Surfside Life Stays Destination Guide
Marsh views, fresh seafood, days on the water, and some of the South Strand’s most memorable natural attractions come together in Murrells Inlet. It is a place where mornings can begin at the boat ramp, afternoons can unfold at Huntington Beach or Brookgreen Gardens, and evenings can settle in along the MarshWalk.
The Murrells Inlet Feel
Murrells Inlet feels connected to the water in nearly every direction. Marsh creeks, docks, boats, oyster beds, and waterfront restaurants shape the rhythm of the community.
Guests can head out early for fishing, kayaking, or a boat tour, return for a relaxed afternoon, and finish the day with dinner overlooking the inlet. Its location also provides convenient access to Garden City Beach, Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens, and the quieter coastal communities farther south.
Murrells Inlet is especially well suited to guests who value boating, fishing, marsh scenery, local dining, and easy access to both beaches and Lowcountry nature.
A Signature South Strand Destination
The MarshWalk stretches along the waterfront and brings together restaurants, live music, marinas, boat tours, and broad views across the inlet.
Enjoy seafood, casual favorites, and evening drinks with docks, boats, and marsh views just beyond the table.
Seasonal entertainment and local performers give the waterfront a lively but relaxed evening atmosphere.
Stay for the changing light across the marsh as boats return and the waterfront settles into the evening.
Get Out on the Water
Murrells Inlet offers several ways to reach the water, but each access point serves a different purpose. Choosing the right launch depends on whether you are bringing a kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or a larger trailered boat.
Located near the MarshWalk, Morse Park Landing provides creek access that is especially well suited to canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. From here, paddlers can explore calm tidal creeks, marsh grass, oyster beds, birds, and other Lowcountry wildlife.
The main public boat-launch area near Belin Memorial United Methodist Church provides access for trailered boats heading into Murrells Inlet. Because tides, parking, ramp conditions, and launch rules can change, boaters should confirm current details before arrival.
Wacca Wache Marina offers ramp access for larger boats entering the Intracoastal Waterway. It is a practical option for boaters planning to cruise the ICW or continue toward surrounding rivers and coastal waterways.
Morse Park Landing is best suited to paddlecraft. The public boat launch near Belin Memorial United Methodist Church and Wacca Wache Marina are better suited to larger trailered boats. Always check tides, weather, parking, fees, operating hours, and current launch conditions.
Watersports & Fishing Adventures
Guests do not need to bring their own equipment or boat to enjoy the inlet. Local outfitters offer everything from jet skis and banana-boat rides to fishing trips, cruises, paddlecraft, and boat rentals.
Express Watersports offers a broad lineup of activities for guests looking for an active day on the water. Offerings can include jet-ski rentals, banana-boat rides, parasailing, kayak and paddleboard rentals, pontoon-boat rentals, dolphin-watching trips, sightseeing cruises, sunset cruises, sailing, and scuba-diving experiences.
Banana-boat rides may travel through the inlet or into the ocean depending on conditions and the selected trip.
Crazy Sister Marina offers fishing and watersports options for a range of ages and experience levels. Guests can choose from jet-ski, kayak, skiff, and pontoon rentals, along with eco-tours, specialty cruises, and family-friendly excursions.
Fishing options may include shorter nearshore or inshore trips, private charters, full-day excursions, deep-sea fishing, and longer offshore adventures.
Add a little speed and splash to the day with guided or rental-based watersports offered by local operators.
See the inlet and nearby waters from a different perspective on wildlife, sightseeing, sunset, or specialty cruises.
Choose from family-friendly trips, private charters, nearshore fishing, and longer offshore or deep-sea excursions.
Activities, age and height requirements, trip lengths, seasonal schedules, weather policies, and availability vary. Guests should review current details directly with Express Watersports or Crazy Sister Marina before booking.
Find Your Place by the Coast
Murrells Inlet and the neighboring coastal communities offer several ways to stay near the water, from homes beside the Atlantic to creekside properties designed around boating, fishing, and marsh views.
Stay along the nearby Atlantic shoreline with direct beach access and wide ocean views, while keeping Murrells Inlet dining and attractions only a short drive away.
Choose a waterside setting suited to boating, kayaking, fishing, marsh views, and quiet evenings near the inlet’s creeks and channels.
Stay just off the ocean in nearby beach communities, with the shoreline close and Murrells Inlet restaurants, marinas, and attractions within easy reach.
Settle into a relaxed coastal neighborhood where a short golf cart ride can connect the home with the beach and nearby local favorites where permitted.
Nature, History & Art
Two of the South Strand’s most celebrated attractions sit just south of Murrells Inlet and can easily be enjoyed during the same stay.
Explore a broad natural beach, salt marshes, wildlife-viewing areas, trails, fishing opportunities, and Atalaya, the distinctive winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington.
Wander through botanical gardens, outdoor sculpture collections, Lowcountry history exhibits, wildlife areas, and seasonal programs in a setting that rewards an unhurried visit.
Waterfront Dining
Murrells Inlet is known for seafood, but the local dining scene also includes steaks, burgers, oysters, casual patios, and lively waterfront gathering places.
More seafood restaurants, breakfast spots, bakeries, coffee shops, and local favorites are scattered throughout Murrells Inlet and nearby Garden City.
Restaurant hours, entertainment schedules, and seasonal operations can change, so check current details before visiting.
Things to Do
Choose from dolphin cruises, sightseeing trips, sunset cruises, eco-tours, and other ways to explore the inlet.
Book a family-friendly fishing trip, private charter, nearshore excursion, or longer offshore and deep-sea adventure.
Launch from Morse Park Landing and explore peaceful tidal creeks, marsh grass, oyster beds, and abundant wildlife at your own pace.
Spend time at Huntington Beach State Park, explore trails, or enjoy wildlife viewing along the coast.
Visit Brookgreen Gardens for sculpture, botanical displays, Lowcountry history, and seasonal events.
Rent a jet ski, ride a banana boat, try parasailing, or choose another on-water adventure from a local outfitter.
Return to the MarshWalk for dinner, music, waterfront views, and an easy evening by the inlet.
“Murrells Inlet invites you to spend the day on the water and let the evening unfold along the marsh.”
Explore Beyond Murrells Inlet
Murrells Inlet sits between several distinct beach communities, making it easy to add new stretches of shoreline, family attractions, and quieter Lowcountry destinations to your stay.
A welcoming beach town known for its fishing pier, family atmosphere, and relaxed shoreline.
Oceanfront homes, the pier, creek access, and an easygoing coastal vacation atmosphere.
A quieter Lowcountry setting known for natural beauty, tradition, and a slower coastal pace.
Entertainment, attractions, shopping, dining, and a wide variety of family experiences.
An oceanfront vacation community known for golf cart rides, family traditions, and resort amenities.
Plan Your Coastal Stay
From boating and fishing to waterfront dining, natural beaches, and Lowcountry gardens, Murrells Inlet offers a coastal stay with plenty of room to make it your own.