You moved here for the water. Between the quiet marsh creeks, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the open Atlantic, Murrells Inlet and Garden City offer some of the easiest ways to launch a boat and spread a towel. If you are new, the mix of tides, narrow channels, and different rules at county beaches and the state park can feel confusing. This guide gives you a simple plan to find ramps and marinas, understand local beach access, and enjoy a safe, stress-free weekend. Let’s dive in.
Know the waterways
Murrells Inlet is a tidal salt marsh that opens to the Atlantic and connects with the Intracoastal Waterway. That means currents, shifting shoals, and narrow creeks are part of the local rhythm. At low tide, some channels get shallow, and clearance can be tight in tributaries.
You will run through areas managed by different authorities, including Horry County shorelines and Huntington Beach State Park. Rules change by location, so always check the site you plan to use. A little planning helps you avoid surprises with parking, pets, or launch fees.
Where to launch and dock
Find public ramps and services
Start with official county and state resources when you plan a launch. Look up Horry County’s public-access information and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources boating-access listings to confirm which ramps are open, what parking looks like, and any seasonal changes. Third-party apps are helpful, but you should verify details with official sources before you go.
When you check a ramp or dock, confirm hours, ramp condition, trailer parking, and any posted fees. If you are planning an overnight, also note fuel availability, pump-out options, and reservation rules for transient slips.
Local marinas to know
Private marinas and marina communities serve the Inlet and the ocean side near Garden City Beach. Facilities referenced by locals include Marlin Quay and Crazy Sister. Amenities like fuel, repairs, charters, and guest slips vary by site. Policies change seasonally, so call ahead to confirm transient-slip availability, day rates, and dockage rules before you plan your day.
State park and community access
Huntington Beach State Park, just south of Murrells Inlet, offers managed beach access along with nature trails and wildlife viewing. As a state park, it sets clear rules for parking, pets, and beach use. Expect posted guidance on site and plan for parking fees during peak seasons.
Around the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, you will find a mix of commercial docks, charter operators, and marina services. Some launch points are public, and others are private or for renters only. Read signs carefully and confirm access before you back a trailer down any ramp.
Beach access and local rules
Garden City and county shoreline
Garden City Beach and the unincorporated Horry County shoreline have posted rules for public access points. Expect limits on hours, overnight parking, and certain activities. Alcohol, open fires, and amplified music may be restricted or require permits. Many county beaches do not allow vehicles on the sand except for authorized use.
Pet rules vary by season and location. Leashes are commonly required, and some areas limit dog access to certain hours or months. Check current Horry County ordinances and posted signs before you bring a pet to the beach.
Huntington Beach State Park guidance
At Huntington Beach State Park, follow the state park’s posted regulations for beach use, wildlife protection, and pets. The park may also set specific directions for grills, shelters, and group gatherings. Plan for posted hours and parking controls, and confirm details with the park if you are hosting an event.
Wildlife and shellfishing basics
Shellfishing and wildlife protection rules are set by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Seasonal closures, harvest limits, and protected nesting areas are common along this coastline. Always respect signs that mark bird habitat or restoration zones. If you plan to collect shellfish or fish from the surf, check current regulations before you head out.
Plan your outing step by step
Use this simple checklist to make your day smoother.
- Check tides first. Low tide can expose shoals and make narrow channels difficult. Confirm tide times for both departure and return.
- Read the weather and marine forecast. Watch for thunderstorms, strong winds, and rip current alerts on the ocean side.
- Verify your launch and dock. Call the ramp or marina to confirm hours, parking, and any reservations for slips.
- Gather safety gear. Carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person, a sound-producing device, and required visual distress signals. Follow current USCG and SCDNR guidance.
- Update your charts. Use current charts or navigation apps, and keep an eye out for unmarked shoals and tide-sensitive cuts around the Inlet.
- Plan fuel and pump-out. Know where you can top off or pump out before you leave the dock, especially for overnight trips.
- Prepare for beach parking. Expect limited spaces at popular access points and consider arriving early on summer weekends.
- Pack for the marsh and sand. Bring shoes that handle wet landings, plenty of water, shade, and a trash bag. Follow any posted fire or grill rules.
- Set your emergency plan. Keep local non-emergency numbers handy and carry a VHF radio for coastal waters. Channel 16 is the standard hailing and distress channel.
A simple weekend game plan
- Morning launch in Murrells Inlet. Launch near the MarshWalk or at a verified public ramp and cruise the marsh creeks on a rising tide. Keep speeds low in no-wake zones and watch for paddlers.
- Lunch along the waterfront. Secure a transient slip or time your return for a land-based meal along the Murrells Inlet waterfront. Confirm dockage policies in advance.
- Afternoon on the sand. Head to Garden City Beach or plan a visit to Huntington Beach State Park. Check posted rules for pets, tents, and grills. On high-heat days, bring extra water and a shade canopy.
- Sunset ride home. Watch the tide and give yourself extra time for shoal-prone cuts. Confirm fuel and pump-out before you tie up for the night.
Smart etiquette on the water and beach
- Be ramp ready. Load gear and remove straps in the staging area so you keep the ramp clear for others.
- Mind your wake. Slow in narrow creeks and near docks. Marsh banks and oyster beds are fragile.
- Respect private property. Do not tie to or board private docks without permission, and avoid anchoring where you block access.
- Leave no trace. Pack out all trash and fishing line. Keep noise to considerate levels near homes and docks.
- Share space with wildlife. Give nesting areas, resting birds, and dolphins a wide berth.
Buying near the water
If you are dreaming about a home with a private dock, a slip in a marina community, or quick access to Garden City Beach, it pays to understand local details. Flood zones, insurance, and permits can shape what you can build or moor. HOA rules, marina waitlists, and dredging schedules can affect daily use.
You deserve clear answers before you buy. Tap into local guidance to evaluate water depth at low tide, typical wake patterns, and how the seasons change access around Murrells Inlet and Garden City. When you are ready to explore properties that fit your boating and beach lifestyle, reach out to The Mariah Johnson Group. Our team pairs deep local knowledge with hands-on service to help you choose with confidence.
FAQs
Where to launch a boat in Murrells Inlet
- Start with official Horry County access information and SCDNR boating-access listings, then call the ramp or marina to confirm parking, hours, and any fees.
Garden City Beach public parking and access
- Public access points vary in size and rules. Expect limited parking on peak days and read posted signs for hours, meters, and any restrictions before you park.
Dog rules on Horry County beaches
- Pet access and leash rules change by season and location. Check current Horry County guidelines and posted beach signs before bringing a dog.
Using Huntington Beach State Park beaches
- The state park posts clear rules for hours, pets, and permitted activities. Review current guidance and plan for parking controls during busy periods.
Shellfishing and wildlife regulations in the area
- SCDNR sets seasons and limits for harvest and protects sensitive nesting zones. Verify current rules before collecting any shellfish or fishing from the surf.
Best tides for boating in Murrells Inlet
- Many boaters plan around a rising tide to improve clearance in shallow cuts. Check official tide tables for both departure and return windows before you launch.