Charleston, South Carolina, isn’t just a historic gem with its cobblestone streets and antebellum houses; it’s also a city brimming with lush parks and vibrant gardens. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these green spaces offer a perfect escape to nature. Here’s a roundup of the must-visit parks and gardens in this charming city!

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens Established in 1676, Magnolia Plantation is one of the oldest public gardens in America. Stroll through the romantic gardens, take a guided tour of the planatation house, or hop on a boat tour to explore the Audubon Swamp Garden. The camellias, azaleas, and wisteria are especially breathtaking in the spring.

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Middleton Place Known for its meticulously maintained 65-acre garden, Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark. The terraced lawns, reflecting pools, and centuries-old camellias create a stunning backdrop for a leisurely walk. Don’t miss the stable yards and the House Museum to complete your visit.

Battery and White Point Garden Located at the southern tip of the Charleston Peninsula, this park offers stunning views of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor. Wander among the oak trees, historical monuments, and cannons. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic with a picturesque setting.

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Hampton Park With its grand oak trees and colorful flower beds, Hampton Park is one of Charleston’s largest and most beautiful parks. Enjoy a jog or a leisurely bike ride on the paths, or simply relax in the shade with a good book. The park’s pond and fountains add to its serene atmosphere.

Cypress Gardens Located just outside Charleston in Moncks Corner, Cypress Gardens is a hidden gem. Explore the blackwater bald cypress/tupelo swamp on a flat-bottom boat or walk the trails around the garden. The Butterfly House and Swamparium are also highlights for nature enthusiasts.

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Charleston Waterfront Park Stretching along the Charleston Harbor, this park offers scenic views and a refreshing sea breeze. The famous Pineapple Fountain and the long pier are perfect for a relaxing stroll. It’s also a great spot to catch a sunrise or sunset over the water.

Theodora Park This small but charming park is located in the historic Ansonborough neighborhood. It features a beautiful reflecting pool, artistic benches, and plenty of shade. It’s a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, ideal for a quiet afternoon.

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Charleston’s parks and gardens are not just places to see – they’re experiences to savor. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat, a place to exercise, or a spot to enjoy some history and nature, Charleston has something to offer. So pack a picnic, grab your camera, and explore the green spaces that make this city so special!

Forget everything you think you know about Myrtle Beach. Sure, it’s got the classic miles of sun-drenched shores (perfect for perfecting your tan lines), but this South Carolina gem offers way more than just catching rays.

We’re talking epic adventures that’ll have you ditching the “been there, done that” attitude faster than a sandcastle in a hurricane. So, crank up the beach tunes, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience Myrtle Beach like never before!

Beach Boss Status

Claim your spot on the 60 miles of pristine coastline. Soak up the sun like a lizard on a rock, build sandcastles that would make Michelangelo jealous, or conquer those waves with a surfboard (lessons available, don’t worry!).

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Paddle Party

Feeling more Captain Jack Sparrow than Captain Sunburn? Grab a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard and explore the calm waters. It’s like your own private ocean adventure, minus the whole pirate ship and buried treasure thing (although, hey, keep your eyes peeled!).

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Surfing Sensation

Channel your inner Kelly Slater and catch a wave! Myrtle Beach offers lessons for newbies and seasoned surfers alike. Imagine the epic stories you’ll tell your friends back home (and the jealousy-inducing Instagram pics).

SkyWheel Soaring

Take your beach bummin’ to new heights with a ride on the iconic Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. Witness the entire coastline from 192 feet above sea level – seriously, the views are BANANAS!

Ripley’s Aquarium

Dive into an underwater wonderland at Ripley’s Aquarium. Come face-to-face with playful penguins, majestic sharks, and everything in between. Just don’t tap on the glass – that’s, like, aquarium etiquette 101.

Broadway at the Beach

Get ready for a dazzling mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment all in one spot! Catch a live show, experience the thrill of a roller coaster, or simply stroll around and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

Myrtle Beach State Park

Need a break from the beach crowds? Myrtle Beach State Park is your answer. Hike along scenic trails, spot some incredible birds (birdwatching is the new cool, don’t @ me), or have a picnic under the shade of towering trees. Nature therapy, people!

