One of the most well known beaches on the east coast is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. There is, however, a tiny hidden treasure about thirty minutes south called Murrells Inlet, or better known by the locals as, “the inlet”. Swampy marshland, beautiful wildlife, and five-star restaurants are what you will find in this town.

Jam up entertainment is endless, from live local bands to anyone’s own “five-minutes-of-fame” karaoke. If you are more of a laid back kind of person, it is easy to find a classy and quiet restaurant with the finest wines and four course meals. Murrells Inlet has an array of award winning chefs preparing food everyday. The possibilities of Restaurant Row are endless as you stroll down the Marsh Walk where all the main restaurants are featured.

If you would like to prepare your own meal, take a fishing charter and catch your own. There are also a few fresh seafood markets with great staff that will assist you with recipes and how to choose your main course. With Murrells Inlet being the Seafood Capital of South Carolina, you should not have a problem with variety.

Take a picnic to the seawall where you can enjoy the view of the marsh outlined with exquisite beach homes and condominiums from the neighboring town, Garden City. If you are lucky, you might even spot one of the many large fishing boats coming in to deliver the “catch-of-the-day”. At low tide, you can’t miss the distinct smell of the pluff mud with all the thousands of oyster beds lining the shore.

Take a trip a few miles down the road and visit a National Historic Landmark, the Atalaya Castle located at Huntington Beach State Park. Endless beach and picnic areas are at your fingertips. Right across the street is the beautiful Brookgreen Gardens. Hand crafted sculptures and an array of flora, this is a must see. There is a petting zoo for the kids and admission is not only cheap, but good for seven days.

So next time you visit one of the best known vacation spots in the state, take a day and go south to the Inlet. You will not be disappointed and will make it a tradition to go back for years to come.

Article by: Paige Johnson