Bringing Kids to The Point: What Families Need to Know

~1mi

walk each way — flat beach, manageable for most kids

Free

no admission, no fees — just park and walk

90min

before low tide is the sweet spot for families

3hrs

ideal window around low tide for kids

Why families love The Point

At low tide, The Point transforms into something rare: a wide, flat sandbar where two bodies of water meet, calm enough for toddlers to wade in and interesting enough to hold a teenager's attention. Brown pelicans land close enough to photograph without a zoom lens. Dolphins arc through the inlet channel. The sand itself yields shells, shark teeth, and all sorts of small creatures at low tide.

But it's also just a great beach walk. The mile from the main Cherry Grove beach access to the tip of the island is entirely flat, mostly firm sand, and constantly changing. There are no crowds once you get past the first few hundred yards. No vendors, no noise — just open sky, water on both sides, and a destination at the end worth walking to.

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The single thing that makes or breaks a family trip here: tide timing. With kids especially, arriving at the wrong tide turns a magical experience into a narrow strip of beach with nowhere to explore. Check the tide chart before you go — our guide below explains exactly how.

Tide timing — even more critical with kids

For adults, arriving at high tide at The Point is disappointing. For kids, it's a trip-ruining experience — a long walk for a narrow beach with no sandbar, no shallow wading area, and no sense of discovery. Kids need something to do when they get there. Low tide gives them all of that.

Here's the family-specific version of the timing strategy:

Check the tide chart the night before. Find the low tide time and plan your departure around it. The NOAA chart for Little River Inlet (Station 8661070) is the most accurate source for Cherry Grove — our tide timing guide covers everything you need to know to read it.
Aim to arrive 60–90 minutes before low tide. With kids, you'll walk slower. Give yourself extra time — you want to be there as the sandbar is emerging, not rushing to catch it.
Budget 3 hours total. Arrival, exploration, play time in the shallows, snacks, and the walk back. Three hours is realistic for most families with young kids.
Morning low tides are gold. Kids have more energy in the morning, the sun is at a better angle, and the beach is less crowded. An early low tide on a weekday in spring or fall is close to perfect.

Don't forget the walk back. Families consistently underestimate this. A mile out feels easy and exciting. A mile back — tired kids, sun higher, possibly a rising tide — is a different experience. Start heading back before anyone is truly exhausted.

What to expect at every age

The Point works for a wide range of ages, but the experience looks different depending on who's in your group.

Toddlers (2–4)

Totally doable if you bring a beach wagon or sturdy backpack carrier for the walk. The sandbar at low tide has ankle-deep calm water that's perfect for toddlers — flat, warm, and slow-moving. Bring more snacks than you think you need. Watch for heat: young kids overheat fast.

Young kids (5–8)

The sweet spot for The Point. Old enough to walk the mile without complaint (mostly), young enough to be genuinely amazed by pelicans and shells. Shell hunting and sandbar exploration will occupy this age group for hours. Bring a bucket and small net.

Tweens (9–12)

Great for wildlife spotting — dolphins are a reliable draw and older kids appreciate the patience it takes to spot them. Consider giving them a mission: count pelicans, photograph three types of shells, find the furthest point of the sandbar. A goal goes a long way at this age.

Teenagers

The walk itself is an easy sell — it feels like exploration rather than a beach day. Teens who aren't naturally beach people often come around at The Point because it's genuinely different from a regular beach. Bring a GoPro or let them take the lead on the walk. Early morning visits have a different feel that appeals to older kids — our dawn guide shows what The Point looks like before the crowds arrive.

What to pack for a family visit

The Point has no facilities — no concessions, no rental stands, no shade structures. Everything you need for the day comes with you. The good news: a well-packed bag means a genuinely great experience. A poorly packed one makes the walk back miserable.

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Weight matters. You're walking a mile on soft sand in each direction. Overpack and the walk back feels punishing. A beach wagon with wheels designed for soft sand is one of the best investments you can make for family beach trips here. See our full gear guide for specific recommendations on wagons, water shoes, and everything else worth packing.

The family essentials list:

Water — more than you think. Plan at least 20 oz per person per hour in warm weather. Kids dehydrate faster than adults.
Sunscreen (and reef-safe is a good choice). Apply before you leave, bring a travel-size for reapplication. The walk itself is fully exposed — no shade.
Snacks that travel well. Granola bars, grapes, crackers, peanut butter. Avoid anything that melts. Snacks extend your time there by an hour.
Beach wagon or carrier. For toddlers and gear. Look for wagons with wide, low-pressure tires designed for soft sand.
Small bucket and shovel. Shell collecting is one of the best activities at The Point, especially at low tide. A bucket transforms the experience for young kids.
Water shoes. The sandbar at low tide has some shell fragments and rocks at the edges. Water shoes protect little feet and let kids wade without hesitation.
A light umbrella or sun tent. If you plan to stay for the full low tide window, a small pop-up shade shelter is worthwhile, especially in summer.
Dry bag or ziplock for wet items. Soggy clothes and towels on the walk back are unpleasant. Keep a dry bag for wet gear.
First aid basics. A small kit with bandaids, antiseptic wipes, and after-sun lotion covers most kid-related incidents.

Safety tips every parent needs to know

The Point is a safe place to bring children, but it's still a dynamic coastal environment. A few things worth knowing before you go:

Inlet Channel

The inlet channel along the sound side runs faster than it looks. Keep young kids out of the deeper channel areas.

Sandbar Wading

The ocean-side sandbar at low tide is shallow and calm — ideal for young kids to wade and explore safely.

