Garden City Beach
A classic South Carolina beach town — fishing pier, surf shops, and no pretension
Garden City Beach sits just south of Surfside Beach and has the feel of an old-school South Carolina beach town — no high-rises, no chain hotels, just beach houses, a fishing pier, a few surf shops, and the Atlantic Ocean. The Garden City Pier is one of the most popular fishing spots on the Grand Strand, with king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish running past in season. The beach itself is wide and uncrowded compared to Myrtle Beach, and the water is clear and warm from June through September.
The pier is best for fishing at night during the summer king mackerel run. For swimming, the beach south of the pier is less crowded. The surf shop on the main drag rents boards and gives lessons.
Launch from the public beach access on Atlantic Ave. Paddle north toward the inlet or south toward Pawleys Island. Watch for surf near the pier.
View Launch Sites →
- Garden City Beach, SC 29576
- Beach: always open. Pier: seasonal hours
- $ — Budget-friendly
Many of these spots are accessible by kayak. Rent one and see Murrells Inlet the way locals do.
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