Summer Road Trip: Gardens

Accommodations

For your first two nights in South Carolina, stay at Waterside Retreat, a cozy bed and breakfast in the heart of Murrells Inlet. Each guest room offers waterfront views, and you’ll be just minutes from the scenic MarshWalk—a serene start to your garden getaway.

If you prefer classic comfort, the Hampton Inn Murrells Inlet near Myrtle Beach offers complimentary hot breakfast, an outdoor pool and easy access to Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park. It’s a family-friendly choice with reliable amenities and a great location.

A Weekend of Sculpture and Coastal Charm

Start your adventure at Brookgreen Gardens, one of South Carolina’s most renowned horticultural and artistic landmarks. Located between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island, this 9,100-acre estate was established in the early 1930s by sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband, philanthropist Archer Huntington, to showcase Anna’s award-winning public sculptures. Today, it is home to over 2,000 works by 430 artists, set amid a landscape of formal gardens, wooded trails and preserved wetlands. 

Take a stroll down the Live Oak Allée, where towering trees planted in the early 1700s line a path that once connected four rice plantations. Explore the Huntington Sculpture Garden for Anna’s most iconic sculptures or venture into the wildlife preserve, home to native species and educational exhibits.

For dinner, head to the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, where waterfront restaurants pair fresh flavors with unbeatable views.

Dead Dog Saloon offers a relaxed vibe and Lowcountry favorites like peel-and-eat shrimp, fried green tomatoes, and shrimp and grits. Wicked Tuna delivers an upscale experience with sushi, sharable plates like Oysters Rockefeller and classic surf and turf dishes. Drunken Jack’s Restaurant & Lounge, a local favorite since 1979, serves coastal classics such as baked stuffed flounder and fresh catch specials—best enjoyed with frozen piña coladas or playful mocktails like the MargNoRita.

Accommodations

Travel south to Charleston to explore two beautiful historic estates: Magnolia Plantation & Gardens and Middleton Place.

For a truly immersive stay, book a room at The Inn at Middleton Place, a serene riverside retreat where overnight guests enjoy free admission to the estate. Its minimalist, nature-inspired design pairs beautifully with the property’s grandeur.

Charleston also offers accommodations for every budget, from chic boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfasts to national chains. On King Street, Hotel Bennett blends European elegance with Southern glamour, featuring a grand lobby and multiple dining options, including Gabrielle, La Patisserie and the rosé-hued Camellias, an upscale Champagne lounge. 

For a stay steeped in Charleston history, Wentworth Mansion in Harleston Village offers Gilded Age charm just steps from King Street.

Stroll the Timeless Gardens of Charleston

Before heading out, fuel up with a hearty Charleston breakfast. Toast! All Day serves southern staples like shrimp & grits alongside Brioche French Toast, all made with locally sourced ingredients. For something quick, stop by Callie's Hot Little Biscuit, known for its award-winning biscuits and signature biscuit bowls filled with slow-cooked grits. Or follow the locals to Three Little Birds Cafe, a hidden gem tucked behind the South Windermere Shopping Center.

Plan to dedicate a full day to each of Charleston’s renowned gardens.

One of the oldest public gardens in America, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is famous for its romantic, informal design. Winding paths meander through centuries-old live oaks, vibrant azaleas and towering camellias, creating a dreamlike landscape that transforms with the changing seasons.

Explore 6 miles of walking and biking trails, stroll through the Audubon Swamp Garden and visit the Wildlife Center, which is home to a diverse array of native species and rescued animals. You can also tour Magnolia House and learn its history on the “From Slavery to Freedom” tour. For lunch, grab a sandwich or sweet treat at the Peacock Cafe, or bring your own picnic to enjoy under the trees.

Just down the road, Middleton Place offers a striking contrast with its formal 18th-century gardens—the oldest landscaped in America. Here, terraced lawns and the famous butterfly lakes overlook the Ashley River. Dine at The Restaurant at Middleton Place, where Lowcountry classics like shrimp and grits, fried chicken and she-crab soup are served with a stunning garden view.

Back in the city, Charleston’s dining scene offers something for every palate, craving and budget. In the historic district, Poogan's Porch offers traditional Lowcountry dishes like chicken and dumplings with creative plates such as sweet-tea lacquered salmon—all served with a side of ghostly tales. For authentic South Carolina barbecue, Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ on Upper King Street is a James Beard Award-winning favorite, where pork is slow-cooked over a pit and basted with his signature tangy sauce.

The next stop is the Edisto Memorial Gardens in Orangeburg, a 175-acre retreat along the Edisto River known for its dazzling display of 4,800 rose varieties and five acres of azaleas first planted in the 1920s.

What began with Andrew Dibble, the city’s first Superintendent of Parks, has grown into one of the Southeast’s most beloved public gardens. Over the decades, the site has expanded to include a greenhouse and nursery, children’s playground, themed garden spaces and the landmark “Lady Fountain,” added in 1950. The rose garden itself showcases more than 120 labeled varieties, from All-America Rose Selections to exciting new cultivars.

Beyond the blooms, Horne Wetland Park offers a 2,600-foot boardwalk through a thriving tupelo-cypress ecosystem, complete with a gazebo and boat dock overlooking the river. Visitors can also enjoy the butterfly, serenity and sensory gardens, as well as the terraced garden behind the Arts Center.

Be sure to grab a bite at one of Orangeburg’s beloved local spots before leaving for Columbia. Chestnut Grill is a longtime favorite for steaks, seafood and its famously flaky croissants, while Dukes BBQ and Antley’s Bar-B-Q serve up traditional pulled pork with distinct regional sauces.

Accommodations

Columbia, the state capital, is an hour west on I-26 and offers a wide range of lodging. A charming choice is the Chestnut Cottage Bed & Breakfast in Columbia’s historic midtown district. Built in 1850, the home features five uniquely styled rooms, each with its own character and history.

In the heart of downtown, the Sheraton places you steps from Main Street’s shops and restaurants and features a rooftop bar that’s a favorite evening spot. For a more budget-friendly stay, Extended Stay America Suites provides spacious rooms with kitchen conveniences and quick access to Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens, downtown and other attractions.

Gardens and Wildlife in Columbia

Start the day with breakfast at Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli in the upscale Devine Street neighborhood. Their rich, buttery cinnamon rolls come in creative flavors like bourbon caramel and strawberry cheesecake. They also offer a selection of breakfast sandwiches, all served with a mini cinnamon roll. For bagel lovers, Carolina Cafe & Catering offers 10 varieties with classic spreads and inventive sandwiches, from the salmon-and-cream cheese “Lake Murray” to the hearty roast beef “Spartanburg” topped with house-made horseradish sauce.

The highlight of the day is the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. The 70,000-acre property includes more than 4,200 species of native and exotic plants displayed in a number of formal and themed gardens, including the Asian Garden, Bog Garden and Old Rose Garden. Take a stroll to the West Campus Garden and wander among colorful arrays of roses, larkspur and hibiscus.

And, of course, don’t miss the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of your favorite animals at the zoo. Home to more than 3,000 animals from around the world, Riverbanks Zoo offers an array of captivating experiences. Watch otters at play, spot koalas munching on eucalyptus and see king penguins at the Birdhouse.

If you’re staying another night before heading to Clemson, Columbia has plenty of dining options. Villa Tronco, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in South Carolina, serves classic Italian favorites like eggplant parmigiana, along with family-friendly pizza and pasta dishes. For Southern comfort food, Lizard's Thicket is a local institution, offering fried chicken, meat-and-three plates and homestyle sides such as mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and chicken-and-rice soup.