A Weekend Getaway Guide to the Grand Strand

Intro

Whether you’re escaping for a quick coastal reset or planning a long weekend with family, the Grand Strand offers everything from sunrise coffee walks to oceanfront dining and lively nightlife. This 48-hour itinerary captures the best of coastal South Carolina — all easily explored from your Coral Compass stay.

Day 1 – Arrival & Coastal Calm

Morning:

Check in to your Coral Compass rental, drop your bags, and head straight to the beach. Kick off your weekend with a slow stroll along the shoreline or grab brunch at Blueberry’s Grill, a local favorite for Southern comfort with a modern twist.

Afternoon:

Spend your first afternoon exploring Huntington Beach State Park. Walk the boardwalk over salt marshes, visit the historic Atalaya Castle, and spot herons or pelicans in the shallows.

Evening:

For dinner, make your way to the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk. Choose from fresh seafood spots like Drunken Jack’s or Wicked Tuna, then stay for live music as the sun sets over the water.

Day 2 – Explore, Eat, and Unwind

Morning:

Start with a cup of locally roasted coffee from Café Gelato before heading to Brookgreen Gardens, where art and nature come together under centuries-old oaks.

Afternoon:

Cool off with a dolphin-watching cruise from Crazy Sister Marina, or take a kayak through the quiet Waccamaw River. Prefer dry land? Spend the afternoon shopping and people-watching at The Market Common.

Evening:

Treat yourself to dinner at Pawleys Island Tavern — casual, lively, and full of local charm. End the night with a beach bonfire or a quiet drink back at your vacation home.

Day 3 – Slow Morning & Farewell

Morning:

Catch your last sunrise over the Atlantic before packing up. Stop by Croissants Bistro & Bakery for a final coffee and pastry, then take a quick walk on the pier to say goodbye to the coast — until next time.

Closing Section

A weekend in the Grand Strand is more than a quick escape — it’s a reminder that the best moments happen between sunrises, seafood dinners, and the comfort of coming home to a place that feels like your own.

‍