The South Carolina coast has a way of slowing time. Salt breezes and live oaks define the rhythm here—from the Atlantic surf of Myrtle Beach to the pastel mansions and church steeples of Charleston. In a week, you can savor boardwalk fun, quiet tidal creeks, solemn history, and meals you’ll talk about for years.

Founded in 1670, Charleston is a living museum layered with Gullah-Geechee heritage, Revolutionary and Civil War sites, and one of America’s most celebrated dining scenes. Myrtle Beach, the centerpiece of the Grand Strand, began as a 20th-century seaside escape; today its 60-mile shoreline, entertainment theaters, and golf courses draw families and friends back season after season.

Expect sunshine most of the year, with late-summer humidity and a June–November hurricane season (check forecasts). Pack light layers, comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection. Seafood shines up and down the coast: think she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, oysters, and Hoppin’ John—a Lowcountry staple with deep roots.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach means easy ocean access, sunrise strolls, and a lively boardwalk. If you’re staying at Camelot by the Sea on Ocean Boulevard, you’re steps from the sand and a short walk to the SkyWheel and classic beach eats.

Beyond the Boardwalk, explore Broadway at the Beach for attractions and dining, then head south to Murrells Inlet for waterfront sunsets and nearby Brookgreen Gardens—a sublime sculpture garden tucked among centuries-old live oaks.

• Top sights: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade, SkyWheel, Broadway at the Beach, Brookgreen Gardens, Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet MarshWalk.
• Local flavors: she‑crab soup at Sea Captain’s House, dayboat fish at Hook & Barrel, Austrian comfort at Café Old Vienna, craft beer at New South Brewing.
• Good to know: The beach is busiest midday; aim for early mornings and golden-hour evenings.

Where to stay (browse and compare): VRBO Myrtle Beach | Hotels.com Myrtle Beach

How to get here: Fly into MYR (Myrtle Beach International). Compare fares on Trip.com (Flights) or Kiwi.com. Many routes are nonstop from East Coast hubs; typical fares range ~$120–$300 roundtrip depending on season.

Day 1: Arrival, Boardwalk, and Ocean Breezes

Afternoon: Arrive in Myrtle Beach and check in (Camelot by the Sea or nearby oceanfront). Stretch your legs along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Grab a late lunch at ART Burger Sushi Bar—try the Firecraker burger or a tuna roll with a nitrogen-frozen milkshake—right on the ocean.

Evening: Settle into seaside mode with dinner at Sea Captain’s House, a 1930s cottage-turned-restaurant famous for she‑crab soup, shrimp and grits, and ocean views. Cap the night with a SkyWheel ride for a softly lit panorama, then a beach walk under the stars.

Day 2: Broadway at the Beach and a Night at the Theater

Morning: Coffee and benedicts at Croissants Bistro & Bakery (house-roasted coffee, kouign-amann, praline French toast). Hit the sand for a swim or a sunrise stroll if you’re up early.

Afternoon: Head to Broadway at the Beach for attractions and people-watching. For lunch, go local at The Grumpy Monk (broad beer list, sushi, and Southern pub fare) or King Kong Sushi if you’re craving rolls. Browse specialty shops and consider Ripley’s Aquarium if traveling with kids.

Evening: Dinner at Hook & Barrel, known for sustainable seafood—order the smoked oysters and dayboat catch. Afterwards, see a show at The Carolina Opry Theater (music and variety; check schedules). Nightcap at New South Brewing—grab a pint of their White Ale.

Day 3: MarshWalk, State Park, and Brookgreen Gardens

Morning: Drive 25–30 minutes to Huntington Beach State Park for quiet shoreline and birdlife; tour Atalaya Castle, the Moorish-style 1930s winter home of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington. Breakfast en route at Blueberry’s Grill (lemon ricotta pancakes or shrimp and grits).

Afternoon: Wander Brookgreen Gardens—a nationally renowned sculpture garden in a live oak allée. For lunch, continue to Murrells Inlet MarshWalk: try Drunken Jack’s (seafood platters) or The Claw House (raw bar and local beers) overlooking the marsh.

Evening: Stay for sunset music on the MarshWalk and dine at Wicked Tuna (sushi and wood-grilled fish). Back in town, satisfy your sweet tooth at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar—over-the-top mason jar creations perfect for a beach vacation finale.

