Discover South Carolina's most vibrant coastal town
Nicknamed the Golf Capital of the World, Myrtle Beach is home to the legendary Pine Lakes Country Club, where editors met in 1954 to conceive Sports Illustrated, as well as The Dunes, which hosts the PGA Myrtle Beach Classic tournament. With more than 80 full-sized courses to choose from, there are also more than 30 mini courses to enjoy. Myrtle Beach is home to 80 full-sized golf courses as well as 30 mini courses. Photograph by Visit Myrtle Beach
Beyond the greens, its wild roller coasters and meandering cycling routes may give the impression that Myrtle Beach is all get-up-and-go — but dig deeper and you'll find a charming, laid-back Southern city steeped in heritage. Here's everything you need to know before you go. What to do and see
Myrtle Beach is a vibrant hub where shops, museums, restaurants and live music venues can be found mere steps from the water's edge. Early risers can hop into a gondola on the eye-catching, 187ft-tall SkyWheel and watch the sun peek over the horizon while sipping a morning coffee. Afterwards, if you've not quite had your fix of dramatic heights, head to Broadway at The Beach's Pavilion Park. Here, thrill-seekers can mimic a freefall on the 65ft-tall Drop Tower or swing 120 degrees on the Beast ride. The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove is a souvenir shop famous for its seven storeys, each loaded with thousands of gifts and trinkets. Photograph by Visit Myrtle Beach
WonderWorks provides science lovers with a more educational experience. Adults and children alike can enjoy the 100 hands-on activities on offer, with highlights including astronaut training and hurricane simulation. Head back to the boardwalk for a dazzling treat: the iconic Gay Dolphin Gift Cove is a seven-storey souvenir shop — the largest in the state — packed with postcards, T-shirts and other trinkets.
For those who want to maximise their beach days, there are many places where you can roll out your towels. Approximately 20 miles south of downtown, Litchfield Beach is a tranquil escape and the perfect place to watch the waves and build sandcastles. Further north along the coast is the white-sand Huntington Beach State Park. One of the highlights here is Atalaya Castle, a Moorish-style, 30-room home built in the early 1930s by New York City philanthropist Archer Huntington and his wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington. Take a tour of the castle and be sure to stop by Brookgreen Gardens, where Anna's sculptures are displayed alongside works from more than 400 artists.
The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, which is to the north of Huntington Beach State Park, is a haven for nature lovers. The half-mile wooden boardwalk threads along an estuary, where eagle-eyed birdwatchers can spot a variety of avian residents, including egrets, blue herons and hawks. There are also several wildlife-watching cruises on offer at the inlet, where dolphins and sea turtles might swim alongside the boats. Those with a need for speed can hop on a Seakart, a hybrid jet ski and inflatable boat, and glide across the calm waters of Murrells Inlet. Where to experience local history and culture
Learn about America's past at Atlantic Beach on the Grand Strand, which earned the moniker The Black Pearl in the 1930s because it provided a serene seaside retreat for the Black community during the segregation era. Each August, the city's Gullah Geechee Festival celebrates its residents' heritages as descendants of enslaved West Africans who laboured in rice, cotton and indigo fields in the South. Year-round, you can head south-west along the coastline to view crafts, artefacts and exhibits at the Gullah Museum of Georgetown. Murrells Inlet is a 12,000-acre freshwater islet home to the MarshWalk, a half-mile-long wooden boardwalk, from which visitors can spot local wildlife and enjoy waterfront attractions. Photograph by Visit Myrtle Beach
Alternatively, head to Sandy Island near Murrells Inlet, a 12,000-acre freshwater islet whose tight-knit Gullah community maintains their culture, language and way of life. Back in central Myrtle Beach, Motown music fans should enjoy a free tour of Charlie's Place (12.30-2.30pm, Tuesdays and Fridays), a former nightclub and hotel that once hosted Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway during the Jim Crow era. Where to eat and drink
While there are nearly 2,000 restaurants in the city, ranging from casual breakfast spots to food trucks and barbecue joints, seafood reigns supreme in Myrtle Beach. Local catches are menu highlights at spots like the oceanfront Sea Captain's House, known for its she-crab soup and hush puppies, and Hook & Barrel, an eco-friendly restaurant that serves up popular dishes like oysters, seared scallops and crabcakes. Residents have a soft spot for Southern comfort dishes such as those from Big Mike's Soul Food, a no-frills establishment serving shrimp with grits, fried chicken, collard greens and sugar-dusted beignets. For a full immersion in Southern hospitality, head to The Bowery, a landmark honky-tonk bar with live music and a selection of cold, crisp beers. Where to stay
