, Ducks, Duck’s II, OD Arcade, Pirate’s Cove, and OD Beach & Golf Resort. Visitors can also look for the signature Fun Sunday and Fun Monday block parties, which bring music, vendors, food, drinks, and dancing into the streets.
Local tip: During SOS Fall Migration, Main Street and the Ocean Drive area can get busy, especially around evening events and the Fun Sunday/Fun Monday block parties. Plan to arrive early, park once, and walk between venues whenever possible. Comfortable shoes make it easier to enjoy the music, dancing, restaurants, and street activity without worrying about moving the car.