Historic sites near North Myrtle Beach offer amazing stories from the past that will make your beach vacation even more special. At Salty Stay, we love helping our guests discover the rich history that surrounds our luxury vacation rentals. Our properties like Waves Of Fun, Seas The Day, Salt Life, and Tiki Time are perfectly located to give you easy access to fascinating historic places that tell the story of coastal South Carolina.
From our oceanfront rentals, you can easily explore centuries-old plantations, historic churches, and military sites that shaped this beautiful region. After spending the day learning about local history, you’ll love returning to your luxury beach home with spectacular ocean views, pools, hot tubs, and game rooms. Let’s explore the best historic sites that are just a short drive from your Salty Stay vacation rental!
Must-Visit Historic Sites Near North Myrtle Beach
1. Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens stands as one of the most incredible historic sites you’ll ever visit! This amazing 9,100-acre wonderland was created in 1932 on four former rice plantations. You’ll walk through the nation’s first public sculpture garden while discovering the fascinating stories of the families who lived here centuries ago.
The gardens feature over 1,500 sculptures by American artists, but the real magic happens when you explore the remains of the old rice plantations. You can see where enslaved people once lived and worked, with historic markers and audio recordings that tell their powerful stories. The Lowcountry Zoo and indoor galleries add even more to your visit.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
💵 Price Level: Mid-range
📍 Location: 1931 Brookgreen Gardens Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
📞 Contact: (843) 235-6000
⏰ Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Learn more about Brookgreen Gardens
2. Atalaya Castle
Get ready to explore a real castle by the sea! Atalaya, meaning “watchtower” in Spanish, was built between 1931-1933 as a winter home for sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband Archer. This 30-room Moorish architecture masterpiece looks like something from a fairy tale.
Walking through the empty brick rooms and Anna’s massive sculpture studio feels like stepping back in time. You can imagine the famous artists and writers who once visited this magical place. The castle is now part of Huntington Beach State Park, making it easy to combine your historic visit with beach time.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
💵 Price Level: Budget-friendly (park admission required)
📍 Location: Huntington Beach State Park, 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet
📞 Contact: (843) 237-4440
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (5:00 PM during Daylight Savings)
Learn more about Atalaya Castle
3. Charlie’s Place Historic Site
Charlie’s Place tells an amazing story that will give you goosebumps! From the 1930s to 1960s, this was where the biggest names in music came to play. We’re talking about legends like Billie Holiday, Dizzy Gillespie, and Little Richard who performed at this club on the Chitlin Circuit during segregation.
The city has done an incredible job preserving this important piece of history. You can see the renovated clubhouse and learn about how these brave musicians helped create the beach music scene that North Myrtle Beach is famous for today. It’s a powerful reminder of how music brings people together.
⭐ Rating: 4.9/5
💵 Price Level: Free
📍 Location: 1420 Carver Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
📞 Contact: Check with Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation
⏰ Hours: Check local schedule for tours
4. Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens
Step into a piece of Revolutionary War history at Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens! This beautiful 115-acre nature preserve was once home to the Vereen family, who actually hosted George Washington himself. You can still see remnants of Kings Road, the old highway that connected Charleston to Boston.
The peaceful walking trails lead you through ancient live oaks to the family cemetery and historic gravesites. The views of the Intracoastal Waterway are breathtaking, especially at sunset. It’s the perfect place to combine history with nature.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
💵 Price Level: Free
📍 Location: 2250 SC-179, Little River, SC 29566
📞 Contact: (843) 249-4157
⏰ Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
Learn more about Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens
5. Pine Lakes Country Club
Golf lovers will be amazed to learn that Pine Lakes Country Club is the birthplace of Sports Illustrated magazine! In April 1954, publishing executives from Time magazine came to this beautiful clubhouse for a marketing conference to plan the launch of their new sports magazine.
The clubhouse, known as the “Grandaddy” of Myrtle Beach golf, is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in the area. You can see memorabilia from that famous conference and learn about Myrtle Beach’s Golf Hall of Fame, with bronze markers telling the story of each inductee along the course.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
💵 Price Level: Mid-range to luxury
📍 Location: 5603 Granddaddy Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
📞 Contact: (843) 315-7700
⏰ Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
Learn more about Pine Lakes Country Club
6. Historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum
This powerful museum tells the important story of education during segregation. The original building served African American students from 1932 to 1953. When alumni couldn’t save the old building, they worked with the city to create this replica museum that honors their school’s memory.
The museum shows how teachers and students overcame the challenges of segregation with courage and determination. It’s an important reminder of how far we’ve come and why education matters so much. The exhibits help visitors understand this difficult time in history.
