07/17/2025Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, comfortable year-round temperatures, and array of family-friendly attractions and fun things for adult visitors to do. With so many appealing options, it’s no wonder the Grand Strand is one of the most popular travel destinations on the East Coast. For those planning a Myrtle Beach getaway, the fun doesn’t have to begin and end at the city limits—or at the South Carolina state line. To make your journey part of the adventure, you can work in a few visits to top attractions along your route, especially if you’re driving. Some of the best places to stop along the way during a road trip to Myrtle Beach include Brookgreen Gardens; Conway and Georgetown, SC; and Wilmington, NC.
Whether you should fly or drive to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, depends on where you’re coming from, how quickly you need to get there and back, and your level of tolerance for time spent on the road (or in airports). In general, if you’re within a 5- or 6-hour drive of the Grand Strand, we suggest you hop behind the wheel and plan some fun stops to make along the way.
Here are the approximate drive times from East Coast and Midwestern cities where a Myrtle Beach road trip is within reason, plus popular travel destinations to stop at along the way:
Possible stops (and the top attractions) between New York City and Myrtle Beach include:
Possible stops between Atlanta and the Grand Strand include:
Possible stops between Boston and Myrtle Beach include:
Possible stops between Chicago and Myrtle Beach include:
Possible stops on a road trip from Detroit to Myrtle Beach include:
Depending on where you’re driving from, some of the nearby attractions to the north, south, and west of the city may be right on your Myrtle Beach road trip route. Even if they’re not, these top Grand Strand destinations are worth adding time to your drive—or making a day trip while you’re in the area.
Located just south of nearby Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens offers a blend of art, nature, and history that makes it well worth a stop. This 9,000-acre property features one of the country’s largest outdoor sculpture gardens, beautifully landscaped walking trails, and the Lowcountry Zoo.
The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is a lively waterfront boardwalk known for its fresh seafood, laid-back vibe, and scenic views of the adjacent salt marsh. Plan a stop on your road trip (or day trip) to stroll the half-mile wooden path, enjoy a drink or meal at one of the destination’s many open-air restaurants, and catch some live music in the evenings.
Located just inland from Myrtle Beach (and right on the way to the coast for many road trippers), Conway offers a charming small-town escape with a walkable historic downtown and riverfront views. Stroll the scenic Waccamaw Riverwalk, explore local shops and cafés, or visit the Horry County Museum to learn about the area's heritage.
Georgetown is a picturesque harbor town rich in history and Southern charm. Its downtown waterfront features brick-lined streets, boutique shops, and seafood restaurants overlooking the Harborwalk. Here, you can tour historic homes, visit the Rice Museum, or take a boat cruise to explore the surrounding rivers and plantations.
Wilmington is a vibrant riverfront city with a rich mix of history, culture, and beach-town energy—and it’s located less than two hours from Myrtle Beach. Stroll the scenic Riverwalk, explore the Battleship North Carolina, or wander through the shops and cafés in the historic downtown.
No matter where your Myrtle Beach road trip begins, let it end at Coral Beach Resort & Suites. Our oceanfront resort is the perfect place to call home while you’re visiting the Grand Strand, offering a convenient location, spacious and comfortable rooms and suites, and a long list of amenities to sweeten the stay (including an on-property water park and multiple pools). Explore our availability and book your vacation on the South Carolina coast today!