North Myrtle Beach Museums, Gardens, Zoos & More

About Myrtle Beach > Attractions > Museums & Interesting Places

There's lots to see and do in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. While you and your family are here enjoying your beach vacation, be sure to check out these fun and educational attractions. All are within an easy drive of your North Myrtle Beach vacation rental home or condominium. See map of Myrtle Beach Museums, Gardens and Interesting Places.

From Little River south to Pawley's Island and Georgetown, the Myrtle Beach area has plenty to offer history and nature afficianados. There are dozens of plantations dating back to the Revolution or before to visit. Some of the best North Myrtle Beach family vacations can be learning experiences, too! It's wonderful to take a bit of the local lore home with you to share with friends and family. Spend a few hours, a day or more basking in the nature and history of the Myrtle Beach area lowcountry. Some suggested places of interest include:

Battleship USS North Carolina - Standing with quiet dignity and majesty across the river from downtown Wilmington, the Battleship North Carolina beckons visitors to walk her decks and envision daily life as well as fierce combat faced by her young crew in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Be sure to visit the Ship's Store for books, gifts, nautical items and apparel. A wonderful, educational day trip for all. (910) 251-5797

Brookgreen Gardens - A day trip to Brookgreen Gardens in Murrell's Inlet should be on everyone's "must do" list. Brookgreen is the country's oldest and largest sculpture garden with over 550 works of American figurative sculpture art on display. In addition to one of the most beautiful public gardens in the Southeast, you'll find a Low Country Trail with native wildlife as well as historical and cultural exhibits. (843) 235-6000

Children's Museum of South Carolina - Come "Touch, Explore and Play" while learning about your world through interactive exhibits and programs. It's a learning Fun-for-All! (843) 946-9469

Franklin Burroughs-Simeon Chapin Art Museum - Located in Springmaid Beach on the south end of Myrtle Beach, the Museum is the Grand Strand's home for contemporary art, showcasing the works of living artists and dedicated to furthering the visual arts in northeastern South Carolina. Two unique, regionally significant displays are housed here - The Waccamaw Arts and Crafts Guild Collection and The Bishop Collection of Antique Maps and Prints. (843) 238-2510

Gullah O'oman Shop - This unique shop features the best of the low country's crafts - Gullah collectibles, story quilts, sweetgrass baskets, African artifacts, arts and more. Tours, lectures and seminars on Gullah history and culture, too. Pawleys Island, S.C. (843) 235-0747

Hobcaw Barony - This natural preserve and wildlife refuge was once the winter residence of presidential advisor Bernard Baruch and is open to the public via guided tours. You'll see the mansion where he hosted President Franklin Roosevelt and Sir Winston Churchill, the grounds and stables of Bellefield Plantation, ride through a slave street and stroll along a salt marsh boardwalk. Georgetown, S.C. (843) 546-4623

Hopsewee Plantation - Step into a cool, still spot in history... a National Historic Landmark and birthplace of Thomas Lynch, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Built in 1740, this typical low country rice plantation house is a preservation rather than a restoration as it was never allowed to fall into decay. Located on the North Santee River just south of Georgetown, S.C. (843) 546-7891

Huntington Beach State Park - The best preserved beach on the strand along with the park's freshwater lagoon, salt marsh and maritime forest are outstanding examples of the state's natural environment and beauty, providing prime habitat for various birds and wildlife. The park is also the site of Castle Atalaya, the former winter home of noted American sculptress, Anna Hyatt Huntington. Near Brookgreen Gardens. (843) 237-4440

Ingram Planetarium - The Ingram Planetarium and Science Center in Sunset Beach, NC, is a state-of-the-art facility offering planetary and astronomy programs and hands-on exhibits for all ages. Visitors find themselvews immersed in a 360 degree sound and light phenomenon unlike any other. (910) 575-0033

Kaminski House Museum - Built around 1769, this well-preserved home contains an outstanding collection of 18th and 19th century American and British antiques. Located in the heart of Georgetown's Historic District. Georgetown, S.C. (843) 546-7706

La Belle Amie Vineyards - The only operating vineyard in the Myrtle Beach area. Visit the Tasting Room for a sample of their private label wines and a variety of gourmet foods. Relax in a rocking chair on the front porch, have a glass of chilled chardonnay and enjoy the serenity of the farm. Hosts assorted festivals - Big Band, Jazz, Bluegrass, and more. Be sure to visit the gift shop for a wide array of wine, accessories, and unique items. (843) 399-9463

The Rice Museum - This excellent Museum of Art & History's exhibits include dioramas depicting the rice culture and the Brown's Ferry Vessel from the 1730s. The Prevost Art Gallery hosts a rotating art show. Georgetown, S.C. (843) 546-7706

Waccatee Zoo - A delightful experience and relaxing escape for the entire family. The Waccatee Zoological Farm is located among 500 acres of carefully preserved woodlands and along the winding trails you'll find more than 100 species of animals - all treated with loving care. While touring you may spot a colorful macaw, a dromedary camel, water buffalo, zebra, kangaroo, snowy egret, and more. (843) 650-8500

North Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach Family Fun Adventures, Wonders & Tours

Alligator Adventure - Wild, educational and fun - Naturally! You'll find yourself face to face with nature's fiercest and most beautiful animals. Located adjacent to Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, it is one of the largest facilities for reptile life in the world. During your visit, you'll be guided through fascinating natural marshes where you'll encounter an amazing array of reptiles, lizards, turtles, giant frogs and exotic birds from around the world. (843) 361-0789

MagiQuest - The game lives on... You, a Wand & Adventure. A vast 20,000 square foot realm with cutting edge technology and over 150 dazzling wand-effects. Highly interactive and outrageously fun for teens, kids and adults. Located at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, S.C. (843) 913-9460

Ripley's Aquarium - This $40 Million state-of-the-art 87,000 square foot aquarium experience is South Carolina's most visited attraction. You'll see a freshwater Rio Amazon exhibit with species unique to the rain forests, a collection of delicate undersea life in the Living Gallery, schooling fish, menacing sharks, and more. (843) 916-0888

Ripley's Believe It or Not!
If you have an interest in the strange, the unusual, the interesting, the odd, or just plain weird - you've come to the right place. Eye-catching illusions, clever animation, and intriguing effects enhance a fascinating experience. You WILL be amazed. (843) 448-2331

Ripley's 4-D Moving Theater - This unique theater system combines a high impact 70mm film experience with computer controlled hydraulic seats that move in conjunction with the action on screen. A dynamic surround sound system and extra large screen bring the "ride" to life as you are thrust into the 4-D picture, feeling every bump, dip and turn. (843) 626-0069

Ripley's Haunted Adventure - An unbelievably scary tour of the old Grimsby & Streaper Casket Company, a firm run by the two men until they mysteriously disappeard - somewhere on the grounds. Come and explore your nightmare. You might not make it out! (843) 916-4240

T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station - Interactive conservation at its best at this free wildlife exhibit and living tiger museum. Visit the 50 acre preserve, home to over 50 big cats. Meet "Bubbles" the African elephant, tigers, apes, falcons and more. Have your photo taken with soem of the most beautiful animals in the world. Photo proceeds go toward the care and maintenance of these animals and their relatives in the wild. Located at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. (843) 361-4552

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