
Russell Burgess Coastal Preserve
A serene coastal preserve in North Myrtle Beach, offering boardwalks, marsh views, and abundant wildlife like fiddler crabs and birds.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for crab viewing

Russell Burgess Coastal Preserve
Best Time
Best for crab viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene coastal preserve in North Myrtle Beach, offering boardwalks, marsh views, and abundant wildlife like fiddler crabs and birds.
"A nice preserve with beautiful views and wildlife, perfect for a quick, peaceful walk."

🦀 Crab Watching Fun
Visit during low tide to see hundreds of fiddler crabs! Keep still for the best show.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The boardwalk is short, but wear comfy shoes for exploring the marsh edges.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 179 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Marsh Boardwalk
Main boardwalk
A short, scenic boardwalk offering elevated views of the vibrant marsh ecosystem and its inhabitants.

Fiddler Crab Spectacle
Marsh edges at low tide
Witness hundreds of tiny fiddler crabs emerge from their holes during low tide – a delightful sight for all ages.

Birdwatching Haven
Throughout the preserve
Spot a variety of coastal birds in their natural habitat, a treat for any avid birdwatcher.

Fishing and Crabbing Spots
Ground level access points
Enjoy fishing or crabbing from the banks or designated areas, a popular local pastime.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Marsh Life
Tides and Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦀 Crab Watching Fun
Visit during low tide to see hundreds of fiddler crabs! Keep still for the best show.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The boardwalk is short, but wear comfy shoes for exploring the marsh edges.
🎣 Bring Fishing Gear
Locals enjoy fishing and crabbing here. Pack your gear for a chance to catch something!
🐢 Respect Wildlife
You might see turtles! Observe from a distance and avoid disturbing them.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦀 Crab Watching Fun
Visit during low tide to see hundreds of fiddler crabs! Keep still for the best show.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The boardwalk is short, but wear comfy shoes for exploring the marsh edges.
🎣 Bring Fishing Gear
Locals enjoy fishing and crabbing here. Pack your gear for a chance to catch something!
🐢 Respect Wildlife
You might see turtles! Observe from a distance and avoid disturbing them.
🗑️ Pack Out Trash
Help keep this preserve pristine by taking all your trash with you.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Russell Burgess Coastal Preserve for its serene marsh views, abundant wildlife like fiddler crabs and birds, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great local spot for a quiet walk or fishing. However, some reviews mention concerns about litter and debris, detracting from the otherwise beautiful natural setting.
"This pier is not very long. The wildlife there is good. They had a boat there and were dredging."
Leesa Zayas
"There is a short little boardwalk. It was a nice preserve. Saw birds and plenty of tiny crabs. Seeing the crabs was neat. The kids stood as still as they could to watch them come out of the holes in the ground but one movement and they are all so quick and right back into a hole. It was cool. Watched some people crabbing in the water, never seen that before so that was interesting as well."
Angela Radloff
"Beautiful views. Lots of benches. Adequate parking. Nice boat landing"
Summer P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The preserve is located in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It's easily accessible by car, with adequate parking available on-site. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when exploring the Cherry Grove Beach area.
Yes, there is adequate parking available at the preserve, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Public transport options to the preserve are limited. It's best accessed by personal vehicle or rideshare service.
The preserve is well-marked and a local favorite, especially for those familiar with the Cherry Grove Beach area.
The main feature is a boardwalk, with ground-level access for fishing and crabbing. It's a compact and easily navigable space.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Russell Burgess Coastal Preserve is free. It's a public park dedicated to preserving the natural marshland.
The preserve is generally open from dawn to dusk, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty throughout the day. It's recommended to check local listings for any specific seasonal hours.
There is no admission fee to enter Russell Burgess Coastal Preserve. It's a free public access area.
While the preserve is generally open from dawn to dusk, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety and wildlife considerations. Some visitors have noted the tides can be tricky at night.
General park rules apply, focusing on preserving the natural environment. Visitors are asked to stay on marked paths and not disturb wildlife.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including numerous birds, fiddler crabs, and potentially turtles.
The boardwalk is generally flat and provides a relatively smooth surface, making it accessible for strollers and some wheelchairs.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the preserve, though it's always a good idea to confirm their operational status.
Yes, fishing and crabbing are popular activities at Russell Burgess Coastal Preserve. There are areas along the banks and mudflats suitable for these pursuits.
Early mornings and late afternoons, especially during low tide, offer the best opportunities for spotting wildlife like birds and crabs.
📸 📸 Photography
The marsh landscape, diverse birdlife, and the unique fiddler crabs at low tide offer fantastic photography subjects. The boardwalk itself provides scenic vantage points.
Absolutely! The preserve is a haven for nature photographers, with its rich ecosystem and abundant wildlife providing endless subjects.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for landscape and wildlife photography.
Yes, photographing the local wildlife is a major draw. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and use a zoom lens for close-ups.
The end of the boardwalk and various points along the marsh edge offer excellent perspectives for capturing the preserve's beauty.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit