If you’re planning a stay along the Grand Strand, a visit to the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk should be high on your list. Located just south of Myrtle Beach, this iconic stretch of boardwalk and natural saltwater estuary sits in the heart of Murrells Inlet. A historic fishing village known as the seafood capital of South Carolina, it’s the kind of place where great food, coastal scenery, and live entertainment come together naturally.
Before you head out, consider booking your stay at Crown Reef Beach Resort, an oceanfront resort that puts you close to everything that makes the Grand Strandspecial. After a day on the beach, the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk makes an easy and memorable evening destination. This guide walks you through what to expect and how to plan your first visit to the iconic MarshWalk.
A Scenic Boardwalk in the Heart of Murrells Inlet
The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is a half-mile wooden boardwalk that winds along a natural saltwater estuary, offering stunning views of tidal creeks, fishing boats, and local wildlife. This wooden boardwalk along the marsh is ideal for a relaxed stroll before dinner or after dessert.
In a village that has supported generations of fishermen, Murrells Inlet still feels authentic and welcoming. The saltwater estuary here plays a huge role in the area’s identity and explains why local seafood is such a big deal.
History of the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is a relatively modern addition to a place with deep roots. Murrells Inlet itself has long been a historic fishing village, shaped by generations of shrimpers, oystermen, and local families who depended on the surrounding waters for their livelihood. For years, this stretch of waterfront was working marshland, lined with docks, boats, and seafood operations rather than restaurants and gathering spots.
In the early 2000s, community leaders and local businesses came together with a vision to preserve the character of the inlet while creating a walkable destination that celebrated its fishing heritage. The MarshWalk was developed as a half-mile wooden boardwalk along the estuary, designed to connect waterfront restaurants, improve public access, and protect the surrounding marsh ecosystem.
Today, it stands as a successful blend of old and new, honoring the village’s past while offering visitors a vibrant place to dine, listen to live music, and experience the natural beauty that has defined Murrells Inlet for centuries.
Waterfront Restaurants You’ll Want to Try
The inlet MarshWalk proudly showcases some of the most spectacular waterfront dining on the Hammock Coast. With many restaurants lining the boardwalk, it’s easy to enjoy these restaurants with views you won’t forget.
Across these restaurants, you’ll find fresh seafood, a raw bar or two, plenty of local seafood, and options ranging from laid-back bites to a more polished, delicious meal.
Some MarshWalk restaurant favorites include:
- Dead Dog Saloon – A Murrells Inlet staple with a fun atmosphere, known for delicious food, ice cold drinks, and an outdoor patio overlooking the water.
- Bovine’s – A longtime local favorite known for steaks, ribs, and hearty comfort food, offering a change of pace from seafood while still keeping a coastal vibe.
- Wahoo’s Fish House – Known for creative seafood dishes, flavorful sushi, and regular live music in a relaxed setting.
- The Claw House – A New England–style lobster house featuring lobster rolls, crab legs, and very popular crab nachos.
- Creek Ratz – A laid-back, locally loved spot with patio seating, water views, and classic coastal favorites.
- Drunken Jack’s – A long-time local favorite known for their daily specials, fresh catch dishes, legendary martinis, and live music.
- Wicked Tuna – A lively seafood grill with a fresh raw bar, waterfront views, and a popular happy hour.
- Tuna Shak – A casual tiki hut next to Wicked Tuna, perfect for quick bites and drinks by the marsh.
Live Music and Entertainment
One of the biggest draws of the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is the live music. Many spots feature live music nightly, especially during the summer months. Each restaurant posts its own lineup, and you’ll often hear live music drifting across the MarshWalk as you stroll from place to place.
Some venues may have a cover charge on weekends or during special performances, but it varies by night and by restaurant. Be sure to check out their events page.
Nearby Attractions to Make a Day of It
Beyond restaurants and live music, the MarshWalk offers more ways to enjoy your time in Murrells Inlet. You can easily fill your day with experiences beyond dining, thanks to sightseeing tours that explore the saltwater estuary and offer a closer look at the area’s natural beauty.
Fishing charters depart nearby, making it easy to get out on the water and experience Murrells Inlet’s fishing heritage firsthand.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are also opportunities for water sports and other on-the-water activities, while seasonal local events throughout the year celebrate the traditions and culture that have shaped this historic fishing community.
Here are a few popular attractions nearby:
- Huntington Beach State Park – Just minutes away, this coastal park is ideal for beach walks, birdwatching, and exploring one of the best natural areas on the Hammock Coast.
- Brookgreen Gardens – A nationally recognized attraction featuring expansive sculpture gardens, walking paths, and Lowcountry history set on former rice plantations.
- Murrells Inlet Outpost – A great starting point for sightseeing tours, saltwater excursions, and educational experiences focused on the local estuary.
- Murrells Inlet Brew Boat – A floating tiki-style boat that offers laid-back cruises on the inlet, combining scenic views with a fun, social atmosphere.
- Express Watersports – Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to add water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, or paddleboarding to their day.
- Crazy Sister Marina – Offers fishing charters, dolphin cruises, and eco-tours that highlight the natural beauty of the inlet.
Why the Marshwalk Is a Must-Visit
The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk brings together everything people love about South Carolina’s coast: a relaxed pace, spectacular waterfront dining, and a lively but welcoming atmosphere. Vacationers alike and locals return again and again for the food, views, and sense of community.
Set along a natural saltwater setting in the heart of the historic village, this stretch of boardwalk captures the spirit of the Hammock Coast better than almost anywhere else. With ample parking and the area being open year round, it’s easy to fit a visit into both summer trips and a laid-back winter vacation.
Plan Your Stay Near the Marshwalk
When you’re ready to explore Murrells Inlet and the MarshWalk, staying nearby makes all the difference. Crown Reef Beach Resort offers oceanfront comfort, easy access to Myrtle Beach attractions, and a convenient home base for evenings spent enjoying waterfront dining and live music in Murrells Inlet.
Book your stay, bring your appetite, and get ready to see why this historic fishing village remains one of the Grand Strand’s most memorable destinations.