A large sculpturegarden is just one of the discoveries at this beautiful wildlife preserve onthe outskirts of Myrtle Beach.
Admissionto Brookgreen Gardens allows unlimited return visits over an entire week. The9,100-acre (3,682-hectare) park consists of themed gardens, a zoo, historicsites, walking trails and a daily schedule packed with classes and tours.
Thesculpture garden is one of the most popular areas, with 1,400 outdoor artworksby more than 350 artists. Test your horticultural knowledge while you walkaround the gardens. There are 2,000 different varieties of plants showcased onthe trails.
Theon-site Lowcountry Zoo features a mixture of captive animals and injuredanimals rescued from the wild. Alligators, bald eagles, hawks, owls and riverotters are among the native collection. Rare breeds of horses, cows, sheep andgoats are also on display. The daily Mother Nature’s Café walk-through zoo touris a great way to get acquainted with the animals. During this free 50-minuteguided tour, you’ll learn fun facts and watch various animals being fed.
Walkingtours offer a glimpse of what life was like when the area was used for riceplantations. You can also explore the trails on your own, and the WelcomeCenter has plenty of maps and information. For example, the Lowcountry Trailfeatures the remains of four structures that were unearthed during archaeologicaldigs. Plaques along the trail and a free audio guide describe what daily lifewas like for the African slaves that worked the fields.
If traveling withchildren, check out the Welcome Center on arrival. Pick up a child-friendlybooklet, which outlines things for young ones to explore and look for on thegrounds. There are two cafésand a restaurant on site.
BrookgreenGardens is 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Myrtle Beach. Admission to thegardens includes unlimited entry to the parks and zoo for a week, as well asaccess to activities on the daily program and most tours and exhibits.Brookgreen Gardens is open daily.
