Visiting Myrtle Beach for the Winter.

It’s usually a good bit warmer here than back home in Delaware.

So, you’ve decided to join the flock of snowbirds and head down to Myrtle Beach in January. You might be thinking, Am I crazy? Isn’t it cold down there? Well, I’m here to tell you that while the rest of the country is shivering, Myrtle Beach is enjoying some surprisingly warmer weather. It’s like a secret paradise for those seeking refuge from the icy grip of winter.

The beach at Myrtle Beach looking south from the 14th Street Pier. The pier in the distance is the 2nd Street Pier.

But don’t think that a trip to Myrtle Beach in February will be your typical winter escape. Sure, it may not be as hot as midsummer, but you’ll still find plenty of sunshine and outdoor activities to keep you entertained. From beach walks with your toes in the sand to golfing on world-class courses, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the milder temperatures and take advantage of fewer crowds. February is like that one friend who always has an extra sweater handy – surprisingly warmer than expected.

When March rolls around, you’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot with even more pleasant weather. The ocean breeze becomes gentle and inviting—a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls along the boardwalk or sipping cocktails at beachside bars. Plus, you can catch some early spring events and festivals without worrying about battling through summer throngs just yet. So pack your bags, snowbird! Myrtle Beach is waiting for you with open arms and warmer temperatures than you’d ever expect during these off-season months!

Be sure to visit Bill’s Myrtle Beach Collection: CLICK HERE.


Myrtle Beach Beach, Sand, Dunes, Ocean and Sky

Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting adventure, this Coastal Carolina city has something to offer everyone.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach provides visitors with some of the most stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Its white sand beaches remain as one of the largest beachfronts in South Carolina, and are perfect for taking leisurely strolls or playing a game of beach volleyball. The dunes that line Myrtle Beach are also a sight to behold. These dunes provide an excellent backdrop for stunning photos and videos, and many people take advantage of this by capturing their memories here. The City of Myrtle beach has even created Selfie Stations on the boardwalk.

beach at myrtle beach as seen from the boardwalk
The early evening beach in Myrtle Beach as seen from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

Furthermore, its deep blue waters offer plenty of opportunities for those who wish to go fishing or take part in other aquatic activities such as kayaking or swimming. Finally, its wide-open skies make it ideal for stargazing at night or just simply admiring during the day. From sunrises to sunsets, every hour spent in Myrtle Beach is sure to create lifelong memories that will never be forgotten!

Sand: Feel the Heat

Sand is a substance that’s ever-changing and constantly shifting. The sand on Myrtle Beach can range from soft white powder to course, black granules. It’s the perfect place for beach lovers to feel the heat of the sun and take in all the beauty that nature has to offer.

The ocean breeze provides relief from the blazing hot temperatures, while vast dunes of sparkling sand stretch for miles along this popular destination beach. Visitors can sit back and relax as they bask in the warmth of the sunshine reflecting off each grainy hill. Whether it’s building castles with friends or taking a stroll down one of their many boardwalks, there are endless opportunities to explore and play in this sandy paradise.

From sunbathing on the shoreline to collecting seashells while wading through shallow waters, Myrtle Beach offers a wide variety of activities for its visitors to enjoy under an open sky. Each step taken brings a new layer of coastal charm as guests feel their feet sink into its cushy grains beneath them. No matter how long you’re there, a trip to Myrtle Beach will always leave you with memories that will last forever!

Dunes: Variety of Formations

Dunes are mounds of sand formed by the wind. They are a common feature along coastal areas and can vary greatly in size, shape, and color. Depending on the location, the dune formation is determined by factors such as wind direction, wave action, beach slope and vegetation cover. The most common type of dune found along Myrtle Beach is a crescent-shaped ridge that forms when wind blows in one dominant direction. These crescent-shaped dunes form in two-dimensional arcs with their crests pointing downwind towards the ocean. Large swaths of grassy vegetation known as marram grass also help hold these crescents together and protect them from erosion caused by strong winds. In certain areas, more complex three-dimensional ridges called transverse or parabolic dunes may form due to shifting winds that blow from various directions over time. These ridges are characterized by sharp crests and steep sides which grow perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction before turning parallel with it again near their base where they meet up with the beach surface.

