Extend Your Stay
Little River has more to offer than just a great festival — make a weekend of it.
The Blue Crab Festival brings visitors from across the Southeast to the historic Little River waterfront, but once you’re here, you’ll quickly discover that one day is never enough. Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway just north of Myrtle Beach, Little River is a gem of the South Carolina coast with an authentic, unhurried charm that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Whether you’re chasing adventure on the water, teeing off on world-class golf courses, or simply breathing in the salt air on a quiet nature trail, Little River invites you to slow down and stay awhile.
ON THE WATER
Adventure Awaits Right at the Waterfront
Little River’s greatest attraction is the water itself. Right next to the historic Little River Waterfront is home to Little River Landing and home of Little River Fishing Fleet, one of the region’s best-known outfitters, offering offshore and deep-sea fishing charters will that put you in the middle of some of the finest fishing on the East Coast.
Not a fisher? Climb aboard a dolphin cruise and watch dolphins play in the wake alongside your boat, a memory the whole family will talk about for years. Feeling more adventurous? Rent a Jet Ski and race across the open Intracoastal, or settle in for a leisurely pontoon cruise as the sun sets over the marsh. And for a thrill the kids won’t forget, hop on the Sea Screamer one of the largest speedboats on the Grand Strand for a high-speed run along the coast.
Offshore Fishing Charters
Full-day and half-day trips depart directly from the Little River waterfront. Target mahi-mahi, wahoo, and king mackerel with experienced local captains.
Dolphin Cruises
Spot resident bottlenose dolphins up close on a guided boat cruise through the area’s creeks and waterways. Great for all ages.
Jet Skis
Explore the Intracoastal Waterway at your own pace. Rental options range from single-rider Jet Skis to full pontoon boats perfect for groups.
The Sea Screamer
Billed as the world’s largest speedboat, the Sea Screamer departs from Little River for a thrilling coastal ride the whole family will love.
GOLF
World-Class Golf in a Coastal Setting
Little River sits at the heart of the Grand Strand’s legendary golf corridor — home to more than 100 courses within easy driving distance. Avid golfers can tee off at some of South Carolina’s most scenic layouts, including courses with breathtaking views over the Intracoastal Waterway where egrets wade in the marsh just off the fairway.
From championship tracks to hidden local gems, there’s a course here for every handicap and every budget. Many courses offer special tournament-weekend packages — book early, as they fill fast around festival time.
Little River isn’t a stop on the way to somewhere else — it IS the destination. Stay a day longer and you’ll understand why so many visitors keep coming back.
NATURE & THE OUTDOORS
Vereen Memorial Gardens
For a quieter kind of adventure, lace up your walking shoes and head to Vereen Memorial Gardens — a stunning, free nature preserve just minutes from the festival grounds. Miles of trails wind through coastal forest, marshland, and along scenic ponds, making it one of the most beautiful and peaceful walks in all of Horry County.
Keep your eyes open for white-tailed deer grazing in the clearings, herons standing still as statues in the shallows, and an extraordinary variety of birds year-round. Spring visitors may also be surprised by one of Vereen’s most charming quirks: tiny fiddler crabs darting across the path in every direction. Watch your step — and enjoy the show.
Vereen Memorial Gardens is open daily from sunrise to sunset and admission is free. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
Wildlife Watching
Deer, herons, egrets, osprey, and dozens of songbird species call Vereen Gardens home. Bring binoculars for the best experience.
Fiddler Crabs on the Trail
One of the preserve’s most delightful surprises — hundreds of tiny fiddler crabs crossing the path, especially near the marsh edges in spring and summer.
Free Admission, Every Day
Vereen Memorial Gardens is open sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year, at no charge. Multiple trailhead entrances off Highways 179 and 9.
DINING & LOCAL FLAVOR
Fresh Seafood & Waterfront Dining
After a day on the water, settle in at one of Little River’s beloved seafood restaurants right along the waterfront. The local dining scene is built around the freshest catch — blue crab, shrimp, grouper, and flounder pulled straight from the waters you just explored. Many restaurants offer open-air seating with views of the Intracoastal, making dinner feel like the natural end to a perfect coastal day.
Little River’s waterfront district is compact and walkable, so you’re never far from great food, a cold drink, and good company.