Myrtle Beach to Beaufort: A Coastal Road Trip Guide

Driving from Myrtle Beach to Beaufort traces a stretch of US-17 that once carried 19th-century planters and traders through South Carolina's Lowcountry. This 90-mile journey, typically taking just under two hours, can easily fill a full day if you explore the natural and cultural wonders between these two coastal cities. The route passes through the Francis Marion National Forest, where you might glimpse alligators sunning on moss-draped banks, and through historic Georgetown, the third-oldest city in South Carolina. This guide details how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, focusing on the best stops Myrtle Beach, SC to Beaufort, SC and how to decide how long to drive Myrtle Beach, SC to Beaufort, SC.

The primary route is US-17 South, a divided highway offering consistent two-lane travel with occasional traffic lights in towns. Driving time is about 1 hour 45 minutes without stops. For those wondering is it worth driving Myrtle Beach, SC to Beaufort, SC, the answer is yes, especially if you carve out extra time for detours. Fuel stations are abundant in Myrtle Beach and Georgetown, but sparser between McClellanville and Awendaw. Prices tend to be slightly higher near tourist areas. Rest areas are limited; plan bathroom breaks at fast-food restaurants or state parks.

• Fuel: Stations at mile markers 0, 23, 65, and 80
• Road condition: Generally good, with occasional gravel shoulders in rural sections
• Estimated driving time: 1 hour 45 minutes (non-stop)
• Tolls: None on US-17

Road safety on US-17 is generally high, but watch for deer crossings, especially at dawn and dusk near the forest. Child-friendly stops include the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Georgetown's Harborwalk with a pirate-themed playground, and Beaufort's Waterfront Park with a splash pad. Pet-friendly stops: the dog beach at Myrtle Beach State Park and the pet-friendly patio at The Crab Shack near Beaufort. Fatigue management: plan a stop at the Georgetown Visitors Center (restrooms, air conditioning) or pull off at Buck Hall Landing for a 10-minute nature break.

• Safety tips: Use high beams in forest sections, avoid speeding through small towns
• Family stops: Myrtle Beach State Park, Georgetown's rice museum, Beaufort's historic hearing tour
• Pet-friendly: Yes, many outdoor attractions allow leashed pets; South Carolina law requires pets in vehicles to be secured
• Rest zones: Mile marker 23 (Georgetown rest area), mile 65 (Awendaw rest stop)

The route traverses the Atlantic Coastal Plain, with salt marshes, maritime forests, and blackwater rivers. The Francis Marion National Forest offers hiking trails and the chance to see endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers. Local commerce thrives on seafood, with Georgetown's shrimp docks and McClellanville's oyster industry. For cultural depth, Georgetown's historic district features antebellum homes and a rice plantation museum. The Penn Center on St. Helena Island (near Beaufort) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site related to the Reconstruction Era, offering insight into Gullah Geechee heritage. The climate is humid subtropical; spring and fall provide the most pleasant temperatures for driving with windows down.

• Natural attractions: Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens
• UNESCO site: Penn Center (St. Helena Island, near Beaufort)
• Local seafood: The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene (McClellanville)
• Climate: Average 70°F in April, 85°F in July