The Great Outdoors
Outdoor Experiences Make The Myrtle Beach Area A Natural Wonderland
The Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, area is home to some of the most bountiful natural beauty in the United States, and its temperate climate and budget-friendly activities allow visitors to enjoy nature year-round. From hiking and bird-watching in the state parks to strolling through Brookgreen Gardens or the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, there is much to discover and appreciate in the Myrtle Beach area’s great outdoors.
Gardens and State Parks
The Myrtle Beach area is much more than just sun and sand – with plenty of lush gardens and expansive state parks, guests can immerse themselves in a variety of ecosystems through guided tours, leisurely river walks and more.
This must-see attraction has more than 9,000 acres to peruse and is considered the finest outdoor presentation of American figurative sculpture in the world. Visitors can stroll through stunning gardens and explore the Lowcountry History and Wildlife Preserve, which contains acres of native plants and animals.
Situated in downtown Conway, the River Walk winds along the beautiful banks of the Waccamaw River, which was once called “the boldest river in South Carolina.” Visitors can partake in a number of activities from canoeing to pontoon and fishing boat rentals. Guided expeditions and walks are available, or guests can opt for a relaxing stroll on their own.
This 16,000-acre property is dedicated to research and education, and the plantation includes over 70 cultural sites, such as cemeteries, slave cabins, and the Hobcaw House, where Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt and other leaders of the 20th century stayed. Guests can take a guided tour through the property or enjoy unique ecology programs through hikes at the beach, marsh and forests.
Built in 1740, Hopsewee Plantation is a South Carolina National Historic Landmark and once home of Thomas Lynch Jr, signer of the Declaration of Independence. The property is located on the North Santee River and has beautifully landscaped grounds and wooded nature trails to explore.
Huntington Beach State Park and Atalaya
Huntington Beach State Park boasts a lagoon, maritime forest, salt marshes and three miles of the most well-preserved beach on the Grand Strand. The lush park environment provides prime habitats for wildlife including alligators and more than 300 recorded species of birds. The park is also home to Atalaya, the former winter home of prominent American sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, whose works are displayed at Brookgreen Gardens. Other park amenities include a campground, education center, boardwalks and nature trails.
The captains bring a lifetime's experience of tales and folklore to Lowcountry Plantation Tours. A native of the Lowcountry, the captains weave into his tours a magical mixture of antebellum history, Lowcountry legends and personal experiences on the water. Tours include the Plantation River Tour, Lighthouse Shell Tour and the Ghost Story & Harbor Tour.
Located in the heart of the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is a beautiful way to enjoy the beauty, wildlife and spectacular scenery of Murrells Inlet’s saltwater estuary. Built along the marshes dotted with picturesque seafood dining establishments, the half-mile-long MarshWalk offers not only a freshly quaint environment, but also a chance to embark on seafaring adventures like boating/fishing excursions and watersports.
Along the far-reaching stretch of Grand Strand coastline, Myrtle Beach State Park sits nestled among oceanfront maritime forest. A quiet, green escape from the bustling beach, the park provides educational opportunities, a nature trail and some of the best surf fishing South Carolina has to offer. The 312-acre park also includes a nature center inhabited with snakes, turtles and marine animals, as well as a backyard wildlife habitat featuring a captivating butterfly garden and birdhouses.
One of the hidden gems of the Myrtle Beach Area, this park includes an array of hiking trails and wooden boardwalks that extend across several beautiful salt marshes and small islands. It is a peaceful sanctuary that includes plethora of shaded areas along with a scenic gazebo that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway and the distant waterfront of Little River.
Fishing
Horry County in South Carolina has both saltwater and freshwater fishing thanks to the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway and Waccamaw River. With easy access to the water and great amenities, anglers of all levels can expect an amazing fishing experience in the greater Myrtle Beach area. Fishing charters and pier fishing are available through multiple vendors.
Calabash offers party boats, charter boats, deep sea fishing, inshore, offshore and Gulf Steam charters.
Captain Ricky Long's Charters Fishing Service
Captain Ricky Long’s is a coast guard-approved vessel offering an exclusive charter fishing experience. Located in Little River, they offer half-day charters as well as gulf stream charters for the more experienced fisherman. Guests can enjoy shark fishing, bottom fishing and trolling.
