Murrells Inlet itinerary scene

Weekend itinerary

A Creek-First Weekend in the Seafood Capital

Walk the MarshWalk at low tide when the salt flats open up, eat where the shrimp boats dock, and save one slow morning for nothing but the water.

By Cal Mercer — a Second Star Guide itinerary

Tidal creeks and working boats define Murrells Inlet; Huntington Beach and Brookgreen expand the weekend beyond the restaurant boardwalk.

Best length

2 nights

Two nights cover a MarshWalk dinner, one beach-and-garden day, and a short Sunday outing. Add a third night for a full offshore charter.

Stay

Hampton Inn Murrells Inlet/Myrtle Beach Area

The closest conventional hotel in this shortlist to Murrells Inlet dining and the MarshWalk.

Main activity

the MarshWalk, Huntington Beach State Park, and Brookgreen Gardens

Friday belongs to the MarshWalk, Saturday to Huntington Beach and Brookgreen, and Sunday to one short water outing or lunch.

Weekend route

MarshWalk, beach, and gardens

Friday stays on the inlet. Saturday crosses US-17 between Huntington Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens. Sunday goes to the water only when departure time allows.

Friday

Friday: walk the MarshWalk before a waterfront dinner.

Check in, reach the boardwalk while the marsh still has daylight, compare the restaurant decks, and keep a second rail-side lap for sunset or live music.

4:00 PM

Saturday

Saturday: Huntington Beach birds, Atalaya Castle, and Brookgreen sculpture.

Start at Huntington Beach State Park for the causeway, beach, and Atalaya Castle, then cross US-17 to Brookgreen Gardens for live oaks and outdoor sculpture.

4:30 PM

Afternoon

Pause between the beach and sculpture gardens.

Change shoes, refill water, and eat near the US-17 corridor before entering Brookgreen; the afternoon involves more walking than the map suggests.

Highlight
The trip’s main event
Viator

Murrells Inlet MarshWalk sunset cruises

Browse options for sunset cruises, MarshWalk-adjacent boat outings, and evening waterfront experiences.

Check availability

Sunday

Sunday: choose an inshore charter, kayak, or final seafood lunch.

A four-hour inshore trip fits an early departure better than offshore fishing. Non-anglers can paddle a tidal creek, revisit the MarshWalk in daylight, or leave after lunch.

9:00 AM

Sunday morning

Choose breakfast, coffee, or a short walk.

Confirm charter return time before booking. Otherwise use Morse Park Landing, a short creek paddle, or a quiet boardwalk walk before the restaurant decks fill.