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Conway is a city of about 27,000 people on the Waccamaw River in Horry County, about 15 miles inland from Myrtle Beach. Founded in the 1730s as Kingston, it is one of the oldest towns in South Carolina, and it grew as a river port for timber, naval stores and tobacco before roads and the beach boom arrived.
Downtown Conway is a historic district of brick storefronts, local restaurants and shops, shaded by huge live oaks draped in Spanish moss; the city protects its oaks, and some streets even curve around them. The Conway Riverwalk follows the Waccamaw River from downtown on a boardwalk through cypress swamp, with a marina and a park for events. The restored 1928 railroad depot, historic churches and the Horry County Museum, in a former hospital building, tell the area's story, and the L.W. Paul Living History Farm recreates a farm from the early 1900s.
Coastal Carolina University, home of the Chanticleers and their teal-green baseball stadium, is just outside town. The Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge protects river swamps for paddling and birdwatching, and the beaches and attractions of Myrtle Beach are about 20 minutes away, making Conway a quieter, historic base for the Grand Strand.
Downtown Conway is a historic riverfront district with brick storefronts, giant live oaks, local restaurants, antique shops and boutiques along Main Street and Third Avenue. It feels far calmer than the nearby beach towns. Walk from Main Street down to the Riverwalk, and look for the protected old oaks growing in the streets.
Coastal Carolina University is a growing public university just east of Conway, with a modern campus and Brooks Stadium, known for its teal football field. Visitors can watch Chanticleers games, theater performances and art exhibitions on campus. Check the athletics and arts calendars before your visit.
The Conway Riverwalk is a long wooden boardwalk along the blackwater Waccamaw River, passing cypress trees, a marina and parks near downtown. It is ideal for an easy walk, birdwatching and sunset views over the water. Start near the downtown end and continue to the marina; bring bug spray on warm evenings.
Conway City Hall is a handsome building from the 1820s designed by architect Robert Mills as the original Horry County courthouse. Its classic columned portico is a highlight of downtown. It still serves as city offices, so view it from outside, and pair it with a walk through the nearby historic streets.
The Horry County Museum occupies the restored Burroughs School and covers the history and natural history of Horry County, from Native American life and early settlers to tobacco farming and the growth of the coast. Admission is free. Allow about an hour, and combine it with the living history farm.
The L.W. Paul Living History Farm recreates a working Horry County family farm of the early twentieth century, with a farmhouse, barns, a tobacco barn, animals and crops. Staff in period dress demonstrate daily chores. Admission is free; visit during a seasonal event such as cane grinding or hog killing day.
Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge protects tidal freshwater swamps and floodplain forest along the Waccamaw and Great Pee Dee rivers. Visitors paddle quiet creeks, hike trails and watch for wading birds, otters and alligators. Start at the visitor center near Conway for maps and exhibits, and bring insect repellent.
Conway Marina sits on the Waccamaw River at the end of the Riverwalk, with boat ramps, docks and access to quiet blackwater paddling among cypress trees. It is a good starting point for kayaking or a scenic boat ride. Check the river level and weather, and watch for wildlife including turtles and herons.
Theatre of the Republic is Conway's historic community theater in a restored downtown movie house, staging musicals, plays and children's shows throughout the year. Local actors and volunteers fill a full season. Tickets are affordable; book early for musicals and pair the show with dinner on Main Street.
Kingston Presbyterian Church is a historic white wooden church in downtown Conway, with roots in the eighteenth century and a graveyard shaded by live oaks. Its cemetery holds graves of early settlers of the area once called Kingston. Visit the churchyard quietly and respect the congregation's services.
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South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
South Carolina, United States
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