Day Trips from Myrtle Beach, SC

1. Wilmington

Wilmington is home to a 230-block National Historic District, replete with antebellum homes, historic churches, oak tree lined streets and brick sidewalks. A kriverwal along the river front takes visitors past the Battleship North Carolina, a World War II battleship turned museum. Along the seashore, the Carolina Boardwalk offers pedestrian friendly wildlife and nature viewing. Visit Kure Beach’s Fort Fisher State Historic Site, the site of Civil War’s largest land and sea battle, now adjacent to the North Carolina Aquarium. Enjoy the surf at Wrightsville Beach, one of the top surfing destinations on America’s east coast.

2. Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet is a small fishing village on a protected coastal inlet, known as the seafood capital of the south. Take a slow stroll along the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk, a boardwalk following the banks of the inlet along side the salt-marsh ecosystem. Enjoy bird watching and wildlife spotting, or stop to enjoy the shops and restaurants that can be accessed from the boardwalk. Get out on the water with a fishing charter, or board a pontoon boat for a historical plantation river tour from the Wacca Wache Marina. Cyclists will enjoy the bike trail from the Inlet to Pawleys Island.

Murrells Inlet, SC

3. Pawleys Island

Pawleys Island is located just a few miles south of Myrtle Beach, but world’s away. The quiet coastline is known for its surf, salt-marshes and unspoiled natural beauty. One of the east coast’s oldest summer resorts, vacationers have been flocking to Pawleys Island since the 1700’s. A historic district includes 12 of the island’s original homes, dating back to the 18th and early 19th century. Today, the island is known for its quiet atmosphere, wide stretches of beach and sand dunes, rope hammocks, fishing, and crabbing along the rivers. While there are no commercial services on the island, fine dining and great seafood is only a short trip away, across the causeway on the mainland.

4. Calabash

Calabash is among North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, a series of barrier islands along the state’s most southern shore. Calabash is the most southerly island, on the border of South Carolina. Known as the Seafood Capital of the World, the charming fishing village specializes in fried and lightly breaded fish, oysters, shrimp, and clams. Enjoy watching the fishing boats come in and out of the marina, or take a fishing tour to catch your own meal. Boat tours are also available of the intracoastal waterways, or explore on your own by renting a kayak or canoe. Calabash is home to the Brunswick Plantation Resort and Golf Course offering championship golf and fine dining.

Calabash, NC

5. Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina was founded in 1670 and has offers history, a natural beauty and southern charm. South Carolina’s second most populated city, Charleston is made up of several distinct areas, from the historic downtown, to the coastal areas and islands. Enjoy cultural and historical tours and activities including visits to Patriot’s Point, Fort Sumter, historic plantations, or the College of Charleston. Enjoy the area parks and nature preserves, including Riverfront Park and its views of the harbor. Adventure on the water with Coastal Expeditions, Spiritline Cruises, or Barrier Island Ecotours. The Charleston Jazz Festival takes place each January and is now in its sixth year.

6. Folly Beach

South Carolina’s Folly Beach is located in Charlestown. Known for its surf, the area is home to several surf schools and board rental shops. Other ways to get out on the water include Charleston SUP Safaris, sailing and fishing charters, Tideline Tours, and Flipper Finders, who take to the waters in kayaks or motorboats in search of up close experiences with dolphins. On land, enjoy the Folly Beach County Park or the Folly River Park, in addition to local playgrounds. Take a stroll down the Folley Beach Pier, the east coast’s second longest, extending over 1,000 feet into the ocean. The small commercial district offers mostly surf shops, beachwear and gifts. Seafood ranges from casual crab shack fare to the fine dining at Blu Restaurant and Bar.

7. The Grand Strand

South Carolina’s Grand Strand is a 60 mile long stretch of Atlantic coast offering sandy, white beaches and carrying oceanfront communities. The area is defined by North Myrtle Beach in Little River to the north, all the way past Georgetown to Cape Romain at the south. Aside from Myrtle Beach, located at the heart of the grand stand, top locations to visit include Murrell’s Inlet, the historic fishing village, the easy-going Surfside Beach with its oceanfront pier, and Pawleys Island, one of the oldest resort towns on the east coast. Litchfield Beach is named for the 18th century plantation once operating there. Streets of the picturesque town are lined with oak trees, just minutes from the sandy shore. Garden City beach offers oceanfront access, and a Creekwalk boardwalk through the salt marsh.

South Carolina

8. Georgetown

The historic Georgetown in South Carolina is a quaint small town located on the seashore. The charming waterfront community is the state’s third oldest city. Oak trees line the downtown streets, visitors will find waterfront shopping and dining, and opportunities for outdoor recreation via fishing and boating. Take a lowcountry tour via riverboat, enjoy an Island Picnic Cruise, or ride through town on a Swamp Fox Tour to learn the 300 year history of the town. Museums include the South Carolina Maritime Museum, the Gullah Museum of the native Gullah and Geechee people, and the 1769 Kaminski House. Along the historic front street, which offers an Oceanside boardwalk, enjoy fresh seafood, lowcountry cuisine, ice cream or handmade chocolates.

Georgetown, SC

9. Southport

Southport , North Carolina was founded in 1792. The historic coastal town is located at the junction of the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. With a rich maritime history, breathtaking landscapes, and welcoming southern charm, Southport is beloved by visitors. Visit the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors Center, the North Carolina Maritime Museum, the Old Smithville Burying Ground, and the Old Brunswick County Jail Museum for a look at the area’s history. Enjoy ocean views along the Southport Pier and Riverwalk or the Southport Marina. Downtown Southport offers plenty of art galleries and antiques shops.

Southport, NC

10. Fayetteville

North Carolina’s Fayetteville is located just south of Fort Bragg in the central part of the state. As the unofficial headquarters of the US Army, Fayetteville and Cumberland County offers a rich military history celebrated through historic sites and museums. The United States Civil War is the focus at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex. Learn about the present day army at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, or ASOM. Enjoy the outdoors year round along the Cape Fear River Trail, the All American Trail at Fort Bragg, or with a visit to the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens.