Are you planning a family vacation filled with exciting adventures? Myrtle Beach has a lot more to offer than 60 miles of sandy beaches and sunbathing. One underrated, thrilling activity you can enjoy here is horseback riding. Yes, you heard it right – horseback riding right on the beach!
If you’ve never ridden a horse before, don’t worry. The Grand Strand has some great horseback riding places that can make your dream come true.
Whether you prefer trotting on the sand or strolling through the woods, they will guide you from getting on the horse to getting off. These places are great for families; some even have special rides for kids under 6 to safely fulfill their cowboy dreams.
So, saddle up cowpokes, whether you’re new to horseback riding or an expert. Here are the best places for horseback riding in Myrtle Beach!
When is the Best Time to Go Horseback Riding at Myrtle Beach?
The best time to go horseback riding in Myrtle Beach is during the winter and fall. Most stables and farms, like the Grand Strand Horseback Riding, allow horseback riding on Myrtle Beach from November to February.
At the same time, some places offer year-round trail rides. So regardless of the time of year you plan to visit Myrtle Beach, you may be able to still find a stable and saddle up.
Also Read: What is the Cheapest Time of the Year to Go to Myrtle Beach?
That being said, let’s get into some of the best places to go.
Grand Strand Horseback Riding
Address: 2131 Hughes Gasque Rd., Aynor, South Carolina
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting horseback riding experience near Myrtle Beach, you should check out Grand Strand Horseback Riding! It is located only 25 miles from Myrtle Beach.
Whether you are a solo traveler or on a family vacation in Myrtle Beach, Grand Strand Horseback Riding welcomes everyone for a fun horse adventure.
It is not just about horseback riding – spending time with the horses can make both kids and adults feel happy and full of energy. The Grand Strand has 18 horses. Some favorite horses are Altivo, Cinderella, Robin Hood, Princess Fiona, Tinkerbell, and Thor.
For those who love the beach, you can ride horses along the coastline of Myrtle Beach, listening to the sounds of the waves. Beach riding is available from the third Saturday of November to the last day of February. Each rider costs $90.00, and if you want a buddy seat for a child (4-8 years old), it is $30.00.
If you prefer trails, Grand Strand Horseback Riding offers trail rides on their 4th generation farm. You’ll wind around the countryside, alongside canals, go through wooded trails, and even past a cow pasture. The ride finishes with a picture-perfect moment in front of their pond. Each rider costs $50.00.
Horseback Riding of Myrtle Beach
Address: 4800 Johnson Shelly Rd., Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Horseback Riding of Myrtle Beach is located just outside Conway, about a 30-minute drive from Myrtle Beach. They have large stables surrounded by trails in the wilderness suitable for riders of different skill levels. You can choose horses and trails based on whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or experienced rider.
The beautiful countryside makes for a great backdrop for your horseback riding adventure. They are open all year and offer rides in different places. From March to October, you can ride along rural Conway equestrian trails, and from November to February, you can enjoy the beautiful coastline of Horry County and Garden City Beach.
The minimum age to ride alone is 10, and kids aged 3 to 9 can ride with a parent in a buddy seat, with a weight limit of 250 pounds. You don’t need any experience to enjoy this horseback riding adventure. You’ll be part of small groups, with no more than eight individuals, depending on the season.
While riding, keep an eye out for wildlife like American bald eagles and deer, and on coastline rides, you might spot starfish, jellyfish, pelicans, horseshoe crabs, and dolphins.
Whether you opt for a calm trail ride in lush forests or an exciting beach journey, these horseback rides create memories that will stay with you.
Inlet Point Plantation
Address: 5800 Highway 236, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Located just a short drive from Myrtle Beach, Inlet Point Plantation Stables is a famous destination for horseback riding. The plantation allows horse rides year-round on its secluded beach.
During low tide, riders can cross Dunn Sound to Waites Island to see a stunning sunset view.
Horseback Riding Tours
Inlet Point Plantation offers exciting horseback riding tours with well-trained horses and expert guides. From private beach rides to waterway trail tours and even pony rides for kids, Inlet Point has something for everyone.
You can join a horseback ride through pecan groves or around Waites Island. For a special experience, you can explore Waites Island during a 1-hour beach ride in the morning, afternoon, or even at sunset.
If you prefer wooded trails, you can take a 1-hour ride along the Intracoastal Waterway. Horse riders must be at least seven years old, and reservations are required, especially for sunset tours. Even the little ones under seven can enjoy pony rides through pecan groves. Experienced guides will lead them for a 15 or 30-minute ride.
Inlet Point Plantation is also an ideal place for special occasions. They can help you plan a proposal on Waites Island with its Private Proposal Oceanfront Ride. The tour guide will capture romantic moments for couples walking by the ocean on Waites Island.
Reservations are essential, and the plantation is open Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Address: 4401 South Kings HWY, Myrtle Beach, SC
If you’re an experienced rider and you’ve brought your horse to North Myrtle Beach or have access to one there, you can go horseback riding on the beach at Myrtle Beach State Park. This unique adventure provides a different perspective of Myrtle Beach, with the rhythmic sound of ocean waves serving as a soundtrack to your ride.
There are some things you need to know. You must pay $60 for a permit for each horse for the season, and you still need to pay the regular fee for each day you come.
Horses are not allowed on the roads, and you can’t keep your horse in the park overnight. To get a permit, owners must show that their horses have a recent Negative Coggins test.
If your horse is from another state, you also need a certificate from a vet saying your horse is healthy. You can only bring horses to the park from November to February. So, if you want to do this, make sure to plan your visit during these months.
Book the Best Myrtle Beach Horseback Riding Tours
CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE: Wampee Stables
Address: 1518 State Hwy 57 South, Little River, South Carolina
Unfortunately, Wampee Stables is closed until further notice! They are listed as permanently closed on Google, but as Closed Until Further Notice on their Facebook. They were a favorite of the Myrtle Beach area and I’m hopeful they will reopen again someday.
Wampee Stabled offered year-round trail rides and riding lessons for all ages. They also taught kids how to ride and even have summer camps for those interested in horseback riding.
Their 90-minute guided ride took you through beautiful landscapes, including moss-draped oak trees and peaceful meadows.
The Bottom Line
There you have it – a list of the best places to go horseback riding in Myrtle Beach, SC. From the sandy shores to the rustic countryside, each riding site has something special to offer.
Grand Strand Horseback Riding is great if you want affordable rates and wide-open spaces, and Wampee Stables, a family-friendly farm, offers various riding options, including lessons. Inlet Point Plantation is perfect for beach rides and exploring Waites Island, while Horseback Riding of Myrtle Beach lets you ride along the coast during the fall and winter.
No matter where you go, you’ll create lasting memories with well-trained horses and friendly guides. So saddle up and enjoy the beauty of Myrtle Beach on horseback!