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
💵 Price Level: Free (donations appreciated)
📍 Location: 900 Dunbar St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
📞 Contact: Check with local historical society
⏰ Hours: Check schedule for tours
7. Warbird Park
History buffs will love exploring Warbird Park, which honors the military history of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. This park features three authentic military aircraft on static display that represent different eras of the base’s history from World War II through Desert Storm.
The newest addition is an impressive World War II Memorial with beautiful artwork and colorful lights at night. Walking through the park, you’ll see numerous historic markers telling the stories of the heroes who served here. It’s also a great place to watch planes take off from the nearby airport.
⭐ Rating: 4.9/5
💵 Price Level: Free
📍 Location: Farrow Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
⏰ Hours: Open daily
8. Original Pawley’s Island Rope Hammock Shop
Since 1938, this charming shop has been making world-famous Pawley’s Island hammocks! The hammock-making tradition started in the late 1800s when riverboat captain Joshua John Ward created the first rope hammock to stay cool during hot summer nights.
The best part is watching the hammock weaver’s studio demonstrations. You’ll meet artisans who have been making these masterpieces for decades. The shop also has wonderful restaurants and other shops, making it a perfect place to spend an afternoon learning about local craftsmanship.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
💵 Price Level: Mid-range
📍 Location: 10880 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
📞 Contact: (843) 237-9122
⏰ Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Learn more about Original Pawley’s Island Rope Hammock Shop
9. Prince George Winyah Episcopal Church
This beautiful church in Georgetown has an incredible history dating back to the 1750s. Prince George Winyah Episcopal Church has survived two wars, with enemy troops actually keeping horses in the pews! Despite damage from wartime and weather disasters, the church has been rebuilt and remains a significant historic landmark.
The Georgian architecture is stunning, and sanctuary tours help you understand the role this church played in colonial and early American history. The peaceful atmosphere and historic cemetery make this a meaningful place to visit and reflect.
⭐ Rating: 4.9/5
💵 Price Level: Free tours
📍 Location: 300 Broad St, Georgetown, SC 29440
📞 Contact: (843) 546-4358
⏰ Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Learn more about Prince George Winyah Episcopal Church
10. Kaminski House Museum
The Kaminski House has been a Georgetown landmark for over 240 years! This beautiful two-story home was built during the reign of King George III and features incredible Georgian architecture. Inside, you’ll find amazing collections of 18th and 19th century American and European furnishings.
The observation deck is especially cool – this is where the sea captain’s family would watch the river for their loved one’s ship to return to port. The guided tours bring the stories of Georgetown’s maritime past to life in a very personal way.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
💵 Price Level: Budget-friendly
📍 Location: 1003 Front St, Georgetown, SC 29440
📞 Contact: (843) 546-7706
⏰ Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Learn more about Kaminski House Museum
11. Rice Museum
Did you know that Georgetown County once produced nearly half of America’s rice? The Rice Museum tells the fascinating story of how rice was “king” in this area during the 1840s. The museum is housed in Georgetown’s first building to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The exhibits include maps, artifacts, and displays that show how rice plantations shaped the entire region. You’ll learn about the incredible skills of enslaved Africans who brought rice-growing knowledge from their homeland and made these plantations successful.
⭐ Rating: 4.4/5
💵 Price Level: Budget-friendly
📍 Location: 633 Front St, Georgetown, SC 29440
📞 Contact: (843) 546-7423
⏰ Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Learn more about Rice Museum
12. Hopsewee Plantation
Hopsewee Plantation is where history comes alive! Built around 1740, this former rice plantation was the birthplace of Thomas Lynch Jr., who signed the Declaration of Independence. Walking through these historic grounds feels like stepping back to colonial America.
The plantation offers guided tours and hands-on activities like traditional sweetgrass basket weaving workshops taught by Gullah Geechee descendants. The beautiful gardens and historic buildings help you understand what life was like for both the wealthy plantation owners and the enslaved people who worked the rice fields.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
💵 Price Level: Mid-range
📍 Location: 494 Hop Sewee Rd, Georgetown, SC 29440
📞 Contact: (843) 546-7891
⏰ Hours: Check website for seasonal schedule
Learn more about Hopsewee Plantation
Tips for Exploring Historic Sites
From our experience hosting guests at Salty Stay, here are our best tips for making the most of your historic adventures:
Plan Your Route Wisely: Many of these sites are clustered around Georgetown and Murrells Inlet, about 30-45 minutes south of our North Myrtle Beach properties. Plan to visit several sites in one day to make the most of your time.
