Written by Colin Tate
Colin writes for Dunes Realty, offering local insight and tips to help visitors plan their ideal stay on the Grand Strand.
Planning the perfect Grand Strand getaway often involves an all-too-familiar dilemma. You naturally look for easy access to the region’s famed entertainment hubs, but you also want a quiet, uncrowded beach to call your home base. This is exactly why Garden City Beach has become a favorite destination for visitors in the know.
Located just south of the main Myrtle Beach strip, Garden City offers a classic coastal experience. You’ll find quieter roads, family-friendly beaches, and plenty of top-notch seafood spots, all within a short drive of the coastline’s premier entertainment districts. In this guide, we’re taking a look at the top Myrtle Beach attractions and how staying in Garden City Beach can truly offer you the best of both worlds.
Ready to book your beach getaway? View our selection of Grand Strand vacation rentals now!
In This Article:
- Easy Drives to Myrtle Beach’s Top Attractions
- Why Stay in Garden City Beach Instead of Central Myrtle Beach?
- Ready to Plan Your Garden City Stay?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Easy Drives to Myrtle Beach’s Top Attractions
So, how far is Garden City, SC, to Myrtle Beach? In most cases, you’re looking at just a 15- to 25-minute drive to the city’s signature sights. Here are some of our favorite Myrtle Beach attractions to visit when staying in Garden City Beach.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and SkyWheel
Stretching a little over a mile along the oceanfront, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is an iconic must-see during any visit to the South Carolina coast. This lively promenade features ocean-view eateries, souvenir shops, and arcade rooms, all just up the road from Garden City. The easy 20-minute drive is perfect for grabbing dinner and enjoying an evening stroll by the water.
Located right along the boardwalk, SkyWheel Myrtle Beach is one of the coast’s most recognizable landmarks. The fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas rise nearly 200 feet above the shore, offering panoramic views you can’t get anywhere else. The structure’s colorful nighttime LED displays also make it a popular attraction for families with kids.
Broadway at the Beach
When looking for things to do in Myrtle Beach that appeal to every member of your group, Broadway at the Beach is an easy pick. This massive outdoor entertainment complex has something for everyone, with famous local restaurants, the Ripley’s Aquarium, and even fireworks displays throughout the summer.
With its location right along the Coastal Highway, the drive from Garden City to Broadway typically takes under half an hour, even during peak traffic times. The sheer variety of retail shops, candy stores, and family-focused entertainment found here makes it a top choice for big groups staying in the area.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Moving a little closer to home, the quiet natural beaches and maritime forests found at Myrtle Beach State Park offer a nice contrast to the city’s busier entertainment districts. This oceanfront park features scenic nature trails, shaded picnic areas, and educational ranger demonstrations just 15 minutes away.
It’s also a vital sanctuary for nesting loggerhead sea turtles, with park rangers offering guided walks at sunrise to look for turtle tracks and nests. While turtle activity isn’t guaranteed, the Sea Turtle Patrol is an excellent way to connect with the coast and learn more about these incredible animals.
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
While technically south of Garden City, no guide to top Myrtle Beach-area attractions is complete without including the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk. This wooden boardwalk runs along a natural saltwater estuary and is highlighted by waterfront seafood restaurants, regular live music performances, and on-site kayak rentals. Best of all, it’s only a quick 10-minute drive from Garden City beach.
Why Stay in Garden City Beach Instead of Central Myrtle Beach?
Picking where to stay along the Grand Strand is all about finding the best balance for your group. While staying in the middle of all the action in central Myrtle Beach is a perk for some travelers, many prefer the easygoing feel of Garden City instead.
One stand-out difference is the much quieter shoreline. Garden City’s beaches are primarily residential, with plenty of open beach space and a noticeable absence of high-rise condo complexes. These calmer stretches of beautiful South Carolina sands make a great environment for families who value space on their vacation.
Garden City Beach also offers a true best-of-both-worlds experience, with an overall level of convenience that’s hard to beat. If you ever find yourself wanting to venture out beyond the extensive restaurants and family-friendly things to do nearby, central Myrtle Beach draws are always within easy reach.
Ready to Plan Your Garden City Stay?
Featured Garden City Vacation Rental: Poppy’s Beach House
At Dunes Realty, we’d love to help you find the perfect place to call home during your Coastal Carolina stay. Whether you’re looking for a home with a private pool or a retreat where you can bring your four-legged friend, too, you’ll find something for every traveler type in our Garden City and Surfside Beach vacation rentals. View our available properties today and start planning your ultimate seaside escape!
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Garden City Beach from Myrtle Beach, SC?
Garden City Beach is located roughly 10 to 15 miles south of central Myrtle Beach. Depending on traffic and your specific destination, the drive typically takes between 15 and 25 minutes.
Is Garden City Beach quieter than Myrtle Beach?
Yes. Garden City Beach offers a more residential, family-friendly atmosphere with fewer high-rise hotels and less crowded beaches. Since it’s still just a short drive from many top Myrtle Beach attractions, it’s a popular pick for vacationers seeking a quieter home base.
Is the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk near Garden City Beach?
Yes! The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is typically only a 5- to 10-minute drive from Garden City Beach. It’s one of the closest and most popular hubs for waterfront dining, live music, and boat rentals.
How far is Garden City Beach from the Myrtle Beach Airport?
Garden City Beach is only about 10 miles south of Myrtle Beach International Airport. The drive is straightforward via US-17 and typically takes just 15 to 20 minutes.
