Places to Visit Near Myrtle Beach SC

Myrtle Beach is one of South Carolina’s most popular coastal destinations, but the surrounding Grand Strand offers far more than the main beachfront. Within a relatively short drive, travelers can discover quiet beaches, historic towns, gardens, wildlife areas, marshes, riverfront communities, and coastal villages.

If you are searching for places to visit near Myrtle Beach SC, there are plenty of options for a half-day excursion, a full-day road trip, or a relaxing overnight getaway. Some destinations are only a short drive from central Myrtle Beach, while others are better suited to travelers with an entire day available.

The official Myrtle Beach tourism guide highlights communities stretching from Little River and North Myrtle Beach to Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Georgetown County, and Conway, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the main resort area. Explore the official Myrtle Beach visitor guide for current destination and activity information.

1. Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet is one of the easiest and most rewarding places to visit near Myrtle Beach. This historic fishing village is known for its marsh views, seafood restaurants, boating experiences, and the popular Murrells Inlet MarshWalk.

The MarshWalk follows a natural saltwater estuary and provides waterfront views, restaurants, live music, and opportunities to enjoy the area’s coastal atmosphere.

Murrells Inlet also puts several major attractions within the same general area, including Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park. Visitors can spend a full day combining gardens, wildlife, history, beaches, and waterfront dining.

Visit Myrtle Beach currently describes Murrells Inlet as the Seafood Capital of South Carolina and highlights kayaking, fishing, Brookgreen Gardens, Huntington Beach State Park, and the MarshWalk among the area’s experiences. See the official Murrells Inlet guide.

2. Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens is one of the most distinctive attractions in the Myrtle Beach area. Located near Murrells Inlet, the property combines gardens, sculpture, history, wildlife, and walking trails in a large Lowcountry setting.

The gardens are particularly appealing to travelers who want a break from the beach. Visitors can walk beneath mature live oaks, explore sculpture collections, enjoy landscaped areas, and discover the site’s wildlife and history attractions.

South Carolina’s official tourism site identifies Brookgreen Gardens as a National Historic Landmark and notes that it is roughly a 30-minute drive from Myrtle Beach. It also describes the property as home to the Huntington Sculpture Garden, Center for American Sculpture, Lowcountry History and Wildlife Preserve, zoo, butterfly habitat, and nature trail. Learn more about Brookgreen Gardens.

3. Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park offers a combination of beach scenery, coastal habitats, wildlife viewing, trails, and history. It is a particularly useful choice for travelers who want more than a conventional beach day.

The park is home to Atalaya Castle, the former winter residence of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. Visitors can also explore the surrounding coastal landscape and look for birds and other wildlife.

The park and Brookgreen Gardens are located close to one another, making it possible to visit both on the same day.

Visit Myrtle Beach’s current regional guides also highlight Huntington Beach State Park’s maritime forest, lagoons, wildlife habitat, and historic Atalaya Castle. See nearby Grand Strand day-trip ideas.

4. Pawleys Island

Pawleys Island provides a quieter alternative to the energetic atmosphere of central Myrtle Beach. The historic coastal community is known for its relaxed pace, beaches, traditional summer homes, and Lowcountry character.

It is a good destination for travelers who want to spend time near the ocean without making the day entirely about major attractions. You can combine a beach visit with local shops, restaurants, galleries, and nearby natural areas.

The area is also connected to the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway, which provides a longer recreational route through the coastal landscape.

Visit Myrtle Beach describes Pawleys Island as one of the area’s historic resort communities and highlights its quiet beaches and slower pace. Explore the current Pawleys Island information.

5. Conway

Conway is an excellent choice if you want to trade the oceanfront atmosphere for a historic river town. Located about 15 miles inland from Myrtle Beach, Conway sits along the Waccamaw River and offers a walkable downtown filled with historic architecture, shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

The Conway Riverwalk is one of the easiest ways to experience the town. You can stroll beside the river, explore downtown, stop for lunch, and browse local businesses.

Visit Myrtle Beach describes Conway as one of South Carolina’s oldest towns and highlights its oak-lined historic district, Waccamaw River, Riverwalk, museums, shops, galleries, and restaurants. Read the official Conway guide.

6. Little River

Little River sits near the South Carolina-North Carolina border and provides a more relaxed fishing-village atmosphere. It is an appealing destination for travelers interested in seafood, marsh scenery, boating, fishing, and waterfront experiences.

One of the area’s natural attractions is Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens, where visitors can explore trails and boardwalks through woodland and salt-marsh environments.

