Myrtle Beach is known for its long sandy shores, family-friendly attractions, and vibrant nightlife, but it’s also a fantastic base for day trips that offer a variety of experiences. Whether you’re seeking historical landmarks, wildlife, or picturesque small towns, the surrounding area provides countless options. Here are 17 fantastic day trips from Myrtle Beach that will add adventure to your visit.

Explore Charleston’s Historic District

A two-hour drive from Myrtle Beach, Charleston is brimming with Southern charm and history. Stroll along the Historic District’s cobblestone streets, where you’ll find beautiful antebellum homes and historic landmarks like the Battery and Rainbow Row. Stop by one of the many museums or plantations to learn about Charleston’s rich past, or relax in Waterfront Park as you take in views of Charleston Harbor.

Visit Brookgreen Gardens

Only 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach, Brookgreen Gardens is a must-see for nature and art lovers. This sprawling outdoor sculpture garden features an impressive collection of American sculptures set against beautifully manicured gardens. There’s also a zoo and guided boat tours through the adjacent rice plantation.

Discover Wilmington’s Riverfront

Just over an hour’s drive north, Wilmington, NC, offers a lively riverfront district with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. Walk along the Cape Fear Riverwalk, visit the Battleship North Carolina, or explore the city’s historic downtown filled with 19th-century architecture. Wilmington’s beaches, including Wrightsville Beach, are perfect for relaxing by the water.

Take A Trip To Georgetown

About an hour South of Myrtle Beach, Georgetown is one of South Carolina’s oldest towns. Its historic waterfront district offers a charming escape with quaint shops, restaurants, and museums. Take a tour of the Kaminski House Museum or the Rice Museum to learn about the town’s history as a central rice-producing region. The picturesque harbor views add to the charm of this peaceful town.

Explore Huntington Beach State Park

Only 20 minutes south of Myrtle Beach, Huntington Beach State Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The park boasts three miles of pristine beach, salt marshes, and freshwater lagoons, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching, fishing, and hiking. Be sure to visit Atalaya Castle, a unique Moorish-style mansion built in the 1930s, located right within the park.

Visit Conway’s Riverwalk

A short 20-minute drive inland from Myrtle Beach, Conway is a historic river town offering a quieter alternative to the beach. The scenic Conway Riverwalk along the Waccamaw River is perfect for a stroll, and the town’s charming historic district features beautiful old homes, shops, and restaurants. Visit the Horry County Museum to learn more about the area’s history.

Discover Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island, located off the coast of North Carolina, is about a two-hour drive and ferry ride from Myrtle Beach. Accessible only by boat or ferry, this car-free island offers unspoiled beaches, nature trails, and the iconic Old Baldy Lighthouse. Rent a bike or golf cart to explore the island, or take a kayak tour to discover its scenic marshes and creeks.

Tour Boone Hall Plantation

One of America’s oldest working plantations, Boone Hall Plantation, is located just outside Charleston, about two hours from Myrtle Beach. The plantation features a stunning Avenue of Oaks, an 18th-century mansion, and original slave cabins. Guided tours provide insights into the plantation’s history, agriculture, and role in the South’s economy.

Explore Murrells Inlet’s Marshwalk

Murrells Inlet, known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” is only 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach. The Murrells Inlet Marshwalk is a scenic boardwalk that winds through a saltwater estuary with seafood restaurants and bars. You can also take a boat tour, go fishing, or visit the nearby Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge.

Take A Ferry To Fort Sumter

History buffs will enjoy visiting Fort Sumter, located in Charleston Harbor. A two-hour drive to Charleston, followed by a ferry ride, brings you to this historic fort, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Guided tours offer a deep dive into the fort’s history and the stunning views of Charleston Harbor from the fort.

Relax At Pawleys Island

Pawleys Island, just 40 minutes from Myrtle Beach, offers a quieter beach experience than its bustling northern neighbor. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, the island features wide, sandy beaches perfect for swimming, shell hunting, and relaxing. Walk through the historic district, where you’ll find charming old beach cottages and homes.

Visit The North Carolina Aquarium At Fort Fisher

A two-hour drive north takes you to Fort Fisher and its impressive aquarium, where you can explore various marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays. Fort Fisher also offers a Civil War battlefield site and a beautiful beach perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean. You can even take a ferry from nearby Southport to explore more of the coast.

See The Wild Horses Of Shackleford Banks

If you’re up for a more extended adventure, a three-hour drive north will take you to Shackleford Banks, part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina. Here, you can see the famous wild horses that roam the island’s beaches. Accessible only by boat, the island offers pristine beaches, excellent shelling, and plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Experience Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo And Garden

A little over two hours inland from Myrtle Beach, Columbia is home to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, one of the best zoos in the Southeast. The zoo houses many animals, from elephants and lions to penguins and gorillas. The botanical garden is also a beautiful place to wander, especially during the spring and summer.

Visit The Duplin Winery

Located about an hour north of Myrtle Beach in North Carolina, Duplin Winery is one of the largest and oldest wineries in the South. Please tour the winery, sample their award-winning muscadine wines, and relax in the beautiful vineyard. It’s a great spot for wine lovers to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

Go Antiquing In Little River

Just 30 minutes north of Myrtle Beach, Little River is known for its waterfront charm and antique shops. Spend the day browsing the town’s unique stores, which offer everything from vintage furniture to rare collectibles. The city is also home to the annual Blue Crab Festival, held every May, which draws visitors from all over the region.

Explore Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

Nature lovers will appreciate a trip to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, about two hours south of Myrtle Beach. This protected area is home to wildlife, including loggerhead sea turtles, shorebirds, and dolphins. Take a ferry to Bulls Island, where you can explore the pristine beaches, forests, and marshes that comprise this diverse ecosystem.