Huntington Beach State Park

Calling all beach bums who appreciate a little extra somethin’ somethin’. Huntington Beach offers pristine shores, nature trails, and the chance to witness a miracle of nature – baby sea turtles hatching during nesting season (May-October). Talk about cute!

Kayaking Through Cypress Swamps

Ever paddled through a swamp that looks like it came straight out of a Jurassic Park movie? This is your chance! Explore the intricate waterways of the Cypress swamps, discover a hidden world teeming with wildlife, and pretend you’re Indiana Jones on the hunt for treasure (minus the snakes, hopefully).

Brookgreen Gardens

Get your art and history fix at Brookgreen Gardens. Imagine sculptures so beautiful they’d make Michelangelo weep (okay, maybe not weep, but definitely be impressed). Seriously, this place is a feast for the eyes.

Hopsewee Plantation

Take a trip back in time at Hopsewee Plantation, a historic rice plantation that offers tours and insights into the area’s rich past. It’s a chance to learn something new while exploring a super cool historic site.

Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

Experience the charm of Murrells Inlet at the MarshWalk. Enjoy fresh seafood so good it’ll make you slap your mama (but hopefully not literally), stroll along the boardwalk, and soak in the stunning coastal views. It’s the perfect way to end a day of adventure.

Hollywood Wax Museum

Ever wanted to rub shoulders with your favorite celebs? Well, almost rub shoulders? The Hollywood Wax Museum lets you do just that!

Create hilarious (and Insta-worthy) photos with your favorite stars.

Get Hooked on Fishing

Hit the water on a fishing charter and see what you can reel in! The Atlantic Ocean is teeming with a variety of fish, making it an angler’s paradise.

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Mini Golf Mania

With more mini golf courses than you can shake a putter at, Myrtle Beach is the undisputed Mini Golf Capital of the World!

Putt your way through pirate adventures, underwater landscapes, and even glow-in-the-dark courses.

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So there you have it, 15 epic ways to make your Myrtle Beach trip unforgettable! From heart-pounding thrills to historical explorations, this vibrant beach town has something to offer everyone. Now get out there and explore!

Make the most out of your Grand Strand vacation. Hit the top tourist attractions and engage in some special activities to ensure a memorable trip.

Compared to Charleston, which has a much more historical vibe, Myrtle Beach is where you go in South Carolina to have some fun.

You can get to do pretty much anything here – from retail therapy, helicopter rides, water sports, and everything in between. It’s really a resort town, which is why it gets so much tourist activity.

Unsure about where to head to first? Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Spend a Day at the Beach

One of the top free things to do in Myrtle Beach is to take advantage of the very mild waves. The light brown sand creates a gorgeous shoreline, but the calmness of the water remains the main draw in this part of the Carolina shoreline.

Try your luck at deep-sea fishing. Teach your kids how to swim or venture off on a jet ski to have some real fun. 

Note that you’ll find parking in the area. But you’ll get access to more facilities if you’re staying at a Myrtle Beach hotel or rental property. 

2. Visit the Top Entertainment Complex

If you want to find the best places to eat in Myrtle Beach, then head over to Broadway at the Beach.

It’s the area’s most extensive entertainment complex, complete with shopping strips and many eateries. You can even dine on water or on dry land before or after exploring its many attractions.

Understandably, Broadway at the Beach is often very crowded. But it offers everything you might need, including firework displays all summer long and many family-friendly festivals to go along with the nightclubs and other venues.

3. Explore Myrtle Beach State Park

If you love the outdoors, you’ll appreciate spending time in the state park. 

It has 312 acres of mostly untamed wilderness, but it doesn’t mean you won’t find the necessary facilities and even a nature center. 

You can interact with South Carolina wildlife, have a picnic, and go surf fishing. And if a day trip isn’t enough, you can even spend the night at a campsite. What’s more, you can relax at the equestrian facilities after hiking a couple of trails. 

