Murrells Inlet is a charming community on the border of South Carolina's Georgetown and Horry Counties, located just a few miles south of Myrtle Beach's world-famous Grand Strand beachfront area. The former fishing village has become a major area tourist destination today. I especially enjoyed the lively waterfront boardwalk with some of the region's best seafood restaurants and live music.
Murrells Inlet, SC Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Kayak the salt marshes
- For History Buffs: Stroll through Brookgreen Gardens
- For Shoppers: Browse the MarshWalk and local boutiques
- For Couples: Enjoy sunset cocktails on the MarshWalk
- For Families: Visit Huntington Beach State Park
Best Time to Visit Murrells Inlet, SC
The best time to visit Murrells Inlet is from April through October. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer is lively with festivals, boating, and beachgoing.
How to Get to Murrells Inlet, SC
- If you are traveling by car: Located off U.S. Highway 17, Murrells Inlet is about 20 minutes south of Myrtle Beach and easily accessible by car.
- By Plane: Fly into Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), then drive or take a rideshare south along the Grand Strand.
- By Bus: Intercity buses and shuttles serve the Myrtle Beach area, with rental cars available nearby.
Where to Stay in Murrells Inlet, SC
- The Inlet Sports Lodge – Elegant boutique stay
- Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation East – Family-friendly resort
- Brookwood Inn – Budget-friendly option
Best Things to Do in Murrells Inlet, SC
1. Brookgreen Gardens
Rating: ★★★★★
Brookgreen Gardens has been named as one of the United States' top 10 public gardens by TripAdvisor, opened to the public in 1932 on the site of four former rice plantations. The lovely Myrtle Beach gardens were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1992. Today, they preserve sites connected to early American historical figures, including a memorial gravesite honoring Theodosia Burr Alston, the daughter of Vice President Aaron Burr. Visitors can explore the beautiful 9,100-acre gardens throughout the week and see over 1,400 sculpture works placed throughout its grounds, including pieces by sculptor Hyatt Huntington. An award-winning Lowcountry Trail details the region's plantation and slavery history, while the Lowcountry Zoo offers animal exihibits and exploration expeditions to archaeological areas on site. 1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, Phone: 843-235-6000
2. Huntington Beach State Park
Huntington Beach State Park is a gorgeous National Register of Historic Places-listed state park known for its dense marine life populations, home to lovely regional sea turtle, alligator, and bird species. The park is located along South Carolina's beautiful Atlantic Ocean beachfront on the former property of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. Its beautiful Atalaya Castle estate is designated as a National Historic Landmark along with neighboring Brookgreen Gardens. Today, visitors can explore the castle as part of guided tours overseen by the Friends of Huntington Beach State Park organization, detailing the home's construction and the couple's lives and legacy. The Kerrigan Nature Trail is home to a lagoon-front boardwalk, which serves as one of the area's top birding spots. Nature trails abound, along with overnight camping areas and a pond viewing deck. 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, Phone: 843-237-4440
3. The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is a charming waterfront boardwalk traversing through Murrells Inlet's lovely estuary habitats, located within the heart of the fishing village's downtown district. The half-mile boardwalk forms the heart of the city's downtown district, home to some of the city's top waterfront dining destinations. Lowcountry cuisine options abound at restaurants offering nightly al fresco seating and live music performances. Dining destinations include the Dead Dog Saloon, which showcases performances by area bands, and Drunken Jack's, named in honor of an infamous area pirate from the 17th century. Opportunities for watersports and sightseeing are offered by a number of touring and rental companies that line the boardwalk's shores. 4025 Hwy 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, Phone: 704-609-7535
Where to Eat:
4. Drunken Jack's Restaurant and Lounge
Drunken Jack's Restaurant and Lounge is a lovely Murrells Inlet waterfront seafood restaurant, located along the city's gorgeous MarshWalk riverfront boardwalk. The restaurant is known as one of the city's prime destinations for seafood and live entertainment, showcasing performances by area bands throughout the week directly on the waterfront. It is named in honor of an infamous area pirate legend from the 17th century, when a deceased pirate from notorious Blackbeard's crew washed ashore after a shipwreck with a scattering of empty rum bottles. Full lunch, dinner, and bar menus are served up each day, showcasing delicious fish and seafood platters and house specialties like steak Neptune and baked stuffed flounder. A full bar serves up craft beer, fine wines, and frozen and specialty drinks.
Drunken Jack's Restaurant and Lounge, 4031 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, Phone: 843-651-2044
5. Murrells Inlet Seafood
Murrells Inlet Seafood was opened in 1967 by area resident Rick Baumann and has become the oldest business still under original ownership in Murrells Inlet today. The award-winning restaurant has been voted as the region's top seafood restaurant and store by three area publications, known for its local day-boat seafood catches and imported Alaskan specialties. The store's Daily Soup Bar showcases seafood chowders and bisques that have won awards at the city's annual Murrells Inlet Soup Cookoff, while its master kitchen serves up health-conscious fare crafted by Austrian chef Detlev Martitsch Kreiner. Live local blue crabs are sold throughout the day, along with world-famous crab cakes and a variety of daily catch offerings.
4886 South, US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, Phone: 843-651-9309
6. Inlet Provision Company
Inlet Provision Company is a unique new restaurant offering opened in 2019 adjacent to the Hot Fish Club, owned and operated by the same restaurant company as its neighbor. The restaurant is one of Murrells Inlet's most affordable dining destinations, with most items available for under $15. Rustic decor creates an intimate bar feel inside, while a spacious waterfront deck offers panoramic shoreline views outside. Diners can enjoy delicious entree selections like Alaskan snow crab steampots, shrimp rolls, lobster grilled cheese, and pork belly banh mi sandwiches topped with kimchi and cucumbers. Specialty burgers, sandwiches, and seafood platters are also served, accompanied by Lowcountry side dishes and refreshing local craft beers.
4891 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, Phone: 843-299-2444
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
7. Lee’s Farmers Market
Location: 4883 Hwy 17 Bypass North, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Recommended For: Food lovers, gourmet cooks, sandwich seekers, and anyone who loves discovering unique local eats.
What I Love: ♥ “It’s not just a farmers market—it’s a food adventure, with New York pastrami and Italian cheeses just minutes from Myrtle Beach.”
- Beyond your average market: Lee’s is stocked with fresh local produce *and* imported deli goods, cheeses, pasta, and seafood.
- Don’t miss the sandwich: Their famous hot pastrami—made from Carnegie Deli corned beef—is a must-try.
- Gourmet goodies galore: From Italian salumi to hand-cut steaks, there’s something for every palate and pantry.
- Conveniently located: Just a short drive from Myrtle Beach, it’s an easy stop for both locals and visitors.
Cost: Prices vary by product—pastrami sandwich lovers, bring cash for lunch!
Best time to visit: Mornings are best for fresh selections and avoiding the lunch crowd at the deli counter.
Local tips: If you’re a fan of charcuterie or international ingredients, bring a cooler—you’ll leave with plenty of goodies.
Distance: Roughly 15 minutes from Myrtle Beach.
How to Get to Lee’s Farmers Market: Take Hwy 17 Bypass South toward Murrells Inlet—Lee’s is on the northbound side with plenty of parking.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7 AM to 5 PM. Closed Sundays.
Address: Lee’s Farmers Market, 4883 Hwy 17 Bypass North, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, Phone: 843-651-7398
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