A Sustainable Weekend at the Beach: Your Eco-Friendly Guide to Myrtle Beach

Looking for a beach getaway that’s as good for the planet as it is for your soul? Myrtle Beach offers a wealth of sustainable dining, eco-conscious activities, and environmentally friendly accommodations that allow you to enjoy a memorable trip while minimizing your environmental impact. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend or a family adventure, this sustainable weekend itinerary will inspire you to explore responsibly.

Day 1: Eco-Adventures and Local Flavors

Morning: Breakfast at Beach Hippie Coffee

Kick off your trip with a nutritious breakfast at Beach Hippie Coffee. This local gem uses organic, sustainably sourced ingredients and partners with other small local businesses to reduce their environmental impact. Enjoy delicious coffee and treats in a laid-back, coastal atmosphere.

• Eco Tip: Bring your reusable travel mug for a discount on your coffee.

Daytime: Explore Myrtle Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach State Park is a haven for nature lovers and a fantastic example of coastal conservation. The park features diverse ecosystems, including maritime forests, sand dunes, and beachfront grasslands.

• Activities:
  • Visit the nature center to learn about the local wildlife.
  • Hike the Sculpture Oak Nature Trail, a 1.6-mile loop featuring a fun scavenger hunt with patches awarded at the end.
  • Relax on a pristine, relatively undeveloped beach that’s perfect for eco-friendly picnics.

Admission Fees: $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for kids aged 6–15.

• Eco Tip: Pack a zero-waste picnic and avoid bringing single-use plastics. Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.

Dinner: Hook & Barrel

For dinner, dine at Hook & Barrel, a restaurant dedicated to sustainability. The decor is made from reclaimed trees, and they use unbreakable dinnerware and eco-friendly paper products. Their menu features locally sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients to reduce their environmental impact.

• Eco Feature: Vegan and vegetarian options are available, making it easy to enjoy a more plant-based meal.

Stay: Eco-Conscious Hotels

Many Myrtle Beach hotels have adopted sustainable practices, including energy-efficient lighting, composting food waste, and using eco-friendly cleaning products. Look for hotels that offer towel and linen reuse programs, water-efficient landscaping, and support local sustainability initiatives.

Day 2: Sustainability Meets Creativity

Morning: Brunch at Tidal Creek Brewhouse

Enjoy a delicious, locally sourced brunch at Tidal Creek Brewhouse. This veteran- and woman-owned establishment is known for its craft beers and community-driven events. On Make a Difference Mondays, proceeds support environmental causes like Winyah Rivers Alliance, which protects local waterways.

• Menu Favorites: The #1 Breakfast option not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a meal for someone in need.

Afternoon: Candle-Making Class at Lucid Coast

Take a stroll to Lucid Coast Candle Bar for a candle-making workshop. This shop uses sustainably sourced ingredients and packaging and produces small-batch candles to minimize waste.

• Eco Impact: For every purchase, a mangrove tree is planted through their partnership with the Eden Project, helping restore coastlines and provide crucial carbon sinks.

Early Evening: Brookgreen Gardens

Spend your afternoon wandering through the stunning Brookgreen Gardens, a 9,000-acre property featuring sculptures, manicured gardens, and wildlife habitats.

• Sustainability Note: The gardens’ founders designed an innovative irrigation system that connects to the Waccamaw River for natural drainage and water conservation.

Be sure to visit during one of their seasonal events, such as Summer Light: Art by Night or the beloved Nights of a Thousand Candles.

Day 3: A Sustainable Send-Off

Morning: Breakfast at Tupelo Honey

Treat yourself to a hearty breakfast at Tupelo Honey, known for its seasonal ingredients and responsibly sourced proteins. Their "Forever Free" proteins are raised without antibiotics or hormones, supporting ethical farming practices.

Afternoon: Saltwater Marsh Bird Watching and Eco Tour

End your weekend with a guided eco-tour in Murrells Inlet, a saltwater estuary teeming with wildlife. Join a naturalist-led tour to learn about the local ecosystem, observe bird species, and even interact with marine life in a touch tank.

• Eco Tip: Support local eco-tours that emphasize education and conservation, and don’t forget your reusable water bottle and binoculars!

Sustainable Travel Tips for Myrtle Beach

• Avoid single-use plastics: Bring reusable bags, utensils, and containers.
• Respect wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from animals and never feed them.
• Leave no trace: Take all trash with you and fill in sand holes to prevent harm to wildlife and beachgoers.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen: Protect marine life by choosing mineral-based sunscreens.

By following this sustainable weekend itinerary, you’ll not only enjoy all the beauty Myrtle Beach has to offer but also support eco-friendly businesses and help preserve the natural wonders that make the Grand Strand so special. Every small step adds up. So, pack your bags, grab your reusable water bottle, and get ready for a fun, eco-friendly beach adventure you’ll feel great about!