The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Charleston, SC to Garden City Beach, SC
Charleston, SC, and Garden City Beach, SC, are two popular vacation destinations in South Carolina. A road trip from Charleston to Garden City Beach offers a great opportunity to experience the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Lowcountry. The trip takes about two hours and includes several highlights, such as the halfway point of McClellanville, SC, a charming town known for its seafood restaurants and historic buildings.
Top Five Things To Do
Explore Boone Hall Plantation
Boone Hall Plantation is a historic plantation located in Mount Pleasant, SC. It has a rich history dating back to 1681 and was once a booming farm that produced cotton, pecans, and peaches. Today, Boone Hall welcomes visitors to explore its grounds and learn about its history. The plantation also has a butterfly pavilion, an antebellum slave quarter, and a Gullah theater experience. Visitors should not miss the Avenue of Oaks that leads to the plantation house, which has been featured in many films and TV shows.
Interesting Fact: The Avenue of Oaks is made up of 88 live oak trees that are more than 250 years old.
Take a Walk Through Francis Marion National Forest
Francis Marion National Forest is a vast, 259,000-acre wilderness located in Berkeley County, SC. This forest has many outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. Visitors can enjoy a scenic drive through the forest, find secluded spots for a picnic, or hike one of the many trails that wind through the forest, offering stunning views of the surrounding marshes and wetlands.
Interesting Fact: The forest is named after Francis Marion, a famous Revolutionary War hero.
Visit Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
The Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is located in Mount Pleasant, SC, and offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore naval history. Visitors can tour the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, the destroyer USS Laffey, and the submarine USS Clamagore. In addition, visitors can visit the museum's Medal of Honor Museum, the Vietnam Experience Exhibit, and the Cold War Memorial for a complete historical experience.
Interesting Fact: The USS Yorktown played a significant role in World War II, serving in the Pacific theater and earning eleven battle stars.
Discover Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is a beautiful sculpture garden located in Murrells Inlet, SC. The garden covers over 9,000 acres and includes more than 2,000 sculptures from 425 artists. Visitors can take guided tours of the garden, stroll through the sculpture walk, or explore the Lowcountry history and nature exhibits. There are also boat tours and a zoo offering unique experiences.
Interesting Fact: Brookgreen Gardens is the largest collection of American figurative sculpture in the world.
Relax at Garden City Beach
Garden City Beach is a seaside town located south of Myrtle Beach, SC. Visitors can enjoy 12 miles of beautiful sandy beaches, swim in the Atlantic Ocean, or take a stroll along the pier. The beach is also home to many restaurants and shops, offering visitors a chance to relax and unwind after a day's worth of activities.
Interesting Fact: The average temperature in Garden City Beach is 75 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a perfect vacation destination year-round.
Conclusion
The road trip from Charleston, SC, to Garden City Beach, SC, is a great way to explore the beauty of the Lowcountry. With a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, there is something for every type of traveler. From learning about the history of Boone Hall Plantation to walking through the forest at Francis Marion National Forest, visitors will have an unforgettable experience. The trip takes about two hours, but there are so many opportunities to enjoy along the way that travelers should plan to take their time and savor every moment.