A Day Trip to Murrells Inlet: Good Eats, Great Music & Unexpected Adventures
From catfish to classic rock, here’s why Murrells Inlet should be on your weekend getaway list
This weekend, my husband and our friends set out on a coastal excursion from Charleston, intending to spend the day antiquing. But as fate would have it, we never quite made it to those charming little shops. Instead, we were enchanted by a hidden gem nestled between Georgetown and Myrtle Beach—Murrells Inlet.
Just shy of an hour and a half from downtown Charleston, Murrells Inlet is best known for its MarshWalk, a lively waterfront stretch lined with bars and restaurants, and as the home of Brookgreen Gardens, a breathtaking sculpture garden and wildlife preserve. But as we quickly discovered, this little town has even more to offer.
Lunch at Fire & Table
Our plan was to head straight to Myrtle Beach, but hunger intervened. We pulled into Fire & Table off Highway 17, a spot that, at first glance, seemed like any other roadside restaurant. But as soon as we climbed the staircase to the entrance, the charm of the place became undeniable. A sprawling live oak tree draped in Spanish moss shaded the outdoor bar area, exuding that classic Southern atmosphere. To the left, a stage sat waiting, and I could almost hear the echoes of laughter and music filling the air on a warm summer night.
Inside, the restaurant was inviting, with white and wood finishes and a long bar running down one side, festively decorated for Valentine’s Day. We started off with a round of drinks—it was the weekend, after all. My chocolate espresso martini was divine, my friends’ Bloody Marys got a rare nod of approval from me, and my husband was content with his local lager. For an appetizer, we split the shrimp and grit bites, which were pure bliss—the crispy exterior giving way to a creamy, flavorful center. I highly recommend them. For lunch, I savored the Blackened Mississippi Catfish with red cabbage chow-chow, remoulade, and a side of smoked gouda mac & cheese. It was flaky, flavorful, and exactly what I needed.
A Legendary Biker Bar: Suck Bang Blow
Our waitress, Kristen, gave us all the local insight into her favorite things to do in the area and shared how Murrells Inlet truly comes alive in the warmer months. The town transforms into a vibrant hub of music, laughter, and high-energy fun, with festivals, packed boardwalks, and live performances filling the air. She enthusiastically pointed us toward a well-known biker bar across the street—Suck Bang Blow—describing it as legendary. She told us the music never stops, the crowds keep the energy high, and the rallies held twice a year turn the town into an unforgettable celebration. With curiosity piqued, we had to check it out.
If the name Suck Bang Blow doesn’t immediately grab your attention, the sheer size of the place will. Anyone who has worked in the service industry—especially bartenders—would recognize this as the ultimate high-volume challenge. Before stepping inside, we wandered up a side staircase to the rooftop, where we could look out over the expansive back lot. Even in the off-season, the space was impressive, lined with shuttered bars and a stage in the back corner. Tire marks from past revelry tattooed the pavement, evidence of wild nights gone by.
We made our way inside through the back entrance, where neon beer signs and motorcycle memorabilia guided us through the dimly lit bar. Another stage stood ready for action, alongside two bars—one of which extended half-outside. We browsed the gift shop, where the lovely Wendy enthusiastically answered our barrage of questions. She filled us in on the upcoming spring rally, running from Friday, May 9, through Sunday, May 18, and gave us insider tips on navigating the high-energy event.
For those unfamiliar, a rally is a popular annual gathering for motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world. Visitors can expect bike shows featuring stunning motorcycles on display, vendors selling all kinds of gear and memorabilia, and of course, live music filling the air. The energy is infectious, with other popular biker bars in the area, such as Jamin' Leather, Beaver Bar, and the Rat Hole, buzzing with activity. At Suck Bang Blow, everyone is welcome, and bikers are not allowed to wear their colors, making it an inclusive and lively spot for all.
We couldn’t leave without grabbing some merch and taking Wendy’s advice to check out the MarshWalk.
