10 Reasons to Visit Little River, SC
There are 14 communities across the Grand Strand that make the Myrtle Beach area unique. Each one has its own perks and activities that make it different from the others, which makes it challenging to fit in at least one activity from each community into your itinerary while you are visiting!
Little River is a fishing town at the northern end of the Grand Strand known for its laid-back atmosphere. Originally called “Mineola” or “Little River” by the Native Americans, it was one of the earliest settlements in Horry County.
With Little River’s history as a fishing town on the Intracoastal Waterway, it has plenty of water-related activities for you and your family to try. For your first adventure, book a deep-sea fishing trip with Little River Fishing Fleet with half and full day options. Since 1985, they have been providing specialty trips to the public with varying hours out on the water. If you aren’t sure deep-sea fishing is for you (or your stomach!), check in with Captain Smiley's who offers some nice, calm inshore fishing.
After one coastal adventure, head on over to J & L Kayaks for another, where you can take professionally guided tours of marshes, the backwater, and a crabbing kayak adventure. On these kayak tours, you will experience the simple beauty of nature in Little River while also learning how to kayak from an expert guide.
3. If you’d rather sit on a cruise, take a trip down the Intracoastal Waterway aboard a tiki hut with Cruisin' Tikis! There are several types of trips to choose from, perfect for family reunions, girls’ trips, sunset cruises – you name it. Or, opt for a dolphin watching tour, led by captains who know the ocean and its local marine life like the back of their hand.
4. If you are looking for something a bit more unique while out on the water, check out Big “M” Casino – a casino on a boat. Test your skills and luck at one of the many table games or slot machines and see how you can win while cruising on a yacht!
5. After your sea legs have given out on you, the Vereen Memorial Gardens are ready for you, featuring numerous hiking trails and wooden boardwalks across the salt marshes and Intracoastal Waterway that span about three miles. The trails are perfect for walking, running, and hiking, and are pet-friendly. And there is no admission fee to enjoy the park!
If you want to step back into the prohibition era, check out Twelve 33 Distillery, who distill its craft spirits through an intricate process using locally sourced ingredients. They host tours of the distillery and tasting flights with six of their signature spirits that can be easily booked on their website.
For wine lovers, visit La Belle Amie Vineyard, serving up twisted sister wines. They conduct wine tastings, taking you on a journey behind the history of the winery and the different wines they produce from their vineyards. And, if you time it correctly, you can catch one of their live, outdoor concerts.
Now, after all these fun activities, it’s time to eat! Known for its history and fine dining, The Brentwood Restaurant and Wine Bistro is housed in a bed and breakfast that was built in 1910. In the mid-1980s, the home was purchased and transformed into a French bistro serving dishes at the highest level, while keeping the home’s Victorian charm. Or, visit the Parson’s Table, located in the first Little River Methodist Church, built in 1885, and later converted into a restaurant in 1978. Many of the rooms feature the antique stained glass from the church and its original wood from the walls. Serving Coastal Carolina favorites, The Parson’s Table uses fresh produce and seafood locally sourced in South Carolina.
For a more casual dining experience, sit down and relax at Captain Juel’s Hurricane, located on the Intracoastal Waterway in Little River. Family-owned and operated since 1945, this restaurant serves coastal favorites such as stuffed grouper and fish sandwiches. Then head to the Little River Historic District for one-of-a-kind boutique shopping, where you can find everything from clothes to quirky gifts to bring back home. And, you can stop by the local cafes and bakeries to grab a sweet treat before your shopping haul.
Lastly, of course, the famous Blue Crab Festival is held every May in Little River and is one of the largest festivals in the southeast. With an abundance of fresh, local seafood, the Blue Crab Festival is a local and tourist favorite. The Little River Shrimpfest in the fall rivals the Blue Crab Festival and offers the same fun, laid-back atmosphere, celebrating the tradition of fishing and seafood that makes Little River a unique community in the Grand Strand.
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Katie Hunter recently relocated to Myrtle Beach, SC, but she is a true South Carolinian at heart. Growing up in Charleston, SC and living in the SC Upstate, Katie cherishes the rhythm of southern hospitality and a refreshing sea breeze. Katie has written stories for her friends and family to enjoy ever since she was little and is excited to uncover everything that makes Myrtle Beach, The Beach. Katie loves baking, the beach, and her Clemson Tigers. She can often be found walking her black labrador retriever or checking out a new restaurant in the Grand Strand with her husband.