Garden City Beach

A classic South Carolina beach town — fishing pier, surf shops, and no pretension

About Garden City Beach

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.

Important Information

Garden City Beach offers excellent kayaking opportunities, but conditions can change quickly. Always check the tides before launching, as low tide can expose oyster beds and shallow mud flats, especially around the marshes and Neil’s Inlet. If you’re paddling near the inlet or jetties, be prepared for stronger currents and increased boat traffic. Ocean conditions can also become rough due to wind, waves, and afternoon thunderstorms, so wear a life jacket, monitor the weather, and choose protected waterways if you’re new to kayaking.

Key takeaways

Garden City Beach sits in Horry County, directly south of Surfside Beach; its developed beach area extends south into Georgetown County to a peninsula at the mouth of Murrells Inlet.
That peninsula makes it a natural pairing with an inlet kayak trip — the creeks behind Garden City connect to the inlet.
Garden City is more beach-focused than marsh-access; the nearest public launches are in our Launch Sites guide.
The Garden City Pier is the classic Grand Strand fishing pier if you’d rather fish from land than a kayak.

Local Insider Tip

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.

Kayak Access

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 →

Photos

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