Who says you just have to visit one place and stay while on vacation? If you’re making a trip to Myrtle Beach this summer (or really any time throughout the year) there are so many other unique places to visit nearby. We’ve put together a list of fun short day trips from Myrtle Beach so you can shake things up and see more than just the Grand Strand this vacation!
Note: Distances are measured from Dunes Village Resort in Myrtle Beach.
1. North Myrtle Beach, SC
Distance: 12.4 miles
Far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach but just within reach of an easy, relaxing day trip is North Myrtle Beach. Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach's hub for entertainment, shopping, and dining, welcomes visitors from Myrtle Beach. This is where you can enjoy a show at the Alabama Theatre, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, see a concert at the House of Blues, or meet a gator at Alligator Adventure. And North Myrtle Beach’s Main Street is always hopping with fun and excitement.2. Cherry Grove, SC
Distance: 14.7 miles
Cherry Grove is well worth a visit even if it’s just for Cherry Grove Pier. Originally built in the 1950s, Cherry Grove Pier is the only privately owned pier along the Grand Strand with a two-story observation deck and holds many fishing records. Notably, Cherry Grove Pier is where a 1,780-pound tiger shark was caught in the 1960s. Cherry Grove is a great spot for visitors who are looking for a quieter beach day.3. Conway, SC
Distance: 17.7 miles
Historic downtown Conway is a treat for history buffs, couples, and families traveling with young children. Founded in 1732, Conway is one of the oldest towns in South Carolina. The historic downtown area features charming boutiques, local restaurants and bars, and gift shops. The Riverwalk in downtown Conway is a popular spot for wildlife viewing and peaceful strolls along the Waccamaw River. Or catch a Chanticleers athletic event, concert, or play at Coastal Carolina University.4. Murrells Inlet, SC
Distance: 19.2 miles
The best seafood, live bands, and watersports galore are what you’ll find when you head south to Murrells Inlet. Murrells Inlet is a small little town known for its fresh seafood and MarshWalk attraction. Get out on the inlet anyway you can! The inlet offers some gorgeous views and wildlife in all of South Carolina. Crazy Sister Marina offers a multitude of rentals to take out on the inlet including paddleboards, jet skis, and inlet boats. Morse Park is also a great spot to visit while in Murrells Inlet. They have picnic tables, fishing, boat ramps, and also access to the East Coast Greenway. When it comes to a laid back evening, check out the MarshWalk. Restaurants along the marsh books live bands throughout the summer. You can sit outside, enjoy the breeze of the marsh, cold beverage in hand, and listen to music.
5. Little River, SC
Distance: 21.6 miles
Little River is the Grand Strand’s northernmost community and is a popular spot for anglers. The community is a seafood-ies dream and hosts several of the Grand Strand’s most famous food festivals including the Little River Shrimpfest and the Little River Blue Crab Festival. Visitors of age can enjoy wine tastings at La Belle Amie Vineyard, a local vineyard and winery located in Little River. La Belle Amie regularly hosts live events and music and is a popular spot among locals.6. Huntington Beach State Park (in Murrells Inlet, SC)
Distance: 22 miles
Huntington Beach State Park is another beautiful spot to hang-out while in Murrells Inlet. Here you’ll have access to the beach, picnic shelters, hiking trails, and the gorgeous historic Atalaya Castle. Near the end of summer, the park hosts the Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival, a popular event among locals that includes great food, music, and local goods for sale. An admission fee is required to enter Huntington Beach State Park.7. Brookgreen Gardens (in Murrells Inlet, SC)
Distance: 23.5 miles
Brookgreen Gardens should definitely be on your Murrells Inlet places to visit list! Brookgreen is nationally recognized as a historic place with gorgeous live oaks and stunning sculptures for you to see. It’s the perfect place for a romantic outing or a day to stop and smell the many flowers in bloom. Brookgreen Gardens is also home to the Lowcountry Zoo. It’s here that many animals native to South Carolina’s lowcountry call home. The storybook playground is also a popular spot for families with children.8. Calabash, NC
Distance: 24.6 miles
Calabash is a quaint little fishing town with renowned seafood that is delivered to many coastal restaurants including Myrtle Beach! It’s the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a really laid back day trip. Since you’re in a town that is known for its seafood, why not charter a fishing trip while you’re in the area? Hurricane Fleet Charter Fishing offers Gulf Stream fishing, half-day fishing, and private charters.
