Sea Captain's House in Myrtle Beach: Lowcountry Seafood with a View

A casual seafood restaurant overlooking the Atlantic in Myrtle Beach's North Beach area

Sea Captain's House sits on the oceanfront at 3002 North Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, with dining rooms and a lounge that face the water. The menu centers on fresh seafood—shrimp, fish, crab, and oysters prepared in straightforward ways: fried, broiled, grilled, or in traditional Lowcountry dishes. The restaurant has been operating since 1962 and draws both tourists and locals, especially for breakfast and lunch when the pace is less crowded than dinner service.

The building itself is the draw for many visitors. Large windows in the main dining room overlook the beach and ocean, and the lounge has a full bar with a view. On clear days you can watch the Atlantic while you eat. The restaurant occupies a prime piece of oceanfront real estate that has survived decades of development pressure, which is rare in Myrtle Beach.

Key Takeaways

• Sea Captain's House serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily with a menu focused on shrimp, fish, and crab prepared in traditional Lowcountry and fried styles.
• The restaurant sits directly on the oceanfront with large windows overlooking the Atlantic, making the view part of the dining experience.
• Breakfast and lunch tend to be less crowded than dinner, and the lounge offers a full bar with ocean views.
• The restaurant has operated continuously since 1962 and is located in Myrtle Beach's North Beach area, accessible by car or on foot from nearby hotels and attractions.

What to order and what to expect

The menu leans toward fried seafood and broiled platters. Fried shrimp, fried flounder, and fried scallops come with two sides—typically hushpuppies, coleslaw, fries, or rice. Broiled options include grouper, flounder, and crab cakes. The she-crab soup is a Lowcountry staple that appears on many South Carolina menus, and Sea Captain's House makes it with crab roe when it is in season. Oysters are available raw or fried, depending on the season and availability.

The restaurant operates as a casual, counter-service breakfast spot in the morning and transitions to table service for lunch and dinner. Portions are large, and the pace is relaxed. Expect to wait during peak summer season and on weekends, especially at dinner. The lounge area has a separate entrance and operates independently if you want to order a drink without a full meal.

Location and how to get there

Sea Captain's House is at 3002 North Ocean Boulevard, which runs along the oceanfront in Myrtle Beach. The address places it in the North Beach area, north of the main tourist district around the Boardwalk and Promenade. Parking is available on-site in a lot behind the building. If you are staying in a nearby hotel or condo, the restaurant is walkable from many oceanfront properties.

The restaurant is about 15 minutes by car from Myrtle Beach International Airport and roughly 30 minutes from downtown Myrtle Beach attractions like the Boardwalk. If you are driving from Charleston or Wilmington, allow about 90 minutes and two hours respectively. Public transportation in Myrtle Beach is limited, so a car is the most practical way to reach the restaurant.

Hours, reservations, and what to bring

Sea Captain's House opens for breakfast early in the morning and serves through dinner. Hours vary seasonally—summer hours are longer than winter hours. The restaurant does not take reservations for most of the year, so seating is first-come, first-served. During peak summer months and holidays, arriving early or during off-peak times (mid-afternoon or early evening) reduces wait times.

The restaurant is casual dress. Bring a light jacket or sweater if you plan to sit on the deck or near windows, as ocean breezes can be cool even on warm days. The lounge accepts cash and cards. The dining room accepts both. If you have questions about the menu or current specials, call ahead—the staff can tell you what is fresh that day and whether the kitchen is particularly busy.

Why the oceanfront location matters

Myrtle Beach has lost much of its oceanfront to high-rise development over the past 30 years. Sea Captain's House remains one of the few casual, sit-down restaurants where you can eat seafood while looking directly at the ocean without paying resort prices or dressing up. The view is not a backdrop—it is central to why people choose this restaurant over others with similar menus.

The building's age and oceanfront position also mean the restaurant feels different from the chain restaurants and newer establishments that dominate Myrtle Beach. It has the character of a place that has been there long enough to become part of the landscape, which appeals to repeat visitors and people looking for something that feels rooted in the area rather than generic.

Nearby attractions and how to plan your visit

The North Beach area where Sea Captain's House sits is quieter than the central Boardwalk district but still close to major attractions. Huntington Beach State Park is a few minutes south, offering beach access, nature trails, and a small museum. The Barefoot Landing shopping and entertainment complex is about 10 minutes away by car. Several mini-golf courses, arcades, and family attractions cluster along Ocean Boulevard within a short drive.

If you are planning a day around the restaurant, consider eating breakfast or lunch there, then spending the afternoon at the beach or exploring nearby shops. The oceanfront location makes it easy to walk to the beach before or after your meal. Many visitors combine a meal at Sea Captain's House with a visit to one of the nearby state parks or a walk along the quieter North Beach stretch of sand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

No. Sea Captain's House operates on a first-come, first-served basis most of the year. During peak summer season and holidays, the wait can be 30 minutes to an hour during dinner. Arriving for breakfast or lunch, or eating early in the evening, typically means shorter waits.

Can I sit outside or on a deck?

Yes. The restaurant has deck seating with ocean views, though availability depends on weather and season. Seating is assigned by the host stand when you arrive. Request a deck table if you prefer to eat outside, but understand that availability is not may provide during busy times.

What is the price range?

Entrees typically range from the mid-teens to the low 30s for dinner, with breakfast and lunch items priced lower. Sides, drinks, and desserts are additional. Prices vary by item and season. Call ahead if you want to know the current price of a specific dish.

Is the restaurant accessible by wheelchair?

The restaurant has been operating since 1962 in an older oceanfront building. Call ahead to ask about accessibility for your specific needs, as older buildings sometimes have stairs or narrow passages that may not accommodate all mobility devices.

What if I don't eat seafood?

The menu is heavily seafood-focused, and that is the restaurant's strength. If you do not eat seafood, options are limited. Call ahead to ask what non-seafood items are available on the current menu before you visit.