Just a quick drive from popular Myrtle Beach is the unique town of Murrells Inlet! It’s filled with beaches, wonderful seafood, and activities for all ages. While it gets busy in the summer months, Murrells Inlet isn’t nearly as crowded as its counterpart of Myrtle Beach. From the Marshwalk to Huntington Beach, we cover all the best things to do in Murrells Inlet South Carolina!
Best Things to do in Murrells Inlet South Carolina
1. Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk
One of the most fun things to do in Murrells Inlet South Carolina is the Marshwalk! Set along the water, there is a strip of bars and restaurants with beautiful bay views. Before grabbing a drink or meal, take a walk out to the end of the boardwalk overlooking the marsh. Keep an eye out for the many species of birds, fish, and crabs that call this amazing area home.
→ Murrells Inlet Marshwalk: How to Have the Best Time Ever on the Water
2. Huntington Beach State Park
Huntington Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in South Carolina. While there is a small fee to enter the State Park, you’ll find a gorgeous long sandy beach that is much less crowded than Myrtle Beach! Walk for miles in the soft white sand or pull up a beach chair with a good book.
3. A Castle in Murrells Inlet South Carolina??
Also, located in Huntington Beach State Park is the amazing Atalaya Castle. Built in the early 1930’s by Archer and Anna Huntington, the property has now become a historic landmark of the area.
Let your imagination run wild as you walk through this living museum! Atalaya Castle is a must-do when looking for what to do in Murrells Inlet.
→ Why You Can’t Miss Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park
4. Eat Local Seafood in Murrells Inlet South Carolina
When arriving in Murrells Inlet South Carolina you’ll see this town is known for more than just its beaches and scenery. In fact, this is the self-proclaimed seafood capital of the state!
While that is a massive title to hold, you’ll immediately see why once you get a taste for yourself! Here you can enjoy everything from clams and oysters to an assortment of different fish.
There are plenty of great restaurants or you can visit a fresh seafood market and cook at home.
→ Best Food in South Carolina: 13 Must Try Dishes & Drinks
5. Go Murrells Inlet Antique Shopping
Up for some antiquing? This popular U.S. hobby is one of the best things to do in Murrells Inlet. Legacy Antiques & Consignments is the perfect place to start your antique hunt.
The bright blue building is filled with everything from chairs and lamps to unique art and collector’s items. Happy shopping!
6. Visit Brookgreen Gardens
When searching for things to do in Murrells Inlet Brookgreen Gardens is a must! Spend some time strolling along the vast walking paths and through the colorful flowers. There is a fun sculpture park as well as several themed gardens and walking trails.
Brookgreen Gardens is a great place to visit for all ages in Murrells Inlet South Carolina. Make sure to go to the Lowcountry Zoo on your trip! There are also special seasonal activities such as the creek and the trekker excursions to enjoy.
7. Play a Round of Mini Golf in Murrells Inlet
When cruising around Murrells Inlet South Carolina it would be impossible not to notice all the mini-golf spots! This fun attraction is another great way to get outdoors with the family. Some of the most popular spots to play are Gilligan’s Island Funland, Inlet Adventure, and Runaway Bay Miniature Golf.
8. Garden City Pier & Arcade
There are few places as iconic as Garden City Pier in Murrells Inlet. Relax on the long sandy beach, hit the arcade, walk out on the pier, or even try your luck at fishing!
The Garden City Pier also has a large bar that overlooks the water. This makes for an awesome spot to grab a drink on a hot South Carolina day.
9. Take a Boat Trip from Murrells Inlet South Carolina
Located right on the coast, there are endless options for getting out on the waters in this seaside town. The best place to take off from is actually right on the Marshwalk.
There you can find everything from fishing trips and sunset cruises to kayaking and paddleboarding.
10. Murrells Inlet Seasonal Festivals
There are all kinds of great festivals to experience in Murrells Inlet year-round. The Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival is always a good time and there are plenty of exciting concerts in the summer! Time your trip to attend a fun festival in between all the fun things to do in Murrells Inlet.
Have any questions on what to do in Murrells Inlet or want to share your own favorite activities? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where to Stay in Murrells Inlet South Carolina
Fun Vacation – The Inlet Sports Lodge – Located just a mile from the beach, these upscale rooms are stylishly decorated with a small kitchen and dining area. The hotel also has an outdoor pool and an onsite restaurant to enjoy.
Hotel Stay – Hampton Inn Murrells Inlet – Spacious rooms with all the comforts of a hotel. Hampton Inn is close by to all the best restaurants in town, and just a short drive from Myrtle Beach.
Beach Front – Holiday Inn Oceanfront at Surfside Beach – The Holiday Inn is just down the street from the attractions of Murrells Inlet, and a popular option for vacationers. Book a room just steps from the beach with a sprawling ocean view.
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Pie-Eyed Parrot Happy Hour Sunset Cruise It’s not just a boat ride, it’s an experience! Huge 120 passenger party boat with double decks boast a large upper sky-view deck and a larger covered lower deck. Panoramic views with open air floor plan throughout entire boat for amazing views of Murrells Inlet Salt Marshlands. High top tables and perimeter seating makes every seat a good seat! We accommodate large and small groups. Adults 21+ Amazing views of the inlet. Enjoy festive cocktails, beer, seltzers, Frozens, wine, light appetizers, music, dancing with best staff around with waitress service and bathroom on-board. Located along the Marshwalk so make a night of it and enjoy dinner at one of the fabulous restaurants while you are there and live bands. We do sell out often so buy tickets in advance!
Pieeyedparrot.com
Author
Sounds like fun! Thanks for sharing
Garden City Pier is in Garden City Beach, not in Murrells Inlet.
Author
The address shows Murrells Inlet. Is this wrong?
110 S Waccamaw Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Take my award winning ghost and history tour on the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk Wed-Saturdays from March thru Nov. FB page: Inlet Cottage and Walking Tour. I regale stories of our history and legends.
Miss Chris’ Inlet Walking Tour
Author
That sounds like a great tour! Next time we’re in town we’ll definitely check this out
Thank you for sharing your story. I have a Brother and Sister in law in SC and they have never been to the Beach areas of SC since they have lived there over 10 yrs! I told them: Why not? So when My husband and I go visit We will make sure to hit these spots so we can have a little fun! 🙂
Author
Thanks for reading! We love the coast of SC especially this area. Enjoy!!
Next time you are in the area, you should take a Carolina Food Tour! Learn about the history of our area and the seafood while eating at 4 different restaurants along the Marshwalk! ?
Author
Absolutely! We’d love to do that on our next South Carolina trip (-: