The 10 Best Museums in Coastal South Carolina, Coastal South Carolina

November 3, 2021 Marissa Gamble

Miles of white sand and romantic island resorts beckon from the hem of the Palmetto State. Families gravitate to Myrtle Beach and the 60-mile span of Grand Strand, where over 100 championship golf courses, tennis courts and nightclubs await. Charleston’s hundreds of heritage buildings, and irresistible charm, are part of its allure. Beach resorts at Kiawah Island, Seabrook and Edisto Island make for romantic getaways. Marshes, moss-bearded palms and oak groves create ambiance in the haunting Lowcountry.
Restaurants in Coastal South Carolina

1. Brookgreen Gardens

1931 Brookgreen Dr U.S. Hwy 17, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576-5072 +1 843-235-6000 [email protected] http://www.brookgreen.org
Excellent
85%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,890 reviews

Brookgreen Gardens

This National Historic Site contains the country's largest and most extensive sculpture collection of American Figurative Sculpture, much of it places in beautiful gardens. Also a site for Lowcountry History and our Lowcountry Zoo, featuring animals native to our area.

Reviewed By 93Trombo - North Carolina, United States

The largest sculpture garden in the world - 350 acres!!! Gorgeous gardens, impeccable landscapes, a wide variety of sculpture in varying places (indoors and out). If you visit Myrtle Beach, this garden is an incredible surprise and well worth visiting for a few hours. They also have a small zoo, an explorer bus ride and also a pontoon ride thru the canals of the old rice plantations.

2. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

40 Patriots Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464-4377 +1 843-884-2727 [email protected] http://www.patriotspoint.org
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4,458 reviews

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

The history of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum began in June 1975 when the legendary aircraft carrier USS Yorktown entered Charleston Harbor. A few months later, the USS Yorktown was dedicated as the first ship of the Naval & Maritime Museum on the 200th birthday of the United States Navy. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum was officially opened to the public on January 3, 1976. Today the museum consists of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) with 29 aircraft on display from WWII to the present; the USS Laffey (DD-724), a Sumner-class destroyer; and the USS Clamagore (SS-343), a GUPPY III submarine. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is headquartered here and their official Medal of Honor Museum is onboard the USS Yorktown. There is also a Cold War Sub Memorial and Vietnam Support Base Camp on the surrounding grounds.

Reviewed By ThomasM272 - Fort Collins, United States

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum Mount Pleasant, SC. THANK YOU VETERANS OF ALL SERVICES You must see Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum when visiting Charleston, SC. The initial size of the U.S.S Yorktown is overwhelming, then being on the flight deck OMG the beauty of the various models of planes, the harbor, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. bridge and Fort Sumter in the distance is awesome. Below deck you get to see the various support locations, plus the mechanical equipment needed to make this ship function. Please make sure you don’t forget to visit the Vietnam Army Museum.

13 Harbourside Ln Ste 2H Shelter Cove Harbour, Hilton Head, SC 29928-3576 +1 843-785-6424 http://nashgallery.com
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 153 reviews

Nash Gallery

Reviewed By DianeFoodie - San Antonio, United States

Always the skeptic, I wondered how an art gallery could garner a solid 5 star rating. I knew right away why as I walked toward and then through the door of this unique gallery chocked full of things that made me day “oohhh!” and “aaahhhh” and “Look at this!” A wonderful collection of colorful, creative art to please every taste and every space in your home! Check it out, support local artists and bring home a lovely memory from a beautiful spot!

