South Carolina’s waterfront dining is a showstopper.
From Charleston Harbor to Hilton Head, the Palmetto State serves up seafood with a side of sweeping views. Imagine shrimp and grits while pelicans dive nearby, or oysters fresh from the creek with a sunset painting the sky.
These restaurants don’t just feed your appetite—they feed your soul. Each dockside deck, every breezy patio, puts you in the front row of nature’s theater. The water glimmers, boats drift by, and the smell of salt air mingles with sizzling seafood.
Whether you crave casual dockside bites or upscale riverfront plates, these 14 spots prove that in South Carolina, the scenery does half the work. You’ll want your camera—and an appetite.
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Raw Bar — Charleston
Set at the edge of Charleston Harbor, Fleet Landing pairs classic Lowcountry flavors with a front row seat to the water. You can watch shrimp boats and harbor pilots glide by while the Ravenel Bridge frames the skyline.
Sunlight bounces off the waves, and every breeze reminds you why you chose a waterfront table.
The menu leans into tradition without feeling stuck, with she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, and fried oysters that arrive crisp and briny. Cocktails tilt refreshing, perfect for lingering when dolphins start cruising the channel.
Portions satisfy without weighing you down, so you can stroll the pier after dinner.
Service is upbeat and practiced, moving smoothly even when the patio is full. If you want peak views, arrive just before sunset and ask for an outside spot.
You will leave with salty hair, a happy palate, and a mental snapshot you will revisit long after the plates are cleared.
Wreck of the Richard & Charlene — Mount Pleasant
This no frills landmark sits right on the water, where the smell of the marsh and the clink of masts set the tone. Boats idle a few yards away, and gulls make lazy circles while the sun melts behind the harbor.
Choose a seat by the open windows, and the whole place becomes one long postcard.
Order the fried shrimp, hushpuppies, and whatever oysters the water gives that day. Plates arrive hot, simple, and generous, reminding you that freshness needs little fuss.
You will taste the inlet in every bite, a clean sweetness that big city menus try to mimic.
Go early or be patient, because the line forms when the sky turns pink. Bring cash for a cold beer and settle into the rhythm of the dock.
When the breeze lifts the paper menu and the tide slides out, you will understand why locals protect this spot fiercely.
Tavern & Table — Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant
Perched over lively Shem Creek, Tavern & Table blends polished plates with a scene that feels like a vacation. Shrimp boats drift past as pelicans line the railings like regulars.
Inside, wood and brick warm the room while floor to ceiling windows keep the water front and center.
Start with pimento cheese or crab dip, then move to scallops, steak, or a standout burger if seafood is not calling. Cocktails lean bright and citrusy, just right for sunset over the marsh.
The pacing encourages conversation, so let the creek do its slow storytelling while you linger.
Weekends bring a festive hum, and the patio fills quickly at golden hour. Book ahead and request waterside seating, especially if you want a breeze.
As darkness settles and the masts turn to silhouettes, the creek mirrors a string of lights, and dinner becomes a small celebration.
Saltwater Cowboys — Mount Pleasant
Saltwater Cowboys delivers pure Lowcountry mood with a side of playful comfort food. From the deck you can trace the creek’s bends as spartina grasses ripple in the wind.
Pelicans skim the water like they own the place, and you will feel welcomed into their neighborhood.
Menu favorites bounce between smoked meats, peel and eat shrimp, and baskets of perfectly seasoned fries. Get a frozen drink or a local beer and settle into the rhythm of dock chatter.
The smoked wings surprise in the best way, and the crab dip vanishes fast at any table.
It is the kind of spot where sunset turns every conversation softer. Music drifts from the bar, and laughter carries over the water.
Come casual, claim a view, and let the slow tide and simple pleasures do their quiet magic.
The Boathouse at Breach Inlet — Isle of Palms
Perched where tides rush between islands, the Boathouse gives you uninterrupted inlet drama. Boats slice through the current while gulls ride the wind like kites.
From the rooftop, the horizon stretches forever, perfect for timing dinner with a sherbet colored sky.
Seafood leads here: think local fish, crab cakes with a crisp sear, and raw bar treats that taste like the sea. Order a platter to share, then watch the water change colors with each course.
The staff moves with calm confidence, even when the sunset crowd arrives en masse.
Bring a light layer for the breeze and a few extra minutes for photos. Whether you choose the deck or a window table, views feel cinematic.
When the channel glows and the last boat returns, you will remember why coastal nights steal hearts so easily.
The Kingstide — Daniel Island
The Kingstide rises over the Wando River with clean lines and a bright, modern spirit. Inside, generous windows frame moving water like living art.
You feel the pace drop the moment a breeze slips through the rooftop bar.
Expect seasonal seafood, smartly plated, with crisp textures and balanced sauces. A chilled white or a citrus forward cocktail fits the fresh, river focused vibe.
Portions respect appetite without overshadowing the view, letting conversation and scenery share the spotlight.
Reserve a rooftop table at golden hour, then wander downstairs for dessert with river lights twinkling. Service is attentive without hovering, quick with suggestions when you cannot decide.
It is the kind of place that turns an ordinary weeknight into a little occasion, thanks to water doing what it does best.
Bowen’s Island Restaurant — Charleston
Bowen’s Island is as real as coastal dining gets, a rambling oyster house perched over the marsh. Sunsets here paint the sky in wild colors while egrets stalk the shallows.
The decks creak, the air smells like wood smoke and salt, and nobody is in a hurry.
