, you already know how convenient it is to get around the Grand Strand. But maybe you’ve done the local stuff a hundred times and you’re ready to hop in the car and explore a little farther.
This guide is all about
from Carolina Forest into nearby counties in South Carolina and North Carolina. All of these places are outside Horry County, and most can be reached in about 30–90 minutes, making them easy day trips.
We’ll explore fun things to do in:
Whether you’re into beaches, history, small towns, or just good food, there’s something here for you.
1. Sunset Beach, NC – Quiet Sand, Big Skies (Brunswick County)
If you love the beach but want to dodge the bigger crowds,
Sunset Beach in Brunswick County is a peaceful getaway about an hour from Carolina Forest, depending on traffic.
What makes it special? The vibe. It’s quieter, more laid-back, and feels a little like stepping back in time.
- Walk the Sunset Beach Pier – Try your luck fishing or just enjoy the long views over the Atlantic.
- Hunt for shells at low tide – Kids and adults both end up with pockets full of shells here.
- Catch an actual sunset – The name says it all; the sunsets can be amazing, especially on clear evenings.
I once headed up on a random Tuesday after work, got there in time for golden hour, and there were maybe a dozen people on the whole stretch of sand. It felt like I had my own private coastline.
2. Southport, NC – A Storybook Waterfront Town (Brunswick County)
If you’re into small coastal towns with old houses and sailboats in the harbor,
Southport is a must-do day trip from Carolina Forest.
Southport is about 1.5 to 2 hours away, so it’s doable as a long day trip or an easy overnight.
- Stroll the waterfront park – Shady benches, swings, and views of the river and passing boats.
- Explore antique and gift shops downtown – Great for souvenirs and local art.
- Take a ferry ride – The nearby ferry to Fort Fisher adds a fun twist if you want to extend your adventure.
Southport has been used as a filming location for movies and TV shows, and once you walk the streets with the live oaks and old homes, you’ll understand why.
3. Ocean Isle Beach, NC – Family-Friendly Fun (Brunswick County)
Another Brunswick County gem,
Ocean Isle Beach is a great road trip for families and anyone who likes a balance of relaxation and activities.
It’s usually about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes from Carolina Forest.
- Hit the wide, sandy beach – Plenty of room for beach games, umbrellas, and sandcastles.
- Visit the Museum of Coastal Carolina – A simple, kid-friendly stop with marine displays and local history.
- Enjoy casual seaside dining – Grab seafood with a view of the water.
If you’re tired of the same beach routine near home but don’t want a long drive, Ocean Isle is a sweet middle ground.
4. Lake Waccamaw, NC – A Quiet Lake Escape (Columbus County)
Looking for something
other than the ocean? Head inland to
Lake Waccamaw in Columbus County, NC. It’s a huge, almost perfectly round natural lake with a calm, laid-back feel.
You can usually get there in about 1.5 hours from Carolina Forest.
- Walk the state park boardwalks – See cypress trees, birds, and calm lake views.
- Have a picnic on the shore – Pack a cooler and enjoy the breeze off the water.
- Launch a kayak or canoe – The water is generally gentle and great for paddling.
If you’ve ever thought, “I just want trees, water, and quiet for a few hours,” Lake Waccamaw delivers exactly that.
5. Whiteville, NC – Small-Town Charm & Museum Stop (Columbus County)
Also in Columbus County,
Whiteville makes for a relaxed road trip when you’re in the mood for a low-key day.
It’s roughly an hour and 15 minutes away, give or take.
- Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences – Whiteville campus – A satellite location of the Raleigh museum, with hands-on exhibits and nature-focused displays.
- Walk around downtown – Classic small-town storefronts and local dining.
- Enjoy local diners and bakeries – Perfect for a simple, comfort-food kind of lunch.
This is the kind of place where you slow down, take your time, and just enjoy the change of pace from the busy beach areas.
6. Lumberton, NC – Riverfront Walks & History (Robeson County)
Head up I-95 and you’ll come to
Lumberton in Robeson County. It’s a convenient stop if you ever do longer road trips, but it also works as a stand-alone day trip from Carolina Forest.
Expect around a 1.5-hour drive, depending on your route.
- Walk the riverfront – The Lumber River offers peaceful views and a nice place to stretch your legs.
- Explore local history – Look for small museums or heritage centers that share the story of the region and Native American communities.
