Although it’s possible to spend your entire vacation on the beach, it can get a bit monotonous after a while. To spice up your vacation, venture out on one of the many day trips from Myrtle Beach.
The destinations near Myrtle Beach are home to a variety of things to do, from dinner with a coastal view to civil war memorials and family-friendly aquariums.
Break up your beach time by embarking on any of these day trips from Myrtle Beach!
1. Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Distance from Myrtle Beach: 23 minutes by car, 13.4 miles.
Those who don’t want to veer too far from Myrtle Beach will find Murrells Inlet, South Carolina to be the perfect day trip destination. Just under a half hour away, this quaint South Carolina spot is home to an abundance of outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities.
First and foremost, a trip to Brookgreen Gardens is a must. The botanical gardens boast more than 500 acres of captivating sculptures among the nearly 9,000 acres (yes, 9,000!) of rich gardens. Throughout, you’ll find fountains, wide open green spaces, ponds, secret pathways, and more. It’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon on a sunny day!
Those who elect to visit Murrells Inlet cannot go back to Myrtle Beach without strolling the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk. This boardwalk offers everything from waterfront dining to sports bars, and eclectic shops to live entertainment. But best of all, the views are incredible. If you can, try to visit the boardwalk just before sunset so you can watch the sky light up with glowing hues of orange, pink, and purple.
photo credit: Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina via Facebook
2. Charleston, South Carolina
Distance from Myrtle Beach: 2 hours and 5 minutes by car, 95.5 miles.
If you’re searching for day trips from Myrtle Beach guaranteed to entertain every member of your family, Charleston, South Carolina is your answer. This coastal city has everything: history, kid-friendly attractions, museums, outdoor adventures, and more.
In fact, families visiting Charleston often sign up for one of the many themed tours to maximize their time in the city. From culinary tours to satisfy the taste buds of a foodie to ghost tours sure to send a chill down your spine, you’ll find a tour about everything and anything in Charleston.
Those visiting Charleston with kids will also love the family-friendly attractions such as the South Carolina Aquarium and Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. Or, check out the area’s outdoor activities such as walking trails, beaches, and water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding for a day in the sun.
While you’re there, be sure to also visit iconic Charleston sights like the Battery, Folly Beach (known as the Edge of America) and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. bridge.
3. Georgetown, South Carolina
Distance from Myrtle Beach: 51 minutes by car, 35 miles.
Calling all history buffs! This Myrtle Beach day trip is for you.
The tiny coastal town of Georgetown, South Carolina is teeming with 300+ years of history harking back to the days of the first European settlers. Visitors fascinated by the area’s history should register for one of the many tours highlighting notable buildings, people, and neighborhoods in town.
For shoreline views, go for a stroll on the Harborwalk located on Front Street. This stretch of boardwalk ends at the Kaminski House Museum, a museum housing artifacts from the 18th-century. Or, take time to stroll the historic downtown area at your leisure. Along the way, you’ll find quaint shops, old homes, and extraordinary restaurants to explore.
If you’d rather spend your time enjoying the great outdoors, check out nearby Georgetown spots such as Winyah Bay, Morgan Park, and East Park.
4. Wilmington, North Carolina
Distance from Myrtle Beach: 1 hour and 31 minutes by car, 77 miles.
Hop over into North Carolina for a day of fun in Wilmington, NC. Wilmington’s historic district is on the National Register of Historic Places, lined with blocks upon blocks of churches, houses, architecture, and more from centuries past.
From shopping to historic tours, water parks to aquariums, Wilmington has something to excite every member of your family. Although this city is one of the longer day trips from Myrtle Beach, travelers find a day in Wilmington, NC to be worth the drive.
Some of Wilmington’s top family-friendly attractions and activities include:
- Carolina Beach Boardwalk
- Battleship North Carolina
- Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park
- Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
- DefyGravity
- Crossfire Indoor Paintball Park
- North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Plus, due to the area’s vast history, visitors can join an abundance of tours ranging from horse-drawn carriage history tours to those exploring the city’s culinary and craft beer scene! A few of the most frequented Wilmington, NC tours include:
- Cape Fear Riverboat Tours
- La Dee Dah Sunset Cruises
- Tasting History Tours
- Wilmington Downtown Tasting Tour
- Tour Old Wilmington
- Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington
With all there is to do and see, it’s not hard to see why Wilmington, NC is one of the best day trips from Myrtle Beach.
photo credit: Muirfield Townes at Echo Farms via Facebook
5. Calabash, North Carolina
Distance from Myrtle Beach: 35 minutes by car, 27.3 miles.
Seafood fans, rejoice! While visiting Myrtle Beach, make it a point to venture over the state border to Calabash, NC for the best seafood you’ve ever had. Calabash is known as the Seafood Capital of the World. And for good reason, too. The minute you bite into your shrimp, oysters, or fish, you’ll be enlightened!
As part of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, Calabash is known for its wealth of outdoor fun like fishing, golf, nature preserves, and more. Take a trip to Vereen Memorial Gardens for excellent hiking trails with boardwalks through marshland.
Even if you visit Calabash just for the renowned seafood, it will have been worth it!
Add These Day Trips from Myrtle Beach to Your Itinerary
No matter if you want a break from the beach or got bit by the travel bug, these day trips from Myrtle Beach are sure to be the highlight of your trip.
