north myrtle beach

Myrtle Beach, SC

The Myrtle Beach Area is a long stretch of towns along the Atlantic Ocean in Northern South Carolina. This area consists of North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Surfside, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield and Pawleys Island. Everything here is quite touristy but there are still some nice spots to check out and the beaches are great!

Murrells Inlet and Litchfield both have a lot of free beach parking, while at Surfside Beach you’ll need to pay hourly rates. The beaches are dog-friendly but each county has different restrictions during the summer months in terms of timing and leash requirements.

I visit this area each summer for work so I have done some pretty extensive research through my multiple stays. Here are all of my recommendations for breweries, beer bars, restaurants, coffee, where to stay, and more!

Crooked Hammock Brewing

Crooked Hammock Brewery

Myrtle Beach Area Beer bars & Breweries:

  • Crooked Hammock Brewery: An awesome brewery in North Myrtle Beach! They are located in the Barefoot Landing shopping and dining destination on the intracoastal waterway. Crooked Hammock has an incredible outdoor space with yard games, hammocks, and a variety of seating. They also have two indoor areas—a taproom on one side with tours and the restaurant on the other. Their food is extremely delicious and the beers are solid and easy-drinking, perfect for the beachy location. Don’t miss their bar on the water, Tortuga Island, complete with a full menu, swings, and a fun atmosphere.

  • New South Brewing: A good brewery in Myrtle Beach with a wide variety of beers available. They have a unique taproom space and chill vibes.

  • Inlet Beer Garden: A beer bar on the Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk with a ton of taps. It has chill vibes and you can order food from the sister restaurant next door as well.

  • Quigley’s Pint and Plate: A restaurant-style brewery in Pawleys Island. They have nice outdoor seating and solid beers and food.

  • Southern Hops Brewing Company: A solid brewery in Murrells Inlet with patio seating and a full food menu.

  • Liberty Tap Room and Grill: A restaurant-style brewery in Myrtle Beach with a full food menu and average beers.

  • Voodoo Brewing Company: This is a chain brewery with 20+ locations around the country. They have a pizza-focused food menu, more guest taps that Voodoo taps, poor service, and are overpriced. The beers they make are solid. Located in Murrels Inlet.

  • Tidal Creek Brewhouse: A brewery in Myrtle Beach with a large outdoor space, a dog area, a wide variety of beers, a full food menu, and cocktails and wine too. As a forewarning the outdoor space can quickly become overrun by unsupervised children.

  • Independent Republic Brewing: A brewery on the intracoastal in Myrtle Beach. This is really more of a dive bar than a brewery, but at least there are nice views! They share a space with Boathouse so you can order food from their kitchen. If you are flying in/out of Myrtle Beach they are right by the airport so this would be a great first or last stop.

  • Grand Strand Brewing Company: Solid beers, below average service. They’ve got a nice patio space a few blocks from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

Millstone Biscuit Co

Millstone Biscuit Co. + Brown Fox Coffee at the beach!

Myrtle Beach Area Restaurants and coffee shops:

  • Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk: A touristy area full of restaurants and bars with a boardwalk along the inlet. My favorites here are:

  • Benjamin’s Bakery: A stellar spot in Surfside Beach for breakfast and lunch. Really delicious.

  • Banditos Cantina: A delicious restaurant off the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk with upper patio seating and ocean views. Highly recommend!

  • National House of Pancakes: This is a wild spot for brunch. The atmosphere is super fun, the food and drinks are over-the-top. It is a bit pricey and there can be a line, but it’s delicious and a unique experience.

  • Brown Fox Coffee Box: A cute little coffee stand at the end of the Marsh Walk with great drinks and a small seating area.

  • Millstone Biscuit Co.: A great spot for breakfast or lunch in Murrells Inlet and Pawley’s Island with delicious biscuit sandwiches. Order via counter service for dine-in or take-out. This is a popular spot so try to go early!

  • Inlet Prohibition Company: A solid restaurant at the south end of Murrells Inlet. They have nice views, a good tap list, and chill vibes.

  • Bagel Café: A delicious spot for bagels and breakfast in Pawleys Island!

Where to stay:

  • Surfside Beach Oceanfront Hotel: An oceanfront hotel with great views and beach access! This was a nice stay while not being too expensive.

  • This tiny house Airbnb in Murrells Inlet is great! Perfect for one or two people and close to the Marsh Walk.

  • Hampton Inn Pawleys Island: A reasonably-priced and conveniently located hotel. This is your average hotel stay.

Have you been to the Myrtle Beach area? What are your favorite spots? Let me know in the comments! Cheers—Alexis