Situated across the marsh from Garden City Beach and just 10 miles south of the "hustle and bustle" of Myrtle Beach, the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet has drawn residents and visitors alike for years. Here, you won't find flashing neon or high-rise condos, but you just might discover a coastal lifestyle that is all too rare in this day and age.
As the name suggests, the tidal marsh itself is the centerpiece of Murrells Inlet. Fishermen, crabbers and oystermen have long made their living in these rich waters, which today entertain countless explorers of all ages. Boasting the only deepwater access to the Atlantic Ocean between Little River and Winyah Bay, the area has become a mecca for recreational boaters, fishermen, kayakers and anyone else for whom saltwater is truly a necessity. Over at Crazy Sister Marina, you can rent a pontoon boat, a small skiff, jet skis, paddle boards or kayaks. For the more adventuresome, you can go parasailing or charter an offshore fishing boat to carry you out to the Gulf Stream.
Back on dry land, Murrells Inlet features two of the Grand Strand's most popular attractions. The MarshWalk has strengthened the area's longstanding reputation as the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina;" here, you can actually watch as the area's fleet unloads its catch and then enjoy the fruits of their labors in one of the eight world-class restaurants lining its ½ mile length. Just to the south, you'll find Brookgreen Gardens, whose combination of art, history, and zoo touches the heart and teaches the mind.
Be sure to include a visit to this unique seaside village on your next trip to the Grand Strand... you just might end up staying!
