About
One look out the window on your drive into Myrtle Beach will tell you about the area's natural beauty. But a trip to Brookgreen Gardens will cement its magnificence into your memory.
Since its inception in 1931, Brookgreen Gardens—founded by Archer Huntington and his wife Anna—has actively worked to collect, exhibit, and preserve American sculpture and the flora and fauna of the Southeast.
Sitting on 9,127 acres, the Brookgreen Gardens is massive, playing host to all of the beauty of the Southeast. Guests may stroll down the Live Oak Allée, with its 250-year-old oak trees dotting the path, or tour the Carolina Terrace Garden and take in the perennials and roses. Wherever you go, you're sure to be surrounded by picture-perfect wonders.
The Brookgreen Gardens are more than breathtakingly curated flora. There's also the Lowcountry Zoo that's fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
One of only five in the state, the Lowcountry Zoo hosts several native species, including alligators, a butterfly house, and red foxes. The zoo offers daily interactive exhibits with the animals!
As an accomplished and award-winning sculptor, Anna Huntington helped curate and exhibit the Brookgreen Gardens' first sculptures. Since then, Brookgreen Gardens has been one of the country's foremost hubs of American Sculpture! With three outdoor galleries and over 2,000 works by 430 artists, it'll be easy to get lost in the beauty.
Brookgreen Gardens offers guided excursions for those who wish a deep dive into the history and grandeur of the area!
The Creek Excursion is a guided cruise on a 43-foot pontoon boat searching for alligators. The Trekker Excursion takes guests on a trip through some of South Carolina's oldest history, visiting an earthen fort and graveyard.
Fun Facts and Cool Features
Brookgreen Gardens hosts many exceptional special events throughout the year in the Myrtle Beach area! Examples are the Eagles tribute concert and the Nights of a Thousand Candles, a romantic evening featuring drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and candlelit strolls along garden paths.
Brookgreen also hosts workshops for those who want to learn something new about horticulture and all the possibilities gardens provide!
And if you are hungry during regular hours, Brookgreen Gardens has some fantastic options to satisfy that appetite!
Visitors to the Lowcountry Center can savor traditional and not-so-traditional tastes of Americana with sandwiches, hot dogs, smoothies, and more.
After strolling the Live Oak Allée, enjoy a delicious quiche while relaxing on the Old Kitchen's porch. For more traditional fare, try the full-service menu at the Harvest Restaurant.
Getting There
From Myrtle Beach, drive south on US-17 for roughly 17.5 miles.
Turn right onto Atalaya Rd/Brookgreen Garden Dr and follow signs for Brookgreen Garden at Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.
Local Tips
- Brookgreen Gardens hosts sculptors-in-residence who exhibit their process to the public. Be sure to witness the process of some of America's finest art!
- The Creek Excursion is popular and sells out quickly. Check the website for tickets as soon as possible to ensure your spot.
- If you're looking for a gorgeous venue for a big party or wedding, Brookgreen Gardens is available! Check out the website for more info!