Little River can also be combined with North Myrtle Beach or a trip across the state line into coastal North Carolina.

7. Calabash, North Carolina

Calabash is just across the North Carolina border and is well suited to a short cross-state excursion from Myrtle Beach. The community is particularly associated with its seafood tradition and coastal setting.

A trip to Calabash can easily be paired with nearby Sunset Beach, making it possible to combine lunch or dinner with time along the coast.

The destination is a useful option when you want something different from the central Myrtle Beach restaurant and entertainment scene without committing to a long road trip.

8. Sunset Beach, North Carolina

Sunset Beach offers a quieter coastal experience north of Myrtle Beach. Its broad beach and relaxed atmosphere make it useful for travelers who want a less hectic day by the ocean.

The beach can be paired with Calabash for an easy day itinerary. Spend part of the day along the shoreline and then head inland for seafood and local shopping.

Travelers interested in exploring beyond South Carolina can also use Sunset Beach as a starting point for discovering more of the North Carolina coast.

9. North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach is technically part of the broader Myrtle Beach area, but it has its own identity and is worth exploring separately.

The community offers beaches, waterfront activities, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and attractions. It is also known for its connection to shag dancing and its more relaxed coastal character.

North Myrtle Beach can be particularly convenient for travelers staying on the northern end of the Grand Strand who do not want to drive into central Myrtle Beach for every activity.

10. Litchfield Beach

Litchfield Beach is a good choice for travelers seeking a peaceful coastal escape. Located south of Myrtle Beach, it offers a quieter setting than the busier central resort areas.

The surrounding area is well suited to beach walks, relaxation, cycling, nature exploration, and leisurely meals.

Litchfield Beach can also be combined with Pawleys Island, Brookgreen Gardens, and Huntington Beach State Park to create a full southern Grand Strand day trip.

11. Garden City Beach

Garden City Beach provides another family-friendly coastal option south of Myrtle Beach. The community combines beach access with a fishing pier, marsh scenery, arcades, and other recreational activities.

It works well for travelers who want a traditional beach-town experience without staying exclusively in the central Myrtle Beach area.

Because Garden City Beach is close to Murrells Inlet, you can combine a beach morning with a MarshWalk dinner or sunset outing.

12. Georgetown

Georgetown offers a change of scenery for travelers willing to venture farther south. The historic waterfront community combines Lowcountry architecture, a harbor, museums, shops, restaurants, and a scenic waterfront district.

Georgetown is especially appealing for travelers interested in history and coastal culture rather than amusement attractions.

The destination can also be incorporated into a longer Hammock Coast road trip that includes Pawleys Island and other Georgetown County communities.

13. Waccamaw River and Riverfront Areas

The Waccamaw River provides another way to experience the natural environment around Myrtle Beach. Instead of focusing exclusively on beaches, travelers can explore riverfront parks, trails, kayaking opportunities, and scenic wetlands.

Conway is one of the easiest access points for visitors who want to experience the river. The region also contains outdoor areas where visitors can walk, cycle, paddle, or observe wildlife.

Current Myrtle Beach-area recreation guidance highlights the Waccamaw River Park, Waccamaw Neck Bikeway, and Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve as options for walking, biking, hiking, paddling, and other outdoor activities. Explore local trails and parks.

14. Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens

Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens is a worthwhile choice for travelers looking for a quieter nature experience near the northern end of the Grand Strand.

The area contains woodland and salt-marsh habitats, trails, boardwalk sections, and views toward the Intracoastal Waterway. It is especially suitable for walking, photography, birdwatching, and a peaceful outdoor break.

Visit Myrtle Beach describes the site as a 114-acre natural area close to the North Carolina state line, with approximately 2.4 miles of paths and a boardwalk over the marsh. See the current trails and parks guide.

15. Charleston

Charleston is farther from Myrtle Beach than the other destinations on this list, so it is better suited to travelers with a full day available or those extending their South Carolina vacation.

The historic city offers architecture, museums, restaurants, waterfront scenery, cultural attractions, and historic neighborhoods. It provides a very different travel experience from the resort atmosphere of Myrtle Beach.

If you have enough time, Charleston can become part of a broader South Carolina coastal road trip rather than simply a quick excursion.

