Little River, SC

Little River is a small unincorporated community in Horry County, South Carolina, set along the Atlantic coast near the North Carolina state line. With a population of roughly a few thousand residents, it retains the feel of a quiet coastal fishing village while functioning as a peaceful gateway to the Grand Strand, the long stretch of beachfront resort communities that runs down the South Carolina coast. The community sits about 20 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach along the Intracoastal Waterway, and it blends into the adjacent town of North Myrtle Beach to the southwest.

The Little River itself, which gives the community its name, is at the heart of local life. Its working waterfront hosts a commercial fishing fleet, and charter boats head out regularly for inshore and offshore trips in search of grouper, snapper, and other saltwater species. The dockside scene gives visitors an authentic look at the Lowcountry's seafood traditions, with shrimp boats and fishing vessels still an everyday sight. The surrounding salt marshes and tidal creeks are also popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching.

Just southwest of Little River lies Cherry Grove Beach, a quiet section of North Myrtle Beach known for its wide, sandy shoreline, a long-standing fishing pier, and a more residential atmosphere than the busier stretches of Myrtle Beach to the south. Its proximity means visitors staying in Little River can reach the beach, a range of seafood restaurants, and a slower-paced boardwalk scene within just a few minutes' drive.

A bit further afield, about 20 miles southwest, Myrtle Beach anchors the Grand Strand with its oceanfront boardwalk, amusement rides, golf courses, live entertainment theaters, and the busy commercial corridors of Ocean Boulevard and Highway 17. Beyond Myrtle Beach, Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park sit near Murrells Inlet, offering a botanical garden with a major American sculpture collection and a state park known for its marsh views, beach access, and Atalaya, the former winter home of philanthropist Archer Huntington.

Little River's appeal as a short-term rental base comes from its balance of quiet and convenience. Travelers get a residential coastal setting with genuine Lowcountry character, a working waterfront, and easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway, while remaining within a short drive of the beaches, dining, and entertainment of the broader Grand Strand. For guests who want to be near the action without staying in the middle of it, the community offers a more relaxed, locally rooted alternative that still keeps every major attraction within reach.