Away from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach and just on this side of the North Carolina state line is an oasis of green ... and pink and purple and white and every other color in nature.
Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens is home to 114 acres of woodlands, salt marsh and formal gardens along with grave markers for the family that lived on the land from the 19th century until it was donated to the Horry County Historical Society in 1972.
Just seconds after you pass through the ornate gate for these gardens tucked away off S.C. Highway 179 (just off U.S. Highway 17 between Little River and the state line), you lose the sounds of the busy highway and all the beach traffic.
The Vereen family cemetery is one of the first things you will see. An angel stands guard over the graves dating back to the Revolutionary War.
A boardwalk takes visitors out into the marsh to see wildlife and boats going to and from the marina.
Several hiking trails are dotted with benches for resting and let you see a maritime forest up close. You also can get a glimpse of the original Kings Highway that was developed along the East Coast during Colonial times. It's a great place to walk your dog.
Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens is open daily from sunup to sundown. Admission is free.
Enjoy Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens
