10 Easy Road Trips From Myrtle Beach, SC: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Horry County
If you love Myrtle Beach but feel ready to explore a little farther, you’re in luck. Within about an hour or two, you can find small towns, quiet beaches, historic waterfronts, and some seriously good
Southern food.
The best part? These short road trips take you
out of Horry County and into nearby counties in both South Carolina and North Carolina, so you get a totally different vibe without a long drive.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Myrtle Beach, all in:
Each one makes a great day trip from Myrtle Beach for couples, families, or solo travelers.
1. Southport, NC – Waterfront Charm and Movie Locations (Brunswick County)
Approx. drive:
1 hour 15 minutes from Myrtle Beach
Head north into North Carolina and you’ll find
Southport, a sleepy little waterfront town that feels like a movie set… because it practically is. You’ve probably seen it in films and TV shows, and walking around, you’ll understand why.
- Stroll the waterfront: Walk along the riverfront, watch the boats, and feel the breeze off the Cape Fear River.
- Browse the shops: The downtown streets are lined with antique stores, boutiques, and small galleries.
- Walk the pier at sunset: Southport Pier offers calm views and great photos as the sky turns orange and pink.
I still remember the first time I visited Southport—everything just felt slower, in a good way. If you’re looking for a break from the crowds in Myrtle Beach, this is it.
SEO tip for planners: Search for “things to do in Southport NC” and you’ll find even more local museums and walking tours.
2. Oak Island & Caswell Beach – Quiet Beach Escape (Brunswick County)
Approx. drive:
1 hour 20 minutes
If you love the ocean but want something calmer than the busy Myrtle Beach strip, head to
Oak Island and nearby
Caswell Beach.
- Relax on the sand: These beaches are usually much less crowded, so you can actually hear the waves.
- Walk to the pier: Oak Island Pier is a classic spot for fishing, people-watching, and grabbing a snack.
- Visit the lighthouse: The Oak Island Lighthouse sits across from Caswell Beach and makes a great photo backdrop.
It’s the kind of place where you bring a chair, a cooler, and a good book—and stay all afternoon.
3. Ocean Isle Beach – Family-Friendly Island Vibes (Brunswick County)
Approx. drive:
1 hour
Just over the state line,
Ocean Isle Beach is a laid-back barrier island that’s perfect for families or anyone who wants a chill day near the water.
- Hit the beach: Wide, gently sloping sand makes it great for kids and casual swimmers.
- Visit the museum: The Museum of Coastal Carolina is small but surprisingly fun, with exhibits on local wildlife and shells.
- Grab ice cream: Walk to a local shop after the beach and enjoy a cone while you wander the island streets.
If Myrtle Beach feels like the big city, Ocean Isle feels like your small hometown at the shore.
4. Whiteville, NC – Small-Town Stroll and Local History (Columbus County)
Approx. drive:
1 hour 15 minutes
Looking for a quieter, more local vibe?
Whiteville in Columbus County offers small-town charm and a peek into everyday life away from the tourist trail.
- Downtown walk: Park the car and explore the historic downtown, with its brick storefronts and local shops.
- NC Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville: A branch of the state museum with kid-friendly exhibits and nature displays.
- Local diners: Grab lunch at a home-style restaurant where sweet tea flows non-stop and the portions are generous.
If you’ve ever wondered what small-town North Carolina really feels like beyond the beaches, this is an easy way to find out.
5. Lumberton, NC – River Walks and Road-Trip Break (Robeson County)
Approx. drive:
1 hour 20 minutes
Right off I‑95 in
Robeson County,
Lumberton makes a nice half-day trip from Myrtle Beach or a perfect stop if you’re continuing north or south.
- Riverwalk: Stretch your legs along the Riverwalk by the Lumber River, a state-designated Natural and Scenic River.
- Local parks: Find a playground or picnic table and enjoy an unhurried afternoon.
- Comfort food: This is prime territory for barbecue and Southern sides, so come hungry.
If you’re the type who loves to turn a simple drive into a mini adventure, Lumberton is an easy add to your Myrtle Beach trip.
6. Dillon, SC – Small Town, Big Antique Finds (Dillon County)
Approx. drive:
1 hour 10 minutes
Dillon sits just inland from the Grand Strand and has that classic Southern small-town feel—quiet streets, local shops, and friendly faces.
