Goat Island in Murrells Inlet: The History Behind the Famous MarshWalk Goats

For decades, one of the first questions visitors asked while strolling the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk was, “Why are there goats on that island?”

The tiny island sitting just offshore from the MarshWalk became one of the most photographed and talked-about landmarks in Murrells Inlet. Families would stop to point them out, children loved watching them play, and locals proudly shared the story behind the unusual attraction.

Today, while the island is still affectionately known as Goat Island, the goats themselves are gone. Their absence has left many visitors wondering what happened.

Here’s the fascinating history behind Murrells Inlet’s famous Goat Island—and why the goats now call another place home.

Where is Goat Island?

Goat Island is a small marsh island located just behind the MarshWalk near Drunken Jack’s Restaurant in Murrells Inlet.

Although it’s only a small patch of marsh grass surrounded by tidal creeks, it quickly became one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks. Thousands of visitors each year spotted the goats while dining, taking a stroll along the MarshWalk, or enjoying a boat tour through the inlet.

Why Were Goats Put on the Island?

The story dates back to the early 1980s.

Many people have heard the simple explanation that the goats were brought in to naturally keep the grass and underbrush trimmed. While that’s certainly true, there’s another part of the story that has become local legend.

According to longtime Murrells Inlet locals, the island had become a place where people were secretly growing marijuana plants. To discourage that activity—and solve the problem without constant monitoring—a small herd of goats was introduced.

As it turns out, goats aren’t particularly picky eaters.

They happily consumed the unwanted plants along with everything else growing on the island. Once the problem disappeared, the goats stayed because they continued doing an excellent job maintaining the vegetation and quickly became beloved members of the Murrells Inlet community.

More Than Just Lawn Mowers

Before long, the goats became much more than practical landscapers.

They became an unofficial mascot of Murrells Inlet.

Visitors planned family photos around seeing them. Locals checked on them throughout the seasons. Watching the annual “Goat Roundup” each fall became a tradition, as volunteers carefully rounded up the herd before winter and transported them to a nearby farm until spring. Hundreds of spectators often gathered just to watch the entertaining event.

For more than 40 years, the goats helped create one of the most unique attractions anywhere along South Carolina’s coast.

Why Are the Goats No Longer on Goat Island?

In 2022, everything changed.

Ahead of Hurricane Ian, the goats were safely evacuated from the island as a precaution.

Unfortunately, the storm—and years of increasingly severe king tides, erosion, and flooding—caused significant damage to the island. Much of the land disappeared, their shelter was damaged, and high tides regularly left very little dry ground.

After carefully evaluating the situation, owner Al Hitchcock made the difficult decision not to return the goats.

The reasons centered entirely on the animals’ safety and well-being:

• Ongoing erosion had dramatically reduced the size of the island.
• King tides frequently flooded much of the remaining land.
• Moving the goats back and forth several times each year had become increasingly stressful.
• Future hurricanes and storm surge posed an ongoing risk.

Rather than expose them to unnecessary danger, the goats were permanently relocated to a larger farm where they have plenty of room to roam safely.

Can You Still Visit Goat Island?

Absolutely.

Although the live goats are no longer there, Goat Island remains one of Murrells Inlet’s most recognizable landmarks.

Visitors will now notice charming metal goat sculptures standing on the island as a tribute to the beloved herd that entertained generations of locals and visitors alike. These sculptures help preserve one of Murrells Inlet’s most cherished traditions while honoring the animals that made the island famous.

The Best Way to See Goat Island

While you can catch glimpses of Goat Island from the MarshWalk, there’s no better perspective than from the water.

A sightseeing cruise through Murrells Inlet offers beautiful views of:

• Goat Island
• The historic MarshWalk
• Local oyster beds
• Salt marsh ecosystems
• Dolphins and coastal wildlife
• Historic waterfront homes

Being out on the inlet also allows experienced captains to share the colorful stories and local history that make Murrells Inlet unlike anywhere else on the South Carolina coast.

Experience the Stories of Murrells Inlet with Visit Murrells Inlet

Goat Island is just one of the many unique stories that make Murrells Inlet such a memorable destination. From colorful local legends and rich fishing history to incredible wildlife and breathtaking sunsets, every trip onto the water offers something new to discover.

Whether you’re joining a scenic eco tour, a dolphin cruise, or an evening Ghost Story Cruise, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the history and character that have made Murrells Inlet one of South Carolina’s favorite coastal communities.

The next time someone asks, “Where did all the goats go?” you’ll know the answer—and the remarkable story behind one of the Grand Strand’s most beloved landmarks.