2025 Garden City Nature Spots Guide

The Russell Burgess Coastal Preserve is a quiet and scenic refuge that offers a front-row seat to one of the most captivating natural environments along the Grand Strand. Situated beside the Cherry Grove Marsh, this small park provides a peaceful retreat where visitors can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the coastal Lowcountry.

Nature and art lovers will find endless winding trails and tranquil gardens to enjoy at Brookgreen Gardens, a sprawling outdoor attraction set on a 9,100 acre property that is a masterpiece of decadent sculpture gardens, wildly natural local habitats, and even the Lowcountry Zoo, a crowd pleaser for visitors of all ages. With millions of ways to spend the day in this enchanted Grand Strand destination, visitors will be treated to breathless landscapes, wild local residents, and an arsenal of incredible experiences and memories to take back home.

Myrtle Beach fans may be surprised to learn that this shoreline has a quiet side, but visitors who want to soak up a natural coastal South Carolina landscape will find plenty of pristine and undeveloped room to roam at the Myrtle Beach State Park. Located along the oceanfront, just south of the Grand Strand's famed Ocean Blvd, and just north of the town limits of Surfside Beach, this surprisingly large parcel of maritime forest and quiet ocean beaches is a rare treat and a gem of a find for outdoor lovers who simply want to relax and soak up Myrtle Beaches' definitely quieter natural scene.

Garden City Beach in South Carolina is a laid-back, family-friendly coastal destination that offers the perfect mix of beachside charm and classic seaside fun. Located just south of the more bustling Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach areas, Garden City has long been cherished for its quiet atmosphere, gentle waves, and welcoming community vibe. It’s a place where vacationers can truly slow down, savor the moment, and reconnect with the simple pleasures of life by the sea.

The Fun Plaza on Ocean Blvd. lives up to its name as one of the most entertaining North Myrtle Beach attractions inside and out. Located just steps away from the oceanfront, and easy to get to for both area resort guests and beach goers, the classic open air plaza has been a North Myrtle Beach hang-out and entertainment center for generations - a legacy that is still evident by both its retro decor and old school arcade games.

Apache Pier is one of the most iconic and well-loved fishing piers on the Grand Strand. Known for being the longest wooden pier on the East Coast, it stretches far out over the Atlantic Ocean, offering visitors a classic coastal experience steeped in both tradition and fun. Whether you're here to fish, stroll, listen to live music, or just take in the panoramic ocean views, Apache Pier delivers a vibrant yet laid-back seaside atmosphere.