Order oysters by the tray, roasted and steaming, then chase them with cold beer and laughter. The shrimp and hushpuppies keep pace, but oysters are the headline act.
You can watch crews work the fire, shoveling hot shells as if tending a living forge.
Bring friends, layers, and a willingness to get your hands messy. Napkins disappear fast, and the best conversations happen leaning over a shared tray.
When the tide slides out and reveals glittering flats, you will swear time slowed just for your table.
California Dreaming — Charleston Harbor
California Dreaming sits inside a former ferry terminal, so every seat feels close to the harbor. Tall windows pull in the panorama, from sailboats cutting across the channel to the bridge tracing the horizon.
The room hums with families, dates, and celebratory toasts.
The menu skews classic American with steaks, salads, and seafood that please a mixed crowd. Order a house salad and a ribeye or catch of the day, then let the view handle the rest.
Portions arrive generous, and the timing keeps the table relaxed.
Ask for a window booth near sunset, when the water glows like brass. You will linger over dessert simply to stretch the scene a little longer.
When you step outside, the harbor air follows, and the city lights ripple across the surface like confetti.
The Claw House — Murrells Inlet
Right on the MarshWalk, The Claw House blends New England cravings with Lowcountry scenery. Lobster tanks bubble behind the bar while marsh birds trace low arcs over the water.
Deck seating puts you practically over the inlet, and the sunset show is free.
Order cold cracked lobster, raw oysters, or a piled high roll with butter that melts into the bun. Pair it with a crisp beer and a side of Carolina hushpuppies for a fun cross regional plate.
Service keeps pace with the crowd, friendly and efficient without losing charm.
As evening settles, the marina wakes up and lights ripple across the surface. Live music drifts from nearby decks, and you will find yourself lingering for another round.
It is a perfect stop for sunset drinks, seafood that tastes like vacation, and people watching in full color.
Wicked Tuna Grill, Sushi, Bar — Murrells Inlet
Wicked Tuna sits right where the boats tie up, so the day’s catch could be minutes from the water to your plate. The deck overlooks glassy marsh, and the boardwalk buzz adds a lively soundtrack.
Inside, sleek lines and bright plates keep the energy high.
Sushi is a standout, with clean cuts and creative rolls that do not drown the fish. Grilled selections change often, letting freshness lead the conversation.
Pair with a citrusy cocktail and let the inlet drift by as you decide on a second round.
Time your visit to watch crews unload at golden hour, then settle in for dessert when the sky stretches pink to purple. Service stays upbeat even at peak, with helpful tips if you want the choicest view.
It is dock to table dining with a show built in.
Drunken Jack’s Restaurant & Lounge — Murrells Inlet
Drunken Jack’s brings a playful spirit to the MarshWalk, with pirate tales woven into a marshside setting. Broad decks keep the water close while tiki torches flicker at dusk.
You will catch seabirds gliding between boats as live music drifts on the breeze.
Menus favor hearty seafood plates, from blackened fish to shrimp piled high over stone ground grits. Hushpuppies land warm and sweet, an easy crowd pleaser.
Cocktails lean tropical, making sunset feel like a standing invitation.
Families, friend groups, and date nights all fit here, thanks to relaxed pacing and smiling service. Grab a rail seat if you can, then watch the inlet turn mirror smooth.
When the boardwalk buzz grows and the sky goes deep blue, you will be glad you stayed for just one more song.
Skull Creek Boathouse — Hilton Head Island
Skull Creek Boathouse owns golden hour on Hilton Head, with a wide patio facing the water and a soundtrack of live music. Boats bob in the marina while the sun drops behind moss draped oaks.
The vibe is celebratory without tipping into chaos.
Seafood towers and sushi share menu space with Lowcountry staples, giving every table a crowd pleaser. Order a local catch and a round of oysters, then let the creek carry conversation.
Frozen drinks and easygoing service keep the mood light even when the patio is packed.
Arrive before sunset to snag an outside table and linger as the sky turns watercolor. Families spread out, dates lean in, and friends toast to another island night.
When the water darkens and the lights string across the rail, you will already be planning a return.
Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks — Hilton Head Island
At Hudson’s, seafood travels a few feet, not miles. The restaurant sits on a working dock, so you can watch crews unload as you sip something cold.
The water is the wallpaper here, constantly shifting as tides roll and boats settle.
Order what just came in: oysters on the half shell, local shrimp, or the catch grilled simply. Sides stay classic and comforting, letting the fish take center stage.
The staff knows the stories behind the plates and shares them with easy pride.
Sunset floods the deck with honeyed light, and gulls make their last passes overhead. If you love authenticity, this is your address.
You will leave smelling faintly of salt and stories, which is exactly the point of dining on the docks.
Saltus River Grill — Beaufort
Saltus River Grill pairs refined plates with one of Beaufort’s best water views. The Intracoastal stretches wide and calm, reflecting moss draped oaks and shifting skies.
Inside feels modern and airy, while the patio turns dinner into an elegant porch sit.
Sushi, crudo, and wood fired dishes showcase bright flavors and precise textures. Cocktails are polished without being fussy, and the wine list suits seafood beautifully.
You will find yourself slowing down between bites, letting the river set the tempo.
Reserve the patio if weather looks kind, then settle near the railing for the full panorama. Service is gracious and intuitive, ready with guidance if you like to share plates.
As twilight deepens and lights shimmer on the water, conversation softens and the evening stretches pleasantly.