Few places along South Carolina’s Grand Strand capture the area’s laid-back coastal charm quite like the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk.
Stretching for half a mile along a scenic saltwater estuary, this waterfront boardwalk blends fresh seafood, live music, breathtaking marsh views, and the rich heritage of a fishing village that has thrived for generations.
Whether you’re stopping by after exploring nearby Atalaya Castle or making the short drive from Myrtle Beach, the MarshWalk is one destination that deserves a spot on your itinerary.
In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to plan your visit, from the best things to do and where to eat to the ideal time to go and tips for making the most of your day.
Getting to Know Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
- Location: Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, Business 17, Murrells Inlet, SC
- Length: Half a mile (flat, accessible, stroller-friendly)
- Cost: Free to walk
- Parking: Free public parking lots off Business 17
The MarshWalk stretches along the western edge of the inlet, offering unobstructed views of tidal creeks, fishing boats, and the tranquil, sweeping landscape of the South Carolina Lowcountry. The boardwalk connects a row of waterfront restaurants and bars, so there’s a natural flow to the experience: stroll, stop, eat, repeat.
Murrells Inlet has been a working fishing village for centuries, with early roots dating back to the 1730s. The MarshWalk was developed in the early 2000s to connect the waterfront and make it walkable, giving visitors an opportunity to explore this historic section of the Murrells Inlet coastline.
While there are hotels and vacation rental homes in the area, most visitors choose to stay in Myrtle Beach. This way, you’re close to the MarshWalk for a visit but have access to all Myrtle Beach has to offer as well.
Things to Do on the MarshWalk
The boardwalk offers more than a scenic walk between restaurant stops. Here’s how most first-timers spend their time on the MarshWalk.
Take a Scenic Stroll
The walk itself is the main event for many visitors. The boardwalk faces west over the estuary, which means you’re watching the sun drop behind the marsh on a clear evening: It’s one of the best free views on the Hammock Coast.
Keep an eye out for brown pelicans gliding low over the water, great blue herons standing motionless near the dock pilings, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that occasionally make their way into the inlet. Early morning and late afternoon are the best windows for wildlife, before and after the heavier midday crowds.
Catch Live Music
Most of the restaurants on the MarshWalk feature live music in the evenings, particularly Thursday through Sunday and nightly during summer.
Dead Dog Saloon and Drunken Jack’s are two of the most reliable spots for outdoor live performances, and you’ll often hear music drifting from multiple directions as you walk the boardwalk. There’s no cover charge to walk the MarshWalk itself, though individual venues may charge entry on busy weekend nights.
Get Out on the Water
Crazy Sister Marina is located just off the MarshWalk and offers dolphin cruises, fishing charters, and eco-tours through the surrounding estuary.
Tours are led by friendly, passionate guides who share their knowledge of the area throughout their tours. All the equipment and instructions needed for fishing charters are provided, making it a breeze to get out on the water to fish, learn, and spot Murrells Inlet’s aquatic inhabitants.
Best Restaurants on the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
The MarshWalk is best known as a dining destination, and its restaurant lineup is strong enough to justify a visit.
Here are some of the most popular spots to check out on your first trip. For a deeper look at the area’s dining scene, the best restaurants in Murrells Inlet guide covers spots beyond the boardwalk, too.
Wicked Tuna
- 4123 Business 17, Murrells Inlet
- Best for: Fresh seafood, happy hour, raw bar
Wicked Tuna is a modern spot with a focus on fresh fish and a raw bar that draws locals and visitors alike. The outdoor seating runs right along the boardwalk, making it one of the better places for table-side sunset views. Be sure to try the grilled seafood platter!
The Claw House
- 4079 Business 17, Murrells Inlet
- Best for: Lobster rolls, crab legs, New England-style seafood
If you’re in the mood for shellfish, The Claw House takes a New England lobster shack approach that stands out on a strip otherwise heavy on Southern-style seafood.
Crab legs, lobster rolls, and crab nachos are the main draws, but you’re sure to be satisfied no matter what you order. The sunset views from this end of the boardwalk are among the widest in the area, so aim to time your booking to coincide with sundown.
