Myrtle Like a Local

  • Posted on

Myrtle Beach Like a Local: Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

While tourists flock to the boardwalk and Broadway at the Beach, us locals in Myrtle Beach have our own set of favorite spots. We're Bobby and Donna and we live local and If you want to experience the Grand Strand like a true insider, it helps to know where the locals go to eat, relax, and explore. Here’s our guide to Myrtle Beach from a local's perspective.

🌴 Relax at Less-Crowded Beaches

Locals love the beach just as much as visitors, but they know where to go to avoid the crowds. If you want to venture away from Seawatch then give these beaches a try.

  • Huntington Beach State Park – Peaceful, scenic, and great for nature walks.

  • The Golden Mile – A residential stretch of beach with fewer tourists and more space. Get there early for a parking spot. 

  • Cherry Grove – A local favorite in North Myrtle Beach with great fishing spots.

  • Byrd Island just north. A bit of a drive but worth it! Its our favorite. 

🍽️ Eat Where the Locals Eat

Forget chain restaurants—locals dine at long-time favorites where the seafood is fresh and the service feels like home:

  • Mr. Fish – A casual seafood joint with creative dishes and sushi. 

  • Oyster Rock one of our favorites in Calabash higher end but worth it.  Get there early or make reservations in advance

  • Clarks Seafood in Little River – Waterfront dining and local charm. We go there for special occasions as well.  

  • Toasted in Calabash- A new favorite. Great cocktails and some pretty amazing dishes. 

  • Hoskins Restaurant – A North Myrtle Beach institution known for Southern-style meals.

  • Seafood Hut. This tiny place specializes in fried seafood at reasonable prices.  If you like hole in the walls this is it in Calabash

See more options in our Myrtle Beach Restaurant Guide.

🎶 Catch Free Live Music

Go to https://www.myrtlelive.com for the latest listing of live bands. 

We love live music and this is how we stay on top of where to go, especially during summer. Check out these options as well:

  • The Boathouse – Sunday concerts by the water.

  • Barefoot Landing – Seasonal music festivals and live shows.

  • Murrells Inlet MarshWalk – Walk, eat, and enjoy live music with a view.

🌿 Explore Nature and Trails

When we want to escape the buzz of the beach, we head to scenic nature spots like:

  • Vereen Memorial Gardens – Quiet trails, marsh views, and boardwalks.

  • Brookgreen Gardens – Art meets nature in this lush, historic sculpture garden. Christmas is amazing there. 

  • Waccamaw River Blue Trail – Paddle, fish, or hike along one of the area's hidden waterways.

📍 Bonus Tip: Stay Close to the Real Myrtle Beach

Want easy access to these local gems? Stay with Coastal Carolina Lifestyles and enjoy vacation rentals near the places locals love.

Ready to see Myrtle Beach through a different lens?

👉 Browse Our Vacation Rentals
👉 Contact Us to Book Direct and Save