What to Expect at the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, a half-mile-long wooden boardwalk stretching along the waters of the inlet, is a must-stop on the south end of the Strand. It’s a legendary landmark, lined with waterfront restaurants that host live entertainment and boast sublime views of the marsh, fun fishing and boating excursions, and special events throughout the year. It’s just a short drive south from many Myrtle Beach vacation rentals!
Murrells Inlet and the MarshWalk of today is also the site of historic milestones in the Lowcountry, where Blackbeard and other pirates roamed, stashed their booty, and downed their rum. It’s where folks summered in the 1800s, traveling by steamboat and docking at the Wachesaw River Landing, where the steamboat cooks reveled in the area’s fresh seafood.
Here is what to expect on your visit to the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk:
Dining & Drinks Along The MarshWalk
As it was established centuries ago, fresh seafood is supreme, served at all nine waterfront restaurants on the MarshWalk. But there’s so much more to explore in the dining and drinks here!
Here is a breakdown of each restaurant, from the north to the south, situated along the boards of the MarshWalk:
Bovine’s Wood Fired Specialties, as the name implies, specializes in wood-fired grilled steaks and specialty pizzas pulled from the brick oven, as well as seafood dishes, in a casual atmosphere.
Wahoo’s Fish House is a gorgeous, two-story seafood and sushi restaurant featuring large windows that overlook the inlet. Located next door is the outdoor, more casual Wahoo’s Bar & Marina that often hosts live music.
Drunken Jack’s is a legendary restaurant that serves up some of the best seafood platters on the MarshWalk. Chef Casey’s Risotto is a highlight on the menu, paired with Mahi Mahi and scallops over the lobster and crab risotto. Be sure to pose for a pic with the Bubba Love statue at the rear of the restaurant on the MarshWalk after dinner. Bubba is the nickname for Jerome Smalls, the self-proclaimed mayor of Murrells Inlet and longtime employee at Drunken Jack’s.
Bubba’s Love Shak, also named after Jerome Smalls, is a hip rustic joint with indoor and outdoor seating known for its fried seafood dishes and casual American fare, along with a side of live music.
J Peters Grill & Bar on the MarshWalk is one of several locations in South Carolina. The vast menu includes burgers and sandwiches, salads, steaks, seafood, chicken, and pasta.
Creek Ratz is a fun, family-friendly spot, serving burgers, baskets, pizza, sandwiches, munchies and the coldest drinks on the MarshWalk inside the cottage-style restaurant or outside on the waterfront lawn, where live music takes the stage.
Dead Dog Saloon is another favorite of visitors and locals not just for food but for the great bands that perform nearly every night. Their menu features steam pots, golden fried seafood, salads with homemade dressings, sandwiches and plenty of shareable appetizers.
The Claw House is a newer restaurant on the MarshWalk, featuring North Atlantic fresh lobster delivered bi-weekly, a full-service raw bar, and a beer garden with 90 craft drafts on tap. Seating is available inside the spacious dining room, around the 30-seat horseshoe-shaped oyster bar, or on the large, climate-controlled outdoor deck.
Neptune Bistro & Raw Bar, overlooking a section of Crazy Sister Marina and the Murrells Inlet boat launch, mixes up fresh mojitos and features a diverse menu, from local seafood to Southern dishes. The bistro offers a beautiful layout of outdoor and indoor dining spaces, an outdoor stage, and a huge pirate ship playground to keep the kids entertained.
The Wicked Tuna gives you a bird’s eye view of the marina from its spacious second-floor dining room and deck. Here, you’ll experience “hook to plate” fresh seafood, steaks, sushi, and handmade cocktails. For a more casual feel, take a seat at the Tuna Shak, an open-air waterfront tiki bar, next to Wicked Tuna, serving live music, cold drinks, and bar munchies.
Entertainment Along the MarshWalk
In addition to live music performed at just about every bar and restaurant on the MarshWalk, there’s more fun and entertainment to be had for your crew beyond that.
Climb aboard the Inlet BrewBoat for a spin around the salt marsh while you sip on your favorite beverage (It’s BYOB). The boat is operated with cycle stations at each bar stool and bench seating is also available for anyone who doesn’t want to pedal.
Book one of a variety of cruises that launch from the MarshWalk, such as The Children’s Pirate Adventure for your little lads and lasses to hunt for treasure, the Sunset & Sealife Cruise, the Full Moon Cruise, the Bird Watching Eco Tour, and more.
Book a fishing charter at Crazy Sister Marina, which offers a wide variety for all levels of fishing skills, including deep sea fishing, sport fishing and near shore fishing. Or rent your own boat from the marina if you’re feeling adventurous!
Other water activities from the marina at the MarshWalk include Dolphin Watch Tours, Eco Tours, jet ski and paddleboard rentals and much more. You can spend the entire day on the water in the inlet!
Events Along the MarshWalk
The MarshWalk hosts some of the best special events year-round that you’ll want to check out!
75 Days of Summer on the MarshWalk is going on now (started June 1) through August 31, from 4-10 p.m., a promotion of four refreshing cocktails for $9 while you stroll on the boardwalk.
July 4th on the MarshWalk celebrates Independence Day with a bang, with the 41st annual Murrells Inlet Boat Parade floating by starting at 5:30 p.m. and a grand finale fireworks show that will light up the sky at 10 p.m.
The MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights, November 28-December 31, 5-11 p.m., is one of the area’s only free walk-through of Christmas light displays. Children’s activities and craft vendors will also be available.
The Santa Crawl on the MarshWalk, Dec. 12 from 5-9:30 p.m., is a fun costume contest with prizes for the best Santa, Grinch, Scrooge, elf, or anything showing your Christmas spirit.
New Year’s Eve on the MarshWalk invites you to countdown to midnight and ring in the new year at any of the restaurants featuring drink and dinner specials on this special holiday.
Other big bashes along the MarshWalk include St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Halloween Costume Contests, Marshi Gras, Restaurant Week, and the MarshWalk Masters Tournament.
For more information and updates, visit www.marshwalk.com.
Resorts Near the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort
Just a few miles south of the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort is a private resort with a variety of accommodations ranging from one-bedroom suites to five-bedroom oceanfront condos and villas. Amenities include an on-site restaurant and seasonal Tiki Bar, indoor and outdoor water features, a full fitness facility, Starbucks and Stox and Co. Day Spa. You’ll love the private stretch of beach just footsteps from your door each morning. When you’re ready to hit the town, you’re just a short drive from the great attractions and restaurants along the South Strand.
