Day Trips from Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach sits on the South Carolina coast with easy access to two of the South’s most charming cities, pristine barrier islands, and Lowcountry landscapes that feel like a different world from the Grand Strand.

Charleston — 1.5 Hours South

One of the most beautiful cities in America. Cobblestone streets, pastel antebellum mansions, church steeples, and a food scene that draws people from around the world.

Must-see: Rainbow Row (13 pastel houses on East Bay Street), the Battery and White Point Garden, King Street shopping, and the Old Slave Mart Museum. The French Quarter and Waterfront Park are stunning.

Eat: Husk (Southern farm-to-table, Sean Brock’s flagship), FIG (James Beard winner), and Rodney Scott’s BBQ (whole-hog, James Beard Award-winning).

Tip: Charleston’s historic district is extremely walkable. Park once and explore on foot.

Wilmington, NC — 1.5 Hours North

A riverfront city with a thriving arts scene, a historic downtown, and the Battleship North Carolina across the river.

Must-see: The Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River, Battleship North Carolina (tour the WWII-era battleship), and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. The city was a major film location — EUE/Screen Gems Studios here has produced dozens of movies and TV shows.

Wrightsville Beach — 15 minutes from downtown Wilmington. One of the best beaches in North Carolina with a laid-back surf-town vibe.

Brookgreen Gardens — 30 Minutes South

9,127 acres of sculpture gardens, Lowcountry trail, and wildlife preserve (otters, foxes, bald eagles, alligators). The largest collection of figurative outdoor sculpture in the country. The Live Oak Allée (row of ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss) is one of the most photographed spots in South Carolina.

Pawleys Island — 30 Minutes South

The opposite of Myrtle Beach in every way. Quiet, historic, and uncommercial. The hammock shops (Pawleys Island is known for its handmade rope hammocks), the creek-side restaurants, and the wide, undeveloped beach make it a perfect low-key escape.

Georgetown — 1 Hour South

South Carolina’s third-oldest city. The historic waterfront has a boardwalk, seafood restaurants, and rice plantation history tours. The Georgetown Lighthouse is accessible by boat tour. Less touristy than Charleston, with a genuine Lowcountry atmosphere.

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