Murrells Inlet – the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina”
Murrells Inlet, now known as “the seafood capital of South Carolina”, wasn’t a family-friendly destination as it is today. In the early 1800’s, the inlet creeks offered a hiding place for pirates waiting to raid unsuspecting English ships. You may have heard about one of the earliest pirates named Blackbeard, who operated along the east coast.
Murrells Inlet, SC is about 20 miles south, towards Ocean Reef Lane and it’s one the best getaways from the famous Myrtle Beach. The cultured and welcoming community and a laid-back lifestyle is evident from the moment you set your foot in Murrells Inlet, which is actually two destinations in one. Home to several fishing fleets and watercraft activities, Murrells Inlet waters are a destination by itself. The dry land and the surrounding swamps give a scenic setting and a unique way of life to Murrells Inlet, SC, providing a perfect destination as a whole.
What to do
Murrells Inlet is the key driver of the local economy and the community. Fresh seafood can be bought at the local docks where they get delivered from the local marinas, operated by fishing and shrimping boats. Locals and restaurant owners dig oyster clusters and blue crabs from pluff mud and the local creeks to serve in their menus. For aspiring anglers, charter fishing boats will take you to the deep blue ocean for sport fishing and deep-sea fishing. Although Murrells Inlet, SC revolves around the water, there are watersports operators who offer crazy boat tours, parasailing rides, paddle boat tours and even Jet Ski rentals.
Fun things to see and do
The small town of Murrells Inlet, is packed with lots of things to see, do and experience. The Marshwalk, a wooden walkway on the historic waterfront guides hungry visitors to over a dozen seafood restaurants that overlook the harbor. To blend your experience, the fresh catch of the day is likely to be unloaded on the local docks while you enjoy some of the freshest sea food dishes, live music and entertainment galore from an outdoor patio setting. Don’t be surprised of how it earned its nickname as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina”
Local parks
The Huntington Beach State Park offers residents and visitors a personal up close encounter with Lowcountry flora and fauna. Many animals call this park home including and not limited to exotic birds like hawks, herons, eagles and egrets. Brookgreen Gardens is just across Highway 17 and one of the largest and oldest botanical sculpture gardens along the East Coast. To catch the best of Mother Nature, wander through these lush landscapes of indigenous plants, ancient live oak trees and rare flowers.
Eateries and Shopping
There’s plenty more to enjoy in Murrells Inlet, SC. Restaurants and shopping areas such as the Inlet Square Mall offers a modern retail outlet and other specialty shops across the historic district offering bargain opportunities to a lifetime shopping experience. For optimal experience, local watering holes and seafood shacks are great places to get something to drink and eat as you listen to tall fishing tales as told by locals. It’s what makes Murrells Inlet an ideal destination for visitors looking to experience the charm of Grand Strand’s Lowcountry and a perfect home for the few residents.
