Columbus Day Weekend 2026 in Murrells Inlet: MarshWalk Dining & Fall Getaways

Why Murrells Inlet Is the Smart Pick for Columbus Day Weekend 2026

Columbus Day weekend lands on October 12, 2026, and it might just be the best-kept secret on the South Carolina coast. The summer crowds have thinned, the ocean is still warm enough for a swim, and the famous seafood scene is running at full steam without the peak-season wait times. If you have been eyeing a low-key coastal escape, planning your Murrells Inlet Columbus Day weekend 2026 now gives you first pick of the best fall rentals.

At Beach Star Realty, we field a lot of questions this time of year about where the locals eat, what to do beyond the beach, and how to snag a comfortable home base near the action. This guide covers all of it, from the celebrated MarshWalk dining strip to the quieter fall pleasures that make this shoulder-season getaway feel like a real vacation.

The MarshWalk: Murrells Inlet's Waterfront Dining Heartbeat

You cannot talk about Murrells Inlet without starting at the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, a half-mile boardwalk winding along the saltmarsh and lined with waterfront restaurants, live music, and some of the freshest seafood on the Grand Strand. Columbus Day weekend is prime time here: cooler evening temperatures make strolling the boardwalk genuinely pleasant, and the sunset views over the marsh are hard to beat.

Come hungry. The MarshWalk restaurants serve everything from steamed local oysters and shrimp to fried flounder and Lowcountry boil. Grab a table on an open-air deck, order a bucket of shrimp, and watch the boats drift in as the sky turns orange. Many spots feature live bands on weekend afternoons and evenings, so you can pair your dinner with a laid-back soundtrack.

A few insider tips for the holiday weekend:

• Arrive early or late. Aim for a table before 6 p.m. or after 8 p.m. to skip the busiest dinner rush.
• Walk, do not drive. Parking fills up fast, so staying nearby and walking in is the move.
• Come by boat if you can. Several restaurants offer dock-and-dine access if you rent a boat for the day.

If you want to explore the local seafood tradition even more, our guide to the Murrells Inlet Seafood Festival and where to stay is packed with recommendations you can carry into any fall visit.

Beyond the Boardwalk: Fall Activities in Murrells Inlet

The MarshWalk gets the spotlight, but Columbus Day weekend rewards travelers who venture a little further. October weather in Murrells Inlet is close to perfect: warm days in the upper 70s, cool nights, and lower humidity than the peak summer stretch.

Start your morning at Huntington Beach State Park, one of the best spots on the East Coast for birdwatching and beachcombing. The cooler fall temperatures bring out migrating birds and make the boardwalk trails through the salt marsh a joy to explore. Just across the highway, Brookgreen Gardens offers sculpture-filled walking paths and gorgeous fall landscaping.

Prefer to be on the water? Book a fishing charter or an inlet kayak tour. The inshore fishing stays strong into October, and paddling the creeks at low tide is a peaceful way to spot herons, dolphins, and the occasional bald eagle. Anglers planning a rod-and-reel trip will find useful pointers in our Father's Day fishing weekend guide to Murrells Inlet, which translates nicely to a fall outing.

Families traveling with kids can still hit the beaches at nearby Garden City and Surfside, or head up to Myrtle Beach for attractions at Broadway at the Beach on a rainy afternoon.

Where to Stay Near the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

Location is everything for a weekend built around waterfront dining and morning marsh walks. The question we hear most is simple: where to stay near Murrells Inlet MarshWalk so you can enjoy the boardwalk without the hassle of long drives or parking headaches?

The answer is a well-placed vacation rental, and Beach Star Realty maintains a curated collection of Murrells Inlet homes and condos that put you minutes from the action. Browse our Airbnb options in Murrells Inlet to see the full range, or focus on our affordable entire home rentals in Murrells Inlet if you want extra space and privacy for the group.

Here is one local favorite worth a close look:

Sunnyside Creek House | Hidden Inlet Escape Est'38 sits right in Murrells Inlet, offering a tucked-away creekside retreat that puts you close to the MarshWalk while keeping the quiet, back-inlet charm that makes fall visits so relaxing. It is an ideal home base for couples and small groups who want easy access to the boardwalk and the water.

If you are traveling with a bigger crew or want a cozy setup, our cozy Murrells Inlet homes collection has options that balance comfort and location beautifully.

Extend the Trip: Surfside and Myrtle Beach Options

Columbus Day weekend gives you an extra day, so why not build a mini itinerary that reaches beyond Murrells Inlet? Just up the coast, Surfside Beach and Myrtle Beach add more sand, dining, and attractions to your fall getaway.

If you prefer to stay closer to the wide beaches while still making the short drive to the MarshWalk, consider these two Beach Star Realty properties:

Coastal Calm Getaway w/ Loft Suite in Surfside Beach offers a relaxed setup with a loft suite, giving you extra room to spread out after a day of boardwalk dining and beach time.

Surfside Escape By Beach Star in Myrtle Beach is a comfortable option if you want quick access to Broadway at the Beach and the wider Myrtle Beach dining and entertainment scene.

Both put you within easy reach of the MarshWalk while adding their own local flavor. For more shoulder-season inspiration nearby, take a look at our Garden City Beach getaway guide, which highlights oceanfront stays within a short drive of Murrells Inlet.

Make It a Weekend to Remember

Off-peak timing, warm water, unbeatable seafood, and a boardwalk made for sunset strolls: Columbus Day weekend in Murrells Inlet checks every box for a relaxed coastal escape. The key is booking your home base early, since the best-located rentals for holiday weekends tend to go fast.

Ready to lock in your Murrells Inlet Columbus Day weekend 2026 plans? Explore the full lineup of MarshWalk-adjacent homes and condos from Beach Star Realty, from creekside hideaways to spacious family homes, and reserve the stay that fits your crew. Your table on the boardwalk, and your fall getaway on the coast, is waiting.