South Carolina’s coastline is packed with stunning views, fresh seafood, and unforgettable dining experiences. Whether you’re watching the sun melt into the Atlantic or listening to waves lap against a dock, eating by the water here is something truly special.
These eight restaurants prove that a great meal tastes even better with the ocean as your backdrop. Pack your appetite and get ready to discover some of the best waterfront tables the Palmetto State has to offer.
The Ocean Room – Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Perched above the rolling dunes of Kiawah Island, The Ocean Room delivers one of the most breathtaking dining experiences in all of South Carolina. Every table faces the Atlantic, making the ocean feel like a living painting on the wall.
The menu features refined coastal cuisine with locally sourced seafood and aged steaks. This is the kind of place where you dress up a little, slow down, and savor every single bite while the waves roll in outside.
Sea Captain’s House – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Back in 1930, this building was a beach cottage. Today, Sea Captain’s House is one of Myrtle Beach’s most beloved seafood institutions, and somehow it still feels like a cozy home by the sea.
Diners rave about the she-crab soup, a rich Low Country classic that has kept loyal fans coming back for decades. Grab a window seat, watch the waves crash just steps away, and let the salty breeze remind you exactly where you are.
The Boathouse at Breach Inlet – Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Tucked between Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, The Boathouse at Breach Inlet sits right on the water where the tides rush through with serious energy. Watching boats navigate the inlet while you eat feels almost cinematic.
Fresh local seafood stars on the menu, with oysters, shrimp, and fish caught close to home. The outdoor deck is the place to be on a warm evening when the marsh grasses sway and the sky turns orange and pink.
Saltwater Cowboys – Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Hidden off a quiet road in Mount Pleasant, Saltwater Cowboys has a secret-handshake vibe that regulars absolutely love. Getting there involves winding through marsh roads, but the payoff is a dock-side table over a peaceful tidal creek.
Low Country staples like steamed oysters and boiled shrimp are the heart of the menu. Spanish moss drapes the trees overhead, herons wade nearby, and the whole scene feels like old South Carolina preserved perfectly in one magical spot.
Coast – Charleston, South Carolina
Coast brings a sophisticated, city-meets-sea energy to Charleston’s dining scene. Located near the waterfront, it blends the charm of the Holy City with a polished menu built around the freshest catch available each day.
The raw bar alone is worth the trip, stacked with oysters, shrimp cocktail, and chilled seafood platters. Whether you go for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, Coast manages to feel both upscale and welcoming at the same time, which is no small feat.
Wreck of the Richard & Charlene – Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Named after an actual shrimp boat that ran aground here years ago, this Mount Pleasant gem is wonderfully unpretentious. Plastic trays, paper plates, and some of the freshest fried seafood in the Lowcountry are all part of the charm.
Shem Creek stretches out right in front of you, with working shrimp boats moored nearby as a reminder that your food traveled very few miles to reach your plate. Come hungry, dress casually, and expect a wait because locals know what a treasure this place is.
Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Since 1967, Hudson’s has been a cornerstone of Hilton Head dining, and the secret is simple: start with the freshest local seafood and put it right in front of a spectacular waterfront view. The dock stretches out over Port Royal Sound, offering sweeping sightlines that never get old.
Shrimp, oysters, and fish pulled straight from nearby waters are the stars here. Watching the shrimp boats come in while you eat makes the experience feel deeply connected to the South Carolina coast’s working heritage.
Skull Creek Boathouse – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Few places on Hilton Head match the pure, joyful energy of Skull Creek Boathouse. With multiple outdoor decks stacked above Skull Creek, practically every seat offers an unobstructed view of the water and the parade of boats passing by all day long.
The menu is a crowd-pleasing mix of fresh seafood, burgers, and coastal cocktails. Sunsets here are genuinely legendary, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson while you linger over your meal without any reason to rush.