Distance from Myrtle Beach to Socastee & Merrills Inlet
Discover the distances from Myrtle Beach to Socastee and Merrills Inlet, plus travel tips and local highlights for your trip.
When planning a trip to the Grand Strand area, you might wonder how far Socastee and Merrills Inlet are from Myrtle Beach. Both places offer unique experiences and are popular spots near Myrtle Beach. Knowing the distances and travel options can help you plan your visit better.
In this article, we’ll explore the exact distances, travel times, and what you can expect when visiting Socastee and Merrills Inlet from Myrtle Beach. We’ll also share tips on how to get there and what to do once you arrive.
Understanding the Location of Socastee and Merrills Inlet
Socastee and Merrills Inlet are two charming communities close to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Each has its own vibe and attractions.
Socastee: Located just southwest of Myrtle Beach, Socastee is known for its historic Socastee Swing Bridge and quiet neighborhoods. It’s a more residential area with some local dining and shopping options.
Merrills Inlet: This is a small coastal community south of Myrtle Beach. It’s famous for its fishing spots, marinas, and peaceful waterfront views. Merrills Inlet is great if you want a quieter experience near the ocean.
Both places are easily accessible from Myrtle Beach and offer a break from the busy tourist areas.
Distance and Travel Time from Myrtle Beach to Socastee
The distance from central Myrtle Beach to Socastee is about 6 to 7 miles. This makes Socastee very close and easy to reach by car.
Driving distance: Approximately 6.5 miles.
Estimated travel time: Around 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Route: The most common route is via U.S. Highway 17 Business or Highway 707, which are direct roads connecting Myrtle Beach to Socastee.
This short drive means you can easily visit Socastee for a quick outing, lunch, or to explore the historic bridge and local shops.
Distance and Travel Time from Myrtle Beach to Merrills Inlet
Merrills Inlet is a bit farther south of Myrtle Beach compared to Socastee. The distance is roughly 10 to 12 miles, depending on your starting point in Myrtle Beach.
Driving distance: About 11 miles from central Myrtle Beach.
Estimated travel time: Around 20 to 25 minutes by car.
Route: The main route is via U.S. Highway 17 South, which is a straightforward drive along the coast.
The drive to Merrills Inlet is scenic, especially as you get closer to the water. It’s a nice trip if you want to enjoy fishing, boating, or a quiet meal by the inlet.
Travel Tips for Visiting Socastee and Merrills Inlet from Myrtle Beach
Here are some helpful tips to make your visit smooth and enjoyable.
Best time to travel: Early mornings or late afternoons avoid heavy traffic, especially in summer.
Parking: Both Socastee and Merrills Inlet have public parking near popular spots like the swing bridge and marinas.
Navigation apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates and the best routes.
Local dining: Try seafood restaurants in Merrills Inlet for fresh catches, and local cafes in Socastee for a casual meal.
Outdoor activities: Bring fishing gear or rent a boat in Merrills Inlet, and plan a walk around the Socastee Swing Bridge area.
What to Do in Socastee Near Myrtle Beach
Socastee offers a quiet, local feel with some interesting spots to explore.
Socastee Swing Bridge: A historic drawbridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s a great place for photos and watching boats pass.
Local parks: Visit Socastee Community Park for walking trails and picnic areas.
Shopping and dining: Small local shops and family-owned restaurants offer a break from the busy Myrtle Beach scene.
Golf courses: Several golf courses are nearby if you want to enjoy a round of golf.
What to Do in Merrills Inlet Near Myrtle Beach
Merrills Inlet is perfect for water lovers and those seeking a peaceful coastal experience.
Fishing and boating: The inlet is known for excellent fishing spots and boat rentals.
Marinas: Visit local marinas to see boats and enjoy waterfront dining.
Nature watching: Look for birds and marine life along the shorelines.
Seafood restaurants: Enjoy fresh shrimp, oysters, and fish at local eateries.
Accommodation Options Near Socastee and Merrills Inlet
If you want to stay close to these areas instead of Myrtle Beach, there are several hotel and rental options.
Socastee: You’ll find budget motels and vacation rentals. It’s a quieter place to stay with easy access to Myrtle Beach.
Merrills Inlet: Mostly vacation rentals and some small inns. Perfect for a calm, waterfront stay.
Myrtle Beach hotels: For more hotel choices, stay in Myrtle Beach and drive to Socastee or Merrills Inlet for day trips.
How to Get Around Between Myrtle Beach, Socastee, and Merrills Inlet
Driving is the easiest way to travel between these places, but there are other options.
Car rental: Renting a car in Myrtle Beach gives you flexibility to visit both Socastee and Merrills Inlet.
Taxi or rideshare: Services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area for short trips.
Public transit: The Coast RTA bus system connects Myrtle Beach with nearby communities, but routes may be limited.
Planning Your Day Trips from Myrtle Beach
Both Socastee and Merrills Inlet make great day trip destinations from Myrtle Beach.
Morning: Start with a visit to Socastee Swing Bridge and a local breakfast.
Afternoon: Head to Merrills Inlet for fishing, boating, or lunch by the water.
Evening: Return to Myrtle Beach for nightlife or beach time.
This plan lets you enjoy a mix of local charm and coastal beauty without long drives.
Conclusion
Socastee and Merrills Inlet are both close to Myrtle Beach and offer unique experiences for travelers. Socastee is just about 6.5 miles away, making it a quick trip. Merrills Inlet is a bit farther at around 11 miles, but still an easy drive.
Whether you want to explore historic bridges, enjoy quiet fishing spots, or taste fresh seafood, these communities are worth visiting. With simple travel routes and plenty to do, you can easily include them in your Myrtle Beach itinerary.
FAQs
How long does it take to drive from Myrtle Beach to Socastee?
It takes about 15 minutes to drive from central Myrtle Beach to Socastee, covering roughly 6.5 miles via U.S. Highway 17 Business or Highway 707.
Is Merrills Inlet good for fishing?
Yes, Merrills Inlet is a popular spot for fishing and boating. It offers calm waters and several marinas where you can rent boats or fish from the shore.
Can I use public transportation to get from Myrtle Beach to Socastee?
The Coast RTA bus system serves the Myrtle Beach area, but routes to Socastee may be limited. Driving or rideshare is usually more convenient.
Are there hotels in Socastee and Merrills Inlet?
Socastee has some budget motels and vacation rentals, while Merrills Inlet mostly offers vacation rentals and small inns. For more hotel options, staying in Myrtle Beach is best.
What attractions are near Socastee and Merrills Inlet?
Near Socastee, you can visit the historic Socastee Swing Bridge and local parks. Merrills Inlet offers marinas, fishing spots, and waterfront dining for a relaxing visit.
