Discover Brookgreen Gardens: A Masterpiece of Art and Nature
Located just south of Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens is a breathtaking destination that seamlessly blends world-class art, vibrant botanical displays, and deep Lowcountry history. Spanning over 9,100 acres, it is America's first public sculpture garden and one of the Southeast’s most captivating cultural attractions.
What to Experience
American Sculpture Collection: Stroll along grand live oak avenues to view over 2,000 works of American figurative sculpture by internationally renowned artists, displayed both outdoors and in indoor galleries.
Botanical Gardens: Explore magnificent, meticulously manicured themed gardens filled with thousands of vibrant plants, seasonal blooms, and reflection pools.
Lowcountry Zoo & History: Meet native animals up close at the Lowcountry Zoo, and discover the site's rich heritage through historic rice plantation sites, archaeological exhibits, and educational tours.
Special Events & Exhibits: Depending on when you visit, you can experience seasonal highlights like immersive art installations, riverboat cruises, and evening events.
Visitor Information
Location: 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 (Off US Highway 17 Bypass, between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island)
Explore Huntington Beach State Park & Atalaya Castle
Just a short, scenic drive south of Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet, Huntington Beach State Park is a coastal oasis that combines wild, pristine beaches with rich local history. Spanning thousands of acres of maritime forests, freshwater lagoons, and salt marshes, it is widely considered one of the best nature escapes along the Grand Strand.
Visitor Information
Location: 16148 Ocean Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 (Directly across from Brookgreen Gardens)
What to Experience
Atalaya Castle: Step back in time by exploring Atalaya, the quirky and striking winter home of wealthy sculptors Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. Built in the late 1930s in the style of a Spanish coastal fortress, the open-air courtyards, brick archways, and studio rooms offer a fascinating historical backdrop and fantastic photography spots against the ocean views.
Pristine Beaches & Hiking Trails: Enjoy miles of quiet, undeveloped sandy beaches ideal for shell hunting, sunbathing, and long walks. The park also features a network of accessible hiking trails winding through maritime forests and salt marshes.
World-Class Bird Watching: Recognized as one of the premier bird-watching locations in South Carolina, the park’s freshwater pond and causeway attract herons, egrets, alligators, and even nesting bald eagles.
Nature Center & Programs: Visit the dedicated educational center to learn about the local ecosystem, marine life, and coastal wildlife through hands-on exhibits and seasonal ranger-led programs.
Calabash, NC
About 25 to 30 minutes up the road is Calabash, NC — a sleepy little fishing village known as the "Seafood Capital of the World," and the true birthplace of "Calabash-style" seafood, that lightly battered, fried style you'll see copied at restaurants everywhere. It's not a full-day destination, more of a perfect lunch or dinner trip. Must-see highlights include eating at historic spots like the Original Calabash Restaurant, browsing the massive Callahan's of Calabash gift and Christmas store, and taking a river boat charter or a walk along the scenic waterfront.
Wilmington, NC
If you're up for a longer drive, Wilmington, NC is about an hour and a half to two hours north, and it's worth it. It's a real little city — walkable riverfront, a beautifully preserved historic downtown, and the Battleship North Carolina docked right there for anyone who loves history. A great change of pace if you want a day that isn't just sand and sun.Wilmington’s riverfront and history make for a refreshing break from the beach.
Charleston, SC
And then there's Charleston, SC, about an hour and a half to two hours south, which I'll be honest — I think it deserves more than a day trip if you can swing it. Cobblestone streets, Rainbow Row, the Battery, the City Market, and some of the best food you'll find anywhere in the South. If you have the time, turning it into an overnight instead of a rushed round trip makes the drive feel a lot more worth it.