Captain Smiley Fishing Charters
With their experienced captains and professional crew, Captain Smiley offers some of the best gulf stream fishing trips available on the Grand Strand for grouper, snapper, jumbo bass, triggers and more. Guests can fish inshore sounds, inlets, tidal creeks, and near-shore wrecks.
Fishing trips available at this marina include private charters, inshore/near shore, deep sea fishing, shark fishing and a public head boat.
Fish Hook Charters
This local fishing charter company has years of local experience and is dedicated to providing guests a memorable fishing adventure. With large, accommodating boats and trained captains at the helm, guests will be in good hands as they explore the Atlantic.
Since 1948, the Hurricane Fishing Fleet has been the Myrtle Beach area’s leader in head boat and deep-sea fishing charters. Located in Calabash, NC, their port is the closest to the ocean in the area, allowing for more fishing time and less riding time.
Reel Action Fishing Charters
Reel Action Fishing Charters offers medium-sized boats capable of carrying up to six adults, focusing on a more private experience. Children that are 11 or under are free with an accompanying adult.
Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises
Voyager offers are large, comfortable party fishing boat with half-day, one-day and 24-hour trips. Private charters, large groups and deep-sea fishing are available.
Pier Fishing
At 1,206 feet, the Apache Pier is the longest wooden fishing pier on the East Coast. With a loaded bait and tackle shop, an oceanfront restaurant, and huge arcade, the Apache Pier has entertainment offerings for guests of all ages.
Fishing enthusiasts visiting Myrtle Beach will find Cherry Grove Beach Pier as a must stop on their tour. Regulars who come to the 980-foot long pier boast that one of the Grand Strand’s biggest catches – a 1,780-pound tiger shark – was nabbed right here.
Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach and just next door to the world-famous SkyWheel, Pier 14 offers amazing scenery, great fishing and a fantastic restaurant that bears the same name with a menu consisting of fresh seafood options. Fishing passes and rentals are good for the whole day, so guests can leave and return at their leisure.
Second Avenue Pier is famous for its wide variety of catch – everything from Finger Mullet to Flounder to Spanish and King Mackerel, and even Barracuda. Built in 1936, this 900-square foot long pier offers an oceanfront bar and restaurant, as well as gift and tackle shops.
Kayaking and Watersports
Myrtle Beach area’s 60-mile long beach is packed with dynamic attractions, but there are also plenty of activities that allow guests to slow down, relax and explore the region’s natural beauty. From the ocean to the many inlets, the Waterway or our rivers, various water activities exist for those with an adventurous and eco-minded spirit.
Black River Outdoors
These guided kayak tours meet at various locations in the Myrtle Beach area, including Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, and Georgetown. Black River Outdoors offers guided tours that showcase an enchanting side of the Grand Strand that most visitors to the Myrtle Beach area miss completely.
Utilizing a 30-foot RAIV (Rigid Aluminum Inflatable Vessel), the Osprey, Blue Wave Adventures voyages deep into the most remote areas of our pristine ecosystem and then launch their inflatable kayaks from the boat. The Osprey serves as a “Mothership” for the kayak guides and provides adventure seekers remote experiences to see rare nature and wildlife.
Since 1981, Downwind Sails Watersports has been providing vacationers and locals alike with premium watersport activities at an affordable price. Downwind Sails offers parasailing, jet ski rentals and banana boat rides.
Located at the historic Socastee swing bridge, this venue offers scenic views of the fresh water Intracoastal Waterway and its surrounding rivers. Island Adventure provides a variety of watersports for all ages, including jet ski rentals, tubing, kayaking, paddle boarding and more.
J & L Kayaking is the original kayak experience in North Myrtle Beach, offering expert service and knowledge on every tour. Guests can experience a memorable kayak adventure to Waites Island or down the Waccamaw River.
These Murrells Inlet/Myrtle Beach kayak rentals and tours offer a wealth of knowledge, fun, and exploration. Visitors can rent single and double kayaks by the hour and explore the Inlet on their own or participate in a guided tour. A friendly and knowledgeable naturalist teaches guests about the history of Murrells Inlet as well as the vast amount of wildlife that call the Inlet home. Sunrise guided kayak tours also available.