This Scenic South Carolina Trail Is Even Better in the Winter

Winter is truly my favorite time of year. While most of Mother Nature is slowing down, I find myself energized by the cold temperatures and long nights. South Carolina is an interesting state when it comes to winter. The annual snowfall in South Carolina varies drastically depending on what region you’re talking about, and even then, we still rank as one of the lowest average yearly snowfalls of any state (1.5 inches). 

While I do enjoy a snow-covered winter hike, one of my favorite things to do in the winter is to head to the beach. I know beaches are reserved for warm-weather activities, but trust me—this is one of the best winter trails in South Carolina. There are fewer crowds, fewer bugs, and it's not sweltering hot... winning on all fronts if you ask me!

Garden City Beach is a unique little spot in South Carolina that tends to get overshadowed by its nearby neighbor, Myrtle Beach. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Garden City is where the inlet meets the ocean, so it's become a favorite for aquatic adventures like crabbing, fishing, and general watersports. 

Visiting the beach in the winter may sound bizarre, but give it a shot. South Carolina’s coastal temperatures don’t get too cold to dismiss the idea entirely, though I wouldn’t recommend swimming during this time of year. Instead, take advantage of the fewer crowds and take a stroll down the Garden City Beach Walk. Winter on the beach is beautiful. Grab a hoodie and embrace the shift! The cold sand feels incredible on your feet, and you'll often find yourself the only one on the beach, which is always a win.

It’s a five-mile out-and-back route, and it will probably take about 90 minutes to complete. The sand is fairly compact, which makes it perfect for beach walks. My calves have no tolerance for deep sand, so compacted sand is key to a good beach walk, in my opinion. Of course, the further away you get from the shoreline, the deeper the sand gets.

Beachcombing and birding are excellent ways to pass the time while you’re on your winter hike on the beach. You never know what the ocean is going to spit up, so keep your eyes peeled! For some of the best beachcombing in South Carolina, head just a tad further north. Remember that the ocean reveals new treasures twice a day during the tides, so no two visits will be the same.

This is one place that you’ll want to get your timing right. There’s nothing like the sunrises and sunsets on Garden City Beach, and I’d strongly encourage you to time your visit around then! If you want, you can walk along the beach all the way to the Huntington Park Jetty.

Share this article with someone you want to take this scenic winter hike in South Carolina with. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.