Fun fact: The merch shop only places two major orders a year, so if you see something you like, grab it while you can!
As for the name Suck Bang Blow—it’s not what you think. It actually refers to a motorcycle engine’s internal combustion process. Wendy, ever the gracious host, took the time to clear that up for us, laughing as she shared stories of first-time visitors reacting to the bar’s bold moniker.
Treasure Hunting at Legacy Antiques
Across the street from our lunch spot was Legacy Antiques & Consignments. Though we had entirely abandoned our original antiquing plans, we couldn’t resist wandering in. Like everything else in Murrells Inlet, the shop was far bigger than it first appeared. Every turn revealed more treasures, spanning various styles and time periods. We almost left with an industrial stool but decided to think on it.
Strolling the MarshWalk
After receiving multiple enthusiastic recommendations, including one from the antique store cashier, we knew we had to check out the MarshWalk for ourselves.
The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is a lively stretch of colorful bar signs, all linked by a wooden boardwalk. Despite the crisp air, it brought back summer memories—the kind filled with late nights, live music, and carefree adventure. The half-mile boardwalk runs along a natural saltwater estuary, allowing visitors to sip and stroll with open containers—a true bar crawl experience.
We stopped into Creek Ratz for a quick photo of their logo before continuing along the boardwalk, which overlooks the marsh and marina, home to several tour boats that operate in the warmer months. We eventually landed at The Tuna Shack for a little happy hour bite of sushi. Over beers and fresh rolls, we sang along to pop hits and watched the sky melt into sunset hues.
One Last Stop: Pawleys Island Tavern
As the night cooled, we knew it was time to head home. Still, we couldn’t stop talking about our unexpected adventure and the fantastic local recommendations that made it so memorable. We left Murrells Inlet not with a goodbye, but with a promise—see you in May for the rally!
On our way back to Charleston, we made one last detour to a place I’d spotted on Google Maps—The Pawleys Island Tavern & Bar. Drawn in by photos of its dollar-bill-covered walls, I knew we had to stop. Down a dirt road behind the downtown Pawleys Island shopping area, the bar’s warm glow welcomed us. Fairy lights led to an outdoor stage and tables, while lively chatter spilled from within.
Inside, it was exactly as I’d imagined—walls, ceilings, and every available surface plastered with signed dollar bills from visitors leaving their mark. We snagged seats at the bar, ordered pizzas, and took in the atmosphere. One of the bartenders even had his own homemade hot sauce for sale, which our friends couldn’t resist picking up as a souvenir.
As we finished up, Eddie Crush—a classic rocker dude in tight black denim pants and long, wavy hair—took the mic, launching into ‘70s rock anthems. Before long, the whole place was singing along.
A Weekend Well Spent
While Murrells Inlet is probably best known for its summertime festivities and live music, it shouldn’t be overlooked as a winter weekend getaway. You might have to ask a local or wander down a dirt road, but this town is full of life and live music. And now, I can’t help but wonder—what else does it have in store? 😊
Itinerary: A Day Trip from Charleston
Lunch at Fire & Table
Stop by Suck Bang Blow for a drink, to browse merch, or just take in the legendary atmosphere
Check out Legacy Antiques & Consignments for unique home decor or gifts
Walk the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk for a drink, light bites, and live music
End the night at Pawleys Island Tavern—check their website for live band schedules
Useful links
For all things Murrles Inlet Marshwalk and Events: Click Here
For Events along SC Hammock Coast: Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, Murrells Inlet, Garden City and Georgetown: Click Here
Fire to Table Menu and Events. Click Here
Suck Bang Blow and information about the Spring Ralley on Friday, May 9 through Sunday, May 18 Click Here
Pawleys Island Tavern: Click Here
Legacy Antiques & Consignments: Click Here
Thanks for subscribing to my blog - I’m happy to subscribe to yours! We have lots of family in the Charleston area and spend time there every time we’re back in the US. You’ve given us a great day trip suggestion for when we are back there in April!
We haven't been in a few years now but I love the Marsh Walk.