- Antique browsing: Pop into antique shops and thrift stores to hunt for vintage décor, old records, or that one quirky item you didn’t know you needed.
- Historic downtown: Take a slow walk past older buildings and grab coffee at a local café.
- Easy drive: The route from Myrtle Beach is simple and fairly relaxed, making this a low-stress outing.
If you enjoy “junking” or treasure hunting, Dillon can be a fun and unexpected stop.
7. Georgetown, SC – Historic Waterfront & Southern Charm (Georgetown County)
Approx. drive:
1 hour
Head south from Myrtle Beach and you’ll reach
Georgetown, one of the oldest towns in South Carolina. It has a completely different feel from the beach—more historic, more relaxed, and full of character.
- Harborwalk: Stroll the wooden boardwalk along the Sampit River, watch shrimp boats, and enjoy the breeze.
- Historic homes: Wander side streets lined with old houses, live oaks, and hanging moss.
- Museums and tours: Learn about the town’s rice-plantation past on a walking tour or in small local museums.
If you like Savannah or Charleston but want something smaller and less crowded, Georgetown might surprise you.
8. Pawleys Island, SC – Laid-Back Beach and Hammock Time (Georgetown County)
Approx. drive:
45–55 minutes
Just south of the Horry County line,
Pawleys Island is famous for its “arrogantly shabby” vibe—simple, low-key, and proud of it.
- Quiet beaches: Less commercial than Myrtle Beach, with wide sand and gentle waves.
- Hammock shops: This area is known for its rope hammocks; stop by a shop and maybe bring one home.
- Creek views: The marsh and creek side of the island is peaceful and beautiful at high tide.
Think of Pawleys as the “unplug” button on your vacation. This is where you slow down and breathe a little deeper.
9. Murrells Inlet & Litchfield Beach – Seafood and Marsh Views (Georgetown County)
Approx. drive:
35–45 minutes
While parts of Murrells Inlet and Litchfield aren’t far from Horry County, the heart of this area lies in
Georgetown County and feels like a different world from busy Myrtle Beach.
- Marshwalk: Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is lined with seafood restaurants and bars overlooking the water.
- Fresh seafood: This is “Seafood Capital of South Carolina” territory—try shrimp, oysters, or local fish.
- Litchfield Beach: Soft sand, dunes, and usually fewer crowds than the big resort areas.
It’s an easy half-day or evening trip: drive down, enjoy dinner on the water, watch the sunset, and head back.
10. Marion, SC – Classic Southern Town and Back-Road Scenery (Marion County)
Approx. drive:
1 hour
A short drive inland lands you in
Marion, a small South Carolina town with a charming core and that slow, friendly pace you only get off the beaten path.
- Historic downtown: Explore the old courthouse square, brick buildings, and local businesses.
- Local eats: Look for meat-and-three restaurants where you pick a meat and three sides—true Southern comfort food.
- Scenic back roads: The drive itself is part of the experience: fields, old barns, and quiet country views.
If you enjoy seeing “real” South Carolina beyond the vacation spots, Marion gives you that authentic small-town feel.
Tips for Planning Your Myrtle Beach Road Trips
- Start early: Many of these towns are best enjoyed in daylight for walking, photos, and exploring.
- Check hours: Small shops and museums in places like Whiteville, Dillon, and Marion may close earlier than big-city stores.
- Bring cash: Some small diners or roadside stands may be cash-only.
- Pack a “day-trip bag”: Sunscreen, water, a phone charger, a light jacket, and a small cooler go a long way.
Mix and match a couple of these stops if you like. For example, you can pair Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island in one day, or hit Georgetown and then continue south for more exploring.
What’s Your Favorite Day Trip From Myrtle Beach?
Now that you’ve seen some of the best
short road trips from Myrtle Beach into North and South Carolina, which one sounds most like your style?
- Quiet beaches in Pawleys Island or Oak Island?
- Historic streets in Georgetown or Southport?
- Small-town charm in Marion, Whiteville, or Dillon?
I’d love to hear from you.
Drop a comment with:
- Your favorite out-of-county day trip from Myrtle Beach
- Any hidden-gem spots I should add next time
- Questions about planning your route or timing
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a Myrtle Beach vacation. A simple share can turn an ordinary beach trip into a whole week of new discoveries just beyond Horry County.
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