3 QUICK DAY TRIPS FROM The Beach

With 14 unique communities to explore, including hidden gems like Conway, Pawley Island and Little River, we can’t imagine you’d need more to explore than what The Grand Strand has to offer. But for those looking for even more adventure than they can fit into 60 miles of beaches, our area also offers great proximity to some of the Carolinas’ other most visited cities.

With just a short drive, any of these great Southern gems can serve as a fun day trip while your group is visiting the Myrtle Beach area.

Charleston, S.C.

94 MILES • 2 HOUR DRIVE

A short two-hour drive south of the Myrtle Beach area will land you in Charleston. Three hundred years of rich history make Charleston a living monument to both the foundation and evolution of our nation.

Hundreds of historic and preserved structures grace the city’s narrow cobblestone streets, lined with picturesque homes. Stroll through formal gardens, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, participate in a ghost tour or enjoy the vibrant downtown with top-notch shopping and restaurants. However, you spend your time here, you can rest assured you’ll enjoy it.

Florence, S.C.

67 MILES • 1 HOUR, 20 MINUTE DRIVE

Located 90 minutes west of The Beach, the Florence region is packed with heritage sites worth the drive.

The S.C. Revolutionary Rivers Trail offers kayaking excursions into the cypress and tupelo-laden hiding spots of General Francis Marion, nicknamed “The Swamp Fox” by the British who couldn’t keep up with him during the Revolutionary War.

Visitors are in awe of the living artwork at The Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden, designed and maintained by self-taught botanist/artist Pearl Fryar.

Florence downtown offers the new Florence Museum, live performances nearly every evening, and an array of restaurants offering dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Wilmington, N.C.

77 MILES • 1 HOUR, 30 MINUTE DRIVE

About 90 minutes north over the North Carolina border you’ll find the port city of Wilmington and surrounding Cape Fear coastal area.

Some of this area’s many attractions include museums, historical sites, war memorials, battlefields, and more than 230 blocks of community designated as a National Register Historic District. The USS North Carolina Battleship is also a worthwhile stop, as it’s one of the most historic battleships in the nation.

Downtown you’ll find a revitalized scene of restaurants, breweries, shops and artisan galleries worth exploring.

Wilmington is also one of the nation’s top locations for film and television production and those visiting for the day will certainly enjoy taking a tour of a working film studio while there.