When visiting North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina it is likely that you will not want to leave after your trip is over. From the beautiful beaches to the celebrity golf courses there is so much to see and do in town. However, if you have several days to spend in the area, there are many unique and fun places to see and visit that could be achieved in just a day or even an afternoon. Here are a few of our favorite places to visit around North Myrtle Beach.
Calabash
Located just over the North Carolina border, Calabash is a gold mine for any seafood lovers. It is the self-appointed seafood capital of the world and fishing village. It is known for its fried seafood and fresh catches. It only takes about a half-hour to get from North Myrtle Beach to Calabash. They have a variety of shops as well as golf courses. It is a great place to stop for those who are on their way to Sunset Beach. Sunset Beach is only 10 minutes north of Calabash and is a great option for those who are looking for a secluded beach. Enjoy fishing, golfing, or just strolling through town. The quaint, small-town has enough charm to keep you busy all day.
Murrells Inlet
If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours, Murrells Inlet is the perfect place for that. Come and connect with nature and experience the natural habitat of the wildlife in the surrounding area. It is only about a half-hour away from Myrtle Beach, and it is the perfect place to catch a fishing charter, grab an outdoor dinner, or walk the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk/ boardwalk. Enjoy the beautiful marsh and beach view without any high rises in sight. While you are in the area, you can stop by Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park, to see more wildlife and the most beautiful sculpture gardens on the Grand Strand. You can also check out the famous Atalaya Castle in the state park.
Georgetown
Noted as the fishing county, Georgetown is a unique and historic city that you must stop by. The downtown area is home to a popular harborwalk which offers many restaurants that serve fresh-caught seafood. You can also find many historic museums and even a boat museum downtown. If you are feeling nostalgic, check out the historic plantations that are open for tours. From fishing to waterfront dining, Georgetown has it all. For those who enjoy being by the water and history, you will love taking a day trip to this area. On your way to Georgetown, stop by Pawleys Island for some of the best pastries and hammocks you will ever see and taste.
Conway
If you aren’t up for driving 30-45 minutes away to see a beautiful surrounding town, Conway is the perfect place to visit. It is only about 15-20 minutes from the heart of North Myrtle Beach. This historic city is worth seeing. They have local boutiques, a historic theatre, and the Horry County Museum. The variety of restaurants is also a plus. You can enjoy rooftop dining or waterfront dining. This historic district has so much to offer like the riverwalk, where you can enjoy watersports on the Intracoastal waterway. Take a ride on the riverboat tour or rent a pontoon boat, a fishing boat, try out kayaking, or paddleboard on the Waccamaw River with your friends and family. There are many guided tours you can check out for optimal exposure to the city. With so much to do and see, you may want to come back a second day.
Charleston
Although Charleston is a bit of a farther drive, 2.5 hours to be exact, it is well worth it. If you can make time to swing an extra day or two here, you won’t be disappointed. This busy, historic city has so many shops to check out and historical landmarks to explore. From horse and buggy tours to shopping on Main street, and dinner at a rooftop restaurant with live music, there is never a dull moment. Check out the city market, Fort Sumter, The Hunley Submarine, house museums, Fort Moultrie, Morris Island Lighthouse, the battleships from the Civil War, The Powder Magazine if you are a history lover. While the City Market is the locals and visitors favorite, as it features hundreds of vendors selling an assortment of goods. You will always find someone weaving sweetgrass baskets, it’s a Lowcountry tradition. The baskets are symbols of the Gullah people who were from the Charlestown area. If you are able to stay for longer than one day, you will love the nightlife, as the city comes alive at night.
Wilmington
Wilmington is also a tad further of a drive, however, it is just close enough to make it one day without feeling like you have spent all day in the car. It is about a 1.5-hour drive from North Myrtle Beach. You are sure to fall in love with this artsy city the moment you arrive. It has so much charm and history in one area. Check out the popular Wrightsville beach where you can throw up your hammock in the palm trees or take out a kayak. Wilmington is known for its breweries, shops, and tattoo parlors around town. Though you will not miss out on any southern charm. There are plenty of attractions to visit, boat tours to take, and museums to see. Walk through the Museum of the Bizarre, and the Cape Fear Serpentarium, your families will be fascinated.
North Myrtle Beach has so much to offer from water parks to amusement parks, and shopping plazas like Barefoot Landing. However, if you want to explore the east coast, it is the perfect place to go sightseeing in its surrounding areas. These towns are not only beautiful, but they are rich in history and culture. You can visit many different beaches from Wrightsville to Folly Beach, you will not be disappointed. A quick getaway is a. great way to relax from all of the hustle and bustle of the city. We hope to see you soon in the North Myrtle Beach area, and safe travels.