Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens is about 25 minutes south of Ocean Lakes near Pawleys Island, and it's one of the most distinctive places on the South Carolina coast. It's a National Historic Landmark that combines a sculpture garden, a wildlife preserve, and the grounds of four former rice plantations along the Waccamaw Neck.

What to See

The sculpture collection is the centerpiece — over 2,000 works spread across formal garden rooms, open lawns, and shaded paths. Beyond the gardens, there's a Lowcountry Zoo with native wildlife, a children's discovery area, and boat tours through the tidal creek system. The live oaks draped in Spanish moss make the whole place feel unlike anywhere else on the Grand Strand.

Plan Your Visit

Give yourself at least half a day. The grounds are large and there's more to see than most people expect. Comfortable shoes matter — you'll cover a lot of ground. Brookgreen is open year-round, and the gardens are beautiful in every season. Check the website for current admission prices and any seasonal events.

Getting There from Ocean Lakes

Head south on US-17 toward Pawleys Island. It's about 25 miles and takes roughly 30 minutes depending on traffic.