Discover Things to Do Outdoors Near Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Murrells Inlet offers a rugged yet inviting outdoor playground where water and land meet in raw harmony. This coastal town along South Carolina’s Grand Strand challenges adventurers to engage with nature that is fiercely itself — the marshlands reach out with winding creeks daring you to navigate them, and pine forests whisper underfoot, guiding your trail. Whether you seek the quiet thrill of kayaking sheltered waterways or the steady focus of a marshwalk, Murrells Inlet provides accessible, hands-on experiences that suit casual nature lovers and seasoned explorers alike.

Start your journey by exploring the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, a boardwalk that skirts marshes teeming with egrets and osprey, giving you a close-up view of the local ecosystem. The marsh waters here push forward steadily, inviting kayak excursions that let you drift alongside fiddler crabs and fish darting beneath the surface. For those wanting to stretch legs on solid ground, the Huntington Beach State Park just a few miles north presents miles of hiking trails that weave through coastal pine forests and beach dunes. The terrain varies from packed sand to wooden bridges, manageable with good footwear and moderate pacing.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Murrells Inlet’s blend of saltwater and forest that offers varied terrain, making each excursion a distinct challenge — a push against heat and humidity in summer, and a brisk, refreshing walk in the milder months. Hydration is critical here; the coastal breeze may seem cool but the sun delivers strong, unrelenting rays. Timing outings for early morning or late afternoon maximizes comfort and photographic opportunities.

Planning your outdoor outings around tides and weather ensures you’ll catch the marsh at its most alive, when the water pulses with activity and birdcalls fill the air. Bringing binoculars and a reliable map will help deepen your encounter with an environment where every path, creek, and inlet has a story eager to be uncovered.

For a full list of the best adventures and detailed guides about things to do outdoors near Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, explore our curated results below and prepare for a rewarding experience where nature engages and invites rather than yields.