Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Blog

Things to Do in Myrtle Beach & Murrells Inlet This July: Your Ultimate Grand Strand Vacation Guide

Festive waterfront with boats, flags, and fireworks at sunset, promoting summer in Murrells Inlet.

July is one of the most exciting months to visit the Grand Strand. From beautiful beaches and waterfront dining to fishing charters, dolphin cruises, fireworks displays, live music, and family-friendly attractions, there is no shortage of ways to make the most of your summer vacation.

Whether you’re staying in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Garden City, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, or Georgetown, July offers endless opportunities to experience the best of the South Carolina coast.

Enjoy the Beach During Peak Summer Season

July brings warm ocean temperatures, long sunny days, and plenty of opportunities to relax along the shoreline. Visitors can spend the day swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, collecting seashells, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze.

Popular beach destinations include:

  • Myrtle Beach State Park
  • Huntington Beach State Park
  • Garden City Beach
  • Surfside Beach
  • Pawleys Island
  • Cherry Grove Beach
  • North Myrtle Beach

Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy cooler morning temperatures before heading out to explore the rest of the Grand Strand.

Explore Murrells Inlet: The Seafood Capital of South Carolina

No July vacation is complete without a visit to Murrells Inlet. Known for its rich fishing heritage, scenic marsh views, fresh seafood, and laid-back coastal atmosphere, Murrells Inlet offers something for every type of traveler.

Take a stroll along the famous MarshWalk, where you’ll find:

  • Waterfront restaurants
  • Live music nearly every night
  • Fresh local seafood
  • Beautiful sunset views
  • Family-friendly entertainment

The MarshWalk is especially lively during summer evenings and is one of the best places to experience the local culture of the South Carolina coast.

Get Out on the Water

July is the perfect time to experience the waterways that make the Grand Strand so unique.

Dolphin Cruises

One of the most popular summer activities is taking a dolphin watching cruise through the waters of Murrells Inlet. Bottlenose dolphins are commonly spotted feeding, playing, and swimming alongside boats during the summer months.

Many visitors consider dolphin cruises one of the most memorable experiences of their Myrtle Beach vacation.

Fishing Charters and Head Boat Fishing

July is prime fishing season along the South Carolina coast. Whether you’re a first-time angler or an experienced fisherman, local fishing trips offer opportunities to catch species such as:

  • Black Sea Bass
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • King Mackerel
  • Cobia
  • Snapper
  • Grouper
  • Sharks

Murrells Inlet’s fishing fleet offers everything from family-friendly half-day trips to full-day offshore adventures.

Kayaking

Explore the beautiful salt marshes of Murrells Inlet by kayak. Paddlers often encounter:

  • Dolphins
  • Herons
  • Egrets
  • Ospreys
  • Crabs
  • Various marine life

The calm waters of the inlet make kayaking a great activity for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

Boat Rentals

For visitors who want to captain their own adventure, boat rentals provide the freedom to explore local waterways at your own pace. Cruise through the creeks, anchor at a sandbar, or enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the water with family and friends.

Celebrate Summer with Fireworks

While Independence Day may kick off the month, fireworks continue throughout July across the Grand Strand.

Popular locations often include:

Watching fireworks over the ocean or marsh creates unforgettable summer memories for visitors of all ages.

Visit Local Attractions

July is a great time to experience some of the Grand Strand’s most popular attractions.

Brookgreen Gardens

Discover stunning sculptures, beautiful gardens, and local wildlife exhibits. Summer evenings often feature special programs, concerts, and family activities.

Huntington Beach State Park

One of the most scenic destinations on the South Carolina coast, Huntington Beach State Park offers:

  • Nature trails
  • Bird watching
  • Beach access
  • Historic Atalaya Castle
  • Excellent wildlife viewing

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk remains a favorite destination for visitors looking for:

  • Oceanfront views
  • Restaurants
  • Shopping
  • Arcades
  • Entertainment
  • Family attractions

Catch a Summer Sunset

July sunsets along the marshes of Murrells Inlet are among the most beautiful on the East Coast.

Visitors can enjoy sunset views from:

  • The MarshWalk
  • Waterfront restaurants
  • Boat tours
  • Kayak excursions
  • Public viewing areas throughout Murrells Inlet

The combination of golden skies, calm water, and coastal wildlife creates the perfect ending to a summer day.

Experience Live Music and Entertainment

Summer is festival and concert season throughout the Grand Strand. Nearly every night, visitors can find:

  • Live music on the MarshWalk
  • Outdoor concerts
  • Family entertainment
  • Local festivals
  • Community events

Many restaurants and venues feature local musicians performing throughout July, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors.

Family-Friendly Fun for Every Age

Traveling with kids? July offers countless family activities, including:

The Grand Strand is consistently ranked among the nation’s top family vacation destinations thanks to its variety of attractions and outdoor activities.

Plan Your Perfect July Vacation

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, family fun, fishing, wildlife encounters, or unforgettable sunsets, July is one of the best times to experience Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet.

From exploring the MarshWalk and cruising with dolphins to enjoying fresh seafood and watching fireworks over the coast, the Grand Strand offers endless opportunities to create lasting summer memories.

Start planning your July adventure today and discover why millions of visitors return to Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet year after year.

Next Post