Big Man's Marina in Murrells Inlet — Waterfront Dining and Boat Access on the South Carolina Coast

A casual seafood restaurant with direct access to Murrells Inlet

Big Man's Marina is a waterfront restaurant in Murrells Inlet, about 30 minutes south of Myrtle Beach, where you can eat fresh seafood while watching boats move through the inlet. The restaurant sits on the water's edge with a dock, so you can arrive by boat or watch the fishing and tour boats pass while you eat. The menu centers on fried and grilled seafood — shrimp, fish, crab — along with sandwiches and sides like hushpuppies and coleslaw.

The space has an open-air feel with covered seating, and the atmosphere is casual and unpretentious. It draws a mix of locals, boaters, and tourists looking for a straightforward seafood meal without formality. The restaurant operates seasonally, with hours and availability changing between summer and winter months, so checking ahead before you visit is necessary.

Key Takeaways

• Big Man's Marina serves fried and grilled seafood in a waterfront setting where you can watch Murrells Inlet boat traffic.
• The restaurant has dock access, so you can arrive by boat or tie up while you eat if you have your own vessel.
• Seating is mostly covered but open-air, making it a casual, no-frills dining experience rather than an upscale restaurant.
• Hours and seasonal availability vary, so contact the restaurant directly before planning your visit.

What to order and what to expect

The kitchen focuses on fried seafood — platters of shrimp, flounder, and scallops come with fries, hushpuppies, and coleslaw. Grilled options are available if you prefer fish without breading. Sandwiches include shrimp burgers and fish sandwiches, and there are usually a few non-seafood choices for those who don't eat fish. Portions tend to be generous, and prices are moderate for a waterfront location.

Service is counter-style or table service depending on how busy the restaurant is. Don't expect table linens or a wait staff hovering nearby — this is a place where you order, get your food, and settle in to eat. The draw is the food quality and the location, not the service formality. Families with children do well here because the casual atmosphere means nobody minds noise or activity.

Getting there and parking

Big Man's Marina is located on Murrells Inlet's waterfront, accessible from Highway 17 Business in the Murrells Inlet area. Parking is available on-site, though it can fill up during peak summer season and weekends. If you're arriving by boat, the marina has dock space and can direct you to tie-up locations.

The inlet itself is a working waterway with commercial fishing boats, tour boats, and private vessels, so the setting is active and authentic rather than manicured. The restaurant is about 30 minutes from central Myrtle Beach and roughly 45 minutes from Pawleys Island, making it a reasonable drive for a day trip or a stop on a longer coastal drive.

Seasonal hours and planning ahead

Big Man's Marina operates on a seasonal schedule that shifts with tourism patterns and weather. Summer months (roughly May through September) typically have longer hours and more consistent daily service. Winter months see reduced hours and occasional closures, particularly on weekdays. Holiday schedules can also vary.

Because hours change and the restaurant occasionally closes for maintenance or weather, calling ahead is the only reliable way to confirm they're open before you drive out. The restaurant's phone number and current hours are the best source for planning your visit.

What makes Murrells Inlet worth a visit

Murrells Inlet is a working fishing village and tourist destination with a character distinct from the developed Myrtle Beach area. The inlet itself is a natural waterway that supports commercial fishing, shrimping, and charter boat operations. Walking the waterfront, you'll see fishing boats unloading catch, tour boats preparing for trips, and the everyday rhythm of a coastal working community.

Beyond Big Man's Marina, the inlet has other seafood restaurants, a boardwalk area with shops and galleries, and access to boat tours and fishing charters. Huntington Beach State Park is nearby, offering beach access and nature trails. The area appeals to visitors who want coastal dining and activity without the amusement park atmosphere of central Myrtle Beach.

Bringing your own boat

If you have access to a boat, arriving by water is part of the Big Man's Marina experience. The restaurant's dock can accommodate visiting boats, and you can tie up while you eat. This makes it a natural stop on a day of boating or fishing in the inlet. The inlet itself is navigable for small to medium recreational boats, and several charter and tour boat operations work from the same waterfront.

If you're new to boating in the area, local charter captains and tour operators know the inlet well and can point you toward Big Man's or other waterfront stops. The inlet's tidal patterns and currents are manageable for experienced boaters, but checking tide tables and local conditions before heading out is wise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my boat and eat at Big Man's Marina?

Yes. The restaurant has dock space for visiting boats. You can tie up while you eat, making it a convenient stop if you're spending the day on the water in Murrells Inlet.

Is Big Man's Marina open year-round?

No. The restaurant operates on a seasonal schedule with longer hours in summer and reduced or closed hours in winter. Call ahead to confirm current hours before visiting, especially in fall and winter months.

What's the price range for a meal?

Prices are moderate for a waterfront seafood restaurant. Entrees typically range from moderate cost, with platters including sides. Exact pricing varies by item, so calling or visiting in person will give you current menu prices.

Is Big Man's Marina family-friendly?

Yes. The casual, open-air atmosphere and counter-service style make it welcoming for families with children. There's no dress code, and the environment is relaxed and unpretentious.

How far is Big Man's Marina from Myrtle Beach?

It's about 30 minutes south of central Myrtle Beach, in Murrells Inlet. The drive is straightforward via Highway 17, making it an easy day trip or a stop on a longer coastal drive.