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Outdoor Dining with a View in Myrtle Beach

  By  Shelbi Ankiewicz

Outdoor dining - some people love it - some people hate it. I happen to love it. I love to sit and watch the sunset while enjoying a meal with people I love. To sit and witness the sun sink down, turning the sky various colors, is a natural form of art that’s of no cost to anyone.

There are many reasons why people enjoy dining outdoors: some outdoor spots are pet-friendly, and many outdoor dining spots offer live entertainment. I personally like dining outdoors for the view of which the Grand Strand area has so many areas to offer!

So, if you’re spending time in Myrtle Beach, you must enjoy water. Whether you like jumping into waves, soaking in a Jacuzzi, barreling down a slide at a waterpark, or floating along a lazy river at a resort, you’re likely to enjoy the water in some way. Lucky for you, Myrtle Beach offers some of the best restaurants with relaxing views of natural bodies of water.

Some of my favorites include:

local's fav Big Chill Island House
1. The Big Chill Island House

The Big Chill Island House is a must stop for an upscale tropical vibe with a water view. New in Barefoot landing, grab a crafted cocktail at one of their bars or rooftop lounge. With a ton of outdoor seating, you can watch the boats drive by, enjoy a stunning sunset on the water, or both!

Sea Captain's House
2. Sea Captain's House

What started as a beach house for vacationers in the 1930’s, transformed in 1962 to become Sea Captain’s House, a nostalgic staple among Myrtle Beach eateries. This is the perfect place to enjoy picturesque ocean views and of course, the great menu and service makes it even better!

Oysters on the half shell on ice with lemon slices
3. Clearwater Oyster Bar

Clearwater Oyster Bar offers amazing waterways views and some of the freshest seafood on the Grand Strand. Menu items include fresh oysters, lobster, blue crab, shrimp and more. A waterway dock is available for visitors arriving by boat, upon which you can choose to sit at the bar, grab a table, or enjoy your meal outside at the picnic tables.

RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar
4. RipTydez

If you're looking for an awesome dining view on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, try RipTydz. I love this place for the oceanfront views—it's like dining right on the beach! RipTydz isn’t just about the view though; they serve up a mix of fresh seafood, prime steaks, and local dishes that really showcase the area's flavors. The space is massive and it has two floors with vibrant atmospheres. I've been to a handful of private parties there and the views never disappoint. It's definitely a top choice for anyone wanting to make the most of the coastal scenery!

local's fav Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
5. Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

The MarshWalk is in the heart of the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet. It is a ½ mile boardwalk along a natural saltwater estuary. Every restaurant alongside it offers a meal with a view. It’s a calming and peaceful place to enjoy a dinner out. Plus, add in the antics of the goats on Goat Island and you have lots to look at while you dine. The abundant marsh life along this stretch makes every visit different because you never know what an egret will do!

6. Local on the Water

Located beside the Intracoastal Waterway, Local on the Water is a true locals favorite. This restaurant offers beautiful, picturesque views with great service and a diverse menu with everyone in mind! Local on the Water also has a large outdoor deck for customers to enjoy with their pets, and often have live music performances.

LuLu's North Myrtle Beach
7. LuLu's North Myrtle Beach

Located right in the heart of North Myrtle Beach's Barefoot Landing, LuLu’s is the ultimate hangout spot for foodies and fun lovers alike. Dive into a menu full of scratch-made gems while taking in the killer views of the waterway. Whether you’re there for the live music, cornhole, or just to watch the boats cruise by, LuLu’s has you covered. Their dock serves as a perfect sunset photo op!

local's fav
8. The Wicked Tuna at 2nd Avenue Pier

Wicked Tuna in Myrtle Beach (with a sister location on the MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet) offers some of the best seafood around with a great ocean view. The restaurant is fairly large offering seating inside and outside on their deck with open windows. Personally the best time to go is in the late afternoon so you beat the dinner rush and enjoy the weather while it’s cooling down.  

9. The Landing at The Boathouse

If you’re searching for a place to go and hang out on a Sunday night in the middle of summer, this is the place to go. The Boathouse is a restaurant and live music venue next to the Intracoastal Waterway. They have finger foods, salads, and sandwiches for all to enjoy will a large array of beers. My favorite time to visit is in the summer when they have live music on the outside deck and the sun is setting, mainly because it makes for an incredible view, but it’s also just a great way to spend time.

10. Marina Bar & Grill

The Marina Bar & Grill is in North Myrtle Beach at the Barefoot Resort. This is the perfect place to eat with the family, and it has an amazing view! You can even pull up to the restaurant on your boat and dock right at the marina! Then you can take your food to go for your boat ride. Not a boat owner? I personally just love watching the boats while I dine.

Shelbi Ankiewicz
Shelbi Ankiewicz is a senior at Coastal Carolina University studying communication, journalism, and intercultural studies. She is originally from Montgomery, Alabama, but has resided in Myrtle Beach for 14 years. She is the Editor-in-Chief of CCU's student newspaper, The Chanticleer, and is a member of a two-year leadership program called the Wall Fellows. Shelbi enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling to major cities in the SouthEast, and attending concerts. In her free time you can find her hanging out with her frenchton bulldog, Oma, or visiting the local trails Myrtle Beach has to offer.