Horry: Coast, Nature and History

Horry’s coastal forests, waterscapes and history create a wide range of travel experiences. Myrtle Beach State Park stretches along the Grand Strand coast in a maritime forest near the shore. It opened in 1936 as the first park in South Carolina’s state park system. In Little River, Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens lies along the Intracoastal Waterway on more than 115 acres of forest and wetlands. A section of the original Kings Highway, a colonial route between Boston and Charleston, is preserved there.

Coastal Forests and Distinctive Natural Areas

Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve contains the largest concentration of Carolina Bays in South Carolina. Its landscapes include pine savannas, blackwater swamp forests and a section of Socastee Swamp. This combination differs markedly from the maritime forest at Myrtle Beach State Park and showcases other facets of Horry’s landscape. In Horry County, Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge encompasses the lower reaches of the Waccamaw River.

Activities on the Water and on Land

Near Socastee, the Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail leads into the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway channel. Cox Ferry Recreation Area near Conway offers opportunities for paddling, mountain biking and hiking. Horry County Bike & Run Park is on the Intracoastal Waterway near River Oaks Drive in Carolina Forest; its parking lot serves as the East Coast Greenway’s first official trailhead in South Carolina. Conway Riverwalk provides access to the banks of the Waccamaw River.

These details offer different starting points for planning a day: Cox Ferry Recreation Area offers three activities, the Bike & Run Park is distinguished by the Greenway’s official trailhead, and Conway Riverwalk provides access to the riverbank. This makes it easier to decide whether to focus on land-based activities, paddling or the river when planning.

Cultural History on the Coast and Inland

Atlantic Beach was founded around 1934 as a coastal community for Black people who were denied access to other beaches in the region because of segregation. Atlantic Beach is one of the few coastal communities in the United States founded and governed by Black people. The coast’s history is also reflected in the development of the shag: the dance evolved from dancing in the pavilions of Myrtle Beach and other pavilions and was named South Carolina’s state dance in 1984. Between 1902 and 2006, four beach pavilions stood in Myrtle Beach or nearby, one after another. They were built by Burroughs & Chapin Co. or Myrtle Beach Farms Co.

Inland, different historical themes also shape the area’s communities. In the 1870s, Socastee was a major center for producing and distributing products of the naval stores industry, such as turpentine and tar. Socastee Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Galivants Ferry Historic District was added to the Register in 2001. The historic sawmill in Bucksport first operated as Pope’s Mill and was later renamed Buck’s Lower Mill.

Museum and Farm History

Horry County Museum is dedicated to the history, prehistory and natural history of Horry County, presenting these subjects through exhibits, educational programs and events. Its natural history exhibits include American alligators, American black bears, snakes and birds of prey. The Freshwater Aquarium illustrates life in local rivers and lakes.

L. W. Paul Living History Farm offers a different perspective on the past. It depicts life on a one-horse farm between 1900 and 1955. Visitors can experience life in a farming community during the period portrayed and see activities that were common on traditional family farms. The museum and farm therefore focus on different topics: the county’s history, prehistory and natural history at the museum, and everyday life in a farming community during a specific period at the farm.

Travel Planning Information

Visit Myrtle Beach information centers in the terminals at Myrtle Beach International Airport provide information and recommendations for visitors.

Discover more destinations: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Little River, Longs, Loris, Nichols, Richland.

For the broader travel overview: South Carolina.