What to Do in Murrells Inlet, SC This Week: January 2026 News and Events

Welcome to a new week in Murrells Inlet, where cool mornings, bright winter skies, and quieter boardwalks make it easy to savor the salt air. Whether you are easing back into routines after the holidays or hosting guests, here is what is happening now and what to mark on your calendar for later this month.

This week at a glance: Jan 11-17

• Sun Jan 11 - MarshWalk Morning Birding Stroll: Start the week with a gentle group walk along the boardwalk, looking for wintering herons, egrets, and loons. Bring binoculars and a light jacket.
• Mon Jan 12 - Warm Bowl Night on the Inlet: Local spots highlight chowders, fish stews, and she-crab soup. Many menus feature half-portions so you can taste and compare. Ask about vegetarian options.
• Tue Jan 13 - Sketch the Sculpture Garden: An informal, self-guided evening in the sculpture gardens nearby. Bring a sketchbook or camera; paths are open and well lit. Dress for a chill and pack a thermos.
• Wed Jan 14 - Community Yoga by the Marsh: Gentle indoor session facing the water at the community center. Beginner friendly; bring your mat and arrive a few minutes early.
• Thu Jan 15 - Working Waterways History Talk: A free presentation at the library on the inlet's fishing heritage and winter oyster traditions, with time for Q and A.
• Fri Jan 16 - Seafood and Song: Acoustic sets along the MarshWalk during the dinner hours. Expect cozy fire pits, small-plate seafood, and sing-along classics.
• Sat Jan 17 - Salt Marsh Cleanup and Paddle Meetup: Volunteers gather for a shoreline tidy-up and optional kayak spin at slack tide. Gloves, buckets, and coffee at check-in.

Family-friendly picks

Try a low-tide treasure hunt along the public marsh access points and look for fiddler crab burrows and oyster shells. Stop by a local bakery for hot cocoa afterward. The library's children's corner is a warm midday break with puzzles and story time announcements at the front desk. If you need room to roam, the bike path toward the south end offers wide shoulders and easy grades for scooters and strollers.

Outdoors right now

January brings crisp air and clear views across the estuary. Plan your longer walks for late morning when it is warmer, and keep an eye on the tide chart so boardwalk puddles and oyster beds are visible. Layer up, wear closed-toe shoes on the planks, and carry a small trash bag to practice leave-it-better stewardship. Sunrise and sunset colors are at their best on cool, dry days, so photographers may want to catch the golden light from the east-facing vantage points.

Food and drink ideas

It is prime time for comforting bowls: smoked fish dip, hushpuppies, and local oysters roasted outdoors when the weather cooperates. Ask about daily catches; winter often means flaky white fish ideal for sandwiches and tacos. For a non-seafood option, several spots are simmering vegetable soups and cornbread. Cap the night with a slice of key lime pie or a warm brownie sundae and a decaf drip to go.

Save these dates later in January

Thu Jan 22 - Winter Wine and Dine Pairing: A casual multi-course tasting at a waterfront dining room, focused on hearty coastal flavors. Reservations recommended. Sat Jan 24 - Inlet Art Walk: Local artists set up along the boardwalk and nearby galleries with small works, prints, and live demos. Tue Jan 27 - Community Blood Drive: Hosted at the fire station training room; valid ID required. Sat Jan 31 - Run the Marsh 5K: A flat and friendly morning race with a one-mile fun run. Strollers welcome, no pets on course.

Notes and reminders

Parking is generally wide open this month, but watch for signs near boat ramps. If you plan to paddle, check wind forecasts and bundle dry layers. Many venues adjust hours in winter, so call ahead for specifics. Have an event to share for next week's bulletin? Drop a note at the community desk and we will help spread the word. Enjoy the calm season in Murrells Inlet, and see you on the MarshWalk.