Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.
Myrtle Beach is one of the best places for a vacation and if you have ever been there, you would not want to leave!
This is a resort town on South Carolina’s Atlantic Coast that offers plenty to explore to its visitors. From high-end resorts to top of the line golf courses and of course some of the most beautiful beaches you will ever come across; Myrtle beach is a gem in itself.
If you are looking for a little time away from Myrtle Beach, then here are some fantastic day trips from Myrtle beach.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Situated just an hour and a half from Myrtle Beach, there is this charming little town of Wilmington. This 230-block National Historic District is full of historic homes, oak-tree lined streets and churches.
This town has a bohemian, artsy appeal which also houses the Museum of Bizzare, which has unique exhibits.
You can take a walk along the seashore, called the Carolina Broadwalk, which offers pedestrian-friendly wildlife and nature viewing.
For surfers, Wrightsville Beach is one of the top surfing destinations on America’s east coast.
- Distance from city: 90 minutes
- Ideal for: Family-friendly fun
Murrels Inlet, South Carolina
Known as the seafood capital of the south, Murrels Inlet can add a dash of tranquillity to your holiday.
This is a small fishing village on a coastal inlet which can make for a scenic holiday away from Myrtle Beach.
You can start your day exploring the city by taking a stroll along the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk which is a boardwalk following the banks of the inlet alongside the salt-marsh ecosystem.
This is also a great place to try your hand at fishing.
Visitors can also enjoy bird watching or enjoy shops and restaurants near the boardwalk.
- Distance from city: 60 minutes
- Ideal for: Idyllic day out
Pawley’s Island
Located just a few miles south of Myrtle Beach, this island offers a resort type of getaway from the city.
The quiet coastland is known for its unspoiled beauty and salt marshes. If you are looking for a laidback type of holiday or day out, then this can be a perfect getaway.
Vacationers have been flocking to this island since 1770 and it has remained a favorite since. Pawley’s Island still includes some historic homes from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Walk along the wide stretches of beaches, try fishing or go across the mainland for fine dining and a seafood meal.
- Distance from city: 30 minutes
- Ideal for: Idyllic beach day trip
Charleston, South Carolina
Founded in 16070, Charleston makes for a great day trip from Myrtle beach. Often voted as the most polite and hospitable American city, it is a great idea to visit this city.
Charleston is a one and a half-hour drive away from Myrtle Beach and is known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, distinguished restaurants.
You can visit the Historic Charleston City Market and also indulge in boat tours. They even do day trip tours where you can enjoy an all-inclusive day of sightseeing around one of the South’s most beautiful and historic cities.
- Distance from city: 90 minutes
- Ideal for: Family day out
Calabash, North Carolina
Located among the North Brunswick islands in North Carolina, these are a series of barrier islands along the state’s most southern shore. This city is just a half-hour drive from Myrtle Beach.
Also a foodie paradise, you must try the seafood here at Calabash. It is after all known as the Seafood Capital of the World. The charming villages here specialize in fried and lightly breaded fish, oysters, shrimp, and clams.
Visitors can enjoy fishing, boat tours available at Intracoastal waterways, or explore on your own by renting a kayak or canoe.
Golfers can enjoy the sport at the Brunswick Plantation Resort and Golf Course offering championship golf.
- Distance from city: 60 minutes
- Ideal for: Foodies
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Located in South Carolina, Folly Beach makes for a perfect day trip from Myrtle Beach. Known for its surf, there are plenty of surf schools in the town.
Just a couple of hours away from Myrtle Beach, it is a paradise for surf lovers.
Others in the family can enjoy the water by kayaking, waterboarding. Plus, there are a lot of playgrounds at Folly Beach for the kids to have fun.
Do make sure to take a stroll down the east coast’s second-longest, extending pier, which extends over 1,000 feet into the ocean, Folley Beach Pier.
Try out seafood for lunch at the crab shacks or you can even indulge in a little fine dining at the Blu Restaurant and Bar.
- Distance from city: 120 minutes
- Ideal for: Surfers
Huntington Beach State Park, South Carolina
Spend some time away from the crowds of Myrtle Beach at Huntington Beach State Park, South Carolina.
This park was gifted to the state by Anna Hyatt Huntington, a sculptor, and philanthropist who lived on the property from 1931 to 1947.
This park is full of winding trails, hiking trails and is perfect for someone who wants to just stretch their legs and breathe fresh air.
This 2500 acre park is home to some of the east coast’s best bird watching, and over 300 species have been spotted within the park.
You can also visit the park during September where the juried Atalaya Arts and Crafts Fair takes place at the Huntington’s historic home.
- Distance from city: 25 minutes
- Ideal for: Nature enthusiasts
The Grand Strand, South Carolina
This 60 mile-long stretch of Atlantic coast offers sandy white beaches and oceanfront communities. This is one of the most popular vacation spots in the U.S and makes for the most perfect day trip from Myrtle Beach.
It houses numerous golf courses, resorts, and amusement parks. The area is defined by North Myrtle Beach in Little River to the north, all the way past Georgetown to Cape Romain in the south.
