Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Restaurants, Businesses and Events on Shem Creek

Shem Creek Events is a local guide to the waterfront restaurants, seafood markets, marinas, hotels, boat cruises, kayak rentals, live music and outdoor activities found around one of Mount Pleasant’s most recognizable Lowcountry destinations.

Explore Restaurants Find Things to Do
Waterfront Dining Seafood, cocktails, brunch and sunset views
On the Water Kayaks, paddleboards, rentals and cruises
Working Creek Shrimp boats, fishermen and seafood markets
Local Events Live music, restaurant crawls and gatherings
Eat and Drink Fresh Seafood Water Activities Events Boardwalk Nearby Places

Welcome to the Creek

About Shem Creek

Shem Creek is a tidal waterway that flows through Mount Pleasant and opens into Charleston Harbor. Its waterfront district combines a working commercial fishing creek with restaurants, bars, public boardwalks, marinas and recreational businesses.

Visitors come to watch shrimp boats, walk beside the marsh, photograph sunsets, look for dolphins and enjoy seafood beside the water. Kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats, charter boats and fishing vessels regularly travel through the creek.

The area can become busy during evenings, weekends and warm-weather events. Parking is limited in several sections, so visitors should arrive early, use designated public parking and follow all posted parking restrictions.

What You Can Find

  • Waterfront restaurants and bars
  • Live music and social gatherings
  • Kayak and paddleboard rentals
  • Sailing and sunset cruises
  • Fresh local seafood markets
  • Dolphins, birds and marsh wildlife
  • Waterfront lodging and marina services
Directory notice: Shem Creek is an active waterfront district. Businesses, hours, events, docks and operating arrangements can change. Confirm current details directly with a business before making a special trip or reservation.
Free Waterfront Attraction

Shem Creek Park and Boardwalk

The public boardwalk is one of the easiest ways to experience the creek without making a restaurant reservation or booking a boat.

Visitors can walk through the salt marsh, observe working shrimp docks, watch boats pass through the creek and look toward Charleston Harbor. The park provides a popular setting for casual walks, wildlife viewing, fishing and sunset photography.

  • Public walking trail and boardwalk
  • Marsh and Charleston Harbor views
  • Fishing access
  • ADA-accessible areas
  • Public parking and restrooms

Park Location

Shrimp Boat Lane
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Sunrise and late afternoon are good times for cooler temperatures, photography and viewing activity around the creek.

Eat and Drink

Restaurants on and Around Shem Creek

The Shem Creek dining district ranges from casual seafood decks and open-air bars to brunch restaurants and full-service waterfront dining.

Waterfront Bar and Seafood

Red’s Ice House

Red’s is a casual Shem Creek gathering place known for outdoor decks, seafood, sandwiches, cold drinks and a lively waterfront atmosphere.

  • Multiple outdoor seating areas
  • Seafood and casual American food
  • Creek and boat views
  • Popular evening destination

98 Church Street, Mount Pleasant

Waterfront Restaurant

Tavern & Table

Tavern & Table offers a polished but relaxed waterfront experience with local ingredients, shareable plates, wood-fired selections, cocktails and hearty meals.

  • Indoor and outdoor dining
  • Small plates and full meals
  • Craft cocktails
  • Dockside setting

100 Church Street, Mount Pleasant

Seafood and Barbecue

Saltwater Cowboys

Saltwater Cowboys combines waterfront seafood with slow-smoked barbecue, cocktails, outdoor seating and regular entertainment overlooking the marsh.

  • Seafood and smoked barbecue
  • Large waterfront decks
  • Sunset views
  • Live music and social events

130 Mill Street, Mount Pleasant

Casual Seafood

Shem Creek Crab House

Shem Creek Crab House serves seafood platters, crab dishes, Lowcountry-inspired meals and casual drinks in the Mill Street section of the district.

  • Crab and shellfish dishes
  • Seafood combinations
  • Casual family dining
  • Near the marina and boardwalk

508 Mill Street, Mount Pleasant

Breakfast and Brunch

Mill Street Tavern

Mill Street Tavern is a popular option for breakfast, brunch and lunch close to the waterfront. Its rooftop and elevated location provide views across the creek.

  • Breakfast and brunch dishes
  • Lunch selections
  • Rooftop dining
  • Creek district views

504 Mill Street, Mount Pleasant

Waterfront Bar and Grill

Vickery’s Bar & Grill

Vickery’s offers broad views of Shem Creek, the marsh and Charleston Harbor alongside seafood, sandwiches, salads and Southern dishes with international influences.

  • Outdoor deck and dockside seating
  • Seafood and Southern dishes
  • Sandwiches and salads
  • Wide harbor views

1313 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant

Full-Service Waterfront Dining

Water’s Edge

Water’s Edge is a full-service seafood restaurant overlooking Shem Creek. It offers lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch in a scenic waterfront setting.

