Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens

For some, a day on the sand in front of the ocean is the perfect way to relax on a Myrtle Beach vacation. But for those who need to get away from all of the hustle and bustle that comes with resort life, the great outdoors offers an even more relaxing escape.

Luckily, the Grand Strand is in close proximity to such a landscape, and Vereen Gardens offers visitors the opportunity to hike trails, stroll along boardwalks that meander through salt marshes, and hang out in a gazebo over-looking the Intracoastal Waterway. There’s also plenty of wildlife, the Vereen family cemetary (with graves dating back to the Revolutionary War), and one of the last unpaved stretches of Kings Highway.

It’s a paradise of quiet sights, perfect for photographers and nature-lovers of all kinds. The best part? This scenic property is free and open to the public year-round during daylight hours.