2025 Tidelife Bucket List: Top Experiences Along South Carolina’s Hammock Coast

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned guest, make the most of your trip with this curated 2025 Tidelife Bucket List—a collection of the most iconic, beloved, and unforgettable experiences near your Tidelife Vacation Rentals home. These are the moments that turn vacations into lasting memories.

Explore Brookgreen Gardens and Atalaya Castle

Start your Hammock Coast adventure with a day immersed in history, art, and nature at Brookgreen Gardens. This 10,000-acre botanical garden and sculpture park is home to one of the country’s largest collections of American figurative sculpture, along with walking trails, a zoo featuring native wildlife, and seasonal events throughout the year.

Just across the highway, step into the Spanish-style ruins of Atalaya Castle, once the winter home of philanthropists Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. This Moorish-inspired structure offers a fascinating glimpse into South Carolina’s artistic past—and it’sonly steps from the beach, making it a great dual stop for history buffs and sunseekers alike.

Stroll the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk at Sunset

For an evening to remember, take a walk along the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, a scenic half-mile wooden boardwalk that hugs the waterfront. Lined with local seafood restaurants, open-air bars, and live music spots, it’s the perfect place to watch the sun set over the marsh.

Tip: Time your visit for golden hour, and grab a cocktail or fresh oysters from Dead Dog Saloon or Drunken Jack’s.

Catch a Dolphin Tour or Paddle the Inlet Creeks

Murrells Inlet’s calm waters are perfect for spotting dolphins, egrets, and pelicans up close. Book a dolphin tour or join a guided kayak or paddleboard trip through the creek system for a peaceful, up-close look at the salt marsh ecosystem.

Whether you're an experienced paddler or trying it for the first time, these quiet backwaters are beginner-friendly and a fantastic way to experience the natural rhythm of the coast.

Great for: Families, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a relaxing water-based activity.

Unwind on the Quiet Beaches of Pawleys Island

For pure coastal bliss, spend a day on the unspoiled beaches of Pawleys Island. Known for its peaceful vibe, uncrowded sands, and scenic dunes, this barrier island is a favorite among travelers who want to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature.

It’s the ideal setting for long beach walks, seashell collecting, or reading a book under an umbrella. And with Tidelife oceanfront rentals, you can wake up and walk straight onto the beach from your back door.

Bonus: You’re just steps from the beach when staying in a Tidelife oceanfront rental.

Book an Inshore Fishing Charter or Crabbing Trip

Want to reel in something fresh for dinner? Local captains offerinshore fishing charterswhere you can catch redfish, flounder, trout, and more. 

Tip: Ask your guide about cooking tips—or let a local restaurant prepare your catch for you.

Walk the Historic Georgetown Harborwalk

Take a step back in time with a day trip to Georgetown, South Carolina’s third-oldest city. Stroll along the Harborwalk, a charming waterfront promenade lined with shops, museums, and seafood spots. Visit the South Carolina Maritime Museum, browse local art galleries, or simply relax on a bench and watch the shrimp boats drift by.

Don’t miss: Waterfront dining at Buzz’s Roost or The River Room, or shopping for antiques on Front Street.

Why Stay with Tidelife?

When you stay with Tidelife Vacation Rentals, you’re not just booking a place to sleep—you’re gaining access to the best of the Hammock Coast. From oceanfront villas to marsh-view cottages, our homes put you close to all the bucket list adventures listed above.

Whether you're here for a week of beach lounging, a family reunion filled with fishing and paddling, or a romantic escape featuring sunsets and garden strolls, Tidelife has the perfect home base to make it happen.

Final Thought:
The Hammock Coast is more than a destination—it’s a lifestyle. Slow-paced mornings, salty air, and days filled with meaningful experiences are what make this place unforgettable. Start building your 2025 Tidelife Bucket List today, and let every sunrise and sea breeze remind you why this corner of South Carolina is so beloved.