Spring on the South Strand: Your Guide to Garden City Beach, Surfside and Murrells Inlet
Spring on the South Strand: Your Guide to Garden City Beach, Surfside Beach & Murrells Inlet. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to visit the South Carolina coast, spring is your answer. Before the summer crowds arrive, this stretch of the Grand Strand comes alive with mild temperatures, blooming azaleas, and a pace that feels just right. Whether you’re staying at one of our Palmetto & Birch properties or planning your next trip, here’s how to make the most of the season.
Hit the Beach Before the Rush
Spring is the sweet spot for beach lovers. Garden City Beach is known for its lighthearted, family-friendly atmosphere, and in March through May, you’ll find wide stretches of golden sand. Take your morning coffee to the water’s edge, fly a kite, or simply walk the shoreline and breathe in the salt air. For a truly memorable experience, book a horseback ride along Garden City Beach for breathtaking ocean views and the chance to encounter local wildlife.
Cast a Line
Spring is prime fishing season on the South Strand. The Pier at Garden City is a paradise for fishing by day, with no charge to walk out and bait shops on-site. Just up the road, the Surfside Beach Fishing Pier stretches 814 feet into the Atlantic and is the only concrete fishing pier on South Carolina’s east coast. For those who want to go bigger, professional fishing guides, charter boats, and party boats out of Murrells Inlet will take you to some of the best offshore fishing in the Southeast.
Explore the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
No spring visit is complete without an evening stroll along the MarshWalk. This wooden boardwalk runs through the heart of the historic fishing village and offers spectacular waterfront dining overlooking a beautiful salt marsh. Watch pelicans glide over the water while you settle in for fresh seafood and live music at a local restaurant. Spring evenings here are nothing short of magical. We also recommend the sunset views at The Quay - they’re hard to beat.
Venture Into Nature
Two of South Carolina’s most beloved natural destinations are just minutes away. Huntington Beach State Park offers a blend of wildlife, beach access, hiking trails, and scenic views, and is one of the top bird-watching spots in the state. While you’re there, don’t miss the Atalaya Castle, a National Historic Landmark available for self-guided tours. Just down the road, Brookgreen Gardens brings together art, nature, and history in one stunning space, featuring the largest collection of American sculptures in the country. Spring blooms make both destinations especially beautiful this time of year.
Watersports & Local Adventure
When you’re ready for a little more action, local outfitters offer dolphin cruises where guests can also spot sea turtles, rays, and sharks, or explore on your own with a kayak, pontoon, and paddleboard rental.
Spring on the South Strand moves at a gentler pace, and that’s exactly the point. Ready to experience it for yourself? March and April 2027 bookings are now open at Palmetto & Birch. Reserve your oceanfront escape at the Salty Mermaid or Ocean Currents today and start counting down the days.
Plan Your Visit — Helpful Links
