Coastal escapes, breezy sunsets, and all the fresh seafood your heart desires
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you blend sandy toes, seafood towers, and a weekend free of notifications. Whether you’re a local playing tourist or a visitor on a mission to chase sunsets, this Myrtle Beach itinerary hits that sweet spot of laid-back fun. Think: just enough activity to feel like you did something—but plenty of downtime for second rounds of cocktails and coastal air deep-breathing. Here’s your roadmap for a weekend getaway that feels both breezy and intentional.
Friday: Coastal Vibes & Casual Sips
(North Myrtle Beach)
3:00 p.m. – Check In at Avista Resort or an Airbnb Gem
Ease into the weekend with a soft landing at Avista Resort, perched near Cherry Grove. Or, if you’re more of a “let’s go where the locals go” kind of traveler, snag a nearby Airbnb tucked in one of the quieter corners. Either way, you’re in the small-town sweet spot with easy access to everything North Myrtle Beach has to offer—minus the chaos.
5:00 p.m. – Sunset Cruise with Great Kayak Expeditions
BYOB and hop aboard a sunset cruise with Great Escape kayak expedition, where you can watch the sun dip behind the marshes as you sip your drink of choice. It’s one part nature show, one part chill hangout, and a solid reminder that golden hour hits differently on the water.
7:00 p.m. – Dinner at Big Chill Island House
Big Chill Island House serves up fresh seafood, rooftop vibes, and a casual-yet-tropical energy you’ll want to bottle up and take home. Settle in for a sunset dinner with dishes that lean heavy on the coastal favorites—shrimp, crab, and fish so fresh they practically swam to your table.
9:00 p.m. – Drinks & Live Tunes at Ocean Annie’s Beach Bar
Wrap the night with live music and your toes in the sand at Ocean Annie’s, a Myrtle Beach institution where the beach is the dance floor and the drinks come cold and steady. The kind of place where you’ll likely stay for “just one more.”
Saturday: Hidden Gems & Salty Air
(Myrtle Beach / Murrells Inlet)
9:00 a.m. – Morning Coffee at Grand Strand Coffee
Grand Strand Coffee is exactly the low-key, local spot you’ll want before the day kicks off. Think smooth lattes, flaky pastries, and a vibe that says, “You’re not in a hurry, are you?” Bonus: It’s right near Market Common if you feel like doing a little exploring after your caffeine fix.
10:00 a.m. – Murrells Inlet MarshWalk or Kayak Adventure
Your call—either wander the scenic Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, where wooden boardwalks wind past boats and seafood shacks, or get a little closer to nature with a guided kayak tour via Black River Outdoors. Either option promises a hefty dose of that Lowcountry charm (and probably a few egret sightings).
12:30 p.m. – Marshside Lunch at Drunken Jack’s Restaurant
Lunch comes with waterfront views and a touch of whimsy at Drunken Jack’s. Keep an eye out for the goats on Goat Island, and order a seafood platter that hits all the right notes: crispy, buttery, and plenty of hush puppies on the side.
2:30 p.m. – Lazy Afternoon at Inlet Beer Garden
Inlet Beer Garden is your afternoon headquarters for slow sipping and people-watching along the MarshWalk. A few cold pints, some shade, and a salty breeze—it’s the stuff Saturday afternoons were made for.
5:00 p.m. – Dinner at Wicked Tuna
Wicked Tuna brings the energy for your Saturday night feast: sushi rolls, seafood towers, and Inlet-front dining that begs you to linger a little longer. If you’ve got room, the key lime pie is a non-negotiable.
7:30 p.m. – Ice Cream Run to Drippy’s Homemade
Close out the day at Drippy’s Homemade, where the ice cream tastes like it came straight from your childhood summer memories. Hand-spun, nostalgic flavors, and zero guilt—because hey, you kayaked earlier.
Sunday: Slow Coastal Morning
(Myrtle Beach / Surfside Beach)
7:30 a.m. – Sunrise Yoga or a Quiet Beach Walk
If you’re up for it, head to Myrtle Beach State Park for a sunrise yoga session or a barefoot beach walk. The early calm paired with the sound of the waves is peak weekend reset energy.
9:00 a.m. – Pastry & Latte at Milk & Honey
Milk & Honey delivers on its name—house-made pastries and lattes that taste like someone actually cares. It’s a charming, no-frills stop to fuel up before your final Myrtle Beach outing.
10:30 a.m. – Brunch at Johnny D’s Waffles
Brunch heavyweights unite at Johnny D’s, where the red velvet waffles and loaded benedicts are well worth the buzz. Arrive hungry, stay awhile, and let the carbs do their job.
12:30 p.m. – Farmers Market Stroll or Martin Park Hangout
Round things out with a meander through the Surfside Beach Farmers Market or post up at Martin Park under a shady oak tree. No agenda, just vibes.
