myrtle beach state park's hidden gems
If you’re a full time resident then hopefully you have the state park pass. But even if you have the pass it’s unlikely that you’ve explored all that the park offers. There is so much! We love visiting the Nature Center and trails at Myrtle Beach State Park on a regular basis. If they’re new to you then read on.
the nature center at myrtle beach state park
WHERE IT IS | When you first come into the park you’ll see a small parking lot to the left, before you get to the beach access points and the pier. There is a small dirt parking lot in a shaded area, go in there. You’ll see the big arch way that says Nature Center.
THE SURROUNDINGS | As you walk down this short pathway you’ll see some informational placards about the animals and trees of the park. There is also a soaring eagle photo stand-in, great for capturing the IG post proof that you were there. The area is nicely shaded and the walk is very short. The outside of the nature center has several bird feeders and a cute junk/scrap art piece.
WHAT IS INSIDE | The nature center is small – just one main room plus a classroom. But it crams in a lot of info, including on the ceiling!
ANIMALS + EXHIBITS | There are some tanks with live crabs, fish, and snakes and even some taxidermied animals. A lot of the information is about protecting our coastal habitat through properly disposing of trash and picking up after ourselves on the beach. There are some cute interactive games and a few puzzles, etc. in the classroom section.
PROGRAM OFFERINGS | The nature center hosts many programs each month.
The trails at Myrtle beach state park
There are two trails directly across the street from the nature center parking area. You’ll enter on the Sculptured Oak Nature Trail. There are trail maps at the Nature Center.
BRING A SCAVENGER HUNT | Check out this page on the MB State Park website. It’s full of printable scavenger hunts and other find-it games that will help keep kids busy.
NON TRAIL SAVVY GUIDE | Start on the Sculptured Oak Nature Trail. You’ll pretty quickly see a cut off for the Pond Trail. Take that for a freshwater pond overlook.
The trails will lead you to the parking area south of the pier. Bathrooms are there.
For your return trip you can take the SONT back or walk farther down the parking lot to find the Yaupon Trail head. It’s maybe a tenth of a mile down behind one of the very last bathrooms. Hop on there and follow it all the way back to the original trailhead. It’s only .4 before it meets back up with the SONT to take you back to the main trail head. It’s a little bit of a longer walk to take this trail back versus but not by much.
TERRAIN & WHAT YOU’LL SEE | The ground cover is mostly pine needles and dead leaves. Beware that there are many raised tree roots which present constant tripping hazards.
Both trails would be difficult to navigate with a stroller, although I did see a family using one during our hike so it can be done. Both trails are almost completely shaded and it does feel cooler in the forest. Bugs aren’t too bad even in summer.
You can hear road noise and low flying planes and even see campers/tents throughout the trail. But the trails have nice little placards along the way encouraging people to slow down and take in their natural surroundings.
There are some very cool trees and a couple little boardwalks along the trail which add some interest for the kids.
HOW LONG WILL THIS TRAIL WALK TAKE | I think most families will need about a hour to go through both trails.
POTTY BREAKS | There are several benches along the trail and there are bathrooms at the end of the trail (over by the beach parking lots). Water fountains are available to refill water bottles at those bathrooms too.
BIGGEST THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR | We didn’t encounter any snakes but they are out there. And the raised tree roots are a constant tripping hazard.
You can see the list of MBSP programs here.