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Welcome to Myrtle Beach, where sun and sea collide.

Ever imagined gliding across turquoise waters under vast, blue skies?

Discover the best places to paddle board in Myrtle Beach and embrace the adventure.

Join us as we explore the stunning coastline that awaits you. Ready to set sail?

 

Map

Planning Your Paddle in Myrtle Beach

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

  • Season: average daily highs clear 59 °F from February through December. July is the warmest month, averaging 89 °F, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
  • Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.

Where to Paddle Board in Myrtle Beach

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Myrtle Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach State Park
  • 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
  • 📍️ Access Point: Myrtle Beach State Park Pier (Google Maps)
  • 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild ocean swell, can be windy in afternoons
  • ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
  • 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, seabirds, fish
  • 🏞️Landmarks & Views: State park pier, lush natural surroundings
  • ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution with rip currents, respect swimming areas

Myrtle Beach State Park offers a beautiful oceanfront paddle boarding experience. Its calm waters and the scenic pier provide an enjoyable, yet relaxing adventure.

Wildlife encounters such as dolphins and seabirds are common, making it an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts.

#2 Cherry Grove Marsh

Cherry Grove Marsh
  • 🏖️ Location Type: Channel
  • 📍️ Access Point: Cherry Grove Boat Landing (Google Maps)
  • 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Sheltered waters, gentle tidal currents
  • ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
  • 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Herons, egrets, ospreys, fish
  • 🏞️Landmarks & Views: Cherry Grove Inlet, scenic marshlands
  • ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect no-wake zones, be aware of tidal changes

Cherry Grove Marsh, located near the Cherry Grove Inlet, offers tranquil waters and abundant wildlife for paddle boarders to enjoy.

With scenic marshlands and a variety of bird species, this is a delightful spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.

#3 Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet
  • 🏖️ ️Location Type: Bay
  • 📍️ Access Point: Murrells Inlet Public Boat Ramp (Google Maps)
  • 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Protected waters, tidal currents
  • ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
  • 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Herons, egrets, dolphins, fish
  • 🏞️Landmarks & Views: Marsh boardwalk, coastal scenery
  • ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Check tide conditions, respect fishing and boating regulations

Murrells Inlet offers an idyllic paddle boarding experience amidst marshlands and coastal scenery. Its protected waters and abundant wildlife make it an ideal spot for birdwatching and leisurely exploration.

The close proximity to restaurants and shops lends to its popularity and convenience.

#4 North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach
  • 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
  • 📍️ Access Point: Main Street Beach Access (Google Maps)
  • 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate ocean swell, afternoon winds can pick up
  • ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
  • 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, pelicans, fish
  • 🏞️Landmarks & Views: Iconic shoreline, nearby attractions
  • ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, use caution in rip currents

North Myrtle Beach offers a refreshing oceanfront paddle boarding adventure with iconic shoreline views.

The relatively calm to moderate swell makes for enjoyable paddling, and it’s not uncommon to spot dolphins swimming nearby. The central location provides convenient access to nearby attractions and dining options.

#5 Grand Strand

Grand Strand
  • 🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
  • 📍️ Access Point: Multiple beach accesses along Grand Strand (Google Maps)
  • 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Variable conditions, ocean swell
  • ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
  • 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, shorebirds, fish
  • 🏞️Landmarks & Views: Stretch of sandy beach, iconic beach attractions
  • ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of swimmers, lifeguarded areas, and beach rules

The Grand Strand, a stretch of sandy beach along Myrtle Beach, provides a great opportunity for oceanfront paddle boarding along the South Carolina coast.

With various access points, paddlers can choose the most convenient spot to begin their adventure. Enjoy the sun, surf, and local sights while experiencing the area’s natural beauty.

#6 Waccamaw River

Waccamaw River
  • 🏖️ ️Location Type: River
  • 📍️ Access Point: Peachtree Boat Landing (Google Maps)
  • 🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle river currents, wind protection from trees
  • ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
  • 🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Herons, egrets, alligators, turtles
  • 🏞️Landmarks & Views: Riverbank forests, sandy beaches
  • ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect private property, be cautious of wildlife

The Waccamaw River, located just a short drive from Myrtle Beach, offers a serene and scenic paddle boarding experience.

Paddlers can enjoy the peaceful riverbank forests and sandy beaches while observing the area’s diverse wildlife. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet nature escape from the busy beachfront.

 

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

  • Typefoam, paddle cut
  • ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada
Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

  • Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
  • Swivelstwo in-line
A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

  • RatingIP68 certified, 1 m for 30 minutes
  • Floatsyes
A pouch you can still swipe through, so the map stays usable and the phone survives the swim you did not plan.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Waterproof Smartphone Bags

  • Capacity20 L, range from 10 to 55 L
  • Material500D PVC tarpaulin
Keys, a dry layer and something to eat, strapped to the deck. Twenty litres is the size most paddlers end up with.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best Dry Bags for Paddle Boarding

  • Typetall neoprene boot
  • Thickness3 mm
Launch spots are rarely soft. Neoprene boots deal with sharp gravel, hidden glass and water that is colder than the air.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Shoes for Paddle Boarding

FAQ

Where can you paddle board in Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet, and Cherry Grove are prime spots for paddle boarding in Myrtle Beach.

Do paddle boards need to be registered in Myrtle Beach?

No, paddle boards are not required to be registered in Myrtle Beach.

When is the best time to paddle board in Myrtle Beach?

The ideal time to paddle board in Myrtle Beach is from May to October during the warm weather.

Paddle Boarding Near Myrtle Beach

Looking for another spot on the same trip? These guides cover the closest paddling waters we have mapped around Myrtle Beach.

Johanes started traveling as a hobby. From there, she discovered her love for watersports despite not being a good swimmer. If not writing about it, you can find her clinging to her trusty life jacket, testing new products, and going on tropical vacations.

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