Best Places Near Myrtle Beach for Different Travelers

For beaches: Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, Sunset Beach, Garden City Beach, and Huntington Beach State Park.
For families: North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Garden City Beach, and Huntington Beach State Park.
For couples: Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens, and Litchfield Beach.
For history: Conway, Georgetown, Atalaya Castle, and Charleston.
For nature: Huntington Beach State Park, Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens, Brookgreen Gardens, and the Waccamaw River.
For seafood: Murrells Inlet, Little River, and Calabash.
For a quieter atmosphere: Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, Sunset Beach, and Conway.

Best Day Trips From Myrtle Beach

If you only have one day available, you do not need to travel far from Myrtle Beach to experience something different. Three particularly practical day-trip combinations are:

Murrells Inlet + Brookgreen Gardens + Huntington Beach

Start with Huntington Beach State Park, explore Atalaya Castle and the coastal landscape, then visit Brookgreen Gardens. Finish the day with dinner and a walk along the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk.

Conway + Waccamaw River

Spend the morning exploring historic downtown Conway and walking the Riverwalk. Have lunch downtown, then consider a kayaking or paddling experience on the Waccamaw River.

Pawleys Island + Litchfield Beach

Spend the morning at Pawleys Island, explore local shops and galleries, then continue toward Litchfield Beach for a quieter afternoon by the ocean.

Places to Visit Near Myrtle Beach Without Spending the Whole Day Driving

One of the advantages of staying on the Grand Strand is the variety of communities located along the coast. You can travel from Little River in the north toward Pawleys Island in the south while experiencing beaches, marshes, historic towns, gardens, restaurants, and outdoor attractions.

Visit Myrtle Beach’s official visitor information currently describes the Grand Strand as a 60-mile coastal region with 14 communities, including Little River, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, Garden City Beach, and others. View the current Grand Strand guide.

Tips for Exploring the Myrtle Beach Area

Plan by direction: Group northern destinations such as Little River and Calabash together and southern destinations such as Pawleys Island and Georgetown together.
Start early: Earlier departures can make beach parking and popular attractions easier to manage.
Combine nearby attractions: Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park are natural companions for one itinerary.
Allow extra time on busy days: Coastal traffic can affect travel times.
Check official attraction information: Seasonal hours, admission requirements, events, and access conditions can change.
Bring walking shoes: Several nearby destinations are best experienced on foot.
Keep a flexible schedule: Weather can affect beach, boating, hiking, and outdoor plans.
Consider an overnight stay: Georgetown, Pawleys Island, and Charleston can work better as extended trips if you want a slower itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to visit near Myrtle Beach SC?

Some popular nearby options include Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens, Huntington Beach State Park, Pawleys Island, Conway, Little River, Calabash, Sunset Beach, Litchfield Beach, Garden City Beach, and Georgetown.

What is the best day trip from Myrtle Beach?

The right choice depends on your interests. Murrells Inlet works well for a combination of nature, history, gardens, seafood, and waterfront activities. Conway is useful for a historic small-town experience, while Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach are better suited to a quieter coastal day.

How far is Conway from Myrtle Beach?

Conway is approximately 15 miles inland from Myrtle Beach, according to Visit Myrtle Beach. It is an accessible option for travelers who want to spend part of their vacation away from the beach.

What towns are near Myrtle Beach?

Nearby communities include North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Conway, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, Garden City Beach, and Surfside Beach. Calabash and Sunset Beach are just across the North Carolina border.

Is Pawleys Island worth visiting from Myrtle Beach?

Pawleys Island can be a good choice if you prefer a quieter coastal setting, historic character, local shops, and less commercialized beach surroundings.

Can you visit Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park in one day?

Yes. The two attractions are close to each other in the Murrells Inlet area and are frequently combined in Myrtle Beach-area itineraries.

What is there to do near Myrtle Beach besides the beach?

Travelers can explore gardens, historic towns, wildlife areas, museums, riverfront trails, marshes, sculpture collections, kayaking routes, waterfront dining areas, and scenic coastal communities.

Conclusion

The places to visit near Myrtle Beach SC extend well beyond the main beachfront. Murrells Inlet offers marsh views, seafood, boating, and the MarshWalk, while Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park combine art, nature, wildlife, history, and coastal scenery.

For a slower coastal experience, consider Pawleys Island or Litchfield Beach. For history and riverfront scenery, Conway is an easy choice. Little River, Calabash, and Sunset Beach provide additional options toward the North Carolina border, while Georgetown and Charleston can turn a Myrtle Beach vacation into a broader South Carolina road trip.

With so many destinations within reach, you can keep Myrtle Beach as your main base while using one or two days to explore the surrounding coast, rivers, historic communities, gardens, and Lowcountry landscapes.