Kayaking & Outdoor Fun at Morse Park Landing, Murrells Inlet - Myrtle Beach, SC

Kayaking & Outdoor Fun at Morse Park Landing, Murrells Inlet

Myrtle Beach, SCeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels, including families with children

Overview

Morse Park Landing offers easy kayak access, scenic marsh views, and family-friendly picnic spots in Murrells Inlet. Discover this quiet waterfront park’s role in Lowcountry outdoor life.

Details

Morse Park Landing is a modest yet inviting waterfront park located along the scenic Murrells Inlet waterway, just off US-17 Business in South Carolina. This local gem offers a peaceful gateway to some of the area’s best water-based activities, particularly for kayakers eager to glide through salt marshes and tidal creeks. The park’s boat ramp provides essential water access, making it a favored launch point when tides cooperate, opening up expansive waterways rich with fiddler crabs, shells, and coastal flora.

Beyond the water, Morse Park Landing serves as a quiet refuge for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. A small playground caters to younger visitors, while clean picnic tables offer space to pause and take in expansive marsh views. Many visitors appreciate the easygoing vibe — it’s a spot where you can start your day with a sunrise overlooking calm waters, or wind down after a bike ride on the nearby path leading toward Pawleys Island.

While simple, the park pays respect to the local community with a memorial honoring those lost at sea, anchoring it within the maritime culture that defines Murrells Inlet. Its proximity to the Hot Fish Club means it’s easy to combine outdoor activity with casual dining or a cold beer, a perfect ending to an active day.

The park’s unpaved parking lot and absence of restrooms highlight its rustic character, so visitors should come prepared. Still, the experience of being close to both land and water, amidst vibrant tidal ecosystems and everyday local life, makes Morse Park Landing a quietly special spot along South Carolina’s coast. Whether launching a kayak, seeking a family-friendly picnic, or simply catching sunrise light on the marshes, this park offers an authentic connection to the Lowcountry’s natural rhythm.

Adventure Tips

Check Tide Schedules

Kayaking access depends heavily on the tide; plan your trip for high tide for easier launching and richer waterways.

Bring Water and Snacks

The park lacks restrooms and vending; pack water and food for comfort during your visit.

Wear Closed-Toe Shoes

If tide is low, be prepared to scramble in muddy, sandy areas while shelling or looking for crabs near the boat ramp.

Bike Tie-Ins

Use the park as a starting point for the nearby bike path to Pawleys Island, combining paddling and cycling options.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Marshside crab and shell spots near the boat ramp
  • Sunrise views from the east-facing shoreline

Wildlife

  • Fiddler crabs
  • Herons

History

Murrells Inlet has a rich fishing and maritime heritage reflected in the park’s sea loss memorial.

Conservation

Tidal marshes here are critical buffers for storm surges and habitats for diverse species, so visitors are encouraged to stay on paths and practice leave-no-trace ethics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Sunrise
Golden hour before sunset
Overcast midday for soft light

Best Viewpoints

  • Along the boat ramp edge
  • Overlooking the marsh from picnic tables
  • Near the memorial bench

What to Photograph

Salt marsh landscapes
Wildlife like crabs and birds
Reflections on tidal creeks

Recommended Gear

Personal Flotation Device

Essential

Required for safe kayaking on local waterways.

Insect Repellent

Essential

Protects from mosquitoes and biting insects common near marshes.

spring|summer|fall specific

Waterproof Footwear

Helpful for navigating muddy low-tide shorelines near the boat ramp.

spring|summer|fall specific

Sun Protection (hat, sunscreen)

Essential

Essential for protecting skin during open water and shoreline activities.

spring|summer|fall|winter specific

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