A 15-minute drive south of Surfside Beach sits one of the most quietly impressive destinations on the Grand Strand. Brookgreen Gardens is America’s first public sculpture garden — set on a former rice and indigo plantation spanning over 9,000 acres. More than 2,000 works of American figurative art are displayed across beautifully maintained gardens, woodland trails, and open lawns where Spanish moss hangs from centuries-old oaks.
Beyond the sculptures, the property includes a Lowcountry Zoo, a saltwater wildlife habitat, and seasonal boat tours through the tidal creeks. It’s the kind of place that holds more than you expect — a morning visit can easily stretch into the afternoon without feeling like it.
Take your time walking through the formal gardens before heading into the wilder sections of the property. If you’re visiting with younger guests, the children’s area and wildlife exhibits give them plenty to explore independently. Admission is valid for seven consecutive days, so there’s no need to rush a single visit. Go early to beat the heat and catch the light at its best through the live oaks — it’s a different property in the morning than it is at midday.