You can also enjoy a winery tour and tasting at a local winery in Calabash, Silver Coast Winery. Some of our favorite dining spots in Calabash are Waterfront Seafood Shack and Boundary House Restaurant.
9. Litchfield Beach, SC
Distance: 26.1 miles
Just north of Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach is regarded as a peaceful, sophisticated beach town and is quite the opposite of Myrtle Beach’s fast-paced lifestyle. Visitors will find many locally-owned boutiques, shops, and restaurants in Litchfield Beach. Just north of Litchfield Beach is Huntington Beach State Park, so you can grab a bite to eat in Litchfield before heading to the beach!10. Pawleys Island, SC
Distance: 29.3 miles
Pawleys Island is a quaint and slow-paced little town south of Myrtle Beach. Other than hanging on the beach there are so many fun things to do in Pawleys like shop, eat, fish, or sightseeing! Hammock Shops Village is a cute little cove or boutiques and unique shops including the Original Hammock Shop that hand weaves all their hammocks! Fishing is a big hit in Pawleys, you can enjoy fishing from the Pawleys Island pier, renting a boat or charter, or try surf fishing. Some of our favorite dining spots in Pawleys Island are Chive Blossom Cafe, Rustic Table, Bistro 217, and BisQit.
11. Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Distance: 35 miles
This sleepy North Carolina beach community is located just 10.4 miles from Calabash, making for a perfect one-two punch of a day trip from Myrtle Beach. Aside from miles of gorgeous beaches, visitors will find plenty of educational attractions including the Ingram Planetarium and the Museum of Coastal Carolina. Ocean Isle Pier is also a popular spot for waves watching and dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.12. Georgetown, SC
Distance: 40.3 miles
Another great little fishing town with a quaint lowcountry vibe. This is a great little day trip specifically for grabbing some great food and doing some shopping. The Rice Museum is an open-air market that you’ll want to stop in and check out while you’re in Georgetown. Here you can find unique gifts as well as learn a little about Georgetown’s history. You’ll also want to check out the Harborwalk while you’re in town. You’ll get great views of the waterway, be able to sit outside and enjoy a delicious lunch or shop at the little boutiques nearby.
13. Wilmington, SC
Distance: 75.1 miles
From historical treasures and museums to family-friendly attractions, Wilmington is a favorite day trip even for Myrtle Beach locals. History buffs will love the slew of museums and attractions in Wilmington like the Battleship North Carolina and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. If you’re day-tripping with the family head over to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher to see some of the local inhabitants of the freshwater streams and swamps of the coast. Another great family attraction is the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science! Lastly, for all our beer connoisseurs check out the variety of local breweries around like Flytrap Brewing, Flying Machine Brewing Company, and the Waterline Brewing Co.
14. Charleston, SC
Distance: 101 miles
Charleston is a chic port-city that is a favorite tourist destination and its only a couple of hours from Myrtle Beach! There are tons of things to do here including eating, drinking, historical sightseeing, and lots of boutique shopping. The Historic Charleston City Market is a must-see in the heart of downtown Charleston. As you walk through the market you’ll see unique vendors selling everything from palm woven baskets to hand-made goods and art. Do yourself a favor a grab a bag of boiled peanuts and Benne wafers while you’re there. Another place worth noting while you’re in Charleston is the beautiful waterfront park downtown. You’ll have the perfect view of the waterway, you can enjoy the stunning pineapple fountain, and you’ll also some of the best photo ops in the city!
15. Folly Beach, SC
Distance: 111 miles
Another great beach to visit while you’re already on the coast is Folly Beach. One of the coolest things about this beach is finding HUGE fossilized sharks’ teeth! Be sure to check out the historical landmark, the Morris Island Lighthouse while you’re in Folly Beach. This lighthouse has been saved from falling into the sea by locals who have started a Save The Light non-profit, it’s truly a beautiful sight to see amidst the ocean waves. Of course, hanging on the beach at Folly Island is definitely a must while you’re there. Soak up the sun or treasure hunt for those magnificent fossils we mentioned!
Before you plan your day trip from Myrtle Beach, choose from Dunes Village Resort's Myrtle Beach oceanfront suites for your next Myrtle Beach vacation!