Bring Comfortable Walking Shoes: Sites like Brookgreen Gardens and Vereen Memorial Gardens involve quite a bit of walking on trails and paths. Comfortable shoes will make your experience much more enjoyable.
Check Seasonal Hours: Many historic sites have different hours depending on the season. Call ahead or check websites to avoid disappointment, especially during winter months.
Take Advantage of Guided Tours: While you can explore most sites on your own, guided tours at places like Hopsewee Plantation and Prince George Winyah Episcopal Church provide fascinating details you might otherwise miss.
Make it a Multi-Day Adventure: Consider spreading your historic site visits across multiple days. This way, you can fully enjoy each location without feeling rushed, and you’ll have plenty of time to relax at your Salty Stay property between adventures. Check out our properties page to see how our luxury amenities make the perfect complement to your historic explorations.
Combine History with Nature: Many sites like Brookgreen Gardens and Vereen Memorial Gardens offer both historic significance and beautiful natural settings. Bring a camera and plan for photo opportunities!
Wrapping Up Your Historic Journey
Exploring historic sites near North Myrtle Beach adds so much depth to your beach vacation! From the artistic wonders of Brookgreen Gardens to the powerful stories at Charlie’s Place, each location offers unique glimpses into the rich heritage of coastal South Carolina.
What makes these historic adventures even more special is having the perfect place to return to after each day of exploration. At Salty Stay, our luxury vacation rentals provide the ideal balance to your cultural discoveries. Picture yourself sharing stories about your day’s adventures while relaxing in our game rooms, unwinding in oceanfront hot tubs, or enjoying spectacular sunrise views from your private balcony.
Our properties like Waves Of Fun, Seas The Day, Salt Life, and Tiki Time are strategically located to give you easy access to all these historic treasures while providing the luxury accommodations and modern amenities that make your vacation truly unforgettable. After walking through centuries-old plantations and exploring historic churches, you’ll appreciate coming home to our comfortable spaces designed for large groups and memorable gatherings.
Ready to combine history with luxury beach living? Book your stay with us today and start planning your historic adventure through coastal South Carolina. Visit saltystay.com to reserve your perfect vacation rental!
Frequently Asked Questions
What historic town is near Myrtle Beach?
Georgetown is the closest historic town to North Myrtle Beach, located about an hour south of our Salty Stay properties. As South Carolina’s third oldest city, Georgetown offers incredible historic sites including the Rice Museum, Kaminski House, and beautiful churches dating back to the 1750s. From our luxury vacation rentals, you can easily plan day trips to explore this charming historic port town.
What Civil War battlefields are near Myrtle Beach?
While there aren’t major Civil War battlefields right near North Myrtle Beach, you can visit Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie in Charleston, about two hours south. These historic sites mark where the Civil War began. Closer to our area, many of the rice plantations like those at Brookgreen Gardens have Civil War history, and the area’s churches and historic homes have fascinating stories from that era.
Is there anything to do in North Myrtle Beach besides historic sites?
Absolutely! North Myrtle Beach offers amazing beaches, water sports, live entertainment, and family attractions. From our Salty Stay properties, guests can enjoy parasailing, fishing at Cherry Grove Pier, exploring North Myrtle Beach attractions, and discovering beautiful nature trails. Our luxury vacation rentals also feature pools, game rooms, and direct beach access for endless entertainment.
Does Myrtle Beach have a historic area?
Yes! The Myrtle Beach Downtown Historic District includes 24 commercial buildings from the original downtown core, now called the Arts & Innovation District. You can also visit historic spots along Ocean Boulevard like Peaches Corner (since 1937), The Bowery (since 1944), and the Fun Plaza arcade. These historic landmarks blend perfectly with modern attractions in the Boardwalk Entertainment District.
How far are these historic sites from Salty Stay vacation rentals?
Our North Myrtle Beach properties are perfectly located for historic site exploration! Most sites are within 30-60 minutes of our luxury vacation rentals. Closer attractions like the North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum and Vereen Memorial Gardens are just 15-20 minutes away, while Georgetown’s historic district and Brookgreen Gardens are about 45-60 minutes south. This convenient location lets you explore history during the day and return to oceanfront luxury in the evening.
What makes staying at Salty Stay special when visiting historic sites?
After days filled with historic exploration, you’ll love returning to our luxury vacation rentals with spectacular ocean views, pools, hot tubs, and spacious game rooms. Our properties like Waves Of Fun, Seas The Day, Salt Life, and Tiki Time accommodate large groups and offer first or second-row beach access. Check out our area guide to discover how we help guests plan the perfect combination of historic adventures and beachfront relaxation.
