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Brookgreen Gardens

4.8
·7k reviews·Murrells Inlet, United States

A world-class sculpture garden and botanical oasis, Brookgreen Gardens blends art, history, and nature on a vast, beautiful estate.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Holiday Evenings (Nov-Dec)

Magical light displays

CrowdHigh
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Live Oak Allee

Brookgreen Gardens

Best Time

Holiday Evenings (Nov-Dec)

Magical light displays

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A world-class sculpture garden and botanical oasis, Brookgreen Gardens blends art, history, and nature on a vast, beautiful estate.

4.8
(7k reviews)

"It's not just a garden — it's this huge mix of art, history, and nature all in one spot."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Holiday Tickets Early! 🎟️

Night of a Thousand Candles sells out fast! Book online months in advance for this popular event.

Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the vast grounds. Prioritize comfort for exploring!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 7,055 reviews

Type

Botanical Garden

🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Oaks of Whispering Oaks

The Oaks of Whispering Oaks

Live Oak Allée

Walk beneath ancient, moss-draped live oaks, some over 250 years old, creating a truly enchanting Southern atmosphere.

Instagram
Sculpture Masterpieces

Sculpture Masterpieces

Various Garden Areas

Discover one of the finest collections of American figurative sculpture in the world, seamlessly integrated into the landscape.

Reddit
Night of a Thousand Candles

Night of a Thousand Candles

Throughout the Gardens

Experience a breathtaking holiday spectacle with millions of twinkling lights and thousands of hand-lit candles.

TikTokInstagram
The Enchanted Storybook Forest

The Enchanted Storybook Forest

Children's Area

A whimsical wonderland with fairy-tale themed playhouses, perfect for sparking imagination in young visitors.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for the Magic

Brookgreen Gardens is stunning year-round, but special events like 'Night of a Thousand Candles' and 'Summer Light: Art by Night' transform it into a magical wonderland. Book tickets well in advance for these popular holiday and summer evening events, as they often sell out! TikTokInstagram

Embrace the Scale and Scope

This expansive 9,100-acre property is more than just a garden; it's a sculpture garden, a historical site, and a wildlife preserve. Plan for at least half a day, or even a full day, to truly explore its diverse exhibits and walking trails. Reddit

Best Times

When
Holiday Evenings (Nov-Dec)
Why
Magical light displays
Crowd
High
When
Summer Evenings (June-Aug)
Why
Art by Night exhibition
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring & Fall Mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#brookgreengardens #winter #southcarolina #holiday #lights #christmas
@becwilll
709.1K likes • 4.7M views

Book Holiday Tickets Early! 🎟️

Night of a Thousand Candles sells out fast! Book online months in advance for this popular event. Instagram

Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the vast grounds. Prioritize comfort for exploring! Reddit

brookgreen gardens at christmas time 🎄🌙✨💫 #brookgreengardens #lightshow #christmas #murrellsinlet
@maryreagankeeter
706.8K likes • 5.9M views
🤩✨ The most breathtaking lights I’ve ever seen!l 🤯 ✨ If you’re looking for a truly magical holiday experience like no other, then you have to check out @brookgreen_gardens !!! ✨Here you’ll walk through an enchanted whimsical garden while seeing millions and millions of sparkling lights !!! The lights are flowing from the trees and it’s truly a breathtaking sight to see !!! 🤩 Sip warm cider as yo...
raleighwanderlust
5.2K likes • 130.3K views

Multi-Day Passes Available 📅

Tickets are valid for multiple days, allowing you to explore at your own pace without rushing. Reddit

QR Codes for Info :iphone:

Scan QR codes throughout the gardens for fascinating details about sculptures and plants. Reddit

Strolling through this stunning alley of 250-year-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss is pure magic. And as if it couldn’t get any better, Night of a Thousand Candles transforms it into an enchanting wonderland of lights. ✨ 📸 @franki_sue #pawleysisland #pawleysislandsc #pawleysislandsouthcarolina #southcarolina #discoversc #nightofathousandcandles #brookgreengardens
pawleysislandofficial
10.9K likes • 111.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Holiday Tickets Early! 🎟️

Night of a Thousand Candles sells out fast! Book online months in advance for this popular event. Instagram

Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the vast grounds. Prioritize comfort for exploring! Reddit

Multi-Day Passes Available 📅

Tickets are valid for multiple days, allowing you to explore at your own pace without rushing. Reddit

QR Codes for Info :iphone:

Scan QR codes throughout the gardens for fascinating details about sculptures and plants. Reddit

Check for Special Events ✨

Brookgreen hosts various exhibitions and events year-round, from art shows to seasonal light displays. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.8
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Brookgreen Gardens for its breathtaking beauty, vastness, and the unique blend of art, nature, and history. The well-maintained grounds, informative volunteers, and diverse attractions like the sculpture gardens and zoo are frequently highlighted as major draws. While admission is considered worthwhile, some may find the sheer scale overwhelming for a single visit.