Birds of a Feather Stay Out Together

Ocean: Endless Possibilities

The ocean is a powerful force that has shaped the world for centuries. Its pristine waters offer endless possibilities for exploration, relaxation, and recreation. From swimming in its depths to sailing its vast expanse, the ocean offers something for everyone.

Myrtle Beach is no different when it comes to enjoying the wonders of the open water. With miles of sandy beach and gentle waves lapping against shorelines, Myrtle Beach provides a beautiful setting for those looking to explore what lies beneath or lounge on the sand dunes that line the shore. The sky at Myrtle Beach often turns into a stunning display of colors with sunsets dancing across the horizon while seabirds soar high above. For those looking to take their experience even further, paddling out onto crystal clear waters allows one to witness marine life in their natural habitat as well as take breathtaking photographs of their journey.

Ultimately, while there are countless ways to enjoy an ocean vacation, one thing remains constant; each day offers new possibilities that can be enjoyed by all who visit Myrtle Beach and step foot onto its majestic shores. Whether it’s taking part in watersports or simply feeling sand between your toes as you walk along the beachfront – anything is possible when visiting this beautiful place by sea!

Sky: Magnificent Views

The sky in Myrtle Beach is a sight to behold. When the sun rises, it illuminates the vibrant blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. As you look out over the horizon, you can see the majestic sand dunes that line one side of the beach. The changing hues of pink and orange blend together to create a truly remarkable painting in the sky. In addition to this breathtaking view, there are many other opportunities to marvel at nature’s beauty when admiring Myrtle Beach’s skies. On some days, you may even be lucky enough to witness stunning displays of colorful cloud formations such as wisps or rainbows! With clear skies most days out of the year, it’s no wonder why so many people come from all over just to bask in its glorious magnificence. There’s no better way to enjoy a relaxing day than by taking in Myrtle Beach’s magnificent views from above!

sunrise on the beach at Myrtle Beach
A typical sunrise scene on the beach in Myrtle Beach.

Activities: Fun for Everyone

No matter what your age or interests, Myrtle Beach offers activities for everyone. From sandcastle building to sunbathing, there’s something for everyone. The beach provides an ideal setting for a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and surfing. There are also miles of dunes that offer a great opportunity to explore the beauty of nature. For more adventurous visitors, there are plenty of opportunities to take part in thrilling water sports such as parasailing and jet skiing. Of course you can’t forget about the breathtaking ocean views and spectacular sunsets over the horizon. Visitors can enjoy all these sights while they relax on beach chairs or go on a romantic walk along the shoreline at sunset. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Myrtle Beach, there is something fun for everyone!

There are two wonderful online resources to help you get the most out of your Myrtle Beach vacation. They are Myrtle Beach on the Cheap and Myrtle Beach Macaroni KIDS. See more about them in our “other article” about Myrtle Beach.

Accommodation: Comfort and Convenience

When it comes to accommodations, comfort and convenience are two key factors for a successful beach vacation. At Myrtle Beach, visitors can expect both of these qualities in one package. The area has an array of vacation rental homes and condos that offer direct access to the beachfront and provide great views of the ocean, sand dunes, and sky. These homes come equipped with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay such as air-conditioning, fully equipped kitchens and plenty of space. Many rentals also include balconies or patios with spectacular ocean views so guests can enjoy some time outdoors without having to leave their home away from home.

Condominiums and hotels on the beach at Myrtle Beach at the north end of the boardwalk.
Condominium and hotels on the beach in Myrtle Beach at the north end of the boardwalk.

In addition to vacation homes, there are a variety of hotels and resorts located throughout Myrtle Beach that provide exceptional accommodations for all types of travelers. Many hotels come with modern facilities such as fitness centers or pools while others boast on-site restaurants offering delicious cuisine any time day or night. With so many options available in Myrtle Beach, visitors are sure to find something perfect for them when it comes to comfort and convenience during their stay at the beach.

