Boating on the Intracoastal Waterway is a popular pastime for visitors and locals in the Myrtle Beach resorts area and all along the Grand Strand. There are great restaurants on the waterway, fun islands to stop for a picnic and exciting areas to explore to give those sea legs a break. Check out some of our favorite places to visit while boating along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach is home to great restaurants located directly along the Intracoastal Waterway, fun attractions, shops and even playgrounds for the little ones. Popular choices include Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s entertainment complex, Taco Mundo Kitchen y Cantina, Greg Norman’s Australian Grille and River City Café. Public docks are available for visitors but can get quite busy during the summer months and especially on weekends.
Local Bar + Kitchen on the Water
Local on the Water is quickly becoming a favorite restaurant on the waterway! This new spot opened in 2019 and offers daily live music and DJs, a cozy firepit area and plenty of outdoor seating. The menu offers a little bit of everything including shrimp and corn grit fritters, buffalo mac and cheese, crab cakes and more.
Georgetown Harborwalk
Rich in Lowcountry history, the Georgetown Harborwalk is a fun place to explore along the Intracoastal Waterway. The southernmost city along the Grand Strand offers visitors quaint restaurants, fishing boats and unique shops. Big Tuna Raw Bar, The River Room and Buzz’s Roost offer tasty seafood, cold drinks and more with beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Winyah Bay.
Sandy Island
Sandy Island is a 9,000-acre plot of land located between the Pee Dee and Waccamaw Rivers just off the Intracoastal Waterway. The island is home to residents who keep the Gullah way of life in practice and children are even ferried to school across the rivers. Visitors love the large sand dune and anchor offshore or pull up to the beach with coolers packed and rafts ready to float. It is also possible to tour the Sandy Island and Pyatt’s General Store sells souvenirs, cool refreshments and folk art.
Bird Island
Bird Island is an undeveloped Coastal Reserve just over the border in North Carolina. It’s just a short drive north from the Little River waterfront when you’re boating up from Myrtle Beach. This beautiful retreat features salt marshes, grasslands, sand dunes and salt and mud flats. Boats can either beach or anchor just offshore to swim to the island. Pack a picnic and then head over to see the kindred spirit mailbox where visitors and strangers leave poems and journals each year for others to read.
Little River Waterfront
The historic waterfront in Little River is the perfect example of what a fishing town should look like. Here you’ll find fishing charters coming in after a long day with their haul, the Big M Casino Boat, interesting souvenir shops and more. Stop in for a bite to eat at Crab Catchers on the Waterfront, Key West Crazy, McMahon’s Irish Tavern and Patio’s Tiki Bar and Grill.
Landing at The Boathouse
The Myrtle Beach Boathouse is a central stop while boating in Myrtle Beach. They feature a large lawn and beer garden with outdoor dining and entertainment. The large restaurant offers classic sandwiches and burgers, seafood baskets, salads, wings, fried pickles and lots more. The Boathouse is also home to Independent Republic Brewing Company that serves craft beers all year round. Stop by for live music and great waterway views.
Visiting the area without your own boat? Find out where to rent a boat in Myrtle Beach!
Rentals on the Waterway
Yacht Club Villas
Looking for luxury in North Myrtle Beach? Yacht Club Villas at Barefoot Resort has you covered. Experience beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway from your private two-, three-, or four-bedroom condo. Yacht Club Villas offer large floor plans with tastefully decorated rooms, spacious balconies and access to the largest pool in South Carolina. Enjoy quick access to Barefoot Landing and all the fun that North Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand have to offer.
Barefoot North Tower
The lovely condos at the North Tower at Barefoot offer up to four bedrooms for families looking for the perfect rental on the Intracoastal Waterway. These spacious accommodations include all of the comforts of home including jacuzzi tubs, large kitchens, wireless internet and private balconies. Amenities include a large outdoor pool, four championship golf courses and terrific North Myrtle Beach location.
