With its rich agricultural heritage it’s no wonder that South Carolina is home to dozens of rich and varied gardens. From swamplands to manicured topiaries, the gardens of South Carolina offer visitors the opportunity to experience all kinds of botanical beauty. Here are six glorious gardens that any visitor to South Carolina should take the time to explore. South Carolina Botanical Garden – Clemson This 295-acre public garden specializes in unique nature-based sculptures. Each of these sculptures showcases the beauty of plant life in its design, blending nature and art in a beautiful symbiosis. Another feature is a variety of niche gardens which include the butterfly garden, the wildflower meadow, and the 70 acre arboretum. Visitors can stop in at the Fran Hansen Discovery Center to enjoy the work of South Carolinian native, Elizabeth Belser Fuller. Also available for discovery are the Bob Campbell Geology Museum and the historic Hanover House.

Audubon Swamp Garden – Charleston Originally a rice plantation, the Audubon Swamp Garden features 60 acres of swampland, traversed by boardwalks and bridges. Hundreds of species of flora and fauna live in the swampland. Visitors can walk a self-guided trail or take a trip through the rice lands on the 45 minute boat tour. Brookgreen Gardens – Murrell’s Inlet Located in the heart of a 9100 acre preserve along the coast, Brookgreen Gardens is structured around over 1200 sculptural works by 350 different artists. With 10 different “rooms” accented with ponds, fountains and of course sculptural pieces, the 300 acre gardens is a worthwhile visit for any nature or art lover.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden – Columbia For a taste of Civil War history, combined with the entertainment of a trip to the zoo, check out this 170 acre home of the Saluda Historical District and Camp Sorghum. Children will enjoy the natural habitat exhibits of the zoo, while adults will love the spectacular view of the river valley. Swan Lake Iris Gardens – Springfield Bird lovers should not miss the opportunity to visit Swan Lake Iris Gardens, which is the only US public park to feature all 8 species of swans. The 150 acres is lovely from May-June when the extensive plantings of Japanese Iris are in full bloom. Visitors who are unable to see can still enjoy the gardens through a series of Braille plaques along an exploratory trail through the property.

Myrtle Beach is located in a 60 mile-long area called the Grand Strand, which boasts wide, scenic beaches, tennis, fishing, sailing, and scuba diving, in addition to great shopping at the Coastal Grand Mall. Enjoy any of the 1,700 restaurants, many specializing in seafood. There are also live theaters with family oriented entertainments like country music, magic shows, and comedy routines. Golfers can enjoy playing walk up rounds, with no reservations, or specialized golfing vacations that feature over seventy eight different courses in the area. Broadway at the Beach offers an aquarium and an IMAX theater, great attractions for families with children, as well as the upcoming Pavilion Nostalgia Park.

Hikers can enjoy the Huntington Beach State Park which offers fishing, trails, and public access to three miles of relatively isolated beach. This is the best preserved beach on the entire Grand Strand. The park also features a freshwater lagoon, maritime forest, and salt marsh as examples of the area’s natural attractions. A visit to the park is a great addition to any Myrtle Beach vacation. No matter what you’re looking for, chances are that you’ll find it at Myrtle Beach. When you decide where your family is going on vacation this year, remember to consider this great South Carolina. A Myrtle Beach vacation offers a lot of fun, sun, and memories in one area. Every member of your family will find something to entertain them. Consider a Myrtle Beach vacation at America’s best beach destination this year. You’ll be glad you chose Myrtle Beach.