A great place to begin searching and comparing accommodations is the BOOKING.COM website.

The Skywheel on the beach in Myrtle Beach
The Skywheel on the beach in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Conclusion:

A Perfect Getaway, “Welcome to Myrtle Beach!” Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting adventure, this coastal city has something to offer everyone. With its beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and vast ocean, Myrtle Beach is the perfect destination to enjoy the best of what nature has to offer. From watching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean to exploring its wild sand dunes and shoreline, Myrtle Beach provides a unique experience that will stay with you forever.


Of course, Myrtle Beach photographs above are available as prints, framed or on canvas and also on a variety of home decor items. Use one of the links below to begin shopping…

Link to: View of the Beach at Myrtle Beach, SC

Link to: Birds of a Feather Stay Out Together

Link to: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Skywheel

Link to: Bill Swartwout Photography (main) Gallery

Fenwick Island Dunes and Waves

The beach at Fenwick Island, Delaware is gorgeous on a breezy day in the Fall.

Fenwick Island, Delaware is situated directly on the Atlantic Ocean and provides a picturesque beach for visitors to explore. Located in Sussex County, it offers a unique coastal experience with plenty of activities for all ages. With its pristine sandy beaches, clear waters, and breathtaking views of the ocean, Fenwick Island is the perfect destination for a family vacation or weekend getaway.

fenwick dunes and waves
Fenwick Dunes and Waves Wall Art

Fenwick Island, Delaware is a beautiful vacation destination that offers plenty of activities and attractions. Located on the Atlantic Coast, Fenwick Island has become increasingly popular for its pristine beach and clear waters. Whether it’s a family vacation or a romantic getaway, Fenwick Island offers something for everyone. With a variety of restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities, visitors can explore the area at their own pace while taking in the sights and sounds of the beach.

fenwick dunes and waves in blacks and white
Fenwick Dunes and Waves in Blacks and White

The beautiful beach at Fenwick Island, Delaware is a must-see destination for beach-goers. An island on the Atlantic Coast, Fenwick Island is a tranquil paradise situated between Ocean City, Maryland and Bethany Beach, Delaware. With its white sand beaches, boardwalk attractions and miles of shoreline, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities in Fenwick Island.

fenwick dunes and waves panorama
Fenwick Dunes and Waves in a Panorama Format

For browsing or shopping, each of the images clicks to a more detailed page and see them without watermarks. The links below are more generic but will show you some gorgeous landscape and seascape photography.

Link to: Bill’s Coastal Delaware Collection

Link to: Bill’s Beaches Collection

Link to: www.BillSwartwoutPhotography.com


Protecting the Dunes at Bethany Beach, Delaware

Dunes grasses and fencing are important to our coastal ecosystem.

A sea of grass and sand dunes extend out to the Atlantic Ocean at Bethany Beach in Sussex County, Delaware. This photograph, captured along a beach pathway at Bethany Beach, Delaware, highlights the importance of healthy dune grasses and fence to our coastal ecosystem. These beach grasses and dune fencing help protect the sand dunes and also delineate a pathway to the beach.

bethany beach dune grasses vertical
Dunes Grasses, Fencing and a Path at Bethany Beach

Bill Swartwout’s photograph of a pathway through the sand dunes at Bethany Beach draws the viewer in to explore the scene.

Bethany Beach, Delaware, is a popular summer destination along the Atlantic coast of the United States. A beautiful beach with no public access road over the dunes, the town relies on dune fences and grasses to direct visitors towards its sandy shore. Some people like to walk along the dunes and look at the grasses and the fence and maybe even imagine what it must have been like before there were people here.

bethany beach dunes grasses
Bethan Beach Dune Grasses and Fence

The very best way to approach photographing a subject is to imagine yourself in conversation with the subject, then moving closer and closer, becoming more of a participant as time goes by. Bill Swartwout’s work is an amazing way to capture the beauty of our natural surroundings, and Crossing the Dunes at Bethany Beach is a wonderful example of that. The photo is tranquil and peaceful, and looks like a scene from a faraway land. It’s an instant favorite!

