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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring binoculars for birdwatching and encourage your children to be quiet observers of nature. The fishing and crabbing opportunities also offer a unique experience for families wanting to try something new. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and emphasize the importance of leaving no trace to help preserve this beautiful environment for future visitors.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Nature Enthusiasts
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundant wildlife, particularly the diverse bird species and the fascinating fiddler crabs. It’s a prime location for birdwatching and nature photography, especially during the early morning or late afternoon hours when wildlife activity is at its peak. The preserve provides a serene environment to connect with the natural world without the crowds often found at larger attractions.
+1🎣 Anglers and Crabbing Fans
While the boardwalk provides a good overview, many anglers prefer to get closer to the water's edge for better casting or trap placement. Remember to familiarize yourself with local fishing and crabbing regulations, including any necessary licenses or size/catch limits, to ensure a responsible and enjoyable outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Marsh Ecosystem
During low tide, the exposed mudflats reveal a bustling world of fiddler crabs, easily identifiable by the male's single large claw. These crabs play an important role in aerating the marsh soil. You'll also likely see oyster beds, which are essential for water filtration and provide homes for other marine life. The preserve's commitment to maintaining this habitat is evident, though some visitors have noted occasional debris, highlighting the ongoing need for conservation efforts.
Birdwatchers will find the preserve particularly rewarding. It's a stopover point for migratory birds and a permanent home for many resident species. Keep an eye out for wading birds like herons and egrets, as well as various shorebirds foraging along the water's edge. The preserve's natural serenity makes it an ideal spot for quiet observation and appreciating the intricate web of life in a coastal marsh.
Local Activities: Fishing and Crabbing
While the boardwalk provides a great vantage point, many prefer to get closer to the water for these activities. You might see people standing along the banks or out on the mudflats during low tide, actively fishing or crabbing. It’s a quintessential South Carolina coastal experience that offers a chance to connect with the local culture and environment.
Remember to check local regulations regarding fishing licenses and crabbing limits before you go. It’s also important to be mindful of the environment; properly dispose of any fishing line or bait to prevent harm to wildlife.
The Importance of Coastal Preservation
The preserve's existence highlights the community's commitment to protecting these natural resources from development and degradation. While the primary goal is preservation, the preserve also offers educational opportunities for visitors to learn about the importance of coastal environments. Seeing the wildlife thrive in its natural setting underscores the value of these conservation efforts.
+1Despite the dedication to preservation, some visitors have observed issues like litter and tangled fishing lines, which can pose a threat to wildlife. This serves as a reminder that community involvement and responsible visitor behavior are essential for the long-term success of any conservation initiative.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit