Here’s a fact that surprises a lot of first-time visitors: the Grand Strand faces east. That means the open ocean is where you’ll catch a stunning sunrise, not sunset. For golden hour views at the end of the day, you’ll want to look toward the marshes, waterways, and inlets that run along the back side of the coast.

Here are five spots that consistently deliver the best sunset photos in the area.

1. Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

This half-mile boardwalk stretches over a saltwater estuary with wide-open western views, making it one of the most reliable true sunset spots on the entire Strand. The marsh grass, docked boats, and calm water all catch the color as the sky changes. Waterfront restaurants line the walk, so it’s easy to grab a table and shoot the sunset without rushing.

2. Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach

Built along the Intracoastal Waterway, Barefoot Landing’s Dockside Village offers calm water views with boats passing by and string lights coming on as the sky deepens. It’s an easy, low-effort location if you want a sunset shot with some life and activity in the frame instead of an empty landscape.

3. Cherry Grove Point, North Myrtle Beach

An underrated spot where the marsh meets the Intracoastal ecosystem. The open sky here stretches across tidal creeks and wetlands, giving photographers a wide, uncluttered canvas for dramatic color. It’s quieter than the more popular spots, which makes it a good choice if you want the shot without a crowd in it.

4. Vereen Memorial Gardens

Just across the North Carolina border, this park’s boardwalks wind through salt marsh that lights up during golden hour. It’s a quieter, more natural setting than the waterfront dining spots, ideal if you’re looking for a more classic landscape photo rather than a waterfront-dining shot.

5. The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

For a completely different angle, the SkyWheel’s enclosed gondolas lift you above the boardwalk for a sweeping view of the coastline as the light changes. It won’t give you the same marsh-and-water reflection as the other spots on this list, but it’s an easy way to capture the whole Grand Strand skyline glowing at once.

A Few Quick Photography Tips

Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before sunset to catch the full range of color as the light shifts. Check a sunset calendar ahead of time, since timing shifts noticeably by season. And if you’re shooting on a phone, turning off flash and using the natural silhouette of docks, boats, or marsh grass in the foreground will do more for the shot than any filter.

Plan Your Evening Around the View

If a couples’ trip is on the calendar, our Myrtle Beach for Couples itinerary builds a sunset walk right into the weekend.

Ready to book a stay close to the water? Browse Myrtle Stays vacation rentals and find a home base near the best golden hour views on the Grand Strand.