One of the best things about visiting the Myrtle Beach area, or “The Grand Strand” – as it’s commonly referred to, is the flexibility that this location allows traveling to other areas. A day or even weekend trip might not appeal to guests who are only in the area for a few days, but for guests who are enjoying an extended stay, the thought of visiting some of the other nearby cities is tempting. Traveling to nearby areas like Conway or Pawleys Island gives you the chance to see a more “local” perspective of the area while nearby cities like Wilmington and Charleston are ideal for longer day trips. Check out some of the top travel destinations that are within a short distance from the sandy shores of Myrtle Beach:
Conway, SC
Located about 20 minutes west of Myrtle Beach, Conway is a small college town that many guests pass on the way to the beach. They have seasonal attractions like festivals, Coastal Carolina football games, and year-round attractions, shopping, and dining all located on the lively riverfront district and downtown area.
Theatre of the Republic (Main Street Theatre)
337 Main St, Conway, SC 29526 | (843) 488-0821
Grab tickets to this local performing arts theatre for productions like Kinky Boots, The Bodyguard the Musical, and Matilda the Musical. Tickets vary in pricing but start around $28 per person.
Coastal Carolina Sporting Events (Brooks Stadium)
965 One Landon Loop, Conway, SC 29526 | (843) 347-3161
In the fall, a highlight in the Conway area is the Coastal Carolina Chanticleer football games. Other sporting events at Brooks Stadium include men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, women’s lacrosse, and men’s and women’s soccer.
Rivertown Bistro
1111 3rd Ave, Conway, SC 29526 | (843) 248-3733
A contemporary twist on traditional Southern food can be found at Rivertown Bistro. Located in downtown Conway and open daily from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM for lunch, and from 5:00 to 9:30 PM for dinner. Rivertown Bistro is closed on Sunday and Monday.
Pawleys Island, SC
Slow down and enjoy a slower pace with a trip to Pawleys Island, located about 45 minutes south from Myrtle Beach. This charming seaside town does, indeed, have an island that offers secluded, quiet beach ideal for families and couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle. This quaint little town also has some of the best local shopping and offers a phenomenal culinary scene with upscale flare!
The Hammock Shops Village
10880 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
This cute little shopping area has some unique boutique-style shops including The Original Hammock Shop, where you can buy a rope hammock hand-made by the locals. Check out Isle of Candles, La Tierra, Freckled Frog, and more!
BisQit
10880 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Don’t let the size of this little restaurant fool you, that pack a savory bite! Located at The Hammock Shops Village, BisQit offers a mouth-watering menu with Southern favorites, loaded fries, and creative burgers.
Franks Restaurant & Bar
10434 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Another great hidden gem in Pawleys Island is Franks. Franks delivers a posh dining experience for all and features a menu that is handcrafted by their Executive Chef. Looking for something even more romantic? Try Franks Outback, Franks Restaurant dining experience on their lush patio decked out in twinkle lights, greenery, and the soothing sounds of a local band.
Georgetown, SC
Located on the far end of the strand, a trip to Georgetown will take about an hour from Myrtle Beach but is well worth the drive! This city offers a rich history and plenty to do for foodies and history buffs alike including the Waterfront District which offers spectacular shopping and dining options.
Hopsewee Plantation
494 Hopsewee Rd, Georgetown, SC 29440
Enjoy a relaxing and eye-opening plantation tour at Hopsewee Plantation, a restored home from the 1740s. Guests can tour the entire house, from attic to cellar, take a sweetgrass basket weaving class, and even enjoy an afternoon lunch in true southern style at the River Oak Cottage.
Kaminski House Museum
1003 Front St, Georgetown, SC 29440
Step back in time in the Kaminski House Museum, a perfectly preserved reflection of Southern life in the 18th century. Here you can experience the antiques, architecture, and unique souvenirs this lovely little museum has to offer. They are open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM and closed on Sunday. They also offer tours daily at 11 PM, 1 PM, and 3 PM.
River Room Restaurant
801 Front St, Georgetown, SC 29440
If you feel like taking in a gorgeous view while enjoying a bite to eat the River Room is a great spot! Open for lunch and dinner you can sample Southern favorites like Cajun Gumbo, Shrimp & Grits, and a variety of fresh seafood.
Charleston, SC
Located just over 2 hours south of Myrtle Beach is one of the south’s most famous cities – Charleston. This Lowcountry classic offers several pristine beaches, a bustling downtown area, several family-friendly attractions, and a unique culinary scene that can’t be found anywhere else.
Charleston City Market
188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
This historic market is a popular draw for visitors, it’s one of the oldest buildings in the area, established sometime in the 1790s. The span of the market stretches four blocks and is filled with unique vendors that sell things like hand weaved palm leaf baskets, jewelry, games, dolls, and so much more! There is truly something for everyone to enjoy at this Lowcountry staple.
Firefly Distillery
6812, 6775 Bears Bluff Rd, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487
This popular South Carolina distillery is the birthplace of Firefly, Wadmalaw Island, just 20 miles south of Charleston. Here you can enjoy tastings of Firefly products like Firefly Lemonade Vodka, Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, and more. If you care for a distillery tour, Sea Island Tours offers a Tipsy Tour, an all-inclusive tour of three distilleries including Firefly!
Butcher & Bee
1085 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403
Butcher & Bee is the perfect spot to grab a bite that is fresh and seasonal. Their ever-changing menu rotates with the seasons as the chefs bring you the best of the best eats all year round. Open Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 10 PM, and Saturday through Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM, and 5 to 10 PM.
Wilmington, NC
This charming city is located about an hour and a half from Myrtle Beach, in North Carolina, and offers a wide array of entertainment and attractions for families and couples alike! And, Wilmington offers several quaint, seaside towns and the area, in general, is known for being one of the top surfing spots along the east coast. Wilmington is a great city for parents with children or couples enjoying a romantic getaway.
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
814 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
The oldest museum in the state is a Smithsonian Affiliate and is a great attraction for the entire family! While the museum offers permanent exhibits year-round, they also have new exhibits and events come through too, like the Dinosaur Discovery and the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Celebration. Cape Fear Museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM most days except for extended hours on Thursday to 7 PM, and late opening on Sunday from 1 to 5 PM. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children.
Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Another historic gem is Thalian Hall, the city hall and theatre. Visitors come from all over the country to see the productions and films like Pavarotti, Shakespeare In Love, and The Biggest Little Farm. Thalian Hall also offers weekly tours that give you a behind-the-scenes look at this historic beauty.
Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
Once a private garden created in 1886 and now open to the public, Airlie Gardens offers a breath of fresh air and beauty. Not only can you experience the unique gardens on the property, but they also offer events throughout the year like concert series, oyster roasts and a festive light show during the holiday season. Admission for adults is $9 and $3 for children from 3-12 years old.
Want to stay local? Check out all the Myrtle Beach attractions open year-round.