A twilight view of a wooden fence along the dunes of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, showing a wide sandy shoreline and ocean waves.

5 Fun Day Trips From Myrtle Beach

By Vanessa Wolf

Myrtle Beach offers something for every visitor looking for a relaxing vacation. Sun and surf, golfing and shopping, and entertainment beckon adults and kids alike.

While there’s plenty to keep you busy around the resort town, adventures await those willing to venture out and explore the Lowcountry. Within 100 miles (160 kilometers), you’ll find charming cities, coastal stops, and historic sites perfect for an easy road trip. Check these out*:

Aerial view of Myrtle Beach coastline with sandy beach, ocean waves, a Ferris wheel, and hotels lining the shore.

1. Taste the Local Flavor in Calabash

While in Myrtle Beach, you can’t help but notice plenty of places offering a local delicacy called Calabash shrimp and seafood. Lightly seasoned in a cornmeal-based breading and quickly fried, this tasty treat is best enjoyed about 30 miles (48 kilometers) up the coast just over the North Carolina border in Calabash itself.

Nestled behind larger shops and restaurants, the casual Waterfront Seafood Shack is known for its super-fresh seafood (including Calabash) served with a view. Other spots to try this local delicacy are The Oyster Rock Waterfront Seafood and Calabash Seafood Hut.

While in the area, plan a stop to the Museum of Coastal Carolina in nearby Sunset Beach. Dedicated to the area’s natural science, environment, and cultural history, the museum features displays covering everything from owls and seagulls to starfish and seashells. Also on-site is the Ingram Planetarium. It features sky and laser light shows and a hurricane simulator re-creating winds up to 78 mph.

Aerial view view of Charleston, South Carolina, with colorful historic brick buildings, cobblestone pavement, and green trees lining the street.
Bryan T. Boyle

2. Explore Southern Charleston

The historic city of Charleston, South Carolina, is the definition of Southern charm and just 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of Myrtle Beach.

Start your day by strolling through iconic Rainbow Row, a cluster of 13 pastel-colored row houses dating from the 1700s. Then, enjoy a tasty meal at a celebrated French Quarter restaurant like Magnolias, Church and Union, or Slightly North of Broad (SNOB). Local and reimagined classics like she-crab soup and shrimp and grits are prepared to perfection.

Afterward, continue to the historic Charleston City Market, a four-block expanse of local artisans, farmers, and sweetgrass-basket makers. Finally, take the 30-minute-long ferry ride to Fort Sumter, the site of the start of the Civil War.

Landscaped garden at Brookgreen Gardens featuring a pond, flowering plants, and classical sculptures.
River North Photogrpahy

3. Slow Down for Some Island Time

Head 15 miles (24 kilometers) down the coast to Murrell’s Inlet. Its laid-back pace and abundant natural wonders will soothe your senses.

Offering the chance to glimpse over 300 bird species, Huntington Beach State Park ranks as one of the top birding locations in South Carolina. But don’t just look up — visitors can usually spot alligators in the park’s freshwater lake.

Nearby Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark, features 9,100 acres (3,682 hectares) of blooming gardens and more than 1,400 sculptures, adding a bit of peace and tranquility to your trip.

A little farther south is Pawley’s Island. Spend the day shopping and dining or take a boat tour of the Waccamaw River. Don’t miss the Myrtle Avenue historic district, consisting of a dozen summer homes and other buildings dating back to the late 18th century.

4. Put On Your Dancing Shoes

For different local flavor, grab your casual dancing shoes and head to North Myrtle Beach. It’s the birthplace of the shag, the swing dance of the South. As the official state dance, the shag allows for extensive improvisation and imagination. Learn the basics at Fat Harold’s Beach Club, which offers lessons on Mondays and Tuesdays.

While in North Myrtle Beach, be sure to check out Alligator Adventure. Wander a 15-acre (6 hectares) park filled with reptiles, birds, and animals ranging from squirrel monkeys to spotted hyenas. This is a go-to spot for gator feedings, snake-handling shots, and other interactive experiences.

When it’s time to feed the humans in your party, head next door to Barefoot Landing. This popular attraction features an expansive complex of eateries, shops, and entertainment venues. Barefoot Landing also boasts a carousel, arcade, and a ropes course, plus live music at both the Alabama Theatre and House of Blues.

Waterfront scene in Wilmington with boats docked at a marina and historic buildings along the shoreline.
Bob Taylor Photography LLC

5. Step Into History

The historic city of Wilmington, North Carolina, is about an 80-mile (130 kilometers) drive up the coast along U.S. Route 17. Dating to 1739, Wilmington boasts one of the country’s largest historic districts. It spans 230 blocks lined with churches, gardens, and museums along the Cape Fear River.

Dive a little deeper into local history with a visit to the Bellamy Mansion Museum. The 10,000- square-foot (930 square meters) pre-Civil War residence is loaded with intricate architectural details. And it’s surrounded by an elegant, manicured Victorian garden filled with century-old magnolia trees.

Afterward, head to the nearly 2-mile-long (3.2 kilometers) Riverwalk to sample local seafood and craft beers at spots like The Pilot House, Elijah’s Oyster & Fish Camp, and Michael’s on the Waterfront.

As one of the nation’s premier vacation spots, Myrtle Beach is a vacation destination you can happily visit time and again. But with day trips as close and entertaining as these, there are plenty of reasons to go off the beaten path (or beach) to visit somewhere new.

Where to Stay

Aerial view of Marriott’s OceanWatch at Grande Dunes® with multiple pools, palm trees, and lounge chairs arranged around the pool at sunset.

Marriott’s OceanWatch at Grande Dunes® is a premium resort that puts the fun of Myrtle Beach at your fingertips. Stay right on property and swim in your choice of on-site pools. Get an energizing workout in the gym or lay back and relax on the beautiful white-sand beach to the sound of lapping ocean waves. And no visit to Myrtle Beach is complete without a round of golf for players. So, bring your clubs and talk with the Concierge about setting up tee times on championship-level courses.

Sheraton Broadway Resort pool area with waterslides, palm trees, and surrounding resort buildings.

Discover the endless family entertainment of Myrtle Beach with a stay at Sheraton Broadway Resort. Perfectly positioned near the beach, world-class attractions, and championship-level golf courses, you won’t have to go very far for fun. Outside the resort you’ll find shopping, dining, and so much more. Inside the resort there’s something for everyone. Swim in a pool while the younger ones enjoy Splash Cove. Or bring the whole family together for an energizing game of mini golf.