10 Fun Things To Do Near Socastee, South Carolina (That Locals Actually Love)
Looking for laid-back coastal vibes without the heavy tourist crowds?
Socastee, South Carolina in Horry County is a great spot just outside busy Myrtle Beach. It’s close to the water, full of local flavor, and within a short drive of some of the best things to do on the Grand Strand.
Whether you’re staying in Socastee, passing through, or just hunting for new ideas beyond the usual boardwalk scene, this list will help you plan a relaxed, fun trip.
1. Stroll the Historic Socastee Swing Bridge & Riverfront
Socastee might look like any other small town from the highway, but head toward the water and you’ll find one of its most unique sights: the
Socastee Swing Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway.
This historic bridge dates back to the 1930s and is still in use. It swings open to let boats pass, which is pretty cool to watch if you’ve never seen it before.
- Walk along the riverfront and enjoy the view of the water.
- Check out the small local businesses nearby.
- Snap some photos of the bridge at sunset.
If you’re into photography or just love old-school engineering, this spot near downtown Socastee is worth a stop.
2. Paddle the Intracoastal Waterway & Waccamaw River
If you like being on the water, Socastee is in a sweet spot. The
Intracoastal Waterway meets the
Waccamaw River here, and both offer calm, scenic routes perfect for:
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Canoeing
Several outfitters near Socastee and Myrtle Beach rent kayaks and paddleboards, or you can bring your own and launch from local landings.
Imagine floating past tall cypress trees with Spanish moss hanging down, turtles sunning on logs, and the occasional heron or osprey flying overhead. It’s a peaceful break from the busy beach traffic.
Tip: Go early in the morning when the water is calm and the air is cooler, especially in summer.
3. Explore the MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet
About a 20–25 minute drive from Socastee, the
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is one of the best places nearby for food, views, and live music.
This wooden boardwalk stretches about a half mile along a natural saltwater marsh. It’s simple, but it has a ton of character.
- Grab fresh seafood from local favorites along the boardwalk.
- Listen to live music at night on many patios.
- Watch fishing boats go in and out as the tide changes.
If you’re wondering what to do after a day on the water or at the beach, the MarshWalk is a great evening hangout spot that feels more local than touristy.
4. Spend a Day at Myrtle Beach State Park
You’re only a short drive from the ocean when you’re in Socastee. Instead of heading straight to the crowded main strip, try
Myrtle Beach State Park.
This park offers a quieter, more natural stretch of beach with tall pines and sand dunes.
What you can do here:
- Swim and relax on the beach.
- Walk the fishing pier for a great view of the coastline.
- Hike short nature trails through the maritime forest.
- Have a picnic at shaded tables.
If you like the beach but not the noise and chaos, this is a perfect compromise. Parking is easy, and you’ll usually find more families and locals than big crowds.
5. Shop & Dine at The Market Common
Just north of Socastee, you’ll find
The Market Common, one of the most popular areas near Myrtle Beach for shopping, dining, and walking around.
It has more of a community feel than a tourist strip, with tree-lined streets and a small-town layout.
Here’s what you can enjoy:
- Boutique shopping and national brands.
- Plenty of restaurants, from burgers to sushi.
- A movie theater for rainy days.
- Bike and walking paths around nearby lakes.
If you’re staying in Socastee, this is a convenient spot for a night out without having to dive into full-on Myrtle Beach chaos.
6. Get Back to Nature at Myrtle Beach State Park & Socastee Area Trails
Beyond the beach, the Socastee area offers some quiet nature escapes that are easy to miss if you rush past.
You can:
- Walk short nature trails at Myrtle Beach State Park to learn about local plants and wildlife.
- Explore riverside areas near Socastee for birdwatching.
- Look for local parks with paths and open green spaces.
If you’re traveling with kids, these shorter trails are great because they’re not too long or challenging, but still give them a chance to burn off energy and spot wildlife.
Think of it as the “reset button” between beach days and busy attractions.
7. Hit the Classic Myrtle Beach Attractions (In Small Doses)
Let’s be honest: you’re close to
Myrtle Beach, and you’ll probably want to experience at least a few of its classic attractions. The nice part about staying near Socastee is that you can enjoy them, then quickly escape back to quieter streets.
Popular options within a short drive include:
- Myrtle Beach Boardwalk – Arcades, shops, and ocean views.
- SkyWheel – A huge oceanfront Ferris wheel with great views, especially at night.
- Broadway at the Beach – A big entertainment complex with restaurants, shops, rides, and attractions.
If you’re planning a family vacation near Socastee, picking one “big attraction day” in Myrtle Beach and balancing it with slower days on the river or in parks can keep everyone happy.
8. Discover Local Flavor at Socastee Restaurants & Bars
Socastee may not be as flashy as the main Myrtle Beach strip, but it has its own food scene with local joints that feel more real and less touristy.
Look for:
- Casual grills and diners serving Southern comfort food.
- Seafood spots featuring local catch when it’s in season.
- Laid-back bars where locals go to watch the game.
One of the perks of staying near Socastee is that you can eat where people from Horry County actually eat. Don’t be shy about asking your server, “Where do you like to go?” Locals will usually point you to some hidden gems nearby.
9. Take a Day Trip to Brookgreen Gardens
About 30–40 minutes south of Socastee,
Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet/Litchfield area is one of the most beautiful and unique places on the Grand Strand.
It’s part botanical garden, part sculpture park, part history lesson.
Highlights include:
- Massive live oak trees draped in Spanish moss.
- Outdoor sculptures and art pieces throughout the grounds.
- Seasonal blooms and themed gardens.
- A small zoo area with native animals.
If you’re someone who loves taking photos, this place is a dream. Plan to spend at least a few hours here, especially if you enjoy walking and exploring.
10. Enjoy Festivals & Community Events in the Socastee Area
Socastee and the nearby towns in Horry County host
community events throughout the year. These are great chances to feel the local vibe instead of just passing through as a tourist.
Depending on the season, you might find:
- Outdoor markets with local crafts and food.
- Holiday events and parades.
- Family-friendly festivals with live music.
If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth checking local event calendars for “Socastee events,” “Horry County festivals,” or “Myrtle Beach area community events.” You might time your visit just right.
Is Socastee, SC a Good Place to Stay Near Myrtle Beach?
In a word:
yes, especially if you want a quieter home base.
Staying in or near Socastee gives you:
- Fast access to Myrtle Beach attractions when you want them.
- Easy routes to rivers, marshes, and state parks.
- A more local, laid-back feel at the end of the day.
It’s a smart choice if you’re visiting the Grand Strand but don’t want to spend every night in the middle of the crowds.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the “In-Between” Spaces
Socastee sits in that sweet spot between
busy beach town and
quiet river community. You can kayak in the morning, explore a historic bridge at midday, eat fresh seafood by the marsh in the evening, and still be back at your place in time to relax.
If you’re planning a trip to
Horry County or the
Myrtle Beach area, don’t just drive through Socastee. Slow down, explore a little, and you might find it’s one of the most relaxed parts of your whole vacation.
Share Your Socastee Experience
Have you visited Socastee or the nearby Myrtle Beach area?
- Which spots did you love most?
- Did you find any hidden gems along the Intracoastal Waterway?
Drop your tips, questions, and favorite memories in the comments so other travelers can discover new things to do near Socastee, South Carolina.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a trip to the Grand Strand—it might help them see a different side of the Myrtle Beach area.
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