The MarshWalk, located in the heart of Murrells Inlet at 4025 US 17 Business, is a ½ mile wooden boardwalk along a natural saltwater estuary. The MarshWalk proudly boasts the most spectacular waterfront dining along the Grand Strand, set against one of nature’s most beautiful stage shows. You will see ducks, egrets, herons and pelicans feeding on the fish or relaxing in the sun as the fishing/shrimping boats go by while you dine or stroll the MarshWalk.
You will also see goats, peacocks and white pea hens on “Goat Island” located just to the right of one of the restaurants, Drunken Jacks. Goat Island was named for the goats which roam freely there in the warmer months of the year along with the peacocks. The goats were placed on the island 25 years ago by the owners of Drunken Jack’s to help keep the underbrush down and the peacocks and pea hens were put there 12 years ago. They get fresh food and water daily as they play and graze until it is time for them to return to Osprey Marina where they spend the colder months. When a hurricane threatens, they are evacuated until it is safe for them to return.
Some of the finest Murrells Inlet restaurants are located on the MarshWalk and offer everything from burgers and fries to prepared-to-order fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas and the finest steaks around with plenty of Murrells Inlet Marshwalk parking. The MarshWalk is also a place for celebrations with music, parades and costume contests throughout the year. Check the Murrells Inlet Event Calendar to see when the events below are occurring, so you can join in the fun:
Luck of the MarshWalk—There is live entertainment, Irish cuisine from the various restaurants and bars along the MarshWalk, drink specials, and a costume contest. Secret Leprechauns roam through the crowds giving colored coins to their favorite costume participants to help them win the costume contest.
Marshi Gras on the MarshWalk—A taste of New Orleans come to Murrells Inlet with a Mardi Gras style celebration on the MarshWalk complete with a Marshi Gras King and Queen and a Marshi Gras Parade with live music. The restaurants along the MarshWalk give out masks, beads and other party favors while featuring Louisiana-themed food and drink specials. There will be a costume contest with a cash prize awarded to flashiest Marshi Gras attire. The costumed guests and a traveling band with parade/dance its way down the MarshWalk. Fun for all!
Halloween on the MarshWalk– Ghosts, goblins and ghouls of all ages will fill the Marsh at the annual Halloween on the MarshWalk. There will be Trick-or-Treating along the MarshWalk for kids, kids’ costume contests, and adult costume contests. Prizes are awarded for the Most Creative, Best Group, Funniest, and Scariest for kids. Over $3500 in cash and prizes will be awarded to the top costumes for adults in categories such as People’s Choice, best Duo/Group, Best Individual, Big & Bulky, Murrells Inlet Themed and Honorable Mention.
MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights—The Wonderland of Lights will make for enchanting evenings on the MarshWalk starting in late November through the New Year. The MarshWalk will have thousands of twinkling lights in tunnel ways guiding you through the MarshWalk, so you can feast your eyes on each of the restaurant’s light displays. Holiday music will be synced with the light displays making it an event that you will not want to miss.
MarshWalk Santa Crawl—This year will be the 4th Annual Santa Crawl in December to enjoy the delightful spirits with featured holiday drinks from each restaurant in the MarshWalk group, while feasting on the unforgettable festive flavors with the dinner specials. Prizes will be given to the people whose holiday outfit best represents the spirit of the season.
It is always fun on the MarshWalk even if there is not a special event taking place due to the festive atmosphere and live entertainment. The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk Restaurants are listed below with a short description:
Drunken Jack’s Restaurant & Bar serves some of the freshest seafood in Murrells Inlet, the seafood capital of South Carolina. The 2015 South Carolina Chef of the Year is well known for the award-winning cuisine served at Drunken Jack’s. The sprawling patio allows diners to take in the panoramic view of the Inlet including Goat Island, and the lounge has live music throughout the week along with specialty drinks and eight craft beers on draft.
Catfish Johnny’s is an upscale fish house with a relaxed beach-club vibe, a lively bar and a patio with water views. Catfish is one of the specialty’s along with delicious seafood plates.
Wahoo’s Fish House is a two-story seafood and sushi restaurant with large windows overlooking the marsh. This stylish creek side restaurant offers an extensive menu of creative and innovative cuisine including fresh Murrells Inlet seafood and artistic Murrells Inlet sushi options. After your dining is done, stroll next door to Wahoo’s Bar & Marina to enjoy the best live entertainment Murrells Inlet has to offer. You can arrive by boat or car and dock or park there.
The Claw House is a casual, upbeat, New England style lobster house on the waterfront featuring a full-service raw bar and beer garden with 90 craft drafts on tap.
The Wicked Tuna gives you a premier waterfront dining experience serving the freshest seafood, sushi and steaks. It is a place where friends meet for a unique culinary experience of fresh handmade cocktails and the best views on the MarshWalk. They have their own fishing fleet insuring that they have the freshest seafood with a “Hook to Plate” fresh philosophy every day.
Bovine’s has delicious wood-fired specialties in a relaxed, warm atmosphere with a waterfront view. Bovine’s has an extensive menu featuring a range of items to please everyone, from the dedicated carnivores to the choosey eaters. Showcase menu items include wood-fired grilled steaks, succulent Murrells Inlet seafood and specialty pizzas straight from the brick oven. You can also enjoy your lunch or dinner on the open patio with a beautiful view of the inlet. If you are enjoying a day of boating, you can dock your boat and eat or get dockside delivery.
Creek Ratz is a nautical themed grill serving fresh seafood, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and pizza with a children’s menu. It also has a full raw bar with a daily happy hour and live entertainment. Creek Ratz is on the waterfront with spectacular views of the inlet providing indoor and outdoor dining along with indoor and outdoor bars. It is a locals’ favorite with reasonable prices and plenty of TVs’ to watch your favorite sporting events.
Dead Dog Saloon is a sprawling waterfront tavern serving bar food and seafood favorites with live music and outdoor seating. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and was featured on the Travel Channel and Southern Living Magazine. Opened in 2002 on the Marshwalk, the Dead Dog Saloon is a full-service, family-friendly restaurant during lunch and dinner hours, and with three bars, plenty of large-screen HD TVs, and the finest live music in the Carolinas, The Dead Dog Saloon turns into a happy-hour hangout and an after-dinner party spot for dancing.
As the saying goes, the fun, the view and the music are always free on the Marshwalk, so put it on your Murrells Inlet things to do list, and go have some good food, great views and lots of fun.