4. Pat Conroy Literary Center

601 Bladen St, Beaufort, SC 29902 +1 843-379-7025 [email protected] http://www.patconroyliterarycenter.org
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 276 reviews

Pat Conroy Literary Center

The Pat Conroy Literary Center educates and inspires a community of readers, writers, and teachers in and beyond our home in the South Carolina lowcountry. In honor of our namesake, one of America's best-loved writers and truth-tellers, the Conroy Center continues Pat Conroy's courageous and generous-hearted legacy as a teacher, mentor, advocate, and friend to storytellers of every kind. The nonprofit Conroy Center is South Carolina's first affiliate of the American Writers Museum and second American Library Association United for Libraries Literary Landmark. Voted as Favorite Local Museum in the 2019 Eat Stay Play Beaufort "Best of Beaufort" Awards, the Conroy Center is also winner of the 2019 Civitas Award for Tourism Leadership, presented by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Reviewed By 762elisa - Myrtle Beach, United States

I thoroughly enjoyed the virtual tour of the Center today! It was very interesting to learn new things about Pat Conroy and how the Center continues Pat Conroy’s legacy of love of reading, writing, and teaching which he wanted to pass on to others. Jonathan Haupt was delightful! I can’t wait to make the trip to see the Center in person.

5. Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum

607 27th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577-3161 +1 843-282-9018 [email protected] http://myrtlebeachpinballmuseum.org/
Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 208 reviews

Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum

Looking for fun things to do in Myrtle Beach, SC. Pinball and Retro lovers this one is for you! Take a totally awesome journey back to the 1980’s and 90’s, share the games of your youth with your kids, or reconnect with friends. HOW IT WORKS: ALL ADMISSION TICKETS require pre-payment online for timed ticketing with slots available for a specific date and time purchases. No Admissions will be taken at the door! All Admissions will be purchased directly on https://www.MyrtleBeachPinballMuseum.org due to modifications due to social distancing. This is a unique museum where you can actually play pinball games from the 70’s to the present day. If you’re on a budget and looking for affordable fun things to do, this is nostalgic must see! Located close to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and only 4 blocks from the ocean, this attraction is one of the top things to do in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Reviewed By A8538HPkarena - Myrtle Beach, United States

A Hidden Gem! Our Del Webb Community had a group outing private event for about 30 people - what a blast! Tried every machine - agreed with other reviewers Wizard of Oz, Kiss, Monopoly were my favs. Thought we would get bored after 30 min but 2 hours flew by. Best part is its nonprofit status and generous contributions to local charities. Give it a try!

1 Sanctuary Beach Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455-5434 +1 843-576-1290 http://wellsgallery.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Wells Gallery

Reviewed By EvanGuthrie - Charleston, United States

Wells Gallery at the Sanctuary at Kiawah has a great collection of local art to view and purchase. I really like the variety of the different pieces that they have available on display. Every time I visit I cannot help myself to walk in and check everything out. This is one of my favorite places to visit in Kiawah.

7. Edmondston-Alston House

21 E Battery St, Charleston, SC 29401-2740 +1 843-722-7171 [email protected] http://www.edmondstonalston.com
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 949 reviews

Edmondston-Alston House

Of Charleston's many fine house museums, only the Edmondston-Alston House (constructed in 1825 and enhanced in 1838) commands a magnificent view of Charleston Harbor. From its piazza, General P. T. Beauregard watched the fierce bombardment of Ft. Sumter on April 12, 1861, signaling the start of the Civil War. And on December 11 of the same year, the house gave refuge to General Robert E. Lee the night a wide-spreading fire threatened his safety in a Charleston hotel. Much like the Middleton Place House Museum, the collection at the Edmondston-Alston House Museum consists of pieces that belonged to the family, reflecting not only family history but American history. Despite the ravages of the Civil War, the Earthquake of 1886 and numerous hurricanes, the Alston family pieces remain in place much as they have for over 150 years. Notable in the collection is an original print of the Ordinance of Secession, portraits, dining room table, gas lights, mirror and exquisite interior woodwork.

Reviewed By ChrisF330 - Summerville, United States

My wife and I took a tour while walking in downtown Charleston. Great history and even better sights to see as you tour through a civil war survivor.

8. Heyward-Washington House

87 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401-2503 +1 843-722-2996 [email protected] http://www.charlestonmuseum.org/historic-houses/heyward-washington-house/
Excellent
54%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 394 reviews

Heyward-Washington House

Historic mansion open to the public.