Thought for the day: If you can’t find joy on the beach, then it’s not the beach that’s wrong.

Browse and/or shop with the gallery links below.

Link: Dune Grass at Bethany Beach – Vertical

Link: Crossing the Dunes at Bethany Beach – Horizontal

Link to: Bill’s Bethany Beach Collection.

Link to: Bill’s full gallery at Fine Art America/Pixels

Patriotic Landing on the Ocean City Beach

A Para-Commando Parachutist displays the American Flag as he “drops into” the OC Air Show.

Patriotic Beach Landing in Ocean City
Patriotic Beach Landing in Ocean City

During the Ocean City Airshow in June of 2022, parachute jumpers from the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM, or SO COM) performed the opening act. They jumped from a helicopter about 8,000 feet above the ocean city beach and landed in the sand near show central at 17th Street on the boardwalk. Show.

Patriotic Beach Landing in Ocean City Charcoal
Patriotic Beach Landing in Ocean City as a Simulated Charcoal Sketch

The last of the jumpers flew an American Flag from his rigging and landed to the playing of our National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner. It was a wonderful way to kick off the OC Air Show and set the stage for three hours of spectacular aerial displays. The event (this year**) was capped off with a rousing performance by the The United States Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team.

Patriotic Beach Landing in Ocean City Expressionism
Patriotic Beach Landing in Ocean City in an Abstract Expressionism Presentation

** The Ocean City Airshow usually alternates year-to-year with the Thunderbirds and the United States Navy Blue Angels demonstration team. These are both incredibly powerful displays of the American military and patriotism.

Photographs on a variety of substrates and also on home decor items are available at the links below. Click to shop…

Link: Patriotic Beach Landing Wall Art

Link: Patriotic Beach Landing Simulated Charcoal

Link: Patriotic Beach Landing Expressionism

Link to: Bill’s Ocean City Collection.

Link to: Bill’s full gallery at Fine Art America/Pixels

Ocean City Beach Rocks, Waves and Sand

A recent storm creates a painterly style beach in Ocean City, Maryland.

This beach scene in Ocean City, Maryland is a bit extraordinary because of the numerous rock jetties that have been exposed by a recent massive coastal storm. The wave action and green water of the Atlantic Ocean is enhanced by the exposed rocks and cliff-like shape of some areas of the beach.

The beach in Ocean City, Maryland on a beautiful day in June.
The beach in Ocean City, Maryland on a beautiful day in June.

This area of the Ocean City beach, about mid-boardwalk in the 12th Street to 15th Street area never has rocks and or jetties exposed the way these are seen. The storm repositioned hundreds of thousand tons of sand, exposing some areas and filling in some other areas. But, not to fear, time and wave action will eventually restore the beach to what we are more used to seeing.

There is a Coast Guard Cutter lying at anchor just offshore. It is not there to protect swimmers from the occasional rip currents, the lifeguards are fully capable of that, but is there to assist with the Ocean City Air Show taking place the weekend this photograph was captured.

This has been an enormously popular beach scene of the Ocean City, Maryland surf. When it was originally shared on social media it received hundreds of engagements, comments and shares. It is an actual photograph that appears a bit “painterly” because of the colors and the lighting. One seldom sees the beach, sand and waves in OCMD quite like this.

Photographs on a variety of substrates and also on home decor items are available at the links below. Click to shop…

Link: Ocean City Beach Rocks, Waves and Sand

Link to: Bill’s Ocean City Collection.

Link to: Bill’s full gallery at Fine Art America/Pixels

Fenwick Island Lighthouse Wall Art Photographs

An early morning clear blue sky provides a fine backdrop for the first of these “looking upward” views of the light.

The Fenwick Light is located on the state line border between Delaware and Maryland. It is just inside the town of Fenwick Island, Delaware and just across the line from Ocean City, Maryland. The Fenwick Island Lighthouse was first lit on November 10, 1808.

An early morning clear blue sky provides a fine backdrop for this first “looking upward” view of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse.

Fenwick Island Lighthouse in a Blue Sky

An unusual Mackerel Sky frames this wide angle shot of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse just north of the state line between Maryland and Delaware. 

