Sand, surfing, and sunbathing might be among the first things that come to mind when thinking of a beach vacation. You may think of fine dining establishments, sunset cruises, and even some premium golf courses to experience while on your beach trip. When you visit North Myrtle Beach, you may want to spend time on the breathtaking beaches, but you may also want to explore the area more.
Of course, North Myrtle Beach offers all of those things and more. One thing that might not come immediately to mind associated with a beach vacation is horseback riding in Myrtle Beach. However, if you’ve never done it, you should put horseback riding on the beach in North Myrtle Beach high on your list of things to do during your next stay!
There are more than beaches to enjoy views on horseback: there are horse trails through marshlands, open fields, and forests. There’s nothing quite like North Myrtle Beach horseback riding; you’ll have a unique and up-close look at this popular beach destination’s stunning natural surroundings and the wildlife.
Once you’ve settled in at your choice of the best North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals, gallop over to one of the following stables and reserve your memorable ride through the beauty of this land.
Guided Beach Tours at Inlet Point Plantation
Set at the site of a historic Civil War-era plantation and a Confederate fort, Inlet Point Plantation Stables was built in 1995 and began operations the following year. The wilderness area and beaches are one of Grand Strand’s “Best Kept Secrets.”
Inlet Point prides itself on taking customers on its undeveloped beaches and through its 4,000-acre wilderness plantation: across fields, through woods, and onto the beach. The stable has 49 horses of various breeds, including Appaloosas and Warmbloods.
This family-owned business offers a few different guided horseback tours. You may enjoy a one-hour ride on the beach on a 1,200-acre private Waites Island or a one-hour sunset beach ride on the same beach. Alternatively, opt for a secluded romantic ride for two, exclusively along the ocean on Waites Island. Finally, they offer a one-hour ride through pecan groves and wooded trails along the Intercoastal Waterway. Photos on the private beach rides are taken and uploaded on a USB drive, given at the end of the ride.
In addition to spotting a deer or two and possibly even a bear, the wooded trail is heralded as a “birdwatcher’s paradise.” You are likely to spot several shorebirds and even songbirds on the beach ride. There are also 15- and 30-minute hand-held pony rides for kids six and under through the pecan groves.
The Plantation is located at 5800 Highway 236 in North Myrtle Beach. Reservations must be made and can only be made via phone. The stable is open Monday through Saturday and closed Sundays.
Grand Strand Horseback Riding
Grand Strand Horseback Riding can make it happen whether you want a horseback ride on the beach or through 100 acres of wooded trails. Experienced guides will take you through the sand and across fields and pastures so you can take in the incomparable wide-open, natural spaces of this area of South Carolina in the best possible way.
Listen to the gentle sound of the waves against the shore on a 1.5-hour ride along miles of beaches known as the Grand Strand. You may also spend that same time on trails through woods and crop fields and along canals and ponds.
The Grand Strand’s 18 horses are ready to meet you and take you on the most exciting journey of your North Myrtle Beach vacation. Cinderella, Esmeralda, Princess Fiona, Robin Hood, and Thor are among these eager mares and stallions.
Buddy Seats are available for the little ones aged 4-8. Pictures of your ride are available once you arrive back at the stable.
You can call Grand Strand between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week!
Horseback Riding of Myrtle Beach
The seasoned guides and well-trained horses at Horseback Riding of Myrtle Beach are ready to take you on the ride of a lifetime. At Horseback Riding of Myrtle Beach, horses are rotated on a four-on/three-off schedule to keep them refreshed.
You will be taken out on coastline or country trails in small groups of no more than eight individuals, depending on the season. Through Conway, South Carolina, country trails are taken between March 1st and October 31st, while coastline rides at Garden City Beach are offered from November 1st to February 28th. Buddy Seats for ages 4-8 are available.
Wildlife you might spot on dirt roads or farm trails include lots of deer and maybe even an American bald eagle, while coastline rides provide views of pelicans, starfish, jellyfish, dolphins, and horseshoe crabs. While not common, some lucky riders have even seen a whale and others a baby sea turtle. Grab the camera if you catch a rainbow over the ocean. Along the way, complimentary photos will be taken of you and your family enjoying your ride. These photos can be texted to you at no charge!
This locally owned and family-operated business stresses personal and hospitable service. Every trip includes a guide that will interact with you while keeping you informed about the history of and exciting things about the area—and will likely throw in some jokes and maybe even a few songs along the way! There’s no small reason why Horseback Riding of Myrtle Beach, new to social media, has already garnered a 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor.
Call for reservations every day between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Plan Your Stay
To explore the breathtaking surroundings of North Myrtle Beach on horseback, contact Barefoot today to learn more about our properties and book your trip.
Myrtle Beach State Park
If you’re an experienced rider who has transported your horse or horses to North Myrtle Beach or have access to a horse in the area, Myrtle Beach State Park offers North Myrtle Beach horseback riding on the beach. Proper paperwork is needed to ride, and there is a $25 charge for the horse in addition to park entry fees for individuals.
Horseback riding on the beach is available from the third Saturday in November through the end of February. Park hours are 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. from March through November and 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. December through February. Without exception, horses cannot remain in the park overnight; thus, you would be unable to ride your horse and set up a campsite or stay in one of the several cabins available.
No guides or other skilled riders are appointed to you during your ride on the beach at Myrtle Beach State Park. This is an individual journey, so be sure to take all necessary precautions and have plenty of experience as a rider before taking on this trip.
Besides the wildlife and other nature sights you’ll see on a horseback ride in North Myrtle Beach, it’s important to note that many North Myrtle Beach condo rentals, including a large number of Barefoot Resort rentals, are on or near the beach, so you will not have far to go to reserve your exciting beach or wooded trail ride.