Reviewed By BilB126357 - Boston, United States

I absolutely loved this beautiful house! The tour guide was very informative and thorough. The house was perfectly decorated with wonderful antique furniture and is in a beautiful neighborhood.

9. Nathaniel Russell House

51 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401-2536 +1 843-724-8481 [email protected] http://www.historiccharleston.org/Russell.aspx
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,952 reviews

Nathaniel Russell House

A National Historic Landmark, the Nathaniel Russell House Museum was completed in 1808 by merchant Nathaniel Russell. The home’s graceful, free-flying, three-story staircase is an architectural marvel and the elegant interiors with elaborate plasterwork, geometrically shaped rooms, formal gardens and collection of 18th-century decorative and fine art speak to the wealth of Charleston’s elite in the early days of the American Republic. Restored to its original splendor using forensic analysis and cutting-edge conservation technology by our curatorial staff, we ensure the highest standards of old-world expertise to replicate the finishes, fixtures and textiles appropriate for this 200-year old townhouse. The 18 enslaved Africans that lived on and maintained this property are an integral part of its history. Archaeological artifacts, educational panels and ongoing restoration of the enslaved quarters are vital to learning more about the enslaved and telling their important stories.

Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States

Nathaniel Russell, a wealthy shipping merchant, built this magnificent three-story, Federal-style, 9,600-square-foot rectangular townhouse in 1808. Today, it is recognized as one of America's most important Neoclassical houses. It was designated a National Landmark in 1960 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Located at 51 Meeting Street in Charleston, South Carolina, the prestigious house was built to display Russell's prominence as one of the wealthiest citizens of the community. Constructed of Carolina gray brick, the three-bay entrance front emphasizes height rather than width with the main living areas on the second and third levels. The first-story entrance front is dominated by the residence's grand entrance door. The house features three main rooms per floor, each of different geometric designs: a front rectangular room, a center oval room and a square room in the rear. The most important architectural feature of the house is the elliptical spiral staircase, which ascends three floors and is showcased by a golden walled stair hall. The second floor oval drawing room is the most highly decorated room in the house and is where the women of the house retired to after dinner. Papered in apricot, it features elaborate plaster moldings covered with 24-karat gold leaf. The Adamesque ornamentation of the fireplaces' mantles and cornices are among the most detailed in the city. Though most of the art and furniture displayed in the house are not original to the Nathaniel Russell House, they are of the correct period when the Russell family inhabited the house and many are of Charleston origin. The house and grounds are separated from the street by a brick and wrought iron fence with the entrance gate flanked by tall brick columns. To the south of the house is the garden that was originally laid out in a geometric arrangement with patterned beds of flowers, ornamental shrubs and large orange and grapefruit trees. Today, a formal English garden can be found with gravel paths, boxwood hedges and plants favored in the 19th century. In the rear of the house is the two-story slave quarters that housed many of the 18 slaves that lived and worked at the Nathaniel Russell House.

10. Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

122 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401-2103 +1 843-727-2165 http://www.oldexchange.org
Excellent
51%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,377 reviews

Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

History comes alive as Colonial dressed guides talk about Pirates, Patriots and Presidents! Explore the location where pirates were once held and view a section of the 1698 fortification that once protected the Walled City. Completed in 1771 as the New Exchange and Customs House, recognized today as South Carolina's most historic building. Where Patriots were imprisoned, the Constitution was ratified and George Washington was entertained.

Reviewed By CharlieV2011 - Chicago, United States

What a great site to visit, especially so close to July 4 ????????! I enjoyed my visit here. The guided tour of the dungeon was interesting, with stories of events surrounding political prisoners, gun ammo storage, and English tea! Upstairs, you will see artifacts that date back to the 1700’s and 1800’s such as portraits, weapons, and handmade/woven items! You will also read interesting stories about events and about historical figures. Great way to learn about history and be in the same room as important people once stood!

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