  • Seafood and chef-prepared entrées
  • Indoor and outdoor dining
  • Sunday brunch
  • Dock-and-dine access

1407 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant

Dockside Bar

Cabana Bar at Water’s Edge

The Cabana Bar provides a more casual dockside experience beside Water’s Edge, with drinks, waterfront views and easy access to the Shem Creek boardwalk area.

  • Outdoor bar service
  • Waterfront seating
  • Casual social atmosphere
  • Near boat and sailing departures

1407 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant

Traditional Lowcountry Seafood

The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene

The Wreck is a no-frills Shem Creek restaurant known for straightforward seafood platters, a working-waterfront atmosphere and views of the commercial docks.

  • Fried and grilled seafood
  • Traditional Lowcountry sides
  • Casual dockside environment
  • Dinner service and no reservations

106 Haddrell Street, Mount Pleasant

Creekside Dining and Bar

Sunsets Waterfront Dining

Sunsets offers Lowcountry dishes, cocktails and colorful creekside seating. Its waterfront location is designed around casual dining and evening views.

  • Lowcountry-inspired food
  • Waterfront tables
  • Craft drinks
  • Sunset and boat views

97 Ronnie Boals Boulevard, Mount Pleasant

Local Businesses

Lodging, Marinas and Waterfront Services

Shem Creek is more than a dining district. It remains home to hospitality businesses, public facilities, commercial docks and marine services.

Waterfront Lodging

Shem Creek Inn

Shem Creek Inn is the primary hotel located directly on the creek. Guests are within walking distance of restaurants, water activities and the boardwalk.

  • Waterfront guest rooms
  • Outdoor pool
  • Walkable restaurant access
  • Views of boats and the marsh

1401 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant

Marina

Shem Creek Marina

Shem Creek Marina provides dry-stack boat storage, marine fuel, rentals and services for boat owners using Charleston Harbor and nearby waterways.

  • Dry-stack boat storage
  • Fuel dock
  • Ship store
  • Boat rentals and detailing

526 Mill Street, Mount Pleasant

Public Boat Access

Shem Creek Boat Landing

The public landing provides creek access for boaters. Space and parking can be limited, particularly on weekends and during peak boating season.

  • Public boat launching
  • Direct creek access
  • Near marinas and outfitters
  • Access to Charleston Harbor

515 Mill Street, Mount Pleasant

The Working Waterfront

Seafood Markets and Commercial Fishing

Commercial fishing is a defining part of Shem Creek. Local shrimpers and seafood businesses help preserve the area’s connection to the Lowcountry fishing industry.

Mount Pleasant Seafood

A long-running local seafood market selling fresh fish, shrimp, shellfish and prepared seafood products.

C.A. Magwood Jr. & Sons

A Shem Creek seafood business connected to generations of local shrimping and the Magwood family’s fishing heritage.

Abundant Seafood

A commercial fishing operation known for supplying locally caught fish to area restaurants and participating customers.

Tarvin’s Seafood

A family seafood operation associated with Shem Creek’s active commercial fishing community.

Geechie Seafood

A wholesale and retail seafood business connected to the creek’s long shrimping history.

Local Shrimp Boats

Commercial vessels continue to operate from the creek. Visitors should observe docks from public areas and avoid entering active work zones.

Seafood selection and direct-to-public availability depend on the season, weather, fishing conditions and individual business schedules.

Get on the Water

Tours, Rentals and Charters

Several operators use Shem Creek as a starting point for paddle trips, sailing cruises, wildlife tours, fishing excursions and private celebrations.

Kayak and SUP

Coastal Expeditions

Coastal Expeditions operates a Shem Creek outpost with kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals, guided eco-tours and wildlife experiences.

  • Guided kayak tours
  • Kayak and SUP rentals
  • Wildlife interpretation
  • Group programs

514 Mill Street, Mount Pleasant

Paddling Tours

Nature Adventures

Nature Adventures provides guided kayak and paddleboard tours, rentals, full-moon paddles and marsh-focused outdoor experiences.

  • Kayak tours and rentals
  • Paddleboard tours
  • Full-moon creek trips
  • Eco walking experiences

1 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant

Boat Rentals

Shem Creek Boat Rentals

Shem Creek Boat Rentals offers several rental durations for customers who want to explore the creek, Cooper River and Charleston Harbor.

  • Half-day and full-day rentals
  • Different boat sizes
  • Fishing excursions
  • Local navigation guidance

1 Seafood Drive, Mount Pleasant

Sailing Cruises

Palmetto Breeze

Palmetto Breeze operates public and private sailing trips from Shem Creek, including sunset cruises, themed sails and group charters.

  • Public sunset cruises
  • Private group charters
  • Brunch and themed sails
  • Charleston Harbor views

1 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mount Pleasant

Sunset and Private Cruises

Lowcountry Coastal Excursions

This local operator offers cruises that depart from the Shem Creek area and travel into Charleston Harbor.

  • Sunset excursions
  • Private group cruises
  • Harbor sightseeing
  • Departure near Tavern & Table
Private Water Tours

Captain Dan’s Water Tours

Captain Dan’s provides private boat tours focused on Charleston Harbor, local history, wildlife, marshes, beaches and barrier islands.

