Surfside Beach.. what to do? (Columbia, Charleston: schools, camper, live)

[hitekhomeless]

Are there any hidden gems in the area? As fate would have it, we are in the area for a few weeks. We have already hit the beach and visited MBSP.

I grew up in Florida (seen lots of beach) and my better half spent his youth in Columbia and Charleston. We are limiting ourselves to traveling via scooter as it gets 100mpg verses our camper that gets 12mpg.

We are mostly interested in nature, history, free culture/museums, physical activities, and technology.

We are on a fixed budget and gravitate towards free activities.

We are not interested in shopping or theme parks.

[Coasters]

If you could get a campsite at Huntington Beach SP you would be in an area that has some interesting natural attractions. The park itself has freshwater and saltwater marshes, free guided tours, trails and an interesting beach that leads to the Inlet. The place is a gem for folks with your interests.
Across the road from it is Brookgreen Gardens which has plentiful natural as well as cultural and rich historical interest. It is a national landmark and should not be missed by anyone with your interests. It is vast. The admission is good for a full week, however it is $10.00 for seniors.
Dont know where in Surfside you are but these places should be less than 10 miles south on 17. Try to map a route that keeps you off 17, for your own safety.
Their is a small park and marsh walk in Garden City, don't know the exact location on the west shore of the marsh.
Murrells Inlet has an extensive Marshwalk. and should be within scooter range of Surfside.
There are other attractive natural beaches and inlets for intrepid walkers around Garden City, Murrells Inlet and Litchfield. These are best around low tide.
The Garden City and Surfside Piers can be interesting . Schools of stingrays, sharks and porpoises are not unusual, not to mention some "colorful looking" fishermen. Garden City is free.
Wish you well.

[baylovers]

Has anyone been to the zoo in Socastee?

My wife came across the website and was wondering if anyone has a recommendation.

Waccatee Zoological Farm - The 'Beast' Kept Secret In Myrtle Beach

[Summering]

Yes you should bike to Huntington Beach State Park..........
There you will find the Atalaya historic castle.........there are maps there showing what was in each room. A tale about the people who lived there.
The artists for the sculptures over at Brookgreen Gardens........
It is a wonder to explore, it doesn't cost.......and there is quite a bit to take in and behold.
There might be a small State Park fee to go inside the Park itself, but you can save by bringing a picnic lunch...........and after you can explore on the walkways over the Marsh..........We have done this a few times.

PS/ the Zoo just never looked like it was worth the trip to us. Kind of hidden, small and ........If I see the animals not well taken care of then.......I just get more upset then anything.

I must say if you like books and a great library to sit and relax in..........
The Socastee Library is wonderful. Every magazine there too!

For walking..........I'd go to Broadway at the Beach..........you don't have to shop........its just has nice surroundings......lake, ducks, fish, boardwalks......and also for that matter you can go to the new Market Common, there is a walking park there........or bikes ( reg. bikes) and a path around the lake. Free, friendly and interesting too.

PS the Art Museum is over by the Springmaid pier area in a cozy house..........very nice.

[southernbychoice14]

Hudsons flea Market...I know you said no shopping but it is more than that and fun.

[rrufast]

Skip the Wacatee Zoo.. I get a little ill about the way the animals are kept.

Agreed about Hungtinton & definitely Brookgreen!

Might want to stop over at the Chapin Museum at the south end of Ocean Blvd, down near Springmaid beach... while I've never been there personally, I've heard it's pretty nice to check out.