Fenwick Island Lighthouse in a Mackerel Sky

An unusual Mackerel Sky, in a black and white presentation, frames this wide angle shot of the Fenwick Island Light with an added “star filter” for emphasis on the light. The images above are also available in B&W without the additional edit.

Fenwick Island Lighthouse in Black and White with Star

Links to: the Fenwick Island Lighthouse in my Fine Art America/Pixels Gallery.

Links to: the Fenwick Island Lighthouse Lens at Pictorem.

The above are but a few sample of my photographs of the Fenwick Island Light. I love to showcase and preserve the unique beauty in and around my Coastal Delaware home. This lighthouse landscape photography is just one of a wide variety of memorable photographic opportunities that make online galleries unique.

Fenwick Island is located on the state border of Delaware and Maryland, and there are a few places along the boardwalk where you can get right up to the line. I was lucky enough to be in this place at sunset when the light was all aglow. This photograph is one of a series that I took during my trip recently.

Whoa! It’s a bird, it’s a plane–it’s a photograph of the Fenwick Light. You can bring this state line landmark into your home with the help of these high quality art photographs.

I’ve have the pleasure of photographing the Fenwick Island Lighthouse at various times. These photographs come in many sizes, and will look great wherever you place them.

Delaware. The Fenwick Island Lighthouse Preservation Society will keep this light at its current location. A prime spot for photographing the summer sunsets of Ocean City, Maryland and the summer sunrise of Rehoboth Beach,

Fenwick Island Light, also known as Fenwick Island Lighthouse, is located just inside the limits of the town of Fenwick, in the state of Delaware. When it was built in 1866, it was one of the first 50 lighthouses to be established by the federal government. It is a conical, rubble stone light and is a height of 128 feet.

Fenwick Island Light is one of the few remaining lighthouses in Delaware, and is located within the vacation destination of Fenwick Island. It’s location enabled it to serve as a navigation beacon for mariners sailing along the Delaware and Maryland coasts.

In the early 19th century, mariners from colonial Delaware and Maryland operated a series of beacons to protect them from sandbars and other hazards along their coastlines. Today, one of these lighthouses still shines over Fenwick Island.

I’m a photographer. That’s my job. My passion is photography and my favorite thing to do is shoot coastal and coast-related images. There’s something very calming and peaceful about being near the ocean beach. I am a skilled photo guy who likes to travel and make photographs of places I’ve been. I don’t set out to produce amazing art. If I do, then that’s just a bonus.

This is where I live. It’s nice here, but you have to watch out for the flying fish. (That joke isn’t even funny… it’s just inside Delaware.)

Looking for a fun way to brighten up your office? Need a gift idea that’s both quirky and useful? These trendy, affordable wall art prints will provide both. Perfect for children’s rooms, too! (copy.ai)

Just Before Sunrise on Driftwood Beach

The darkest hour may be just before dawn but…

The colors of dawn, pre-sunrise, can be simply beautiful. Here is a dawn photograph of an iconic lone tree silhouetted against the brightening and colorful sky on Driftwood Beach in Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Driftwood Beach Iconic Tree Pre-Sunrise

Driftwood Beach is on the northern end of Jekyll Island, one of Georgia’s Golden Isles, and is a picturesque place featuring numerous driftwood trees and parts of trees. This “scene from another world” was created by years of erosion that caused trees of a marine forest to topple into the salt water of the Atlantic ocean and die. While it is a form of marine debris, or tidewrack, is can also be quite beautiful and even mysterious. The salinity of the ocean water tends to preserve the trees for many decades – if not longer.

Whenever we travel south – from Delaware to South Carolina, Georgia or Florida, we like to take a side trip to Jekyll Island. Any trip to Jekyll means a walk on the beach because it is a beautiful and wondrous place to be, morning, noon or night. Yes, we have done all three – from sunrise over the Atlantic to moonrise over the beach – and all times in between.

Link for prints: Bill’s Fine Art America Gallery

Link for prints – just at sunrise: Bill’s Pictorem Gallery (w/free shipping in the U.S.)