There’s no deep-rooted reason to vacate Myrtle Beach’s warm, sugary sand or the Turkish blue Atlantic. However, it’s not uncommon for travelers to spend several weeks in our beachy paradise, particularly during inexpensive “offseasons.” Thus, it’s only natural that guests grow curious about the many seaside villages and historic towns on both ends of the sprawling Grand Strand. Part of what makes the Grand Strand so undeniably captivating is how accessible it is, thanks to U.S. Route 17. Sands Resorts, the premier Myrtle Beach vacation hub, has four distinct properties located in the heart of the beach community. We pride ourselves in being pleasingly affordable, utterly hospitable, and unquestionably sanitary. Oh, and our team has whipped together four sublime day trips from Myrtle Beach: Murrells Inlet, McClellanville, Wilmington, and Charleston.
Day Trips from Myrtle Beach: Explore the Carolinas
There are dozens of potential day trips from Myrtle Beach, including Little River, Calabash, and Bald Head Island. At the end of the day, these four selections exemplify the day trip “experience,” including an emphasis on the visual and culinary arts, as well as historical significance. Let’s start with the closest destination of the bunch: sunny Murrells Inlet.
Murrells Inlet, SC
Murrells Inlet is Myrtle Beach’s neighbor to the south. Many consider this charming marshland to be an integral part of the tourism industry. It provides a unique lens into the Grand Strand’s history via plantations, state parks, and cultural mainstays, such as long-standing restaurants and golf courses.
- Blue Wave Adventures
- Brookgreen Gardens
- Hot Fish Club
- Huntington Beach State Park
- Lowcountry Zoo
- Marsh Walk
- Pirate Adventures
- TPC Myrtle Beach
- Waccamaw Neck Bikeway
- Wachesaw Plantation Club
McClellanville, SC
Despite housing less than 550 residents, McClellanville is often regarded as one of the most memorable day trips from Myrtle Beach. Natural beauty, Southern charm, and charismatic locals perfectly accentuate the many nearby attractions, including countless wildlife preserves, historic sites, and, yes, some classic Carolina seafood.
- Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
- Francis Marion State Forest
- Hampton Plantation State Historic Site
- Lowcountry Shrimp Festival
- Nature Adventures Outfitters
- St. James-Santee Parish Episcopal Church
- T. W. Graham & Co.
- The Village Museum
- Wambaw Creek Wilderness Canoe Trail
- Washo Reserve
Wilmington, NC
Yes, we often welcome guests from the Wilmington area, but most first-time visitors to the Grand Strand are not from the Carolinas. Thus, it’s important to shine a light on this port city, home to a historic district, countless WWII monuments, and a thriving craft brewery scene. As you can imagine, there are nearly a dozen absorbing museums that spotlight the area’s art, culture, wildlife, and architecture.
- Airlie Gardens
- Battleship North Carolina
- Bellamy Mansion Museum
- Cameron Art Museum
- Cape Fear Museum
- New Anthem Beer Project
- North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
- Riverfront Farmers’ Market
- Wilmington Riverwalk
- Wilmington Water Tours
Charleston, SC
Last but certainly not least is Charleston, America’s “most beloved small city.” It’s easy to get swept away to a simpler time thanks to Charleston’s cobblestone streets, antebellum houses, and some of the oldest unrestored gardens in the country. Travelers return time and time again for the jaw-dropping plantation landscapes, divine gourmet cuisine, and bustling City Market. Although Charleston is 100 miles south of town, it’s by far one of the two best day trips from Myrtle Beach.
- Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
- Charleston City Market
- Charleston Culinary Tours
- Charleston Tea Plantation
- Fort Sumter
- Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
- McLeod Plantation Historic Site
- Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
- The Center for Birds of Prey
- The Charleston Museum
An Idyllic Ocean Resort in Myrtle Beach
Remember: Day trips from Myrtle Beach to Charleston or Wilmington require an early rise. Upon return to Myrtle Beach, take full advantage of the city’s live entertainment, hip beach bars, and thriving nightlife. The perfect hub for your mid-day adventures is Sands Resorts, home to the newly-rebranded North Shore Oceanfront Hotel and dazzling Sand Dunes Resort (and its splash-tastic water park). Please don’t hesitate to browse through our various money-saving specials, including inexpensive Myrtle Beach golf packages, before dialing 800-726-3783. Our team will swiftly match you with a guest room that suits your family’s size, style, and budget.