National coverage continued to position Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand as a welcoming, year-round destination with broad appeal, anchored by strong culinary recognition, coastal charm, seasonal experiences and increasing air service. Major outlets including Islands.com, Fodor’s, Travel + Leisure, AARP, and Travel and Tour World highlighted the region’s standout seafood and Southern dining, friendly communities, and growing reputation as an affordable U.S. destination. Holiday and winter travel coverage was especially prominent, with Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles earning repeated national praise and Myrtle Beach named a top winter and last-minute holiday getaway. Additional lifestyle and entertainment coverage reinforced the area’s family-friendly, multigenerational appeal, small-town character in places like Pawleys Island and Murrells Inlet, and cultural vibrancy through festivals, arts, and major 2026 concert announcements, while human-interest stories further underscored the region’s strong sense of community and place.

National and regional coverage continued to spotlight Myrtle Beach and surrounding communities as highly desirable destinations for travel, retirement, and relocation, with Travel + Leisure naming South Carolina the most popular state to move to in 2025 and identifying Myrtle Beach as the top city, praised for its beaches, wildlife, and golf. The region received significant attention for its affordability, appearing in multiple national roundups focused on budget-friendly winter travel, holiday deals, safe and welcoming towns, and hidden gem getaways. Brookgreen Gardens emerged as a major cultural and seasonal highlight, with features in Garden & Gun and Country Living, including national recognition of its Nights of a Thousand Candles event, while Huntington Beach State Park earned distinction as South Carolina’s top birding destination. Culinary and local businesses were also prominently featured, from seafood buffets and local bars to cozy cocktail spots and iconic Southern flavors. Coverage further emphasized enhanced travel accessibility, with Allegiant and Breeze Airways announcing new nonstop routes to Myrtle Beach in 2026, reinforcing the destination’s growing national connectivity and broad appeal.

Myrtle Beach is entering 2026 with a slate of special accolades and national recognitions received throughout the year that underscore the region’s long-lasting popularity as a place to live, work and visit. By continuing to capture national and international attention, the Grand Strand remains firmly positioned as a leader in travel, hospitality and community development.

Playing under sunny blue skies and mid-60s temperatures, the Western Michigan University Broncos took advantage of South Carolina’s mild, mid-December weather to deliver a dominant performance at the 6th annual Myrtle Beach Bowl presented by Engine on Dec. 19, 2025. Defeating Kennesaw State University 41–6, the Broncos capped their season with an impressive victory Friday at Brooks Stadium on the picturesque campus of Coastal Carolina University.

“Chef Swap at The Beach,” a series celebrating the culinary talent of Myrtle Beach–area chefs and restaurants, will air a Christmas Special December 20 on the Cooking Channel, adding a seasonal installment to the show.

The Carolina African American Heritage Foundation (CAAHF), in partnership with the City of Myrtle Beach, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and the Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance will celebrate the 21st anniversary of Grand Strand Freedom Week, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with special events from Jan. 16 to 20, 2025.

This winter, the Myrtle Beach area is packed with exciting sports action for fans of every age. From basketball and football to the uniquely American game of cornhole, teams and fans can experience the season’s top events while enjoying the mild coastal climate of The Beach.

Visit Myrtle Beach is gearing up to celebrate a major national milestone as America celebrates 250 years, offering a moment to recognize the journey that brought the country to where it is today and the possibilities ahead. Along South Carolina’s Grand Strand, events, attractions and festivities spotlight the region’s enduring spirit, creativity and resilience that have helped shape the nation since 1776.

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The Myrtle Beach Bowl presented by Engine returns for its sixth year on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at 11 a.m., with the Kennesaw State Owls of Georgia (Conference USA Champion) facing off with the Western Michigan Broncos of Kalamazoo, Mich. (Mid-American Conference Champion). This year’s bowl matchup features the only Conference Champion versus Conference Champion game outside of the College Football Playoffs. Tickets are available now at MyrtleBeachBowlGame.com.

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National and regional media coverage in October continued to elevate Myrtle Beach and the surrounding Grand Strand as a dynamic, story-rich destination. National accolades highlighted the region’s diverse appeal and family friendliness with stories in The Independent, Fodor’s Travel, Forbes, and more.