You've booked an incredible vacation to Garden City Beach, and you're having the time of your life with your beach activities! But did you know that there are several amazing day trips you can take from Garden City Beach, too? That's right! Dunes Realty vacation rentals are conveniently located near several fantastic destinations that are definitely worth exploring. Whether you choose to embark on a family trip to Myrtle Beach, a culinary tour of Charleston, or visit historical Georgetown, you'll discover several exciting day trips to enjoy from your Dunes Realty vacation rental.
Myrtle Beach
Distance from Garden City Beach: 10.6 miles, or about 22 minutes.
If you’re looking for a fun day trip for your family, then Myrtle Beach is the perfect choice. While the beach itself is undoubtedly a draw, there are other reasons to visit and explore the city!
The Boardwalk and SkyWheel
First and foremost, the 1.2-mile-long boardwalk is a sensation all to itself! It has oceanfront views mixed with tons of shops, games, live music, and restaurants, giving you lots to see and do. Grab an ice cream with the kids and take a nice, long walk, soaking in all the sights and sounds that you can only find in a lively and vivacious beach town.
Next, take a ride on the SkyWheel! This Ferris wheel has 42 glass-enclosed gondolas and operates all year round, giving you an amazing view of the ocean and the city. It’s the perfect way to catch the sunset!
SkyWheel Experience
- Cost: From $20.99 per person
- Location: 1110 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 12 AM
Ripley’s Aquarium
Another option is to visit Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach. This interactive underwater museum allows you to immerse yourself in marine life. Explore the world of rays, turtles, sharks, penguins, hundreds of species of fish, and much more. Your kids and you will be awestruck by the wonder of life under the water.
- Cost: $39.99 for 12+, $26.99 for ages 6-11, $14.99 for ages 3-5.
- Location: 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
- Hours: 9 AM – 11 PM
- Phone: (843) 916-0888
Georgetown
Distance from Garden City Beach: 25.3 miles or about 36 minutes.
For history buffs, Georgetown is a must. Georgetown is the third-oldest city in South Carolina! It's a wonderful place to take a stroll, enjoy its oak-lined streets, and explore its museums and stores.
Support Small Businesses
Did you know that there are no major chain stores in the Historic Georgetown Downtown District? Yep, only locally owned and operated businesses! And there are over two dozen stores to choose from! So go ahead, window shop, browse, pick up a souvenir, and know that you are supporting local entrepreneurs, artists, and artisans.
Here are some stores we recommend:
- Rice Birds: Visit Rice Birds and peruse pottery, souvenirs, home decor, and more at this charming little gift shop.
- The Cottage: The Cottage is a local network of artisans who sell their crafts and wares from this retail outlet. You can bring back something truly unique from this store!
- Art Harbor Gallery: The Art Harbor Gallery is an art gallery that sells the work of local fine artists and painters. If you are looking for the next piece to put on your wall, then this is the place to go.
Interesting Museums
There are several museums that you can visit in Georgetown that provide a glimpse into its history!
- The Kaminski House: The Kaminski House museum was built in 1769 and has an enormous collection of American and English antiques.
- The Rice Museum: The Rice Museum is dedicated to the history of rice agriculture, providing fascinating insight into one of the most popular foods.
- The South Carolina Maritime Museum: The South Carolina Maritime Museum sheds light on Georgetown’s maritime past, making it a great stop for nautical nerds!
Harborwalk and Front Street
After you’re done shopping and exploring museums, visit the Harborwalk! This wooden boardwalk along the waterfront provides a lovely place to stroll along the water with views of the river. Then, when you’re ready to eat, pop over one block to Front Street, where you will find over 20 restaurants serving everything from shrimp and grits to sushi! Take a walk, browse menus, and make your pick!
Charleston
Distance from Garden City Beach: 85.4 Miles or about 1 hour and 50 minutes.
About 2 hours south of Garden City Beach is the magical city of Charleston, SC! This day trip is one of our favorites, due to Charleston’s mix of history, architecture, and incredible food.
Historical Sights
You can start your day with a walk through Charleston’s cobblestoned historic district and enjoy the pastel-colored homes along a stretch of road known as Rainbow Row. If you’re interested in getting a more in-depth look at Charleston’s history, we have some recommendations:
- Walks of Charleston: Walks of Charleston is a guided 2-hour walking tour that takes you to Rainbow Row, the French Quarter, and South of Broad. Seeing the city with a guide opens your eyes to so many interesting facts!
- International African American Museum: The International African American Museum celebrates African American history. It is located at a historic shipping wharf where about 40% of the nation’s enslaved individuals arrived, providing a meaningful way to explore this enormous part of America's history.
- Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie: Two forts, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie, are located at the entrance of Charleston Harbor. Fort Moultrie is where patriots defeated the Royal Navy in 1776, and Fort Sumter is where the Confederacy opened fire on the US Garrison, starting the U.S. Civil War. This is another must-see for history buffs!
The Food Scene
We’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about Charleston’s food scene. Whether you are looking for seafood or southern classics, this city has it all. We’ve compiled a few faves for you!
- Husk: Husk serves up southern food made with craft, care, and local ingredients. But remember to make your reservations as soon as possible!
- Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar: Enjoy some delicious seafood right on the water at Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar! This laid-back spot is all about serving up the catch of the day, fresh oysters, crab cakes, seafood towers, and a whole lot more.
- Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit: You’ll love this breakfast place! Callie's Hot Little Biscuit is known for deliciously buttery biscuits that will leave you wanting more.
Book Your Garden City Beach Vacation Today
Featured Rental: Cowabunga 2
Now that you’ve read about some amazing day trips from Garden City Beach, it’s time to book your vacation! Dunes Realty has numerous lovely vacation rentals just waiting for you. Our properties offer all the amenities you could possibly hope for.
From rentals with pools to homes with oceanfront views to properties with an easy walk to the beach, we have something for everyone! Our homes have full kitchens, making it easy to cook meals and bring picnics to the beach whenever you please. Plus, our dog-friendly homes allow you to bring your best friend with you on vacation. It doesn’t get much better than that!
So, when you’re ready to book your next beach vacation, choose Dunes Realty. We look forward to your visit!