Creek Ratz
- 4065 Business 17, Murrells Inlet
- Best for: Laid-back casual dining, local feel, families
Creek Ratz is the least flashy option on the MarshWalk and earns genuine local loyalty for it. Staff are friendly, the menu is unpretentious, and the patio seating is relaxed. Don’t miss your chance to try an order of fried pickles: some say they’re the best in the US!
This spot draws more locals than tourists, unlike those farther down the strip, making it a good choice if you want a quieter dinner without sacrificing the waterfront setting.
Who Is the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk Best For?
The MarshWalk works for almost all types of traveler, making it a must-have on any South Carolina coast itinerary.
- Families with kids will find it easy to navigate. It’s flat, short enough for young walkers, and the restaurants all have casual menus. The dolphin cruises out of Crazy Sister Marina are a particular hit with the under-12 crowd.
- Couples can enjoy sunset views, live music, and cozy dining options all in one convenient location. Simply show up, take a stroll, find a table with a water view, and let the evening take shape on its own.
- Groups have great flexibility here, thanks to the close proximity of attractions and dining options. Your group can spread out across multiple restaurants or work their way down the strip over the course of an evening without anyone having to agree on a single spot.
- Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the estuary setting and the opportunity to learn about the area’s abundant flora and fauna. The birdlife is consistent year-round, and dolphin sightings in the inlet are not uncommon.
At peak hours, like Saturday evenings in summer, the boardwalk is lively and can get crowded. Depending on what you’re looking for, this can be what makes it fun. But if you’re seeking a quieter, more secluded experience, time your trip for a weekday or for shoulder season.
Best Time to Visit the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
When planning a trip to Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, your timing will dictate the kind of experience you have.
Time of Day
Sunset is the sweet spot for a first visit. The MarshWalk faces west over the estuary, so the sky behind the marsh turns gold and orange as the sun drops.
The view is best from the southern end of the boardwalk near The Claw House, where the sightlines open up. Plan to arrive about an hour before sunset, walk the full length first, then settle in for dinner as the light changes.
Day of the Week
If crowd size matters to you, weekday evenings are measurably calmer than Friday and Saturday nights in summer. Thursdays tend to be a good middle ground when the live music is picking up, but the boardwalk isn’t at full capacity yet.
Time of Year
The MarshWalk is open year-round, but the experience shifts with the seasons. Summer brings the full version: live music nearly every night, all restaurants operating at full capacity, and the longest evening light.
Spring and fall offer the same scenery, with noticeably smaller crowds and more comfortable walking temperatures. Winter is quiet but not empty; several restaurants stay open year-round, and the marsh itself is worth seeing without the summer rush.
What to Do Nearby
The MarshWalk pairs naturally with a few other stops in the area. All three of the following are within a few miles of each other and make for an easy full-day itinerary.
Visit Atalaya Castle
A visit to Murrells Inlet isn’t complete without pairing the MarshWalk with a stop at Atalaya Castle, the historic winter home of the Huntington family.
This Spanish-style castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past, with its hand-crafted details, quiet courtyards, and stories of the artists and naturalists who once called it home.
Huntington Beach State Park
Huntington Beach State Park sits just a few miles south and offers beach access, birding trails, and some of the best shorebird habitat on the Hammock Coast. It’s a strong morning activity before the afternoon and evening on the boardwalk.
Camping is also available here, putting you in the heart of the natural landscapes that Murrells Inlet is famous for.
Brookgreen Gardens
Brooksgreen Gardens is minutes from the MarshWalk and offers a unique opportunity to wander through sculpture-filled gardens, discover the area’s rich history, and explore a zoo featuring native wildlife.
Located on a former historic plantation site, this unique attraction offers something for everyone, from art lovers and outdoor explorers to families looking for a memorable day by the coast.
Plan Your First Visit to the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
The MarshWalk is the kind of place that will stay with you long after you visit. The combination of waterfront dining, live music, and a genuinely beautiful stretch of Lowcountry marsh makes it one of the most reliable evenings you can plan on the Grand Strand.
Come at sunset, walk the full length before you eat, and pick a table that faces the water. The rest will take care of itself.