Knoxville, December 25, 2025
News Summary
As winter weather grips Knoxville, residents are longing for coastal getaways, particularly to golf destinations near the beach. With beautiful golf resorts and sandy shores just a short drive or flight away, families can enjoy golf and recreational activities while escaping the cold. Popular spots include Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and more, providing multiple options for a perfect winter retreat filled with sunshine and outdoor fun.
Knoxville Residents Seek Coastal Escapes Amid Winter Weather
As the winter chill sets in, folks in Knoxville are dreaming of sunny shores and sandy beaches. If you’re one of those yearning for a quick getaway, you’re in luck! There are stunning beaches located just a few hours’ drive away that can whisk you from the icy grasp of mountain weather to a warm coastal escape.
A Quick Drive to Paradise
The closest beaches to Knoxville are in beautiful South Carolina, and believe it or not, you can reach the ocean in about six hours with a little road trip! The fastest way is via Interstate 40, although a word of caution: the Pigeon River Gorge pass is currently one lane in each direction due to damages from Hurricane Helene in 2024. If you’re not keen on navigating the damaged road, don’t fret—alternate routes are available to get you to your sunny destination.
Fly High to the Beach
If you’re not fond of driving, or just want to kick back and relax from the start, the McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville has got your back! It offers non-stop flights to a variety of beach towns in Alabama and Florida, letting you sit back and enjoy the view as you soar through the skies.
Popular Beach Destinations
Now you’re probably wondering, where can I go? One of the gems north of Charleston is just 383 miles from Knoxville. It’s clean, safe, and absolutely beautiful—definitely worth the roughly six-hour drive via I-40! Looking for a scenic detour? An alternative route heading north on I-81 to I-26 east adds about 50 minutes but offers some breathtaking sights along the way.
Love Myrtle Beach? You’re in luck! It’s located about 415 miles from Knoxville, with a drive time of just under seven hours on I-40. Folly Beach is another fantastic spot, sitting 384 miles away and also taking about six hours to reach through I-40. If you’re dreaming of a charming community and fantastic golf opportunities, Hilton Head is 420 miles away, requiring about a seven-hour drive.
For those venturing a bit further, Sunset Beach in the Brunswick Islands is a must-see. Ranked as one of the top 21 beaches in the world by National Geographic, this picturesque locale is about 440 miles from Knoxville and takes just over seven hours to get to. If you’re in the mood for an even longer road trip, you can head to Jekyll Island in Georgia, which takes about eight hours.
So Many Activities Await
At these beautiful beaches, families can enjoy heaps of *recreational activities*! Think surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, making for a fantastic vacation experience. Plus, with the combination of driving routes and direct flights from Knoxville, there are flexible options that suit everyone’s travel style.
The Warmth Awaits
As winter kicks in and the mountain air sharpens, it’s easy to see why a beach vacation is appealing to East Tennesseans. Whether you want to dive into the ocean waves, stroll on the beach, or simply relax in the sun, there’s a little slice of paradise waiting for you just a drive or flight away. So start planning that coastal escape—you deserve a break from the cold!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
HGTC Cultivates Sports Industry Talent in Myrtle Beach
Coastal Carolina University Enhances Athletic Facilities
Coastal Carolina University Drives Economic Growth in South Carolina
Myrtle Beach’s Thriving Event Landscape Reflects Community Spirit
Myrtle Beach Celebrates December with Lights and Community Spirit
Golf and Retirement: Discovering Affordable Coastal Living
Myrtle Beach Golf Event to Support Autism Awareness
Coastal Carolina University Expands Health and Performance Facilities
A Predawn Tragedy: One Life Lost in Myrtle Beach Fire
HGTC Enhances Workforce Development in Myrtle Beach
Additional Resources
- Knox News: Knoxville Beaches Near Winter Holiday Getaway
- Florida Today: Southwest Airlines Daily Route from Knoxville
- Knox News: Alternate Routes to Beaches Near Knoxville
- Knoxville Moms: 20 Beaches Nearest to Knoxville
- WBIR: Knoxville Woman Back Home After Crash Returning from Myrtle Beach
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
