Ahhh! Kayaking at the beach…This past weekend we got our feet wet at saltwater paddling with our 7 years old. With its calm and relatively low water the Cherry Grove inlet was a great choice for out first family kayak ride. We enjoyed beautiful scenery and up close encounters with egrets, pelicans and seagulls.
A rite of passage...her first kayaking experience
Things to know before you go
• The Cherry Grove Boat Ramp on 53rd Avenue North provides access to the marsh and ocean. There is a double boat ramp, boat trailer parking, a fishing pier, dock and restrooms. Parking spots go out quickly and we had to use the little beach opposite the boat ramp to let our kayak in.
• Check the saltwater inlet tidal guide and use common sense before entering the inlet to avoid any surprises.
• Our round trip, from the boat ramp to the ocean and back, lasted about an hour at a very leisurely pace.
• The Cherry Grove tidal marshes are very popular for fishing, crabbing and shrimping. Be prepared to navigate your way around fishing lines, especially when you let in, go under the bridge and when you reach the Atlantic Ocean.
Out and about in the tidal marsh at Cherry Grove Beach
The boardwalk was one of my favorite landmarks along the way.
Scenic boardwalk and bird watching along our kayaking trip
The egrets were quite active that morning, we saw several wading or flying about looking for a meal.
The queen of the marsh
Some seagulls fishing! (I thought they only ate chips and crackers…)
Seagulls fishing in the marsh
Busy day for fishermen at Cherry Grove.
Fishing enthusiasts flock to Cherry Grove Beach in the fall
A picture perfect family outing…
Peace of mind
Here is a list with fun and affordable family friendly things to do in and around Myrtle Beach.
Make sure to ride the Sky Wheel downtown Myrtle Beach (open daily til midnight, tickets are $12 adults and $10 children over 3).
Filed under: Bird watching, Boating and Fishing, Canoe and Kayak, Carolina Beaches, Free Things to Do, Myrtle Beach, Nature Preserve Cherry Grove Park, Outdoor Activities, Parks and Gardens | Tagged: Best bird watching North Myrtle Beach, best kayaking in north myrtle beach, Cherry Grove free things to do, free family activities near Myrtle Beach, free fun stuff to do with kids Prince Resort, great bird viewing Cherry Grove inlet, Kayaking in the tidal marsh Cherry Grove, most popular fishing spots Cherry Grove Beach, Myrtle Beach activities under $5, North Myrtle Beach free things to do |
Shout About South Carolina Travel, Family Attractions and Free Things to Do 
[…] in kayaking at the beach? Check out my recent trip to North Myrtle Beach, along the peaceful Cherry Grove Inlet all the way to the Atlantic […]
[…] Kayaking the Cherry Grove inlet all the way to the Atlantic Ocean (look out for friendly dolphins). Make sure to check the tide schedule and plan accordingly. […]
[…] Nature Preserve located next to the Cherry Grove Park and Boat Ramp. Feeling more adventurous? Kayak the Cherry Grove inlet all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Beware you may be greeted by […]
[…] Beach outdoor enthusiasts can walk through the pristine Heritage Shore Nature Preserve, fish or paddle through the inlet leading to the Atlantic […]
I’ve been kayaking a few times in my life, 3 times in North Carolina on the Nantahala and once in Cherry Grove. Big difference :-). Liked both trips – Nantahala for the adrenaline, Cherry Grove for the quite. A friend had me connect up with Great Escapes Kayaking (www.GreatEscapesKayak.com) while here on a visit and they were a pleasure to do business with. If you haven’t kayaked the marshes yet, find time to do so, it’s worth it.