Understand the two sides of The Point: The ocean side (facing east) typically has gentle waves and is calmer for wading. The inlet side (facing west/north) can have stronger current, especially as the tide changes. The calm, shallow wading zone is on the ocean side of the sandbar. Keep young kids on that side.

Watch the rising tide. Once the tide turns and starts coming in, it returns faster than it left. The sandbar shrinks from the edges inward. Watch the waterline — if it's visibly moving toward you, it's time to head back to higher ground.

Don't wade into the inlet channel. The deeper water running along the north side of The Point is the Cherry Grove Inlet channel. It's navigable water and has real current. Keep kids well clear of it — the drop-off can be sudden and the current strong.

Sun exposure on the walk. The entire mile walk is fully exposed with no shade. Kids burn fast. Reapply sunscreen at least once during your visit, especially for the walk back when the sun is higher.

Buddy system on the sandbar. When it's busy and the sandbar is large, young kids can wander quickly. Set a boundary — "stay where I can see you" — and check in regularly.

Wildlife reminder: The pelicans and other shorebirds that rest on the sandbar are wild animals. Don't allow kids to chase or crowd them. Keep a respectful distance and they'll often stay close — which makes for far better wildlife sightings than any attempt to approach them.

Making it magical — activities for kids at The Point

The Point doesn't need much help being interesting, but a few intentional activities transform a beach walk into a memory.

Shell Hunting

The inlet floor at low tide is one of the best shelling spots on the Grand Strand. Look for lettered olives, whelks, angel wings, and augers. The far tip of the sandbar is especially productive. Give each kid their own bucket and turn it into a gentle competition.

Wildlife Watching

Brown pelicans congregate on the sandbar at low tide. Dolphins frequently work the inlet channel edges. Give kids a mission: spot a dolphin fin, count the pelicans, find a hermit crab. Wildlife watching teaches patience in the best possible way.

Sandbar Exploration

Walk to the very tip where the ocean meets the inlet. Let kids stand at the point itself — one foot in each current. For most kids, this is a genuinely memorable experience. Take a photo here. You'll have it for decades.

Low Tide Wading

The shallow ocean-side pools left by the retreating tide are warm, calm, and full of small things to discover. Tiny fish, sand crabs, and the occasional jellyfish (teach kids to look, not touch). Even toddlers can splash safely in these areas.

Parking, restrooms, and practical logistics

A few practical things that save headaches on the day of your visit:

Parking: The closest public parking to The Point is at the end of 57th Avenue North in Cherry Grove. There's a small parking area here — it fills early on summer weekends. Arrive before 9 AM in peak season to guarantee a spot. Street parking on nearby blocks is an option if the lot is full. There are no fees at the main access point.

Restrooms: There are no permanent restroom facilities at The Point itself. The nearest public restrooms are back at the main Cherry Grove beach access near the parking area. Plan around this, especially with young kids — make sure everyone goes before you start the walk.

Strollers: Standard strollers struggle on soft sand. A beach wagon with wide wheels is a much better choice for toddlers. Alternatively, a structured backpack carrier works well for the walk and keeps your hands free.

The walk surface: The path to The Point is entirely on beach sand — no boardwalk, no paved trail. The first quarter mile after the access point tends to be softer and harder to walk. It firms up as you get closer to the water's edge.

Shade: There is no natural shade anywhere along the walk or at The Point itself. In summer, shade-seeking is a real concern — either bring your own (a small pop-up tent or umbrella) or plan your visit during morning or late afternoon hours when the sun angle is lower.

Food and water: No concessions, no vendors. Bring everything. This is non-negotiable with children — a hungry or thirsty kid at the one-mile mark, a mile from the car, is a real problem.

Frequently asked questions

Is The Point safe for young children?

Yes, with appropriate supervision and good tide timing. At low tide, the ocean-side sandbar has ankle-to-knee-deep calm water that's ideal for young kids. The inlet side has stronger current and should be kept for older children and adults. The key is knowing which side is which and watching the tide.

How old do kids need to be to manage the walk?

Most kids 5 and up can walk the mile each way without much trouble if you pace it well and bring snacks. Kids younger than 5 will usually need a wagon or carrier for at least part of the trip. The walk itself is easy — flat sand, no elevation — but a mile on the way back with tired legs is a real consideration.

What's the best time of year for a family visit?

Late May through early June, or September. You get warm water and warm weather without peak summer crowds. July and August work too, but aim for morning low tides (before 10 AM) to avoid heat and crowds. Fall is genuinely excellent — September water is still warm from summer, the beach is far less busy, and the light is spectacular. Our seasonal guide breaks down what every month looks like.

Are there sharks to worry about?

Sharks exist in these waters — they exist everywhere along the coast. That said, The Point at low tide, with its shallow sandbar, is not a high-risk environment. Stay aware (don't wade in deeper water near the inlet channel, don't wade at dusk), follow the same common sense you'd apply at any ocean beach, and you'll be fine. Shark encounters at The Point are extremely rare.

Can we bring our dog?

Cherry Grove Beach has seasonal leash restrictions — typically dogs are allowed on the beach in the early morning and evening hours during summer months. Check current Horry County beach ordinances before your visit. The walk to The Point itself is dog-friendly outside restricted hours, and dogs generally love it. Bring water for them too — the walk is long.

What if it rains?

A light rain at low tide on a warm day is actually a lovely experience — the beach empties out and you often have it to yourself. A heavy storm is a different story: lightning near open water is a genuine danger, and you should leave immediately if you hear thunder. Check the weather forecast before you go, and don't risk being caught on the sandbar in a storm.