"Brookgreen Gardens is hands down one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. It’s not just a garden — it’s this huge mix of art, history, and nature all in one spot. The sculptures are incredible, and the way they’re placed throughout the gardens makes every turn feel like a surprise. The live oaks draped in Spanish moss give it such a peaceful, Southern charm vibe that you can’t really find anywhere else.

The place is massive, so it’s easy to spend hours wandering around without ever getting bored. Between the botanical gardens, the sculptures, the zoo area, and the history woven into the property, there’s something for everyone. It’s super well maintained, and you can tell a lot of pride goes into keeping it beautiful.

Definitely worth the admission price, and honestly a must-see if you’re anywhere near the Myrtle Beach area. Whether you’re into art, photography, or just want a relaxing day outdoors, Brookgreen Gardens delivers in every way."

Brian Slawson

"Gardens and exhibits were outstanding and should be for $25pp entry price. The variety and history of sculptures are truly staggering. We spent hours exploring the grounds. Most of the volunteers were welcoming, gracious and incredibly informative. Since we don’t agree with animal captivity, we didn’t see the zoo, but understand it to be more of a conservation effort than caged exploitation. Admission passes are good for a week, which is helpful with so much to absorb. A rich experience, highly recommended."

McV

"Absolutely GORGEOUS to see. I've always come to Myrtle since I was a little girl and this is the first time I've gone to see the gardens. We went early evening and stayed to see everything lit up and the giant Lilies bloom. Both beautiful at Night and day. The staff are all super nice and helpful in giving directions and insight about the area or pieces that are a must-see. We will definitely be back to bask in the beauty of these gardens!"

Lilly M

What People Like

Stunning sculpture gardens
Ancient live oaks
Beautiful botanical displays

What People Dislike

Can be overwhelming

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Brookgreen Gardens is located at 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. It's about a 30-40 minute drive south of Myrtle Beach. InstagramReddit

Public transportation options are limited in this area. Driving is the most convenient way to reach Brookgreen Gardens. Consider ride-sharing services if you are not driving. Reddit

From Myrtle Beach, take US-17 South towards Murrells Inlet. Turn right onto Brookgreen Drive. The gardens will be on your left. Instagram

Yes, Brookgreen Gardens offers plentiful free parking for visitors. Reddit

Yes, Brookgreen Gardens is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Charleston, making it a feasible day trip. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission is around $25 for adults and $17 for children over 3. Children under 3 are free. Prices can vary for special events. InstagramReddit

Yes, your admission ticket is typically valid for seven consecutive days, allowing you to revisit and explore more. Reddit

While tickets can sometimes be purchased at the gate, it's highly recommended to buy them online in advance, especially for popular events like 'Night of a Thousand Candles,' as they can sell out. Instagram

Operating hours vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to check the official Brookgreen Gardens website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Reddit

Discounts may be available for seniors, military, or groups. Check the official website or inquire at the ticket counter. Local residents often have membership options. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Brookgreen Gardens features a world-class sculpture garden, diverse botanical gardens, a Lowcountry zoo focused on native animals, and historical exhibits. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Kids will love the Enchanted Storybook Forest, the zoo area, and the open spaces to run and play. InstagramReddit

Yes, photography is encouraged! The gardens and sculptures offer endless beautiful photo opportunities. TikTok

Yes, Brookgreen Gardens offers various tours, including garden walks and boat tours, led by knowledgeable guides. Check their schedule for availability. Reddit

This is a spectacular holiday event where the gardens are illuminated with millions of lights and thousands of candles, creating a magical atmosphere. TikTokInstagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Brookgreen Gardens has a cafe and a restaurant offering a variety of food and beverages. You can also bring your own picnic to enjoy in designated areas. Reddit

The dining options typically include casual fare like sandwiches, salads, and snacks, as well as more substantial meals at the restaurant, often featuring Southern-inspired dishes. Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own picnic lunches and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy in designated picnic areas. Reddit

While menus can change, most cafes and restaurants offer some vegetarian options. It's advisable to check the current menu or ask staff for specific dietary accommodations. Reddit

Alcoholic beverages may be available for purchase at the on-site restaurant, especially during special events. Check their policies for details. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Live Oak Allée, the Reflection Pool, the various sculpture gardens, and the themed areas like the Enchanted Storybook Forest offer stunning photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Typically, drone usage is restricted in public gardens and parks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. It's best to check Brookgreen Gardens' specific drone policy. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows. Evening events like 'Summer Light' and 'Night of a Thousand Candles' provide unique, magical lighting. TikTokInstagram

While generally welcoming to photographers, professional or commercial shoots may require permits. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing the exhibits. TikTok

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and sculptures. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the oak trees, and a macro lens is useful for plant details. TikTok

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