The Beach EXPLORE

THE PAST AT LOCAL’S TIP Behind the Scenes

Check out behind the scenes video tours of some of the Grand Strand’s top historic attractions at VisitMyrtleBeach.com

VISIT THESE 5 “CAN'T MISS” HISTORIAL SITES

The Lowcountry is a place rich in history, shaping the strong cultural landscape of the Myrtle Beach area.

From glass blowing in Conway and handmade hammocks on Pawleys Island, to the stately rice plantations and historic monuments littered throughout Horry and Georgetown counties — The Grand Strand is proud of its heritage and welcomes groups of visitors to partake in our local customs.

A quick look around and you’re sure to find many historical homes, museums and cultural landmarks that will help you learn more about our exciting past. Check out the unique and unforgettable historic attractions The Beach has to offer.

African American cultural sites

The Myrtle Beach area has been greatly influenced by its African American heritage and roots that date back to the 1700s. From what we eat to the way we speak, so much of who we are can be traced back to the African American history in the region.

Learn about 19th-century life from the perspective of African American farmers at Freewoods Farm in Socastee. This is a

40-acre, still evolving “living museum” and the only African American historical living farm museum in the United States.

In Myrtle Beach, Charlie’s Place is a historical site that honors the work of Charlie Fitzgerald and his wife, Sarah. The couple owned a hotel and nightclub where musicians such as Little Richard and Billie Holiday performed from the 1930s to 1960s. Fitzgerald’s home has been refurbished to an event and community center. Nearby, you can also visit the Historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum, a newly-restored schoolhouse that tells the story of African American education in Myrtle Beach prior to desegregation.

Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens sits on 9,000 acres located on the site of four former rice plantations between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island.

In addition to the largest collection of fi gurative sculpture in the U.S., Brookgreen is also home to a Lowcountry History Center and Lowcountry Trail which tell the history of what life was like on a rice plantation.

The area offers group tours and several Gullah Geechee historical programs throughout the year.

Historic Downtown Conway

One of the oldest towns in South Carolina, Conway has all the charm and grace of a historic Southern community. Oak tree-lined streets run through the picturesque historic district, inviting visitors to stay and learn more.

Founded in 1732, many of the homes in downtown Conway are well over 100 years old. You’ll also find great historic attractions here like the 17-acre L.W. Paul Living History Farm, a tribute to the area’s agricultural history and the Horry County Museum, filled with area historical artifacts and exhibits.

Also nearby, the Conway Riverwalk, set along the beautiful Waccamaw River, offers your group a tour of the downtown area that is beautiful in all four seasons and has plenty of nearby restaurants and shopping to explore.

Georgetown

South Carolina’s third oldest city, the historic port town of Georgetown offers visitors a glimpse into 300 years of Lowcountry history. With more than 60 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, Georgetown gracefully wears its colonial character along the live oak-lined streets, the historic homes and grand old churches.

In addition to fi ve museums, you’ll find a vibrant downtown area where your group can explore unique boutiques, waterfront dining or just stroll the Harborwalk and take in the scenery along the Winyah Bay.

Also in the Georgetown area, you’ll find Hopsewee Plantation, an historic rice plantation that offers tours and hands-on workshops to learn the art of sweetgrass basket weaving taught by a Gullah descendent, an eighth-generation weaver, named Vera Manigault.

Hobcaw Barony

Located between the Winyah Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this 16,000-acre property is dedicated to research and education in history and ecology.

It includes buildings and sites that refl ect the lives of African Americans from the early 19th century through the first half of the 20th century.