  • Private sightseeing trips
  • Wildlife and marsh tours
  • Historic harbor routes
  • Custom excursions

Boarding at Shem Creek Marina

Tiki Cruises

Cruisin’ Tikis Charleston

Cruisin’ Tikis offers social tiki-style boat trips departing from Shem Creek and traveling through local waterways.

  • Private tiki-boat bookings
  • Individual public seats
  • Charleston Harbor sightseeing
  • Small-group social cruises
Party and Sunset Boats

Charleston Party Boat

Charleston Party Boat offers public sunset trips and private group charters departing from Shem Creek.

  • Daily sunset departures
  • Private party cruises
  • Multiple group capacities
  • Harbor and waterfront views

What Is Happening

Shem Creek Events and Recurring Activities

Some happenings follow published calendars, while others are recurring experiences that take place throughout the year.

Recurring

Waterfront Live Music

Several creekside restaurants host local musicians, DJs and seasonal entertainment on their decks or outdoor stages.

Check weekly schedules
Seasonal Event

Crawlin’ on the Creek

This restaurant crawl brings together participating Shem Creek bars and restaurants with themed drinks, music and dock-to-dock activities.

Select dates
Daily Experience

Sunset on Shem Creek

Sunset brings visitors to the boardwalk, restaurant decks and boats for colorful views across the marsh and Charleston Harbor.

Weather permitting
Scheduled Tour

Full-Moon Paddle Tours

Guided evening paddles provide a different view of the creek, marsh and harbor under moonlight.

Based on the lunar calendar
Year-Round

Dolphin and Wildlife Watching

Dolphins, pelicans, egrets and other wildlife are frequently observed from public walks, kayaks and sightseeing boats.

Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed
Year-Round

Boardwalk Photography

The boardwalk is a popular location for landscape photos, boat photography, marsh views and casual portraits.

Sunrise and sunset are popular
Seasonal

Harbor Sailing

Public and private sailing trips depart from the creek for afternoon, sunset and themed excursions through Charleston Harbor.

Reservations recommended
Working Waterfront

Shrimp Boat Activity

Working shrimp and fishing vessels can be seen moving through the creek or unloading near commercial seafood docks.

Activity varies by season
Private Events

Parties and Group Gatherings

Restaurants, charter boats and sailing operators host birthdays, company outings, wedding groups and other private events.

Advance booking required

Visitor Information

Planning a Day at Shem Creek

Build your visit around the time of day, expected crowds and the type of creek experience you want.

Morning

Walk the boardwalk, take an early kayak tour or visit Mill Street Tavern for breakfast or brunch before larger crowds arrive.

Afternoon

Rent a boat or paddleboard, shop for fresh seafood and stop for a casual waterfront lunch.

Evening

Reserve a waterfront dinner, book a sunset cruise or arrive early to find a good view from a restaurant deck.

Parking

Use public spaces and obey signs. Do not park in reserved restaurant, hotel, marina or business spaces unless you are a customer.

Water conditions, tides, heat and thunderstorms can affect paddling and boating. Follow operator instructions and local safety rules when participating in water activities.

Worth the Short Detour

Honorable Mentions Near Shem Creek

These businesses and attractions are not directly on the commercial waterfront, but they are close enough to include in a Shem Creek or Mount Pleasant outing.

Page’s Okra Grill

A popular nearby restaurant known for breakfast, shrimp and grits, fried seafood and Southern comfort food.

NICO Oysters + Seafood

A Coleman Boulevard seafood restaurant near the creek specializing in oysters, wood-fired seafood and coastal dishes.

The Shelter Kitchen + Bar

A casual neighborhood restaurant and bar near the creek serving brunch, sandwiches and drinks.

Coleman Public House

A nearby pub-style restaurant offering burgers, sandwiches, craft beer and elevated casual food.

Grace & Grit

A Mount Pleasant restaurant known for Southern ingredients, seafood and creative versions of grits.

Post House Inn

A historic Old Village inn and restaurant offering a quieter dining experience a short distance from Shem Creek.

Pitt Street Bridge

A peaceful Old Village walking and fishing destination with marsh, harbor and skyline views.

Patriots Point

Home to the USS Yorktown and a major maritime museum overlooking Charleston Harbor.

Sweet Palm Coffee

Local downtown cafe that sells delicious breakfast brunch fook off King Street. Don't just stop in for the coffee, try a cinnamon roll or the chicken caesar wrap.

Blessing of the Fleet

Mount Pleasant’s annual seafood festival honors the local fishing industry. The main festival is held at Memorial Waterfront Park rather than directly on Shem Creek.

Explore Mount Pleasant

Spend a Day on Shem Creek

Walk beside the marsh, watch the shrimp boats, eat fresh seafood, paddle the creek and finish your visit with live music or a Lowcountry sunset.

Find a Restaurant Explore the Water