The Undeveloped Myrtle Beach Barrier Island With Pristine Beauty To Paddle, Swim, And Sunbathe

Is your ideal vacation all about soft sand, cool breezes, and no high-rises in sight? Then, a visit to Waites Island, a hidden gem in South Carolina, should be on your bucket list. Tucked at the northern edge of Myrtle Beach, this untouched barrier island is the exact opposite of the crowded Myrtle Beach along the Grand Strand. Waites Island promises pristine beaches, sand dunes, and occasional dolphins cruising by. It's also the perfect place to paddle, swim, horseback ride, or sunbathe as you enjoy the gentle wave sounds. Unlike most of the Grand Strand, Waites Island remains undeveloped with no hotels, beach bars, or boardwalks. You get to experience the peaceful, natural, and unspoiled Carolina coast.

The island is about 10 miles northeast of North Myrtle Beach, and about an hour drive from Myrtle Beach International Airport. It's accessible via horse ride or kayak from Cherry Grove Beach. You can book a horse ride tour via Inlet Point Plantation Stables, or a Kayak tour via J&L Kayak Tours or Great Escapes Kayak Expeditions.

Either way getting there is itself an adventure. Historically, it's believed to have been home to the Waccamaw tribe, and later became private land passed through generations, always prized for its beauty. It's also used for marine science research and conservation education by Coastal Carolina University, meaning the Island's ecosystem is well cared for and protected.

Hidden just beyond the lively stretch of North Myrtle Beach lies a coastal treasure that most visitors never stumble upon. Waites Island is an untouched barrier island with no buildings, crowds, or roads. The undeveloped barrier island stretches over 1,000 acres, offering sandy shores, towering sand dunes, tidal creeks, and maritime forests accessible by kayak, paddleboard, or boat. You can spend the day swimming in the calm Atlantic waters or sunbathing on the soft white sands, just like on this South Carolina beach known for its sparkling blue water and amenities.

Alternatively, you can go paddling along the marshy inlets filled with birds, crabs, and dolphins. The salty marshes around Waites Island are home to different types of wildlife. Bottlenose dolphins may appear offshore, while loggerhead sea turtles nest in the summer. Inland, you may spot marsh hens and bald eagles.

If you love shell hunting, you can unearth beautiful sand dollars and shells scattered across the uncrowded sands. For a more thrilling experience, take a guided kayak tour (lasting about three hours) around Waites Island. You can join solo or group tours around the island or rent paddleboards and paddle your way through serene marshes at your own pace.

The fun doesn't end on Waites Island. North Myrtle Beach and nearby towns are full of natural wonders and adventures. Kick things off with a guided kayak tour through Cherry Grove marshes, where you can spot osprey, ghost crabs, and bottlenose dolphins in the channels. You can also take a glass-bottom kayak and drift peacefully as you marvel at these creatures. Want to trade paddles for stirrups? Saddle up at Inlet Point Plantation Stables. Their horseback beach rides along coastal sands and sunset excursions offer an unforgettable way to explore the shoreline.

If you still have energy left, take a short drive inland and enjoy family-friendly fun at North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex, complete with playgrounds, sports fields, and nature trails. Just down the coast is the vibrant Barefoot Landing, a waterside entertainment village featuring hundreds of shops, restaurants, and live music at the Alabama Theatre and the House of Blues.

If you want to enjoy a classic Myrtle Beach adventure, try the SkyWheel. This Ferris wheel on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk offers sky-high views of the Atlantic. Don't miss a chance to explore Myrtle Beach State Park, just south of the Grand Strand. The coastal state park is an underrated southeastern gem full of beach activities, including one mile of undisturbed beach, maritime forest trails, and campgrounds.