Best Historic Sites in Myrtle Beach

Located on the first floor of the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, this display features portraits and exhibits of famous South Carolina historical figures, including eight of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and a Nobel prize winner. John C. Calhoun, Andrew Jackson, Apollo astronaut Charles M. Duke, Robert Mills and Dizzy Gillespie are just some of the personalities featured here. Other interesting members include Ronald McNair, the nation's second African-American astronaut who died in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy and controversial baseball figure "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, who was banned from the majors following his involvement in the Black Sox scandal.

This 18th century rice plantation serves as a relic to a different time in the area's rich history. The old plantation home was the birthplace of Thomas Lynch Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a prominent figure in South Carolina history. The beautiful main house and out buildings are nestled on the North Santee River where it flows into the historic port of Georgetown. Tours are available during regular business hours year round, and by appointment for large groups or special occasions. The on-site Tea House is a great place for a refreshing drink and light lunch.

One of the first acts of early European settlers to the area was to construct a church similar to those from their Anglican roots, and they spared no expense in carving this masterpiece out of the South Carolina swamplands. Constructed around 1750, builders used the bricks and stones taken from British ships for ballast to create this church that has stood the test of time, war and hurricanes. Prince George Winyah Episcopal Church has quite an interesting history. In fact, the cemetery behind the church is one of the oldest in South Carolina, with one marker dating back to 1767.

The historic port city of Georgetown offers a treasure trove of pre-Revolutionary War homes and plantations, but none hold the historical significance and preservation of the Kaminski House. Once belonging to one of the first families to settle the South Carolina coast, the Kaminskis willed this 1760's sea captain's home to the city of Georgetown for use as a museum. Filled with priceless antiques, this enormous estate also features observation deck that overlooks the North Santee River, presumably to watch for the father's ship coming to port. Pick up a souvenir from the gift shop located in the old butler's quarters.

Learn about the rich history of the Grand Strand area from its humble beginnings as a logging and railroad town to one of the top tourism destinations in the world. Displays feature old photographs and documents that tell the story of how early settlers made a hard-scramble living off the land before making the transition to a tourism-based economy. But this Conway-based museum features much more than human history. The natural history of the region is fascinating for its unique bays and wide range of wildlife, which includes displays of bears, alligators and other creatures. The museum also offers changing exhibits of local, regional and national significance.

Travel just north of Myrtle Beach on Highway 17 into the Little River community and you'll see a sign for this 115-acre park and designated wildlife refuge. The trails and boardwalks extend into the salt marshes and pass by a Civil War cemetery and the old homestead of the Vereens, one of the area's founding families. The natural scenery is breath-taking, featuring beautiful salt marshes and small islands, with a gazebo overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway with the Little River waterfront in the distance. A wide observation deck extends into the waterway and allows for some excellent photo opportunities of birds and other wildlife. The view is great and the cost is free.

In 1718, King George II granted a barony (12,000 acres of land) here to John Lord Carteret, who remained the owner until 1730. Since then, the land has had various owners and uses, giving it quite an interesting pedigree. Today it's a 17,500 acre wildlife refuge used for college-level research. Criss-crossed by over 100 miles of dirt roads, the property is easy to get lost on, so the only way to see it is via a guided tour, a fascinating outing that appeals to both history and nature buffs. Located about 1 mile north of Georgetown and 35 miles south of Myrtle Beach.

History never looked so fun as a trip to the Pavilion Nostalgia Park, a smaller but memory-provoking version of the old Pavilion that served as the centerpiece of downtown Myrtle Beach for decades. Located at the popular Broadway at the Beach complex, this miniature theme park features rides that generations of visitors used to ride at the Pavilion, such as the century-old Herschell Spillman carousel that stands as a testament to another era. Other rides include the Pirate Ship, the Wave Swinger and the Caterpillar. There are also plenty of rides for younger children, like the Tea Cups and Kiddie Boat Ride. Other attractions include an arcade, carnival-style food and drinks and a miniature golf course.

Located inside pristine Huntington Beach State Park, this grand home of Archer and Anna Huntington was built in 1931 in the style of the same-named Spanish castle/Moorish fort. Self-guided tours of the grounds are available daily and free of charge with park admission. Stroll the brick-lined hallways and enjoy the beach view from the iron-rod hurricane windows. The interior of the castle features a courtyard filled with wildflowers and palmetto trees, creating a lovely place for weddings and special events. The beach is only a short walk through the sand dunes and sea oats so visitors can explore while taking a break from a day on the beach.

The beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry is in full bloom at Brookgreen Gardens, a 9,100-acre property located about 15 miles south of Myrtle Beach. Visitors can stroll through the many sculptures, fountains and flowers and take a break in the shade of giant live oak trees that pre-date the U.S. Constitution. This former rice plantation also features boat rides through the marshes and a zoo featuring alligators, birds and other creatures native to South Carolina. A new butterfly pavilion exhibit allows visitors to get up close and personal with various species of butterflies. This is Lowcountry nature at its best.