The first time he visited the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk nearly 20 years ago, Greg Calvert thought he was just going out for dinner. Instead, he found a destination that became a fixture in his world, ultimately shaping the course of his life.
Enchanted by the combination of waterfront views, lively events, and delicious restaurants, he made the area his regular vacation destination. He became an enthusiastic participant in the MarshWalk’s annual events, including a Santa-themed crawl at Christmas, where he donned his first Santa suit and handed out toys to children. The next year, he won first prize for the holliest, jolliest spirit. In 2019, he moved to Murrells Inlet full-time and started his own business, bringing holiday cheer to businesses and events as the Santa of the MarshWalk.
From the freshest local seafood prepared by award-winning chefs, the most amazing marsh views, and the best live entertainment around, the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk truly has something for everyone. Experience eight restaurants in one beautiful destination — all right here at the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk.
“The MarshWalk absolutely changed my life,” Calvert says. “Where else can you relax and see nature’s beauty, all the wildlife, the pelicans, the egrets. The view is tremendous, the refreshing breezes. It’s really a mystical place. My friends and I say, ‘Aren’t we lucky to live here? It’s like living in heaven.’ And it really does feel that way.”
Just south of Myrtle Beach, the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet sits on a quiet stretch of waterfront studded with marsh grasses and waterfowl. Along its natural saltwater estuary, you’ll find the MarshWalk, a half-mile boardwalk lined with fin-to-fork restaurants, live music, and opportunities for outdoor recreation or relaxation.
Whether you’re a longtime visitor to the MarshWalk or planning your inaugural trip, read on for six things you may not know about South Carolina’s free-spirited waterfront destination.
Local fishermen ply Murrells Inlet’s surrounding waterways and bring their catch straight to the docks. Fresh-caught favorites include shrimp, oysters, crabs, grouper, and flounder. Eight restaurants line the boardwalk, all of which serve their own takes on fresh-from-the-water seafood.
Wicked Tuna boasts its own fishing fleet that brings in their catch each day. Dine there and indulge in sushi, tuna tartare, or cooked favorites like crab-stuffed jumbo shrimp or seared sea scallops. If you prefer your seafood crispy with a side of coleslaw, try Drunken Jack’s, where you can feast on fried fantail shrimp, crab cakes, and flounder. Each restaurant also offers an array of land-based fare, from juicy steaks and chicken wings to mac ‘n’ cheese bowls.
From a legendary pirate haunt to a serene tidal retreat, soak in the vibrant sunset over this historic fishing community. Photography courtesy of THE MURRELLS INLET MARSHWALK
Ditch the car and strike out on the wooden boardwalk that winds its way between all eight restaurants. You can stroll with a drink in hand, visiting multiple stops as you make your way from appetizers to dinner to dessert. In the evenings, your journey is elevated by music from various bands and fiery sunset colors over the water.
You’ll also run into locals selling unique items like plein air paintings, plants, and jewelry. Another MarshWalk regular is Murrells Inlet resident Ashley Greene. Her Southern Brim Mobile Hat Bar invites shoppers to customize their choice of hat with ribbons, feathers, and charms. Greene recalls a mother, daughter, and daughter-in-law trio who spotted the shop from their table at Drunken Jack’s. A few moments later, they were there, crafting matching straw hats as mementos from their special evening. “It used to be you just went to the MarshWalk to have a great meal,” Greene says. “Now, you can sip and stroll and visit the local vendors.”
Whether you come to the MarshWalk to dine, dance, or stroll, the Hammock Coast setting is always the headliner. The waterfront boardwalk grants unobstructed vistas of the salt marsh, complete with pelicans gliding over the water, graceful herons, palmetto trees, and soft swaths of marsh grass.
You can also make the natural setting more than just a beautiful backdrop to a delicious meal. From the MarshWalk, rent a kayak or jet ski, book a sunset cruise, join a charter fishing trip, take to the skies on a parasail, or climb aboard a sailboat.
Along the MarshWalk, live music from the waterfront restaurants fills the air with nightly entertainment. Photography courtesy of THE MURRELLS INLET MARSHWALK
Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, a scenic experience awaits on the MarshWalk. Watch the sun rise over the water and then have breakfast at Dead Dog Saloon. Try a crab omelet, a tall stack of pancakes, or one of six takes on eggs Benedict.
As the heat of the day starts to fade, enjoy the sunset’s colorful collage splashed across the water or a little late-night dancing under the moon. Even after the restaurants close, you can stay and stargaze over the marsh. The best part? There’s never an entry fee to access the MarshWalk. Their tagline is “Where the view, the music, and the fun is always free.”
End the day lingering beside the inlet’s tranquil waters. Photography courtesy of THE MURRELLS INLET MARSHWALK
The MarshWalk is always a welcoming environment, and that extends to well-behaved, leashed pooches. Take a waterside walk with your four-legged companion, then settle in for a bite and water break at one of the restaurants with pet-friendly outdoor seating.
“It’s just a special place,” Greene says. “You’re eating fish right out of the water that you’re looking at. It feels laid back, every place has a band going, and everyone’s kind.”
You might consider planning your visit around fun happenings at the MarshWalk, like the Fourth of July celebration, where music rings out all day, the community’s annual boat parade makes its procession across the marsh, and a stunning fireworks display illuminates the water. However, visitors are pleasantly surprised to learn that there’s always something going on at the MarshWalk — even after summer fades. On any given night, you’ll find musicians performing at different restaurants, and special events continue to fill the calendar with fun throughout the year.
Calvert always looks forward to the Wonderland of Lights, starting this year on November 27 and continuing through New Year’s Eve. He’ll don his Santa suit, park his sleigh outside of Drunken Jack’s, and hand out toys to passing children. “The look on their faces to have Santa Claus hand them a toy right there on the MarshWalk is unbelievable,” he says. Check the events calendar to keep up with all the latest happenings.
Ready to plan your trip? Whether you want to eat local seafood, dance to beach music, or stargaze over the salt marsh, you’ll find it all and more on any day at Murrells Inlet. Click here to learn more.
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