There's a variety of accommodation options around town, from luxury resorts and budget motels to beach homes and campgrounds. Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes is an expansive oceanfront hotel with modern rooms and sprawling outdoor pools. Similarly luxe, the sleek and elegant Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Myrtle Beach is a stone's throw from the Boardwalk. In addition to suites with full kitchens and ocean views, the Hilton also has a children's activity centre, outdoor and sheltered pools and a poolside bar. Three miles along the shore, the family-friendly oceanfront Dunes Village Resort has rooms ranging from studios to four-bedroom suites, plus an indoor water park and 250ft-long lazy river. When to go
Myrtle Beach's outdoor pursuits mean spring and summer are the best times to visit. Golfers generally prefer the cooler temperatures of autumn, while sightseers will love the whimsical lights and festive Christmas-themed shows during winter. There are frequent flights from London airports to Myrtle Beach International, with layovers in Charlotte, Philadelphia, Atlanta or Dallas. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a four-mile drive from the airport. For more information, go to visitmyrtlebeach.com This paid content article was created for Visit Myrtle Beach. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs.
To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
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Travel + Leisure
9 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
There's a New All-Inclusive Luxury Resort in a Tiny Town in Georgia—Where Wellness and Food Take Center Stage
Before I arrived at Quercus, a resort in the 129-person town of Gay, Georgia, I thought I had a decent idea of what I could expect. I was prepared to compare it to other high-end Southern properties—The Swags and the Old Edwards Inns of the world. I figured it would be thoughtful and well-executed, somewhere I'd feel comfortable recommending even to the most discerning of travelers. While those initial assumptions were accurate, it's difficult, if not impossible, to juxtapose Quercus with any other resort in the South. Yes, the standalone cabins are reminiscent of those at North Carolina's Cataloochee Ranch, and the focus on nourishing guests with farm-fresh ingredients is akin to the ethos of Tennessee's Blackberry Farm. The quality of the linens, the surprise-and-delight moments (like a Hatch sound machine beside the bed), and the number of cozy reading corners are equivalent to those associated with five-star resorts, like Montage Palmetto Bluff or Sea Island. I could even argue that there are elements to the wellness offerings that feel on brand for Miraval Austin. A lounge library. Lydia Mansel/Travel + Leisure But the truth is, Quercus is unprecedented in identity and presentation. It's a unique concept, one helmed by Chiara Visconti di Modrone and her husband Angelos Pervanas, who are deeply passionate about their roles as stewards of the land and developing a restorative retreat that blends 'traditional ranch culture and Southern hospitality with a European flair.' Together with chef Ryan Smith and Kara Hidinger, owners of Staplehouse, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Atlanta, they've built an all-inclusive resort that left me with a newfound understanding of my health, a deeper appreciation of a good night's sleep, and the realization that there's a difference between relaxation and restoration (though I experienced both during my two-night stay). Located about an hour south of Hartsfield-Jackson, the 3,800-acre property—filled with pecan groves, pastures, forests, and lakes—is rooted in Visconti di Modrone's family history. The land was purchased by her parents, an Italian duke and duchess, in the late 1970s. For the last few decades, it's served as a hunting reserve, a working farm, and a cattle and horse ranch. It wasn't until the pandemic, when Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas began discussing regenerative farming with Hidinger and Smith, that this idea of an overnight retreat began to form. Guests sitting around a fire pit. Opened in the fall of 2024, 'the World of Quercus,' composed of four guest cabins, a biodynamic vegetable garden, a farm-to-table restaurant, a restored farmhouse, and endless ways to enjoy the outdoors, is the type of destination that has the ability to shift into whatever type of retreat you need. Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas hope that their guests leave feeling 'nurtured and re-energized, both physically and mentally,' and they've provided multiple ways to achieve that goal. Whether you book a one-on-one holistic wellness consultation with Visconti di Modrone (who also founded the company Intuitas Integrative Wellness), indulge in an in-suite massage, test your hand-eye coordination at a nearby sporting clay course, or enjoy a leisurely lunch on your oversized porch swing prepared fresh by Smith himself, it's impossible to drive away from the property in the same headspace as when you arrived. Read on for my full review of Quercus. The four residential-style guest cabins, or 'suites,' are impeccably designed for a restful getaway, and touches include circadian lighting, organic mattresses, and wood-burning stoves. Guests can explore the expansive property on foot or by all-terrain golf cart; a ride through the pecan grove at golden hour is a must. Food takes center stage at Quercus, with a dining program steered by chef Ryan Smith and kitchen stocked by the sustainably farmed garden. With 'Quercus' being the Latin name for 'oak,' it's no surprise to learn that the four guest cabins, ranging from one to two bedrooms, share a nature-inspired naming system. Cypress, Ember, Naya, and Sylva are all designed by Tammy Connor, but there's a shared throughline of bespoke elegance and sheer comfort, accented by books, artwork, and other furnishings and heirlooms owned by the Visconti di Modrone family (some pieces even date back to the Crusades). The cabins are as spacious as they come. Each one is tucked into its own little private nook on the property, which guests access via an all-terrain golf cart; you're basically staying in your own home-away-from-home, as clichéd as the phrase may be. There's an outdoor fireplace and indoor wood-burning stove in the living room with all the necessary materials and tools to light them, a wraparound porch, a kitchenette and dining area, a powder room, a master bedroom outfitted with blackout curtains, and an ensuite bathroom with a soaking tub and a walk-in shower. Every inch of the space, from the organic mattresses to the cupboards stocked with homemade snacks and a selection of herbal teas, anticipates the needs of the guests. The coffee maker comes with detailed instructions, the bath towels are plentiful, and you even get a little pouch of sunscreen and lip balm you can take with you at the end of your stay. There's no TV, but you won't miss it. If you do need to check in with the outside world, there's strong WiFi at your disposal. When asked about their vision for Quercus, Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas mentioned creating a 'high-level culinary experience that nurtures the body.' Chef Smith and Hidinger have brought that idea to fruition, developing an innovative food and beverage program that leverages local ingredients and the fruits of the garden to fuel guests throughout their stay. All meals are included in the nightly rate, and there are a variety of ways to enjoy the delicacies prepared by Smith and his team. Breakfast can be hand-delivered to your suite, and you can opt for a picnic lunch for on-the-go convenience. Don't expect standard eggs-and-bacon or sandwich-and-an-apple combinations, though. Whatever is growing in the garden inspires Smith's menus. And, given the limited number of guests on property at any given time, it feels as if he's whipped up your own personal gourmet spread, all made with any dietary restrictions in mind. You can also choose to take meals or grab an afternoon cocktail inside The Main Cottage, a restored farmhouse complete with a charming library and porch, that sits next to Uberto, Quercus' 30-seat farm-to-table restaurant named after Visconti di Modrone's late father. Uberto's multi-course tasting menus are devised by Smith and offered exclusively on Fridays and Saturdays. The exact makeup of the meal is dynamic, but it's clear Smith has perfected the art of impressing his guests both visually and gustatorily. One dinner at Uberto is included in your stay; other dinners, while not as extravagant, are equally entertaining (and delicious). The signature chef-guided hotpot experience, which I cannot recommend enough, is the perfect introduction to the type of inventive, ingredient-forward cuisine Quercus is adamant on serving. On the night of my arrival, Smith and Hidinger welcomed me to my suite, armed with platters of rice, kimchi, broth, and greens and other vegetables. The type of individualized service you can expect from the culinary side of things is also reflected in other areas of the Quercus experience. Ahead of your arrival, you'll receive an email asking you to share your preferences for your itinerary. Available activities include guided fishing or kayaking on the Flint River, an educational tour of the on-site biodynamic farm, rucking (hiking around the property with a weighted backpack), clay shooting, and liberty training with horses. I opted for the latter two, spending one morning maneuvering through the courses at neighboring Big Red Oak Plantation and an afternoon learning the ins and outs of bonding with horses. The activity that had the biggest impact on me, however, was my consultation with Visconti di Modrone. After losing her brother to cancer and her parents soon after, she immersed herself in the world of nutrition and preventative health. The journey led her to develop The Visconti Method, a 12-week program to 'empower women living with the fear of cancer.' She and I spoke about my own health concerns and goals, and we touched on food and sleep and the role they play in wellness, particularly for women. As a travel writer on the road multiple times a month, I find it difficult to eat in-season and prioritize sleep all the time, but with her approachable, actionable advice, I left our session feeling empowered and excited to review my personalized health plan she developed. Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas are looking forward to 'creating a wellness program that aligns with [their] ways of living off the land,' with plans to begin construction on a separate spa—featuring a sauna, cold plunge, and massage rooms—this coming fall. For now, guests have the option to book an in-suite massage or private yoga session. The Main Cottage and Uberto are wheelchair accessible, but the completion of the ADA-compliant suite has been delayed. Sustainability and eco-conscious efforts play a significant role at Quercus. The property mostly uses solar power, and Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas shared with Travel + Leisure , 'all aspects of growing our food and livestock, including compost production, minimizing plastic, and food preparation (where, for example, every component of the plant is used),' are sustainably-minded as well. Quercus is a 16-and-up property. While there are no teen-specific activities, the team can certainly help design an itinerary that keeps younger guests entertained. The small town of Gay is located 3 miles east of the Flint River and about 53 miles south of downtown Atlanta. Outside of Quercus, its main attraction is Towerhouse Farm Brewery, a taproom and biergarten that's just a short walk from the resort. All meals and snacks, beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) in the suites, and certain activities and gratuities are included in the rate. Check-in is only available Thursday through Sunday, with a minimum stay of one night and a maximum stay of four nights. Keep in mind, Quercus is closed during the summer months, from the beginning of June until early September. Nightly rates at Quercus are $1,350 per person. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
New York Times
21 hours ago
- New York Times
No Passports, No Study Abroad: China Limits Public Employees' Travel
When Tina Liu was hired to teach literature in a public elementary school in southern China, her contract included the usual warnings about absenteeism and job performance. Then came another line: Traveling abroad without the school's permission could get her fired. The rule was reinforced in a staff group chat. 'According to regulations from higher-ups, teachers need to strengthen their disciplinary awareness,' the message said. 'We will currently not permit any overseas vacations.' Across China, similar warnings are spreading as the authorities tighten control over state employees' contacts with foreigners. Some kindergarten teachers, doctors and even government contractors and employees of state-owned enterprises have been ordered to hand in their passports. Some cities make retirees wait two years to reclaim their passports. In many cities, travel overseas by public employees, even for personal reasons, requires approval. Business trips abroad for 'ordinary research, exchange and study' have been banned. And in most provinces, those who have studied abroad are now disqualified from certain public positions. Officials cite various reasons, including protecting national security, fighting corruption and cutting costs. But the scope of the restrictions has expanded rapidly, sweeping up employees who say they have no access to sensitive information or government funds. The New York Times spoke to seven public employees, including an elementary school music teacher, a nurse and a literature professor, who confirmed the restrictions. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
National Geographic
2 days ago
- National Geographic
Discover South Carolina's most vibrant coastal town
Gentle Atlantic breakers roll over the powdery sands of Myrtle Beach, which stretches for 60 miles along the southeastern coast of the US. Its famous mile-long boardwalk — lined with restaurants, gift shops and arcades — hums with activity. Nicknamed the Golf Capital of the World, Myrtle Beach is home to the legendary Pine Lakes Country Club, where editors met in 1954 to conceive Sports Illustrated, as well as The Dunes, which hosts the PGA Myrtle Beach Classic tournament. With more than 80 full-sized courses to choose from, there are also more than 30 mini courses to enjoy. Myrtle Beach is home to 80 full-sized golf courses as well as 30 mini courses. Photograph by Visit Myrtle Beach Beyond the greens, its wild roller coasters and meandering cycling routes may give the impression that Myrtle Beach is all get-up-and-go — but dig deeper and you'll find a charming, laid-back Southern city steeped in heritage. Here's everything you need to know before you go. What to do and see Myrtle Beach is a vibrant hub where shops, museums, restaurants and live music venues can be found mere steps from the water's edge. Early risers can hop into a gondola on the eye-catching, 187ft-tall SkyWheel and watch the sun peek over the horizon while sipping a morning coffee. Afterwards, if you've not quite had your fix of dramatic heights, head to Broadway at The Beach's Pavilion Park. Here, thrill-seekers can mimic a freefall on the 65ft-tall Drop Tower or swing 120 degrees on the Beast ride. The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove