If you’re planning a vacation to the shores of South Carolina, you’re probably wondering about the best things to do near Myrtle Beach. Of course, you’ll want to spend some time relaxing on the beach, indulging in some delicious seafood, and searching for that one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home with you. But there’s one destination that shouldn’t be left off of your itinerary: Brookgreen Gardens.
This attraction is a blast for the entire family and is the perfect place to spend a day of your trip!
About Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is a truly spectacular space offering stunning surroundings and fascinating history around every corner. The gardens are constantly changing with the seasons, offering a new experience every time you visit! Come for a simple stroll through the gardens to check out the beautiful sculptures or enjoy one of the various programs and events that are constantly happening throughout the year. Either way, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience and have some great memories of the stunning nature you’ve witnessed.
History
Brookgreen Gardens traces its history back almost 100 years to its founding in 1931. Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington purchased property in South Carolina in 1930 to serve as an escape for Anna, who had recently been diagnosed with tuberculosis. The property, known as Atalaya Castle or simply Atalaya, had more than 9,000 acres in the total estate.
Anna Hyatt Huntington was a world-renowned sculptor. While she recovered from tuberculosis, she wanted a place to display her works. Part of the property was used to build Brookgreen Gardens, the country’s first public sculpture garden. Today, the tradition continues. This establishment is still the biggest and most comprehensive collection of American figurative sculptures in the United States.
Of course, Brookgreen Gardens as a whole has expanded to include a beautiful botanical garden, a massive Lowcountry History, and Wildlife Preserve, and the fun Lowcountry Zoo! All of these attractions are enough to keep your family entertained for the entire day and might even warrant more than one visit!
Zookeeper for a Day Program
If you have an animal lover in your group, be sure to sign them up for the Zookeeper for a Day program at the Lowcountry Zoo! Guests ages 12 and up will get an up-close look at what it’s like to work inside of a zoo as they work directly with experienced zookeepers to feed, clean, and care for the animals on the property.
All animals within the Lowcountry Zoo have been either bred and raised in captivity or were majorly injured and couldn’t survive in the wild. This experience is a great way to get up close to the animals and learn what it takes to keep them safe and healthy when they can’t fend for themselves in the wild.
This experience does require reservations in advance and costs $150.
Special Events
While there are tons of unique programs that happen regularly at the Brookgreen Gardens facilities, there are also some special events throughout the year. These events only come around every so often, so it’s definitely worth planning to attend if you happen to be in town while one is going on!
Annual Art Festival
Each year in the summertime, Brookgreen Gardens holds its Annual Art Festival. This event serves both as a fundraiser for Brookgreen Gardens and the local artists and artisans that have work on display during the event. You can see everything from paintings to sculptures to pottery, home décor, stained glass, photography, and so much more! Best of all, many of the artisans even have items for sale that you can purchase right there at the event.
Summer Music Festival
Brookgreen Gardens also holds an annual Summer Music Festival, bringing talent acts to the Azalea Concert Field almost every weekend from mid-June through early August. You can catch a performance each night from Wednesday through Saturday from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. These concerts are free with the price of admission to the gardens and allow you to bring a chair, relax, and enjoy the musical acts from around the area. Typically, Brookgreen Gardens also brings food trucks and has refreshments available for purchase. If you’re visiting in the summer, this is one event you truly don’t want to miss!
Plan Your Visit
After a long day exploring everything there is to see at Brookgreen Gardens, you’ll be ready for some well-deserved rest! Head back to our Myrtle Beach rentals to relax and unwind with the ones you love most. At Ocean Breeze, we’re proud to offer a wide range of vacation rentals that are sure to suit any group, whether you’re in town for a romantic getaway or a fun family vacation. Not sure which property is right for you? Contact us today, and our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you. We can’t wait to hear from you!
General Info
Brookgreen Gardens is located at 1931 Brookgreen Drive in Murrells Inlet, just south of Myrtle Beach. The facility is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. One of the best parts of a trip to Brookgreen Gardens is that your tickets are valid for seven consecutive days, so you can visit again and again within the span of a week and not be made to pay every single day! Adult admission costs $18, seniors (65 and over) cost $16, children ages 4-12 cost $10, and children 3 and under get in for free.
Pets other than service animals are not permitted inside Brookgreen Gardens. If you are traveling with a pet, Brookgreen Gardens has partnered with a nearby doggie daycare that can watch your pet while you explore the grounds! You can park for free with your paid admission, and there is even designated parking for RVs.
Where to Eat
With so much to do at Brookgreen Gardens, you’re bound to get hungry while you explore. Luckily, you don’t even have to leave the grounds to find a great bite to eat.
Rainey Galleries
Located near the Rainey Galleries, you’ll find Harvest Restaurant, offering everything from soups and small plates to bigger entrees for a full meal. They serve all kinds of Southern classics like fried green tomatoes, Southern dip sandwiches, and their famous fried grouper sandwich. Harvest Restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Courtyard Café
Within the Wall Lowcountry Center Courtyard is the Courtyard Café, a quick stop for those who just want a small snack or want to grab something to go. You’ll find a wide range of snack foods, deli sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, cold soft drinks, and some alcoholic beverages. The Courtyard Café is open daily from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The Old Kitchen
Finally, The Old Kitchen can be found at the end of Live Oak Alleé. This eatery is a great spot for slowing down and enjoying a delicious, quick meal with a stunning view of the gardens. On the menu, you’ll find all kinds of salads, sandwiches, light refreshments, beverages, and desserts. The Old Kitchen is open daily from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