Charleston

Two hours south, Charleston seduces with antebellum homes, cobblestones, and church spires. The harbor shaped American history—from the Revolutionary era to the first shots of the Civil War at Fort Sumter.

Beyond the postcard-perfect facades, you’ll find a deep culinary identity rooted in African, Caribbean, and European traditions. Oysters, benne seed, field peas, Carolina Gold rice—these ingredients tell a story, most deliciously on your plate.

• Top sights: Rainbow Row, The Battery, Waterfront Park, Fort Sumter, French Quarter, Nathaniel Russell House, City Market, Sullivan’s Island beaches.
• Eat & drink: FIG (reservations essential), Husk, Leon’s Oyster Shop, 167 Raw, Lewis Barbecue, Off Track Ice Cream, The Gin Joint, Citrus Club rooftop.
• Atmosphere: Walkable historic core; bring comfy shoes for cobblestones and alleys.

Where to stay (browse and compare): VRBO Charleston | Hotels.com Charleston

Getting there from Myrtle Beach: Depart after breakfast. The drive via US‑17 is ~95–110 miles, about 2–2.5 hours depending on traffic (budget ~$12–$18 in fuel; no tolls). Prefer to fly into Charleston instead? Compare fares into CHS on Trip.com (Flights) or Kiwi.com.

Day 4: Arrive in Charleston, Carriage History, and Southern Fare

Morning: Drive from Myrtle Beach to Charleston and drop bags at your hotel in the Historic District (French Quarter or South of Broad puts you near the sights). Grab a light snack at Harken Cafe—mini quiches, pistachio morning buns, and excellent coffee.

Afternoon: Get oriented the classic way with a horse-drawn ride: Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour (about 1 hour; typically ~$50 per adult). You’ll clip‑clop past church steeples, antebellum homes, and secret lanes as your licensed guide spins centuries of stories.

Evening: Stroll Rainbow Row to The Battery for golden-hour harbor views. Dinner at Husk (seasonal Southern dishes—watch for heritage pork, tomato pie, and cornbread with local butter). Nightcap at The Gin Joint (pre-Prohibition cocktails) or the Citrus Club rooftop for skyline vistas.

Day 5: Fort Sumter and a Sunset on the Harbor

Morning: Step into pivotal Civil War history with Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry (allow ~2.5 hours; ~$35 adult). The narrated ferry crosses the harbor to the fort, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

Afternoon: Lunch at 167 Raw Oyster Bar (lobster roll, crudos, and briny local oysters). Afterward, see Waterfront Park (Pineapple Fountain) and the elegant spiral staircase at the Nathaniel Russell House (guided tours recommended).

Evening: Sail into sunset on the Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise (90 minutes; ~$36–$48). From Fort Sumter to the Ravenel Bridge, it’s the prettiest hour on the water. Dinner at Leon’s Oyster Shop—order the chargrilled oysters and crispy fried chicken; it’s a Charleston rite of passage.

Day 6: Taste the Lowcountry, Art, and Live Music

Morning: Eat your way through the Historic District with the Charleston French Quarter or Brunch Food Tour with 7+ Tastings (~3 hours; usually $85–$95). Expect benne wafers, shrimp and grits, and stories tying dishes to local history.

Afternoon: Browse the Gibbes Museum of Art or the Charleston Museum, then pause for cortados and pastries at Second State Coffee or La Pâtisserie (inside Hotel Bennett). Window-shop along King Street’s boutiques.

Evening: Barbecue feast at Lewis Barbecue (Central Texas-style brisket, green chile corn) or Home Team BBQ (try the smoked wings with Alabama white sauce). For music, slip into The Commodore, a vintage lounge with funk and soul sets.

Day 7: Beachy Morning, Brunch, and Departure

Morning: If time allows, cross to Sullivan’s Island for a quiet beach walk and views of the Morris Island Lighthouse. Brunch back in town at Millers All Day (blue crab omelet, stone-ground grits) or Basic Kitchen (seasonal, veggie-forward plates).

Afternoon: Last stroll through the French Quarter or City Market for souvenirs, then depart from CHS. Compare flight options on Trip.com (Flights) or Kiwi.com. Safe travels!

Extra tips: Book marquee restaurants (FIG, Husk, The Ordinary) 2–4 weeks ahead. Summer is busy; go early for parking at beaches and popular sights. Respect the solemnity of historic sites tied to enslavement; guided tours add important context.