Roaming around the park is one of the top things to do in Myrtle Beach, especially when trying to escape the beach crowds.

4. Get Your Thrills at the Tracks

The Broadway Grand Prix is among the most popular Myrtle Beach attractions. It’s a go-to spot for adrenaline seekers and families.

What was once the NASCAR Speedpark is now an elaborate complex with a series of go-kart tracks. You can also spend some quality family time on the car-themed mini-golf course.

Other fun features of the park include the arcade, rock climbing wall, and a roller coaster. The park is a fantastic place to kill a few hours, especially when you’re not hitting the Beach.

5. Visit the Ripley’s Aquarium

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to walk among sharks and other dangerous marine life? Ripley’s aquarium can give you that experience.

Take a trip along a 340-foot tunnel surrounded by sharks, eels, tarpons, and other sea creatures. And upon exiting the Dangerous Reef display, head over to the Discovery Center exhibit. You’ll get to see pufferfish and horseshoe crabs. But the main attraction is the opportunity to swim with the stingrays.

To get an even better experience, try touring the aquarium on sunny days. Rainy days draw in massive crowds.

6. Have A Challenging Round of Mini-Golf

6. Have A Challenging Round of Mini-Golf

You’ll find no shortage of miniature golf courses scattered around Myrtle Beach. But if there’s one that reigns supreme, it has to be the Mt. Atlanticus course.

Putting through all the 36 holes of both the Conch and Minotaur courses is considered to be one of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach.

Mini-golf is a family-friendly activity with challenging obstacles, affordable fees, and chances to win amazing prizes – like free games for life if you hit a hole-in-one on the last stop.

7. Spend An Afternoon at the WonderWorks Myrtle Beach

Don’t think of this as a traditional science museum. Instead, this is an experience your kids won’t forget.

Each interactive exhibit has its own theme. These areas are designated as WonderZones and can cover anything from natural disasters, art, space exploration, and even physical challenges.

You can also take everyone’s excitement levels one step higher.

Have some fun in the laser tag arena or on the glow-in-the-dark rope course. Then, experience the 6D Extreme theater where you get to see films complete with environmental and motion effects.

WonderWorks is undeniably one of the most popular Myrtle Beach attractions for all ages.

8. Take Some Amazing Photos

If you’re looking for a terrific vantage point to snap some aerial photos of Myrtle Beach, look no further than the SkyWheel.

The ride has 42 gondolas, with each one sitting up to six people. It’s actually a comfy ride that also features a VIP experience. For an additional fee, you can book a 20-minute ride in a gondola with a glass floor that gives you an unobstructed view of the surrounding area.

Even a picture of the SkyWheel itself is worth taking, given that it comes alive at night, glowing with the light of a million LEDs.

9. Roam Around the Brookgreen Gardens

If you’re interested in more relaxing things to do in Myrtle Beach, the grounds of Brookgreen Gardens have you covered.

It’s a massive 9,127-acre property that houses a botanical garden and a wildlife preserve. That means you have miles of paths to explore and go on fantastic nature walks.

Admire the natural art gallery, go on a boat ride, or take any of the many historical tours of the plantation and Civil War Fort. There’s plenty to do here for everyone.

10. Visit Ripley’s Believe it or Not

Myrtle Beach is where you can find the legendary Odditorium of the popular TV show. It’s a super fun location to visit, especially if you want to see some bizarre artifacts and works of art.

The interactive exhibits are also cool. These include the 5D Moving Theater, a big arcade, mirror maze, and even a laser tag arena. Just don’t get spooked because, apparently, the laser tag arena is haunted.

Visiting Ripley’s is one of the unique things to do in Myrtle Beach, so make sure to add it to your itinerary.

There’s Never a Dull Moment

Whether it’s hot or rainy out, Myrtle Beach offers plenty of outdoor and indoor places to escape. You can interact with animals and see marine life, and so much more. And when it comes to family activities, the city doesn’t miss a beat.

Use these suggestions as a guide to creating your ideal Myrtle Beach itinerary. Just don’t forget that there’s more for you to discover.