10 day trips within 2 hours of Myrtle Beach: From Calabash to Charleston
Myrtle Beach is considered a retreat for many, but you may still need to take a getaway from your getaway.
Luckily there are plenty of destinations within driving distance from Myrtle Beach. Mix things up with a feast on perfectly fried seafood in Calabash, take in the arts and culture scene in Florence or go on an adventure in the great outdoors in Myrtle Beach State Park.
What you’ll find below are some of the best things to enjoy within a 2-hour drive from Myrtle Beach. Explore beyond the city limits — and make the most of your visit to the Grand Strand with these 10 day trips.
Within an hour from Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach State Park
If you can’t go far but are looking for an escape from the City of Myrtle Beach, it’s very easy to spend the day exploring Myrtle Beach State Park. The park is roughly 312 acres of maritime forest featuring a mile long beach. The park has a nature center where visitors can learn about the park’s unique habitat as well as a number of trails to explore.
Driving time from Myrtle Beach: About 10 minutes
Conway
Conway is a charming small town with scenic streets lined with shops, restaurants and historic sites. Stop by the Coastal Carolina University Arboretum to see its collection of native trees, or immerse yourself in local history at the Horry County Museum.
Driving time from Myrtle Beach: About 30 minutes
Huntington Beach State Park
This state park is for nature lovers! A day at Huntington Beach State Park can be spent hiking along winding trails through maritime forests, bird watching or taking a leisurely stroll along the beach.
Driving time from Myrtle Beach: About 30 minutes
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is 9,000 acres of art, history and natural beauty. It is home to the Brookgreen Botanical Gardens, Lowcountry Zoo and Sculpture Garden. Open year-round, it’s a day trip destination that offers something new to see for every season.
Driving time from Myrtle Beach: About 35 minutes
Calabash, North Carolina
Located just north of Myrtle Beach is the town of Calabash. Known as the “Seafood Capital of the World,” this small fishing town in North Carolina is known for its high-quality, locally caught seafood and numerous seafood shacks. According to Google reviews, favorites include Waterfront Seafood Shack, Captain Nance’s Seafood and Ella’s of Calabash. Fried fish, oysters, shrimp and clams are among the town’s culinary specialties.
Driving time from Myrtle Beach: About 40 minutes
Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island is a quiet, laid-back barrier island community known for its beautiful beaches, charming historic district and the Hammock Shops where you can purchase unique souvenirs from independent boutique stores.
Driving time from Myrtle Beach: About 45 minutes
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Over an hour from Myrtle Beach
Georgetown
Georgetown is a hotbed of history. If spending the day at a museum is your ideal day trip, there are plenty to explore. Some of the most popular museums include Georgetown’s South Carolina Maritime Museum, The Gullah Museum, the Rice Museum and Hobcaw Barony. In between museum visits, you can make a quirky pitstop at Purr and Pour, a cat cafe where you can enjoy a cozy cup of coffee, play with cats who are available to be adopted.
Driving time from Myrtle Beach: About 1 hour
Florence, South Carolina
In the heart of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, Florence is a charming southern city with a plethora of ways to engage with arts and culture. Take in the art exhibitions at the Florence County Museum, catch a play featuring local performers at the Florence Little Theatre, or get a taste of local flavor at the Pee Dee State Farmers Market open during all seasons.
Driving time from Myrtle Beach: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Wilmington, North Carolina
The historic port city of Wilmington, North Carolina, is home to a gorgeous downtown waterfront, excellent restaurants and a number of cultural attractions including the Wilmington Ballet, the North Carolina Aquarium and the famous World War II Battleship North Carolina.
Driving time from Myrtle Beach: About 1 hour and 40 minutes
Charleston, South Carolina
As South Carolina’s oldest and largest city, Charleston is home to a range of historic landmarks, museums and cultural attractions. Spend the day exploring the Hunley, the world’s first successful submarine, stroll through the gardens of the historic Middleton Place, or take in the city’s stunning architecture.
Driving time from Myrtle Beach: About 2 hours
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