Take a Trip to The South Side
While Myrtle Beach offers a vast amount of family friendly entertainment and pristine beaches, sometimes it is nice to take a step back from the crowds and enjoy a slower pace. For a quiet, relaxing afternoon free of bustling crowds and busy attractions, head south toward the Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island area for gorgeous landscapes, succulent seafood, and quaint shopping. The south side of Myrtle Beach allows guests to enjoy a slower pace and find local gems that keep guests coming back every year.
The most popular attraction on the south end is definitely Brookgreen Gardens. This spectacular outdoor Myrtle Beach attraction is comprised of almost 10,000 beautifully landscaped acres that includes several themed gardens and a lowcountry zoo. Notable areas in the gardens include the Fountain of the Muses, Live Oak Allee, the Labyrinth at Brookgreen, and the Butterfly House. Children and adults alike will enjoy the Lowcountry Zoo, which features rescued native animals in their natural habitats. Look forward to seeing everything from marsh tacky horses to river otters in this interactive environment.
Another popular place for visitors to kick back is at Crazy Sister Marina. Located waterfront in Murrells Inlet, Crazy Sister truly offers something for everyone. The tikes in the group will love taking a cruise aboard the Pirate Adventure Ship, where they will be dressed as pirates and will have the chance to learn the rules of the sea, find sunken treasure, and will fight to beat Pirate Pete. Visitors can also get up close and personal with friendly locals on a dolphin tour or take a change at catching dinner aboard a fishing charter. If you are seeking a true adventure, rent a boat or jet ski for the day and explore the inlet for yourself.
Shopaholics in the group will definitely want to check out the Hammock Shops in Pawleys Island. A local staple for over 75 years, the Hammock Shops are a great place to find one of a kind specialty items ranging from handmade jewelry to homemade food items. Shaded by huge, ancient oaks, this shopping venue is perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll or for enjoying a seat in one of the many rocking chairs sprawled throughout the area. Visitors will want to be sure to stop by the actual Hammock Shop to see – you guessed it – hammocks being made by skilled artisans. You can even take one home with you, a truly unique souvenir. Also, you won’t want to miss out on their famous homemade fudge!
After a day full of south side fun, stop by the Marsh Walk on the way back to Myrtle Beach for a meal fit for a king. Located in Murrells Inlet, the seafood capital of the state, the Marsh Walk offers eight unique restaurants, all offering plenty of succulent seafood and the most spectacular waterfront views available. Enjoy juicy hand cut steaks at Bovines or fresh seafood offerings at Wahoo’s fish House. New to the area, Wicked Tune is becoming an area favorite with their unique sushi rolls and festive outdoor bar scene. Live music is a common theme in the area as most restaurants host live music throughout the evening. The waterfront boardwalk connects all the restaurants and is a great way to enjoy a sunset stroll and work off your meal.
Filled with relaxing family fun, great food, and scenic attractions, the south end of Myrtle Beach offers a welcomed change of pace compared to the bustling scene in the city. Enjoy a picturesque tour of Brookgreen Gardens and a quiet day of shopping at the Hammock Shops. The Marsh Walk serves up the best seafood in the area and is a great place to enjoy live music and scenic inlet views. Make sure a trip to the south end is on your vacation itinerary and start planning your trip today!
