Top Waterfront Restaurants for Fall: Fabulous Weather & Gorgeous Views!
Water is therapeutic in that it has the ability to relax and rejuvenate your soul. We’re lucky enough in Myrtle Beach to be surrounded by it, from inland streams and rivers to the sprawling ocean. That’s why taking in a delicious meal alongside the water is a can’t miss opportunity while visiting, especially during the fall when the leaves are changing and the weather is cool enough to sit outside. While there are too many waterside restaurants to even count, here are some of our favorites to visit in autumn so that you can experience the best of the Grand Strand’s foliage.
Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach
One of the newest additions to Barefoot Landing, Big Chill Island House offers a great deck, multi-level views, and an upstairs bar and patio that keep the waterway in sight from every angle. The space is filled with unique island-themed décor, and the menu delivers with flavorful, island-inspired dishes — a perfect pairing for a relaxed afternoon or evening by the water.
Kingston Plantation, Myrtle Beach
Black Drum Brewing is a standout oceanfront taphouse and restaurant at Kingston Plantation in northern Myrtle Beach, offering more than 40 beers on tap from across the Carolinas. Its menu leans into hearty coastal fare with favorites like BBQ plates, smoked brisket tacos, and more, all best enjoyed on the patio with sweeping Atlantic views.
Conway
Located along the Waccamaw River in downtown Conway, Bonfire is the perfect place to relax on their wide back porch, enjoy some smoked BBQ or tacos, and take in the views of the river, also known as the Riverwalk. This spot is surrounded by draping trees and forest, so you’re sure to find some reds, browns, and yellows for your fall aesthetic. Take a walk to digest everything (food and scenery included!) after exploring the numerous drink options and specials that Bonfire offers throughout the week.
Garden City Beach
While sunsets are not categorized only by the fall, it’s hard to come across a good one on the East Coast. Gulfstream Café in Garden City is one of the rare waterfront restaurants where diners can enjoy both sunrise and sunset views with the added bonus of lovely, fresh seafood. Here’s your chance to take in shades of orange, yellow, and pink right from your table!
Murrells Inlet
Hot Fish Club’s roots stretch back to the 1700s as one of the area’s first dining spots, and today it’s still known for serving classic Lowcountry favorites like crab cakes and fried seafood in a laid-back, welcoming setting. Next door, Inlet Prohibition Co. turns up the energy with craft brews, cocktails a flavorful menu full of seafood, sandwiches and tasty appetizers. The two restaurants share sweeping marshfront views and are connected by a scenic boardwalk, making it easy to enjoy two unique experiences in one gorgeous setting. Great for an evening of dinner, drinks and live music!
Myrtle Beach
Bringing the party and views - the Boathouse never fails to put on a good time. Whether you want to stop by for drinks, have a meal, or just listen to some good vibes, there’s arguably no better place than here. Right on the water and across from plots lined with beautiful, ever-changing trees, it’s your one-stop shop for relaxing fall views, tasty food, and even better drinks. If you plan your visit right, you can watch the sunset glimmer off the colored trees - a sweet treat that you can’t get everywhere in Myrtle Beach!
Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach
Bright, colorful, and buzzing with energy, the family fun spot sits right on the Intracoastal Waterway. The open-air seating lets you watch boats cruise by while enjoying coastal classics like fish tacos, peel and eat shrimp or their famous cheeseburgers. The lively atmosphere, often paired with live music, makes it an instant mood booster and there's tons of room for the kids to play with a sand volleyball court, ping pong, cornhole and an arcade.
This half-mile boardwalk of waterfront restaurants is a fall favorite and one of the best bets for goregous views on the entire Grand Strand. Wicked Tuna draws seafood lovers with sushi and fresh-off-the-boat catches, while Drunken Jack’s serves hearty platters alongside tales of local pirate lore and Dead Dog Saloon offers hearty favorites with a side of live music. Strolling from spot to spot as the marsh glows in the evening light is an experience in itself.
Myrtle Beach
Located on one of Myrtle Beach's famous piers, Pier 14 Restaurant and Lounge is serving up fresh seafood, pastas, drinks, southern favorites, and more from right on the ocean - literally! With live music and a laid-back atmosphere, Pier 14 is a spot you can't miss when visiting Myrtle Beach. Though there is not a lot of foliage right off the ocean, the sight of palm trees and endless beaches never gets old!
14th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach (Boardwalk)
With its multi-level decks and rooftop bar, RipTydz feels like a beach party with a side of killer views. Whether you’re sipping a frozen drink with your toes in the sand or catching the last rays of the day from the top floor, the ocean is always in sight. The surf-and-turf options are perfect for a laid-back sunset dinner and the live entertainment here is top-notch. If you're feeling ambitious, these folks offer one of the most over-the-top seafood towers in town.
30th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach
A Myrtle Beach icon since the 1960s, Sea Captain’s House delivers old-school Southern hospitality right on the oceanfront. Pull up a chair on the patio for uninterrupted views of the Atlantic while you savor their legendary she-crab soup or shrimp and grits. The salty breeze and rhythmic waves might just make you linger long after your plate is clean.