Area Attractions

Atalaya (Murrels Inlet)
Atalaya Rd, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 • atalayacastle.com
Atalaya, meaning “watchtower” in Spanish, was built near the Atlantic Ocean in northeastern South Carolina by industrialist and philanthropist Archer M. Huntington and his wife, the sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, and now lies within present-day Huntington Beach State Park. The location was chosen as a milder winter retreat for the health of Anna Huntington, who suffered from tuberculosis from the mid-twenties to the mid-thirties. The 40,000 square foot home covers nearly one acre — the living quarters consisting of 30 rooms around three sides of the perimeter. The studio includes a 25-foot skylight that opens onto a small, enclosed courtyard where Mrs. Huntington would work on her sculpture. The exteriors of many of the windows feature hand-wrought iron grills designed by Mrs. Huntington were installed along with shutters for protection against hurricane winds. This exquisite home was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1992 and can be enjoyed with self-guided audio or docent-led tours.

Huntington Beach State Park (Murrells Inlet)
16148 Ocean Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
huntingtonbeachstatepark.net
843-237-4440
Pristine beaches, the finest bird-watching on the East Coast, the chance to see endangered plants and animals up close, and endless options for outdoor activities make this 2,500-acre state park located at the southern end of the Myrtle Beach Area a great item to add to your itinerary. Get your lines wet with ocean jetty fishing, access the inlet, marshes, and back bays via a boat ramp, get the blood running on a two-mile or ¼ mile hiking trail, and stay the night camping.

Myrtle Beach State Park (Myrtle Beach)
4401 South Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
myrtlebeachstatepark.net
843-238-5325
You would never expect to find an oceanfront 312-acre state park in the heart of one of the east coast’s major tourist destinations. Donated in 1934 by Myrtle Beach Farms, this state park offers nature tours, engaging programs, and educational programs surrounding the natural resources of the park. Nature trails, equestrian trails, bike paths, an ocean fishing pier, and tent and RV camping in the oceanfront woods just 300 yards from the beach are just the beginning.

Pawleys Island Historic District (Pawleys Island)
321 Myrtle Ave, Pawleys Island, SC 29585-6215
One of the oldest summer resorts on the East Coast, Pawleys Island has developed an old-time charm that still remains from its roots in the early 1700s. Remaining today are 12 residences in the historic district, which date from the late 1700s to the mid- 1800s. In the historic district, signs describe brief histories of the antebellum homes. Known for its shoeless, carefree, laid-back lifestyle, Pawleys locals and visitors alike enjoy activities that include crabbing in local creeks, fishing, ghost stories, lounging in hammocks, and an abundant stretch of wide beach and sand dunes. Pawleys Island abounds with simple virtue. Pawleys Island is a barrier island nearly four miles long and for the most part only one house-wide. The island, set apart from the mainland by an exquisite salt marsh, can be accessed by two short causeways – a physical marker of entering a time long gone, filled with peace and contentment.

Museums

Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum (Myrtle Beach)
3100 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC myrtlebeachartmuseum.org
843-238-2510
The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand’s only art museum. Since 1997, it has stood as a beacon of culture for residents who visit from Horry and Georgetown counties, as well as for thousands of visitors from throughout our state, country, and world.

Georgetown County Museum (Georgetown)
120 Broad Street at The History Center
georgetowncountymuseum.com
843-545-7020
Preserves and displays over 300 years of history and culture. Get a close look at Native American artifacts, relics of local plantation culture (clothing, toys, slave bills). Learn about the rice culture and the lumber industry. 60 minutes, $2-$4

Horry County Museum and L.W. Paul Living History Farm (Conway)
805 Main Street, Conway, South Carolina 29526
HCGMuseum@horrycounty.org
843-915-5320
The Horry County Museum currently serves the people of Horry County and its visitors through the presentation of exhibits on the history, prehistory, and natural history of the county at the museum’s main location. The majority of the museum’s collections are stored at the Main Street location and include a highly acclaimed photographic collection as well as historic artifacts documenting the unique history and culture of Horry County. The L.W. Paul Living History Farm is a branch of the Museum.

Kaminski House Museum (Georgetown)
1003 Front St., Georgetown, SC, 29440 • kaminskimuseum.org • 843-546-7706
A beautiful waterfront colonial home open to the public. From the promise of the colonial period to the difficulties of the Civil War and Reconstruction to the current day, the site serves as a backdrop to the growth and changes in the Georgetown area. 60 minutes. $7 - Group discounts available.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum (Mount Pleasant)
40 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 • patriotspoint.org • 843-884-2727
Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum strives to preserve the living history of our nation’s bravest men and women while telling their stories in honorable, educational and engaging ways. Explore a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships, including the USS YORKTOWN, Cold War Memorial and the only Vietnam Support Base Camp in the U.S.

The Gullah Museum (Georgetown)
123 King Street, Unit 7, Georgetown, S.C. 29440 • gullahmuseumsc.com • 843-527-1851
The Gullah Museum and Gullah O’oman Shop educate visitors about the history of the Gullah people inhabiting the southeastern Atlantic coastal region of the United States. The Gullah still practice their own language, cuisine and observances. In the heart of Pawleys Island, the museum and shop are a must stop shop stop for handcrafted items in the Gullah tradition – sweetgrass baskets, artisan quilts, Gullah clothing and toys.