Top 15 Things To Do in Conway, South Carolina
Stretched along the slow, tea-colored Waccamaw River, Conway is a compact, riverfront counterpoint to nearby Myrtle Beach—equal parts small-town waterfront and a launchpad for coastal adventure. The town’s rhythm is set by water activities: boat tours and rentals that let you stalk marsh channels, kayak trips that thread through cypress-lined sloughs, and dolphin sightings off nearby inlets. For anglers, Conway’s easy access to estuarine flats and deeper coastal waters makes fishing a daily possibility; for families and edge-seekers, jet-ski tours and paddle outings deliver quick thrills. Balance hands-on pursuits—kayak, boat rental, fishing, and dolphin watching—with slower eco tours and sightseeing that spotlight marsh wildlife, migratory birds, and the lowcountry’s cultural history. Use this guide to pick the right mix of gear, guides, and routes whether you want a sunrise paddle, an afternoon on a chartered fishing boat, or a gentle bike ride along the riverwalk.
Top 15 Things To Do in Conway
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Conway Belongs on Your Coastal Adventure Shortlist
Conway feels like an invitation: a narrow, historic main street that eases into a riverwalk, then opens into an estuary patterned with tidal creeks. Here, the adventure sentence usually begins on water. Kayak trips tuck beneath live oaks and bald cypress, offering intimate wildlife viewing—herons, ospreys, and, in season, dolphins along the coast. Boat tours and boat rentals let you extend that intimacy farther, turning a morning into a slow reconnaissance of salt marshes and oyster bars. For anglers, Conway’s combination of freshwater tributaries and nearby ocean access means you can chase bass and brim one afternoon and head for nearshore reef and wreck fishing the next. That mix—river, marsh, and ocean proximity—is the town’s strength.
Beyond obvious water activities, Conway is quietly versatile. Eco tours unpack the area’s natural history: how the Waccamaw shaped settlement patterns, where migratory birds stack up in winter, and why these marshes are ecological linchpins. Sightseeing tours and short bike rentals are perfect for layering local culture into a day of outdoor time—visit a gallery, grab a seafood lunch, then spin the riverwalk boardwalk before sunset. For adrenaline seekers, jet-ski tours and nearby surf breaks add speed and salt; for scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts there are boat-accessible sites a short drive away. Even air activities—scenic flights out of nearby airports—give you a new perspective on the dulled green of tidal creeks and the urban-river patchwork.
Practical travel rhythm in Conway is simple: mornings for wildlife and calm-water paddling, mid-day for guided fishing or a boat charter, and late afternoon for a beach run or sightseeing in Myrtle Beach if you want a change of scene. Seasonality nudges plans—spring and fall are the sweet spots for temperate water, migration watching, and fewer crowds; summer brings warmer water and more family-oriented options but also more people. Outfitters in town are well-versed in tailoring trips for beginners through advanced boaters, offering everything from guided kayak eco-tours to full-day fishing charters. That accessibility—easy rentals, helpful guides, and a concise downtown base—makes Conway an ideal coastal stop whether you’re stacking a long weekend of water activities or slotting in a single, unforgettable morning on the river.
Conway’s scale is part of the appeal: you can walk historic downtown, book a half-day charter, and be paddling in the marsh within an hour. Outfitters handle shuttles and launches so logistics rarely become the adventure.
Mix and match: pair a morning kayak eco tour with an afternoon fishing charter or a late-afternoon dolphin boat tour. Families find calm-water kayak routes and sightseeing tours easy; seasoned travelers can push into jet-skiing, scuba trips, or nearby surf days.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Spring and fall deliver mild air and comfortable water temps for paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Summers are warm and humid with afternoon thunderstorms; winters are mild but cooler water temperatures limit swim-focused plans.
Peak Season
Summer months and holiday weekends see the highest local traffic—book charters and rentals early.
Off-Season Opportunities
Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer lower crowds and excellent bird migration windows. Winter weekdays can be quiet and budget-friendly, though some water services run reduced schedules.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Gentle paddles on sheltered river sections, guided sightseeing tours, and short boat rentals that require minimal skill.
- Guided kayak eco-tour on the Waccamaw River
- Half-day dolphin or wildlife sightseeing boat tour
- Leisurely bike rental and riverwalk exploration
Intermediate
Longer paddles, guided fishing trips, or small-boat rentals where basic handling and tide awareness are helpful.
- Half-day fishing charter for nearshore species
- Solo kayak trip through marsh creeks with tide planning
- Stand-up paddleboard touring in protected coves
Advanced
High-speed and technical activities—jet-ski tours, offshore fishing, scuba dives, and multi-leg sailing trips—requiring local knowledge and specialized gear.
- Jet-ski tour along barrier islands
- Offshore or reef scuba trips (boat-access)
- Advanced sailing or nearshore charter with navigation skills
What to Bring
Essential
- Waterproof daypack or dry bag for phone and layers
- Light long-sleeve sun shirt and SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Hat and polarized sunglasses for glare on the water
- Water bottle and quick snacks
- Closed-toe water shoes for launches and rocky shorelines
Recommended
- Light rain shell for pop-up coastal showers
- Basic first-aid kit and blister supplies
- Binoculars for birding and dolphin spotting
- Camera with a neck strap or float for paddling trips
Optional
- Fishing license (if you plan to fish independently)
- Wetsuit or spring suit for early-spring or late-fall water temps
- Compact towel and change of clothes for after-water activities
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Confirm launch points, tide windows, and permit requirements with outfitters before you go.
Start early for calm water and better wildlife viewing. Tide timing matters—plan launches on favorable tides for easier paddling and access to oyster bars. If you want dolphins, afternoon slack tide and calm seas increase sighting odds. Rent locally to get up-to-the-minute route advice and safety briefings; outfitters will recommend proper life jackets and sun protection. When combining Conway with Myrtle Beach, allow for afternoon traffic and stagger your activities (river morning, beach afternoon). Pack out everything you bring, and respect marsh and wildlife closures—shorebirds and nesting areas are sensitive in spring. Finally, if you plan to fish independently, purchase the South Carolina license in advance and ask about local regulations for catch-and-release or size limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do most activities without a guide?
Yes for simple boat rentals, casual kayak paddles, and sightseeing. Choose a guide for unfamiliar waterways, fishing charters, jet-ski tours, or eco tours to learn safe routes and local ecology.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes—state regulations require a valid South Carolina fishing license for recreational anglers. Many guided charters include licensing or will advise you on what's needed.
Are water activities family-friendly?
Many are: calm-water kayak routes, short boat tours, and supervised dolphin excursions are well suited to families. Check minimum age and life-jacket rules with outfitters.