- Try local restaurants – You’ll find a mix of Southern comfort food and casual spots along the main routes.
It’s not flashy, but that’s part of the appeal. It’s a real North Carolina town with deep roots.
7. Dillon, SC – Buc-ee’s, Flo’s, and a Taste of I-95 Road Culture (Dillon County)
If you’ve heard people go on and on about
Buc-ee’s, this is your chance to see what the hype is about.
Dillon, South Carolina, in Dillon County, has become a bit of a road-trip curiosity thanks to its big travel stops.
From Carolina Forest, it’s usually about an hour and 15 minutes to Dillon.
- Check out Buc-ee’s – Massive gas station, dozens of pumps, wall-to-wall snacks, brisket sandwiches, and more.
- Stop by South of the Border (technically on the border) – Tacky? Yes. But also a classic roadside attraction with photo ops and quirky shops.
- Explore Dillon’s small downtown – Grab a meal or coffee away from the highway rush.
Is this a “traditional” scenic day trip? Not exactly. But if you enjoy Americana and road-trip culture, Dillon is a fun, easy drive.
8. Georgetown, SC – Historic Waterfront & Southern Charm (Georgetown County)
Less than 45–60 minutes from Carolina Forest,
Georgetown is one of the best
historic day trips you can take from the Myrtle Beach area.
It feels like a smaller, calmer Charleston with its old buildings and waterfront views.
- Stroll the Harborwalk – Boardwalk with boats, restaurants, and great views of the water.
- Tour historic homes and churches – The town dates back to the 1700s, and you can feel the history on almost every street.
- Visit local museums – Learn about rice plantations, maritime history, and regional culture.
If you like photography, come around late afternoon. The warm light on the old brick buildings and the harbor is gorgeous.
9. Pawleys Island, SC – Laid-Back Beach & Marsh Views (Georgetown County)
You’ve probably heard of
Pawleys Island as a quieter alternative to Myrtle Beach. It’s in Georgetown County and an easy 45-minute-or-so drive from Carolina Forest.
This is the place to go if you want a “nothing fancy, just simple beach life” kind of day.
- Relax on the beach – Fewer high-rises, more open sand and sea.
- Walk the causeway and marsh areas – See egrets, herons, and those classic Lowcountry marsh views.
- Browse shops on the mainland side – Pawleys has gift shops and boutiques perfect for easy browsing.
Pawleys has a saying: “Arrogantly Shabby.” Once you spend a day here, you’ll get what they mean—simple, relaxed, and not trying too hard.
10. Mullins, SC – Tobacco History & Small-Town Strolls (Marion County)
For something a bit different, head to
Mullins in Marion County, about an hour or so from Carolina Forest.
Mullins is known historically for tobacco, and you can still feel that agricultural story today.
- Visit the South Carolina Tobacco Museum – Learn how tobacco shaped the region and the lives of local families.
- Walk through the small downtown – Old storefronts, murals, and that quiet small-town feel.
- Look for local diners – Settle in for simple, no-frills, good Southern cooking.
It’s an easy, slower-paced trip that gives you a glimpse of rural South Carolina life beyond the tourist zones.
Tips for Road Trips From Carolina Forest
To make these short trips from Carolina Forest more enjoyable, here are a few simple tips:
- Leave earlier in the day to avoid heavy traffic, especially in summer beach season.
- Pack snacks and water even if you plan to eat out—small towns sometimes have limited hours.
- Check hours for museums and attractions ahead of time. Some close earlier on weekends or certain weekdays.
- Keep cash on hand for small shops, farmer’s markets, or parking.
Ready to Explore Beyond Carolina Forest?
Living near Carolina Forest means you’re in a perfect launching spot. In less than two hours, you can reach:
- Quiet North Carolina beaches
- Peaceful lakes and riverfronts
- Old Southern towns full of history
- Classic highway attractions and mega travel centers
So the next time you catch yourself saying, “There’s nothing new to do,” pick one of these
10 out-of-county road trips, fill up the gas tank, and go see what’s just beyond your normal routine.
Your turn:
Have you taken a favorite day trip from Carolina Forest into Brunswick, Columbus, Robeson, Dillon, Georgetown, or Marion County? Did I miss a spot you love?
Share your experiences in the comments and tell us where you went, what you did, and any tips you’d give first-timers. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for new things to do near Carolina Forest—sometimes the best adventures are just an hour down the road.
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