Horry County Topographic Map
Introduction
Horry County is located in the northeastern part of South Carolina and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, mountains, and historical landmarks in the region. It is a destination that caters to everyone from families to solo travelers, adventure seekers to history buffs, and beach lovers to outdoor enthusiasts. In this travel guide, we will explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports in Horry County.
Top Attractions
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is the top attraction in Horry County and is known for its sandy beaches, boardwalk, and amusement park. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Myrtle Beach is also home to several golf courses, water parks, and museums.
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is a National Historic Landmark that features a sculpture garden, wildlife preserve, and botanical garden. Visitors can take a guided tour of the gardens, attend a concert or exhibition, or participate in a workshop or class.
Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium is a popular attraction that features a variety of marine life such as sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. Visitors can walk through a tunnel that runs through a large tank filled with fish, watch a live mermaid show, or attend a feeding demonstration.
Hidden Gems
Waccamaw River
The Waccamaw River is a hidden gem that offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of Horry County. Visitors can rent a kayak or canoe and paddle down the river, fish for bass and catfish, or hike along the riverbank.
Huntington Beach State Park
Huntington Beach State Park is a hidden gem that features a pristine beach, salt marsh, and maritime forest. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park, go birdwatching, or attend a nature program.
Food Scene
Seafood
The seafood in Horry County is a must-try for any food lover. Visitors can try local specialties such as shrimp and grits, crab cakes, and oyster roasts. Some of the best seafood restaurants in Horry County include Sea Captain’s House, The Wicked Tuna, and Bimini’s Oyster Bar.
Barbecue
Barbecue is another popular cuisine in Horry County. Visitors can try local favorites such as pulled pork, smoked brisket, and ribs. Some of the best barbecue restaurants in Horry County include Sticky Fingers, Big D’s Barbecue, and Little Pigs Barbecue.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Visit State Parks
State parks in Horry County offer visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the region at an affordable price. Admission to most state parks is only a few dollars per person and visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.
Take a Walking Tour
Many cities and towns in Horry County offer free walking tours that allow visitors to explore the local history and architecture. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or attend a guided tour led by a local expert.
Outdoor Adventures
Golf
Horry County is known for its world-class golf courses and is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts. Visitors can play on courses designed by famous golfers such as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, or take a lesson from a local pro.
Fishing
Fishing is another popular outdoor activity in Horry County. Visitors can fish for bass, catfish, and trout in the Waccamaw River or go deep-sea fishing in the Atlantic Ocean.
Historical Landmarks
Atalaya Castle
Atalaya Castle is a National Historic Landmark that was once the winter home of industrialist Archer Huntington and his wife, sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle, attend a music or art festival, or participate in a workshop or class.
Horry County Museum
The Horry County Museum is a historical landmark that features exhibits on the local history and culture of Horry County. Visitors can see artifacts such as Native American pottery, Civil War relics, and vintage clothing.
Family-Friendly Activities
WonderWorks
WonderWorks is a family-friendly attraction that features interactive exhibits on science, technology, and art. Visitors can ride a 360-degree virtual roller coaster, experience a hurricane simulator, or play laser tag.
Myrtle Waves Water Park
Myrtle Waves Water Park is a family-friendly attraction that features a variety of water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Visitors can spend a day relaxing in the sun or experiencing the thrill of a water slide.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Conway Riverwalk
The Conway Riverwalk is a hidden gem that offers visitors a chance to explore the local history and culture of Horry County. Visitors can walk along the riverbank, visit local shops and restaurants, or attend a music or art festival.
Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens
The Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens is a hidden gem that features a variety of native plants, wildlife, and historical landmarks. Visitors can hike along the trails, fish in the creek, or attend a nature program.
Natural Wonders
Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach State Park is a natural wonder that features a pristine beach, salt marsh, and maritime forest. Visitors can hike along the trails, swim in the ocean, or attend a nature program.
Alligator Adventure
Alligator Adventure is a natural wonder that features a variety of alligators, crocodiles, and other reptiles. Visitors can attend a feeding demonstration, watch a live show, or hold a baby alligator.
Vibrant Nightlife
Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is a popular destination for nightlife in Horry County. Visitors can enjoy a variety of bars, restaurants, and clubs, or attend a concert or exhibition.
Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing is another popular destination for nightlife in Horry County. Visitors can enjoy a variety of bars, restaurants, and clubs, or attend a concert or exhibition.
Local Markets
Myrtle Beach Farmers Market
The Myrtle Beach Farmers Market is a local market that features a variety of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts. Visitors can shop for local specialties such as honey, cheese, and jam.
Conway Farmers Market
The Conway Farmers Market is another local market that features a variety of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts. Visitors can shop for local specialties such as bread, coffee, and soap.
Beaches and Mountains
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is a popular beach destination in Horry County and is known for its sandy beaches, boardwalk, and amusement park. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are a popular mountain destination in Horry County and offer visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the region. Visitors can hike along the trails, enjoy scenic views, or attend a music or art festival.
Cultural Immersion
Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor
The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor is a cultural immersion experience that offers visitors a chance to learn about the Gullah Geechee culture and history of Horry County. Visitors can attend a music or art festival, participate in a workshop or class, or take a guided tour.
Native American Experience
The Native American Experience is a cultural immersion experience that offers visitors a chance to learn about the Native American culture and history of Horry County. Visitors can attend a powwow, participate in a workshop or class, or take a guided tour.
Art and Music Scene
Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum is a cultural institution that features a variety of contemporary and traditional art. Visitors can attend an exhibition, participate in a workshop or class, or take a guided tour.
Horry County Topographic Map