is a souvenir shop famous for its seven storeys, each loaded with thousands of gifts and trinkets. Photograph by Visit Myrtle Beach WonderWorks provides science lovers with a more educational experience. Adults and children alike can enjoy the 100 hands-on activities on offer, with highlights including astronaut training and hurricane simulation. Head back to the boardwalk for a dazzling treat: the iconic Gay Dolphin Gift Cove is a seven-storey souvenir shop — the largest in the state — packed with postcards, T-shirts and other trinkets. For those who want to maximise their beach days, there are many places where you can roll out your towels. Approximately 20 miles south of downtown, Litchfield Beach is a tranquil escape and the perfect place to watch the waves and build sandcastles. Further north along the coast is the white-sand Huntington Beach State Park. One of the highlights here is Atalaya Castle, a Moorish-style, 30-room home built in the early 1930s by New York City philanthropist Archer Huntington and his wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington. Take a tour of the castle and be sure to stop by Brookgreen Gardens, where Anna's sculptures are displayed alongside works from more than 400 artists. The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, which is to the north of Huntington Beach State Park, is a haven for nature lovers. The half-mile wooden boardwalk threads along an estuary, where eagle-eyed birdwatchers can spot a variety of avian residents, including egrets, blue herons and hawks. There are also several wildlife-watching cruises on offer at the inlet, where dolphins and sea turtles might swim alongside the boats. Those with a need for speed can hop on a Seakart, a hybrid jet ski and inflatable boat, and glide across the calm waters of Murrells Inlet. Where to experience local history and culture Learn about America's past at Atlantic Beach on the Grand Strand, which earned the moniker The Black Pearl in the 1930s because it provided a serene seaside retreat for the Black community during the segregation era. Each August, the city's Gullah Geechee Festival celebrates its residents' heritages as descendants of enslaved West Africans who laboured in rice, cotton and indigo fields in the South. Year-round, you can head south-west along the coastline to view crafts, artefacts and exhibits at the Gullah Museum of Georgetown. Murrells Inlet is a 12,000-acre freshwater islet home to the MarshWalk, a half-mile-long wooden boardwalk, from which visitors can spot local wildlife and enjoy waterfront attractions. Photograph by Visit Myrtle Beach Alternatively, head to Sandy Island near Murrells Inlet, a 12,000-acre freshwater islet whose tight-knit Gullah community maintains their culture, language and way of life. Back in central Myrtle Beach, Motown music fans should enjoy a free tour of Charlie's Place (12.30-2.30pm, Tuesdays and Fridays), a former nightclub and hotel that once hosted Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway during the Jim Crow era. Where to eat and drink While there are nearly 2,000 restaurants in the city, ranging from casual breakfast spots to food trucks and barbecue joints, seafood reigns supreme in Myrtle Beach. Local catches are menu highlights at spots like the oceanfront Sea Captain's House, known for its she-crab soup and hush puppies, and Hook & Barrel, an eco-friendly restaurant that serves up popular dishes like oysters, seared scallops and crabcakes. Residents have a soft spot for Southern comfort dishes such as those from Big Mike's Soul Food, a no-frills establishment serving shrimp with grits, fried chicken, collard greens and sugar-dusted beignets. For a full immersion in Southern hospitality, head to The Bowery, a landmark honky-tonk bar with live music and a selection of cold, crisp beers. Where to stay There's a variety of accommodation options around town, from luxury resorts and budget motels to beach homes and campgrounds. Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes is an expansive oceanfront hotel with modern rooms and sprawling outdoor pools. Similarly luxe, the sleek and elegant Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Myrtle Beach is a stone's throw from the Boardwalk. In addition to suites with full kitchens and ocean views, the Hilton also has a children's activity centre, outdoor and sheltered pools and a poolside bar. Three miles along the shore, the family-friendly oceanfront Dunes Village Resort has rooms ranging from studios to four-bedroom suites, plus an indoor water park and 250ft-long lazy river. When to go Myrtle Beach's outdoor pursuits mean spring and summer are the best times to visit. Golfers generally prefer the cooler temperatures of autumn, while sightseers will love the whimsical lights and festive Christmas-themed shows during winter. There are frequent flights from London airports to Myrtle Beach International, with layovers in Charlotte, Philadelphia, Atlanta or Dallas. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a four-mile drive from the airport. For more information, go to This paid content article was created for Visit Myrtle Beach. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
