There’s something about salt air, live oaks, and the distant chatter of seagulls that makes even the simplest coffee-and-bagel situation feel romantic. Whether you’re the “brunch-repeat-nap-repeat” type or someone whose idea of a good time involves boats, dolphins, and late-night bar hopping, trust me, this little slice of Lowcountry paradise holds something you’ll want to write home about.
Breakfast & Brunch
Okay, so I’m a firm believer that the right breakfast sets the tone for your entire trip. Here’s where you’ll want to start your morning, no matter how late you were out on the Marshwalk last night.
- Big Apple Bagels: The literal definition of “bagel bliss.” If you believe a perfect morning involves carbs that crunch and then give, you need to go.
- Parlor Doughnuts: Layers on layers that flake apart in just the right way. If you’re lucky, the daily flavors include s’mores or maple bacon.
- Blue Sky: Imagine oatmeal that actually feels special, sunlight streaming onto your table, and coffee that never goes empty.
- Eggs Up Grill: Your classic, eggs-any-style, smiley-server-drops-plates-filled-with-pancakes kind of place.
- Rustic Table: Think southern comfort, biscuit heaven, and the kind of brunch that makes you want to linger.
- BisQit: For when you want a craft biscuit sandwich and maybe a boozy milkshake before noon (I won’t judge).
- Kosta Bowls: For the health-conscious and/or the “I just need something cold and colorful after last night” crowd. Their acai bowls are photographic proof you can eat pretty.
Lunch
This is when you realize just how many ways there are to eat shrimp, and also that calories consumed after an active morning don’t count.
- Bistro 217: Elegant enough to make lunch feel fancy, laid-back enough that you don’t need to change out of your flip-flops.
- Neals Creekhouse & Neal & Pam’s: Local vibes, hearty plates, and the type of menu that says, “you’re definitely at the beach.”
- Pickled Cucumber: If you love zesty, crispy, bright salads and the occasional offbeat sandwich special.
- Chimichanga Llama: For the name alone, but stay for the tacos and the salsa that manages to find the perfect heat.
- River City Cafe: No-nonsense burgers, fries, joy. Sometimes, simple is just what you want.
- Hamburger Joe’s: The kind of place you almost want to keep to yourself, except you know you can’t, because everyone deserves Joe’s burgers.
- J Peters, Landolfi’s, The Quay, Southern Hops: Whether you’re craving pasta, pizza, seafood, or a cold local brew, there’s a door for you to walk through.
Dinner
The light softens, the marsh starts to glow, and suddenly every restaurant seems unbearably romantic. Here’s my short list of “make a reservation if you can”:
- Franks Outback, Bistro 217, Wicked Tuna*: The stars here are well earned. Seafood, steaks, creative Southern entrees, and if you’re lucky, a night that ends on the patio surrounded by twinkle lights.
- Wahoos, Perrones, Costa, Gulfstream Cafe: Whether you’re in the mood for fresh fish or a sunset view (or both), these have you covered.
- Judy Boones, Gio’s, Moe’s Original BBQ, Chive Blossom: Casual to classic, these are the spots for when you want to relax into vacation mode and know dinner will never disappoint.
Things To Do
Okay, enough about eating (for now). Here’s why I always end up feeling like I didn’t budget nearly enough days:
- Bar hop on the Marshwalk: Think string lights, live music, and so many stories waiting to be collected. Start at one end, see where you end up.
- Shop at the Hammock Shops: Even if you don’t buy a thing, wandering through these tucked-away boutiques is its own kind of therapy.
- Brookgreen Gardens: There is actual magic here. Wandering among the sculptures and old oaks, you’ll swear you’re in a fairytale.
- Huntington State Park: Bring binoculars for the birds, and a good book for the quiet stretches of sand (or go for a hike and say you “earned” that biscuit from breakfast).
- Water Sports, Fishing Charters, Boat Rentals, Dolphin Tours, Sunset Cruises: Pick your adventure-level, from “I just want to see a dolphin” to “I want to pretend I’m running away to sea.”
Bars & Live Music
You haven’t really experienced Murrells or Pawleys until you spend a night (or several) dancing, singing, or just people-watching with a cold drink in hand.
- Wahoos, Dead Dog Saloon, Hot Fish Club, Pawleys Island Tavern: Each feels like the place where all the locals go, and you, very fortunately, get to join in.
- Neals Creekhouse, Neal & Pam’s, Garden City Pier, Scotty’s Beach Bar, Tuna Shak, Bubba’s Love Shack, Bourbon and Burnz: Pick based on your mood, your soundtrack, or how many yards you want to walk back to your car.
If you make it to any of these places, I hope you love them as much as I do. And if you uncover your own favorite, well—I’d love to hear about it. Send me a DM!
