Murrells Inlet – Saltwater, Art and Heritage

Murrells Inlet brings together a saltwater landscape and fishing with art, architecture and wildlife watching. These themes offer different points of focus as you plan your trip: the estuary and water activities take center stage at MarshWalk, Brookgreen Gardens is defined by its sculptures and historic garden features, and Atalaya is a building in the Moorish style.

Saltwater Landscape and Activities at MarshWalk

The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is a half-mile wooden boardwalk along a natural saltwater estuary in the heart of the historic fishing village. At MarshWalk, waterfront restaurants serve Lowcountry cuisine and fresh seafood. Murrells Inlet is also known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.”

Charter fishing is another activity at MarshWalk. Guided kayak tours through the salt marshes can be booked in the MarshWalk area. This gives you a choice of different water activities: guided kayak tours follow a route through the salt marshes, while charter fishing focuses on fishing. Individual restaurants, tour operators and booking options may change; check the latest details before your trip.

Sculptures, Garden Landscape and Atalaya

Brookgreen Gardens is designated a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its sculpture collection includes more than 2,000 works by 430 artists. The garden landscape includes the Live Oak Allée, with 250-year-old Virginia live oaks planted in the early 18th century.

You can explore the gardens on a guided tour or on your own. A selection of tours, programs and exhibitions is offered daily. In one interactive program, a staff member introduces visitors to a live animal. As these are current offerings, check the schedule for tours and programs before your trip.

Atalaya is the Moorish-style winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington and is designated a National Historic Landmark. The cultural highlights therefore differ: Brookgreen Gardens centers on its sculpture collection and historic garden landscape, while Atalaya is known for the architecture of its winter home.

The Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival is held every year in September and has been running for more than 40 years. Check the specific event dates before you travel.

Wildlife Watching at Huntington Beach State Park

The freshwater lake at Huntington Beach State Park offers the chance to spot alligators and, occasionally, mink. The Lowcountry Zoo is home to native animals that could not survive in the wild. This makes possible wildlife sightings at the lake and the zoo’s animals two distinct nature experiences.

A Fishing Village with a History

Murrells Inlet was originally an 18th-century fishing village. In the 19th century, summer visitors usually traveled to Murrells Inlet by steamboat and landed at Wachesaw River Landing. This historic journey is a different chapter in the area’s history from today’s water activities at MarshWalk.

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