The best of the greater Myrtle Beach area (the Grand Strand), according to a local
Myrtle Beach has so many attractions, restaurants, shopping centers & things to do for tourists — you may wonder where locals go in Myrtle Beach? Here are all of the locally-owned, cool spots to shop & dine – plus things to do you probably won’t see on a billboard.
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Dining
Dine Like a Local
If there’s one advantage to living in a tourist town, it’s definitely the dining options! There are so many locally-owned restaurants in and around Myrtle Beach with great wine lists, exceptional menus, pretty views & fun atmospheres.
BRUNCH SPOTS
From Pawleys to the Market Common, here’s where brunch is worth it.
- Seasons by 10/Fold — mimosa flight and magical grits
- Local | Eat Drink Celebrate — live music in Pawleys
- Drift, A Coastal Eatery – pretty room, serious brunch menu
BEST LOCAL SEAFOOD
From Murrells Inlet to the oceanfront, here’s where to order seafood on the Grand Strand.
- Hook & Barrel — locally caught, coastal casual, and consistently great
- Sea Captain’s House — oceanfront and exactly what Myrtle Beach seafood should feel like
- Drunken Jack’s — on the water in Murrells Inlet, order the hushpuppies
BEST BURGERS
From a 1960s diner drive-thru to a Lowcountry smokehouse stack, here’s where to find a great burger on the Grand Strand.
- River City Cafe — seven locations, the Bacon Ranch is the move
- BISQIT — the Smokehouse Burger is obnoxiously tall in the best way
- Hamburger Joe’s — casual NMB classic, don’t skip the onion rings
COOLEST BREWERIES
locally-owned breweries worth an afternoon — all with great outdoor spaces and cold craft beer.
- Tidal Creek Brewhouse — dog friendly patio, fire pits, and the best tomato pie
- Black Drum Brewing — ocean views at Kingston Plantation
- Grand Strand Brewing Co. — downtown Myrtle Beach, smash burger, 12 beers on tap
ITALIAN RESTAURANTS
From wood-fired pizza to upscale date night, here’s where to eat Italian on the Grand Strand.
- Luigi’s — date night anchor
- Gio’s Italian Kitchen — upscale, great wine list
- Crave — trendy, fun atmosphere
MEXICAN SPOTS
From street tacos to fancy margaritas, here’s where to eat Mexican on the Grand Strand.
- Nacho Hippo — street tacos, mile-high nachos, always a good time
- Luna Mexican Bar & Grill — upscale, Murrells Inlet, order the enchiladas suizas
- Sol y Luna — fancy Mexican, Taco Tuesday is the move
ASIAN EATS
From homemade dumplings to hibachi night, here’s where to eat Asian on the Grand Strand.
- Flaming Fin — date night sushi, order the rosé
- Co Sushi — rolls and cocktails at the Market Common
- Dumplings & Seafood — homemade dumplings and a robot cat server
WATERFRONT DINING
From oceanfront happy hour to boat-up spots on the waterway, here’s where the view is part of the meal.
- Salt & Lime — ocean views and spicy margaritas
- Bummz Beach Cafe — beach shack vibes, craft beer, buffalo shrimp
- 357 Coastal Raw Bar – excellent oysters, ceviche, and waterway views
See + Do
Things to Do
You’ve probably seen billboards for all of the attractions around town… those didn’t make the list. Here are some cool things to do that are off the beaten tourist past.
SHOPPING
The locally-owned boutiques worth skipping the mall for.
- Centro Shoes — cute shoes and clothes, two locations in Pawleys and the Market Common
- Mimi Seabrook — fun Southern looks, bright colors, women’s clothing
- Ooh La La — gifts, invitations, and shoes
- The Shoe Center — huge selection including On Clouds, men and women
- Socialite Boutique — trendy women’s clothing
- Pink and Red — Lilly Pulitzer and more
- Monkees at Barefoot Landing — higher end women’s boutique
- Studio 77 — beautiful gifts and the best wrapping on the Strand
- Barbara’s Fine Gifts — where locals go for wedding gifts and china
SCENIC WALKS
The outdoor spots worth lacing up for.
- Myrtle Beach State Park — nature trails and beach access
- Huntington Beach State Park — the best birding and beach on the Strand
- Brookgreen Gardens — sculpture gardens, wildlife, and stunning grounds
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Get on the water, drop a line, or paddle — here’s where to do it.
- Captain Smiley’s — fishing excursions on the water
- Kayaking in North Myrtle Beach — paddle through the marsh
- Pier Fishing at Myrtle Beach State Park — the most scenic spot to cast a line
Seafood Market
Where locals go in Myrtle Beach: Seafood
Best spot for a local fresh catch: If you’re looking for local seafood in Myrtle Beach, drive straight to Seven Seas Seafood! They give great recommendations and will put it on ice for your drive home.
📸: Seven Seas Seafood in Murrells Inlet
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