The best way to arrive at a Murrells Inlet restaurant is by kayak. Here are the best paddle routes to waterfront restaurants — launch sites, distances, tidal notes, and exactly where to tie up and eat.
These routes are curated by locals who know the waterway inside and out. The tidal notes are real, the restaurant tips are honest, and the distances are accurate. Each route is designed to give you the best experience on the water — whether you're a first-time paddler or a seasoned kayaker.
The classic Murrells Inlet paddle — marsh, dolphins, and the best seafood deck on the coast
Launch from Oyster Landing and paddle north along the marsh edge. The spartina grass is on your right; the open inlet channel is to your left. You'll pass the back side of the MarshWalk restaurants about a mile in — the view from the water looking up at the decks is one of the best in the inlet. Pull up at the public dock at the north end of the walk.
Paddle right up to the MarshWalk docks and tie off. Drunken Jack's has been on the water since 1981 — get a table on the deck and order the shrimp and grits.
See full listingPaddle out at 8am before the boat traffic picks up. The dolphins are almost always working the grass flats between Oyster Landing and the MarshWalk on incoming tides. Tie up at the dock, walk the whole MarshWalk before picking a restaurant.
A short, easy paddle to one of the MarshWalk's most iconic bars
Launch from Morse Park and paddle south along the waterfront. The route is short and straightforward — hug the marsh edge and you'll see the MarshWalk restaurants come into view within 15 minutes. The Dead Dog Saloon is roughly in the middle of the walk.
The Dead Dog is a Murrells Inlet institution. Cold beer, fish tacos, and a deck that looks straight out over the water. Arrive by kayak and you'll feel like a local.
See full listingThis is the best route for first-timers. The water is protected, the distance is short, and the Dead Dog has a great outdoor bar. Perfect for a morning paddle followed by lunch.
Paddle the full length of the inlet from north to south — a genuine half-day adventure
Launch from the Garden City ramp and head south through the Murrells Inlet waterway. The route takes you through the full length of the inlet — past the back sides of the MarshWalk restaurants, through the tidal creeks, and into the heart of the inlet. This is the route that shows you why Murrells Inlet is called the Seafood Capital of South Carolina.
After 3.5 miles on the water, you've earned a full MarshWalk experience. Every restaurant has a deck over the water. Pick your spot and settle in.
See full listingStart early — 7am if you can — and take your time. There's no rush. The creek junctions about a mile south of Garden City can be confusing; stay in the main channel and follow the current. Arrange a shuttle or paddle back on the outgoing tide.
Paddle south to the best beach in South Carolina — and the most beautiful picnic spot on the coast
Launch from Oyster Landing and paddle south through the North Inlet Estuary. The route takes you through some of the most pristine salt marsh in South Carolina — protected inside the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center and Hobcaw Barony. You'll cross a short stretch of open water before entering the park's creek system. Pull up on the beach inside the park.
Huntington Beach State Park has no restaurant, but the beach picnic is the point. Pack a cooler, pull your kayak up on the sand, and eat on what National Geographic called one of the top 10 beaches in the US.
See full listingThis is a serious paddle — 3 miles each way with an open-water crossing. Don't attempt it in winds over 10mph or on a falling tide. The reward is worth it: the beach inside Huntington is pristine and you'll likely have it to yourself. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Paddle Pawleys Creek behind the barrier island, then lunch at a Lowcountry classic
Launch from Shell Road and paddle north through Pawleys Creek. The creek winds behind the barrier island with towering spartina grass on both sides. Dolphins are common in the creek. Paddle to the north end of the island and pull up on the beach or at the public dock near the causeway.
Perrone's is a Pawleys Island institution — casual, good seafood, and a real Lowcountry vibe. It's a short walk or drive from the creek landing.
See full listingPawleys Creek is one of the most beautiful paddles in the Lowcountry and almost nobody knows about it. The water is calm, the scenery is stunning, and you'll see more wildlife than people. Rent from Pawleys Kayaks — they're right nearby.
Every route has a tidal note — read it. Murrells Inlet tides move fast and the difference between a great paddle and a muddy slog is timing.
Bring a dry bag for your phone, wallet, and keys. Most MarshWalk restaurants have a spot to tie up a kayak — ask the host when you arrive.
Start your paddle by 8am and plan lunch for 11:30am–noon. You'll beat the boat traffic, the midday heat, and the restaurant crowds all at once.
Use the Trip Planner to combine a paddle route, a rental operator, and a restaurant recommendation into one custom itinerary.