Murrells Inlet a Peaceful Alternative on South Carolina Coast
Augusta Today columnist Tee Gentry finds low-key Murrells Inlet a more reserved alternative to more action-packed beach alternatives.
Dining and dive bars in Murrells Inlet come with a mellow vibe – when it is not Bike Week.
Tee Gentry | Augusta TodayOne of my favorite stops on the South Carolina coast is Murrells Inlet. Know as the Seafood Capitol of South Carolina, this historic fishing village is alive with activity every day of the week.
Located just south of Myrtle Beach, it’s amazing how different Murrells Inlet is compared to the rowdy 24 hour-a-day stretch of beach to the north. Unlike Myrtle, this is a more laid-back community, but with plenty to do.
It has an abundance of restaurants, a few dive bars, and a great burger joint or two, such as the River City Café.
The real star, however, is the MarshWalk. It’s a half-mile boardwalk overlooking the water lined by local shops, live music, and fresh seafood.
Murrells Inlet is a seaside enthusiast’s paradise with boating, deep sea fishing, paddleboarding and more. For the more artistically inclined, I would recommend Brookgreen Gardens, a 9000-acre sculpture garden and wildlife preserve.
Garden City Beach and Surfside Beach are the Inlet’s neighbors as you head a half mile or so north and are perfect for that more traditional beach experience. The Garden City Pier is always a good time.
Bike Week is one week that is entirely different, as I found out a few years back. Thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts rumble into Murrells Inlet and the surrounding beach communities.
It seems the Murrells Inlet bars are some of the most popular that week, as the fishing village takes on a new vibe with motorcycles lined up everywhere you look. It’s a fun time.
After thinking back on my times in this coastal gem over the years, I feel the urge to get another Road King Classic, hit the blue highways, and get reacquainted with Murrells Inlet.
“Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window”