Aside from Myrtle beach itself, visitors can explore Murrel’s Inlet and Pawleys island which we explored in the above paragraphs.
Visitors can spend their day swimming or taking park in the umpteen water sports activities. And before leaving they can spend their time at some famous clubs and pubs which attract famous celebs.
Make sure to check out Damon’s Grill and Southern Tide Bar and Grille.
- Distance from city: 10 minutes
- Ideal for: Beach lovers
Brookgreen Gardens, South Carolina
Just a 15 minutes drive from Myrtle Beach, Brookgreen Gardens makes for a terrific day trip from Myrtle Beach.
A lovely combination of history, art, and nature, Brookgreen Gardens has a lot to offer to its visitors. Mostly a sculpture garden and a wildlife preserve, the gardens are spread over 9000 acres.
One can explore the Brookgreen Botanical Gardens, Lowcountry Zoo, Sculpture Garden and historic rice plantations. You will bump into a significant collection of over 2,000 American figurative sculptures which are located around the gardens.
This can be a perfect family day out from Myrtle Beach.
- Distance from city: 15 minutes
- Ideal for: Art and history lovers
Georgetown, South Carolina
Just a 30-minute drive from Myrtle Beach, Georgetown is the third oldest city in South Carolina and makes for a perfect day trip.
This historic town is a charming waterfront community where oak trees line the streets. Enjoy your afternoon on a stroll down the Front Street where you can shop or stop by at a cafe for a cuppa.
Georgetown Harborwalk offers amazing views of the waterfront. There are many opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, and boating.
End your day by taking a tour via a riverboat to enjoy the Island Picnic cruise. History lovers can enjoy the many museums in this town like the South Carolina Maritime Museum, the Gullah Museum of the native Gullah and Geechee people.
- Distance from city: 30 minutes
- Ideal for: Family day out
Conway, South Carolina
If you are looking to take your kids out for a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach, then look no further than Conway.
This small coastal town is located along the Waccamaw River. Drive over to the historic downtown where you can explore historic sites, do shopping or settle for a meal.
You can spend the day doing historic tours, Riverwalk tours, and tree tours. Conway is an official “Tree City USA,” meaning they meet the core standards of urban forestry management.
End your day watching the sunset down at the Riverwalk before driving back to the city.
- Distance from city: 21 minutes
- Ideal for: Family day out
Fayetteville, North Carolina
This city in North Carolina is located just south of Fort Bragg in the central part of the state. This is a historic town which is also the unofficial headquarters of the U.S Army.
You can know more about the Revolutionary war at The Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry Museum. After which you can explore the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex which talks about the United States Civil War.
Learn more about the U.S Army history at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, or ASOM.
- Distance from city: 120 minutes
- Ideal for: History & military aficionados
Little River, South Carolina
This neighborhood of Myrtle Beach is a fishing community located at the North end of Grand Strand.
You can explore the fishing communities up close by boarding the deep sea fishing charter at sunrise for a day on the ocean.
For those who want some entertainment, there are cruise boats and party boats also.
The foodies will love the exceptional seafood that Little River has to offer. As, this is home to some of South Carolina’s best seafood, available in casual or fine dining restaurants.
Have a meal at Crab Catchers on the water or opt for fine dining at the Brentwood’s restaurant.
- Distance from city: 30 minutes
- Ideal for: Fishing enthusiasts
Carolina Beach, North Carolina
This destination oozes the southern coastal charm that many crave during their holidays. This family-friendly town is the perfect getaway from Myrtle Beach.
Stroll on the ocean Broadwalk, with a gelato in hand or walk to the point of the old wooden Carolina Beach Pier.
Take the kids to the nearby North Carolina Aquarium to watch ocean creatures up close.
Parents can enjoy the lively nightlife or some live music in the evening before heading back to the city.
You can also visit during the North Carolina’s largest beach music festival, the Seafood Blues and Jazz Festival.
- Distance from city: 110 minutes
- Ideal for: family-fun day out
Mullins, South Carolina
This old-school town was once home to a thriving tobacco industry. Now Mullins is home to the Tobacco Museum, which celebrates the town’s history.
You can also wander around the tobacco warehouses. After this, you can pay a visit to Webster’s Manor, where you can enjoy a traditional southern buffet.
Other than that, there are several annual events that take place like the Golden Leaf Festival and BBQ Cookoff, which takes place every fall.
- Distance from city: 60 minutes
- Ideal for: Idyllic day out
Cherry Grove, South Carolina
Also called the best beach of South Carolina, Cherry Grove is located at the most northern end of Myrtle Beach.
An excellent spot to relive the old-school beach vibes, you can head down here for some inlet fishing.
Start your day by relaxing at the seashore or enjoy kayaking, bird watching or wildlife spotting. After which you can explore the historic cottages, sandy beaches, and areas shopping boutiques.
End your day with dinner at Ocean Grill.
- Distance from city: 30 minutes
- Ideal for: Seaside fun
As we saw, there are plenty of opportunities to visit varied destinations from Myrtle Beach. The best part is they are mostly just a few miles away!
From the tobacco town to the best beach in South Carolina, it’s all just a short drive away from the city.
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