Myrtle Beach Scenic Sightseeing and Coastal Attractions Day Trip
Scenic Sightseeing and Myrtle Beach Attractions
- Brookgreen Gardens — Murrells Inlet; begin with sculpture gardens, seasonal plantings, and Lowcountry scenery, morning, ~2.5 hours.
- Huntington Beach State Park — Murrells Inlet; walk the beach and marsh trails and view historic Atalaya Castle, late morning, ~1.5 hours.
- Seafood lunch in Murrells Inlet’s MarshWalk district — Murrells Inlet; choose a waterfront seafood restaurant for fresh coastal dishes, early afternoon, ~1 hour, approximately $20–40 per person.
- The Market Common — south Myrtle Beach; browse the landscaped shopping district and lakefront paths at an easy pace, afternoon, ~1.5 hours.
- SkyWheel Myrtle Beach — Myrtle Beach Boardwalk; enjoy panoramic views over the ocean and Grand Strand near sunset, late afternoon, ~45 minutes.
- Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade — downtown Myrtle Beach; finish with a relaxed stroll among classic seaside attractions, evening, ~1 hour.
Morning
Start at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet when it opens—typically 9:30 a.m.; check the October schedule and admission, usually around $20–30 per adult. Allow about 2½ hours for the sculpture gardens, seasonal plantings, and Lowcountry trails, and wear comfortable shoes since the grounds are extensive. Drive about 10 minutes to Huntington Beach State Park, where a $8–10 vehicle entry fee generally applies. Spend roughly 1½ hours walking the beach and marsh trails and touring Atalaya Castle if open; the castle may have separate admission and seasonal hours, so verify before leaving.
Lunch and Afternoon
Head north about 10 minutes to the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk for an early seafood lunch, ideally around 1 p.m. Waterfront restaurants such as Wicked Tuna or Drunken Jack’s offer local seafood and marsh views; budget approximately $20–40 per person, and expect a wait at peak lunch time. Afterward, drive about 20 minutes north to The Market Common, where you can browse the landscaped shopping district and take an easy walk around Grand Park and its lakefront paths. Most shops run roughly 10 a.m.–8 p.m., while the outdoor paths remain pleasant later; this is a good place for coffee or a short break before the busier boardwalk.
Sunset and Evening
Continue about 10–15 minutes to the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, allowing around 45 minutes for parking, boarding, and the ride. Tickets commonly cost about $18–25 per adult, and sunset is popular, so arriving 30 minutes early helps—especially if October’s shorter daylight puts golden hour near closing time. Finish with a relaxed one-hour stroll along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, enjoying the arcades, classic seaside attractions, and oceanfront lights; choose casual dessert or a drink along the way rather than trying to fit in another formal meal.
