Looking for a relaxed coastal getaway with waterfront charm? Head to Little River! Just north of Myrtle Beach, this historic fishing village offers laid-back vibes, scenic marinas, fresh seafood, and easy access to beaches and golf. Whether you’re taking a dolphin cruise or enjoying a seafood festival, Little River is a hidden Lowcountry gem.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Little River is during spring and fall (April–June and September–November). These seasons bring pleasant temperatures, blooming landscapes, and local events. Summer is also popular for beachgoers, while winter offers a quiet escape with mild weather.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Little River is located along U.S. Route 17, just 10 minutes from North Myrtle Beach and about 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach proper.
- By Air: Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is the nearest major airport, around 35–40 minutes away by car.
- By Boat: Little River’s marinas offer docking and charters for recreational boaters exploring the Intracoastal Waterway.
Where to Stay
- Holiday Inn Express N. Myrtle Beach-Little River – Comfortable hotel with marina views and easy access to waterfront dining.
- Sleep Inn at Harbour View – Budget-friendly hotel near golf courses and marina attractions.
- Vrbo & Airbnb Rentals – Waterfront cottages, condos, and private homes offer cozy and scenic accommodations.
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Cricket Cove Marina – Picturesque harbor with restaurants, shops, and sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway.
- Big M Casino – South Carolina’s only casino boat offering table games, slots, and ocean views during cruises.
- Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens – Peaceful park with nature trails, boardwalks, and historic landmarks.
- Little River Waterfront – Home to fishing charters, waterfront dining, and a relaxed, nautical atmosphere.
- Golf Courses – Tee off at Glen Dornoch, River Hills, or Harbour View Golf Club, all located nearby.
Unique Attractions
⮕ Sip Southern Wines and Enjoy Live Music at La Belle Amie Vineyard
La Belle Amie Vineyard, which translates to “The Beautiful Friend,” is a lovely vineyard in Little River. The Bellamy family has owned this former tobacco plantation turned vineyard since the 1800’s. Visitors can participate in a tasting of some of the La Belle Amie wines from 10:00am to 6:00pm, Tuesday to Saturday. The wines, which vary from red to rosé to white, can also be enjoyed with a selection of food pairings as well in the Tasting Room. During tastings, guests are guided through the basic steps for sampling wines and how to recognize varietals by taste and aroma.
1120 St Joseph Rd, Little River, SC 29566, Phone: 843-399-9463
⮕ Plan Your Coastal Adventures at the Little River Chamber of Commerce
Little River Chamber of Commerce serves as the Visitors Center for the community of Little River, South Carolina. The Chamber of Commerce manages two major festivals during the year as a way to offer fun distractions for the local community and to promote tourism. Every May, the fishing community of Little River celebrates Blue Crab with their famous Blue Crab Festival, hosting seafood dishes centered around the local delicacy, crafters, and live music.The annual Shrimp Festival takes place every October along the Historic Little River Waterfront, featuring fresh seafood, over 100 vendors, a kids zone, live music, and more.
440 SC-90 E, Little River, SC 29566, Phone: 843-249-6604
Where to Eat
⮕ Taste Craft Spirits and Take a Tour at Twelve 33 Distillery
Twelve 33 is a small distillery in Little River that makes each of its handcrafted spirits from grains, along with several other ingredients, sourced directly from farms in the local area. This lets the company proudly produce premium spirits that are entirely South Carolina made. Visitors and locals in the Myrtle Beach area can stop by the Twelve 33 Distillery for a cocktail or a tasting any day. Visitors can choose six of the distillery’s spirits for a tasting flight in the Tasting Room and Spirit Guides explain the distilling process. Mini-Cocktail Flights and guided tours are offered as well.
593 SC-90 E, Little River, SC 29566, Phone: 843-663-3344
⮕ Dine in a Historic Church at The Parson's Table for a Memorable Meal
Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, The Parson’s Table is a unique dining establishment in Little River, South Carolina where guests can eat inside of a historic church. The building still remains mostly the same as it did when it was built as the Little River Methodist Church back in 1885. The church was opened as The Parson’s Table restaurant in the 1970’s and serves American steakhouse fare. To complement the food selection, which includes fresh seafood, there’s an award-winning wine list. As for the decor of the restaurant,, it has been described as “positively Southern-charm antique.”
4305 McCorsley Ave, Little River, SC, 29566, Phone: 843-249-3702
Where to Eat
- Clark’s Seafood & Chop House – Elegant waterfront dining with fresh seafood, steaks, and marina views.
- Captain Juel’s Hurricane Restaurant – Local institution known for its seafood platters and laid-back vibe on the Intracoastal.
- Patio’s Tiki Bar & Grill – Outdoor bar and restaurant with live music and casual favorites like burgers and shrimp tacos.
If you are interested in local events:
- World Famous Blue Crab Festival (May) – Little River’s biggest event with seafood, live music, crafts, and coastal fun.
- ShrimpFest (October) – Celebrate the fall seafood season with fresh shrimp dishes, vendors, and local entertainment.
- Concerts and Cruises (Spring–Fall) – Check the marina schedule for sunset cruises, music events, and outdoor dining specials.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Little River, South Carolina:
- North Myrtle Beach (10–15 min) – Hit the beach, shop at Barefoot Landing, or catch a show at the Alabama Theatre.
- Calabash, NC (15 min) – Famous for its seafood restaurants and charming waterfront shopping just across the state line.
- Cherry Grove Beach (15–20 min) – Relax on the sand or walk the Cherry Grove Fishing Pier for great ocean views.
- La Belle Amie Vineyard (20 min) – Sip local wines, listen to live music, and enjoy vineyard tours in nearby Little River countryside.
- Waites Island (by kayak or boat) – Untouched barrier island perfect for nature lovers and shell hunters (accessible via guided tours).
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: Where is Little River, South Carolina located?
- A: Little River is a historic fishing community at the Grand Strand’s north end, named for the river running through it.
- Q: What makes Little River unique compared to nearby Myrtle Beach?
- A: Little River offers a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere and a break from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach.
- Q: What activities can visitors enjoy in Little River?
- A: Visitors can join fishing charters at sunrise or enjoy fresh seafood at restaurants served by local fishing boats.
- Q: How is Little River historically significant?
- A: It is the oldest of fourteen communities in the area, known for its quaint charm and slow-paced life.
Plan Your Trip