Planning a trip between Garden City and Myrtle Beach? Knowing the distance can help you map out your travel time and choose the best route. These two popular South Carolina destinations are close enough for a day trip or a quick getaway.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, exploring local attractions, or just curious about the drive, understanding how far Garden City is from Myrtle Beach makes your travel plans smoother. Let’s break down the distance and what to expect on the road.
Understanding the Distance Between Garden City and Myrtle Beach
You need clear information on the distance between Garden City and Myrtle Beach to plan your trip effectively. Knowing this distance helps in estimating travel time and choosing the right route.
Geographic Overview of Garden City and Myrtle Beach
Garden City lies about 15 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach along South Carolina’s Grand Strand. Both destinations border the Atlantic Ocean, with Garden City offering a quieter beach experience and Myrtle Beach serving as a bustling tourist hub. The proximity along the coastline makes it easy to travel between them via US Highway 17 or Ocean Boulevard.
Measurement Methods for Distance
Two main methods measure distance between Garden City and Myrtle Beach: driving distance and straight-line distance. Driving distance accounts for the actual roads used, typically covering roughly 15 to 20 miles, depending on the chosen route. Straight-line distance, or “as the crow flies,” reduces this to about 12 miles. GPS devices and online mapping tools like Google Maps provide accurate driving distances and time estimates for your travel planning.
Travel Options From Garden City to Myrtle Beach
You can reach Myrtle Beach from Garden City using different travel options. Each method offers flexibility based on your preferences for convenience, time, and cost.
Driving Route and Estimated Travel Time
You can drive from Garden City to Myrtle Beach primarily via US Highway 17 or Ocean Boulevard. The driving distance spans approximately 15 to 20 miles depending on the chosen route. Driving typically takes 25 to 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Use GPS navigation or Google Maps for precise routes and updated travel times.
Public Transportation Availability
You can use the Coast RTA bus system for public transportation between Garden City and Myrtle Beach. The service connects major stops along the Grand Strand, but schedules run less frequently on weekends and holidays. Plan ahead by checking the latest Coast RTA route maps and timetables to align with your travel timing.
Alternative Travel Methods
You can consider biking or rideshare services as alternative travel options. Biking covers about 15 miles along coastal roads suitable for experienced cyclists, offering scenic views if you prefer an active approach. Rideshare options like Uber or Lyft provide on-demand transportation with estimated trip durations similar to driving, depending on traffic.
Factors Affecting Travel Time
Travel time between Garden City and Myrtle Beach depends on several factors that influence your route and speed. Understanding these elements helps you plan a more accurate trip.
Traffic Conditions
Traffic volume heavily affects travel duration. You face heavier traffic during weekdays, especially morning and evening rush hours. Weekends bring increased congestion as tourists and locals head to beaches and attractions. Roadworks or accidents on US Highway 17 or Ocean Boulevard also cause delays. Real-time traffic apps provide current updates to help you avoid slowdowns.
Weather Impact
Weather changes alter travel safety and speed. Heavy rain reduces visibility and makes roads slippery, prompting slower driving. Fog and storms around the Grand Strand limit sight distance, extending travel time. Hurricanes or tropical storms near the coast may lead to road closures or evacuations, halting travel between Garden City and Myrtle Beach.
Seasonal Variations
Seasonal tourist influx directly affects traffic density and travel speed. Summer months see peak crowds, with longer driving times due to increased beachgoers. Winter months offer lighter traffic and quicker travel. Holiday weekends bring spikes in visitors, causing traffic jams on routes connecting these two popular destinations along South Carolina’s coast.
Attractions Along the Way
Traveling between Garden City and Myrtle Beach offers chances to explore notable attractions. You can enrich your trip by visiting points of interest near Garden City and popular stops along the route.
Points of Interest Near Garden City
You find several key attractions close to Garden City that highlight its relaxed coastal atmosphere. The Garden City Pier provides fishing and scenic ocean views 24/7, attracting anglers and photographers. Myrtle Beach State Park, just a few miles north, features nature trails, a fishing pier, and picnic areas, allowing for a peaceful outdoor experience. Wachesaw Plantation, a historic golf course, offers championship-level golfing in a lush environment if you want to add sport to your itinerary.
Popular Stops Between Garden City and Myrtle Beach
You encounter multiple popular stops on the drive between Garden City and Myrtle Beach that add cultural and entertainment value. Surfside Beach, about 7 miles from Garden City, comes with family-friendly beaches and dining options. Broadway at the Beach, located closer to central Myrtle Beach, is a major entertainment complex with restaurants, shops, and live shows ideal for a break or extended visit. The Market Common area offers upscale shopping and dining in a relaxed setting if you want a refined stop before you reach Myrtle Beach’s core attractions.
Conclusion
Knowing the distance between Garden City and Myrtle Beach helps you plan your trip with ease and confidence. Whether you’re driving, biking, or using public transport, you can choose the best option based on your schedule and preferences.
Keep in mind that traffic, weather, and seasonal changes may affect your travel time, so staying flexible ensures a smoother journey. With plenty of attractions along the way, your trip between these two beautiful coastal spots can be more than just a commute—it can be part of the adventure.
Hi, I’m Md Rofiqul, a gardening enthusiast who loves spending time in the garden and backyard. I enjoy caring for plants, growing flowers and vegetables, and creating a green space that feels peaceful and refreshing. Gardening is more than just a hobby, it’s a passion that connects me to nature and brings joy to my daily life. Living with plants inspires me to embrace simplicity, patience, and sustainability while making every day more colorful and rewarding.