a picture of Garden City Beach South Carolina

03 Dec Things to Do in Garden City Beach, South Carolina

If you are looking to plan your next getaway, a visit to Garden City Beach, South Carolina, might be in order. Located just south of Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach is a delightful beach community that tourists love for its family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Garden City Beach is where the inlet meets the ocean, and as such, is a popular place for those interested in fishing, crabbing, dolphins, surfing, sunning, and watersports.

Check out this list of things to do during your visit to Garden City Beach, South Carolina.

Family Fun Activities in Garden City Beach, SC

If you plan a family trip to Garden City Beach, you will be delighted about the numerous family-fun activities in the area. Though we can’t possibly list them all, we’ll share a couple of our highlights here.

Gilligan’s Island Funland– Mini-golf is excellent for family members of all ages. With two 18-hole mini-golf courses, Gilligan’s Island will have you meandering your way through waterfalls and streams, through caves, and over bridges.

Tupelo Bay Golf Center – If mini-golf doesn’t suit your fancy and you want to play a more traditional game of golf, Tupelo Bay offers an executive-style 18-hole course. Perfect for a golfer of any skill from the expert down to the beginner, the executive course is challenging but won’t scare you away. If a driving range is more your style, you will appreciate the award-winning driving range with over ¾ of a mile available in grass hitting space.

Garden City Pavilion Arcade – After a fun day of sightseeing tours or a dolphin cruise, check out the arcade located on the main drag next to Sam’s Corner and within short walking distance of the Garden City Beach Pier. With two levels of familiar games downstairs such as Skee ball, Guitar Hero, Whack-a-Mole, Big Bass, Deal-or-No-Deal, racing simulators, a shootout saloon, and more classic games including Pac Man and pinball, upstairs, there is a game for any skill or interest.

Dining and Nightlife in Garden City Beach, SC

Pier at Garden City Beach – The Pier at Garden City Beach is the most frequently visited tourist attraction in the area. Purchase a daily pass, drop a line to catch your daily limit, or wander about and delight in the various beach ware shops and bars. Sam’s Corner serves up delicious hot dogs, tasty breakfasts, mouth-watering burgers, and more and is located within walking distance, just across the street. Painter’s Ice Cream is next door and offers fantastic tasty homemade ice cream creations.

Marsh Walk at Murrells Inlet – If you are looking for something a bit posher with upscale dining options, the Marsh Walk at Murrells Inlet might be just the ticket. Located right in the center of the historic fishing village, the Marsh Walk consists of a one-half mile wooden boardwalk situated along an estuary of natural saltwater. Here you will find a variety of dining options from burgers and fries to fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and savory steaks.

Conch Café – If waterfront dining is what you are seeking, the Conch Café is located on North Waccamaw Drive in Garden City. Open seasonally; patrons can enjoy seafood platters, light cuisine, steaks, and sandwiches, and right-sized portions for the little ones. Conch Café is a great lunch choice after a morning Myrtle Beach dolphin cruise or participating in one of the many sightseeing tours available in the area.
Get Your Water Activities On!

Crazy Sister Marina – A trip to Garden City Beach and nearby Myrtle Beach wouldn’t be complete without water activities. Whether you are into fishing, watersports, cruises, or kayak rentals, you won’t find a shortage of things to do. One of the most popular activities in the area includes a Blue Wave Adventures dolphin cruise aboard the TURSI-OPS. The TURSI-OPS is a custom-designed boat with individual seats and 360-degree viewing, ensuring you can experience dolphins in their wild habitat like no other.