Visit Brookgreen Gardens, Myrtle Beach’s Premier Outdoor Attraction
Although Myrtle Beach is known for our pristine beaches and ideal coastal weather, sometime you just need a break from the salt and sand. However, you might still want to enjoy a sunny day outdoors with family and friends and if that is the case - a trip to Brookgreen Gardens is just what the doctor ordered. Located just south of Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet, this outdoor attraction boasts being the only public outdoor sculpture garden in the country. A national historic landmark, Brookgreen offers several breathtaking gardens, beautiful handmade sculptures scattered throughout the landscape, and even a lowcountry zoo, meaning that there is something for everyone here.
The sculpture gardens, beautifully landscaped and maintained, are obviously the main draw of this outdoor attraction. Begin your trip with a stroll down the Live Oak Allee, a scenic walk that takes guests through a path of ancient oaks draped with Spanish moss. The Fountain of the Muses is another “must see” area that features several depictions of Greek statues by Carl Milles in a flowing fountain. Get lost in the Brookgreen Labyrinth or get up close and personal with whispering wings in the Butterfly House. Be sure to bring along your camera to make the most of this scenic attraction and enjoy really taking in the scenery.
Children in particular love the Lowcountry Zoo, a unique area of the gardens that houses native animals in their natural habitats. All of the animals here were either bred and raised in captivity or have sustained an injury and are rehabilitated by the staff. Enjoy seeing everything from river otters, alligators, bald eagles, and marsh tacky horses to blue herons, red foxes, and Spanish goats. The zoo at Brookgreen Gardens is the only zoo in the Carolinas accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the most respected zoo organization in the country, and makes for an enjoyable and educational experience for all parties that visit.
In addition to all of these exciting attractions, Brookgreen also hosts a variety of fun, family friendly events throughout the year. The summer is full of live music, like their next scheduled concert- Surfin’ USA, a Beach Boys tribute band, playing the first weekend in September. Other popular events include their famous annual “Night of a Thousand Candles” tradition that takes place throughout the month of December and the “Harvest Home Weekend Festival” that features entertainment, scarecrows, pumpkins, and tons family friendly fun. These are just a few of the many events that Brookgreen hosts throughout the year - be sure to check their events calendar for more information.
Whether you are planning a short afternoon trip or a day full of exploration, Brookgreen Gardens is full of things to do. Enjoy strolling the landscaped alleys and taking in the beautifully crafted sculptures. Take a trip to the lowcountry zoo to see native animals in their natural habitats or get up close and personal with friendly butterflies at the butterfly house. All of this, in addition to their festive events throughout the year, make Brookgreen Gardens the ideal outdoor attraction when you are looking for a break from the sea and sand.
