Garden City, South Carolina, is a small, charming coastal town located along the Grand Strand between Murrells Inlet and Surfside Beach. Known for its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, Garden City is popular for its beautiful beaches, fishing, and vacation spots. Here are some highlights:

Beaches

• Garden City Beach is a primary attraction, drawing families and visitors looking for a more peaceful beach experience compared to nearby Myrtle Beach. The beach is wide, clean, and perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or just enjoying the view.

Fishing and Watersports

• The Garden City Pier is popular among anglers and families. It offers free fishing access and a family-friendly atmosphere with live music, a café, and breathtaking views. Kayaking, jet-skiing, and parasailing are also available for water sports enthusiasts.

Outdoor Activities and Wildlife

• Garden City is close to Huntington Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens. Huntington Beach offers great trails, salt marshes, and a chance to see native wildlife. Brookgreen Gardens is renowned for its vast sculpture garden and botanical landscapes.

Restaurants and Dining

• With a reputation for fresh seafood, Garden City offers various dining options, including waterfront restaurants with scenic views and casual dining with Southern fare. Murrells Inlet, known as the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina," is nearby, offering even more dining choices.

Golfing

• The area has plenty of golf courses for all skill levels. Garden City and nearby communities like Myrtle Beach are known for championship-level courses.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

• Garden City caters to families, offering activities like mini-golf, arcades, and small local shops. It's also a great place for relaxing beach rentals and quieter accommodations away from the more tourist-heavy areas.

With its mix of laid-back beaches, outdoor activities, and access to nearby attractions, Garden City is a hidden gem on South Carolina's coast, offering a balance of relaxation and recreation.

Garden City, South Carolina, is a small beachside community with roots going back to the early 20th century. Located along the Atlantic coast, south of Myrtle Beach, Garden City developed primarily as a residential and vacation spot, with a rich coastal environment that attracted settlers, fishermen, and tourists.

Early History and Development

In the early 1900s, the area now known as Garden City was sparsely populated, consisting mostly of undeveloped marshlands and beachfront areas. Early settlers primarily engaged in fishing and other trades associated with the coast. The initial development in the Garden City area was modest and aimed at providing affordable beachfront properties, often marketed to families looking for vacation homes and retirees.

Growth as a Beach Community

The construction boom following World War II brought increased development to the South Carolina coast, including Garden City. New roads, infrastructure, and utilities expanded accessibility to the area, making it a popular destination. By the 1960s, Garden City had developed into a thriving beach community with motels, rental cottages, and family-owned businesses catering to tourists. The Garden City Pier, which quickly became a focal point for fishing and tourism, was also established during this period and has since been a defining feature of the community.

Hurricane Impacts

Garden City has been significantly impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms, notably by Hurricane Hazel in 1954 and Hurricane Hugo in 1989. These storms caused substantial damage to buildings, infrastructure, and the pier. However, the community consistently rebuilt and expanded after each event, showing resilience and adaptability to the challenges posed by coastal weather.

Tourism and Economy Today

Today, Garden City remains a popular tourist destination with a mix of permanent residents and seasonal visitors. It is known for its relaxed beach atmosphere, fishing culture, and family-friendly appeal. In addition to the Garden City Pier, the community offers a range of outdoor activities, dining options, and shops that cater to both tourists and locals alike. Its proximity to Myrtle Beach also allows visitors to enjoy the amenities of a larger city while staying in a more low-key, residential setting.