20 Things to Do in Conway SC That Aren’t Antiquing
Long before the neon lights of Myrtle Beach lit up the coast, Conway stood quietly inland—rooted in river trade, Revolutionary War battles, and a stubborn kind of Southern resilience. Founded in 1732 as Kingston, the town was one of the first inland settlements in South Carolina. It grew along the slow-moving Waccamaw River, a lifeline that carried timber, rice, and stories downstream.
By the late 1800s, Conway was a hub of the longleaf pine lumber industry, shipping heart pine to rebuild cities like Charleston and even New York. That same wood still frames many of Conway’s historic buildings today, including the 1908 Old Horry County Courthouse—designed by the architect behind the Washington Monument.
But history here isn’t locked behind glass. It’s in the creaking floorboards of Rivertown Bistro, in the moss-draped oaks along the Riverwalk, in every brick laid by hand. Conway didn’t just survive hurricanes, fires, and economic shifts—it adapted without losing its soul.
If you’re searching for things to do in Conway, SC, don’t come looking for flash. Come for the roots. The river. The rhythm. And let this storied little town show you what the Grand Strand looked like before the crowds arrived.
1. Conway Riverwalk
Important Information
- Fun Fact: A scenic boardwalk along the Waccamaw River with views of cypress trees, picnic areas, and access to historic downtown Conway.
- Address: 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall for comfortable walking weather.
- Distance to city center: Located in downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Free entry.
- Parking: Free parking lots nearby.
- Accessibility: Accessible boardwalk and restrooms.
- Opening Hours: Daily 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Closing Hours: 10 p.m.
- Discounts / Deals: Free community attraction.
The Conway Riverwalk traces the edge of the Waccamaw River, a waterway that has shaped the town’s history for centuries. Before European arrival, the Waccamaw and other Indigenous peoples relied on the river for food, transportation, and trade. By the 18th century, as settlers established Conwayborough (later shortened to Conway), the river became the artery that carried naval stores, rice, and timber to markets along the South Carolina coast.
The Riverwalk, built as part of downtown revitalization efforts in the late 20th century, reconnected the community with its historic waterfront. Brick-paved paths, shaded boardwalks, and piers invite visitors to explore the same banks once crowded with warehouses and flatboats. Along the route, interpretive signs and preserved architecture tell the story of Conway’s development from colonial outpost to county seat.
Today, the Riverwalk is more than a park—it is a living timeline. Visitors strolling its paths can see remnants of old commerce alongside natural cypress swamps, experiencing both history and ecology in one view. It embodies Conway’s resilience, linking its river-born origins to its modern role as a cultural and recreational hub on the Grand Strand.
2. Horry County Museum
Important Information
- Fun Fact: Set in a historic 1905 courthouse, the museum showcases natural history, Native American culture, and regional heritage of Horry County.
- Address: 805 Main Street, Conway, SC 29526
- Best time to visit: Weekdays or mornings for fewer crowds.
- Distance to city center: In downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Free admission.
- Parking: Free on-site parking.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible museum and restrooms.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Closing Hours: 5 p.m.
- Discounts / Deals: Free entry year-round.
The Horry County Museum serves as the custodian of the region’s history, preserving stories that stretch from prehistoric fossils to the modern rise of Myrtle Beach tourism. Established in 1979, the museum occupies a historic former post office building, itself a piece of Conway’s heritage. Its exhibits chart the county’s evolution, beginning with Native American artifacts and extending through the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, when Horry County’s remote swamps provided refuge for patriots and later Confederate raiders.
One of the museum’s highlights is its extensive collection of local photographs, textiles, and household items, offering a glimpse into daily life in the Lowcountry across centuries. The freshwater aquarium, one of the largest in South Carolina, showcases the ecology of the Waccamaw River system, tying natural history directly to human settlement.
More than a repository, the Horry County Museum is a cultural anchor for Conway. It ensures that residents and visitors alike understand how geography, agriculture, and perseverance shaped a community that grew quietly along the Waccamaw before tourism transformed the coast. It is both an educational center and a monument to Horry County’s layered past.
3. Theatre of the Republic
Important Information
- Fun Fact: A community theater company producing Broadway-style musicals, plays, and youth programs in an intimate historic venue.
- Address: 337 Main Street, Conway, SC 29526
- Best time to visit: Evenings during show runs.
- Distance to city center: Located in downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Tickets $20–$30 per person.
- Parking: Free street and lot parking nearby.
- Accessibility: Accessible seating and restrooms.
- Opening Hours: Box office Tuesday–Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; shows evenings.
- Closing Hours: After performances (around 10 p.m.).
- Discounts / Deals: Season subscriptions and group discounts available.
The Theatre of the Republic, located on Main Street in downtown Conway, represents the town’s longstanding devotion to the arts. Housed in a former movie theater built in the early 20th century, the venue was transformed into a community performing arts center during the 1980s, when locals rallied to preserve downtown’s historic character. Its survival and rebirth are testaments to Conway’s determination to balance heritage with modern cultural life.
Inside, the theatre has staged countless Broadway musicals, dramas, and original productions, providing a stage for local talent and a gathering place for audiences across Horry County. In many ways, it reflects the history of Conway itself—small in scale compared to nearby Myrtle Beach, yet rich in character, driven by community involvement, and committed to storytelling.
The Theatre of the Republic anchors downtown Conway’s cultural revival, helping to make Main Street more than a historic corridor. It shows that the town’s history is not only written in museums and riverbanks but also spoken, sung, and acted on stage.
4. Waccamaw River Park
Important Information
- Fun Fact: A natural preserve along the river with hiking trails, birdwatching, and kayaking opportunities.
- Address: Waccamaw River Road, Conway, SC 29526
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall for outdoor recreation.
- Distance to city center: About 5 miles from downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Free entry.
- Parking: Free on-site parking.
- Accessibility: Some accessible trails and boardwalks.
- Opening Hours: Daily sunrise to sunset.
- Closing Hours: At sunset.
- Discounts / Deals: Free outdoor attraction.
The Waccamaw River Park highlights Conway’s most enduring landmark: the river that has sustained life here for centuries. Long before European settlement, the Waccamaw people and other Indigenous groups used these waters for fishing and transport, building communities around its abundant resources. When settlers established Conwayborough in the 1730s, the river became the foundation of trade in naval stores, timber, and rice, helping the town flourish as a commercial center.
The park preserves part of that riverine environment, with trails winding through cypress swamps and wetlands. Spanish moss draping from the trees creates a landscape much as it appeared to early travelers who relied on flatboats to reach Georgetown and Charleston. Interpretive signs often connect visitors to the river’s ecological and cultural past, highlighting how human life here has always been shaped by its currents.
For Conway, the Waccamaw River Park is more than green space. It is a reminder of how geography dictated history, drawing people to its banks for survival, trade, and now recreation. Standing along its shaded paths, one sees not only natural beauty but the very stage upon which Conway’s story was first written.
5. RoadRunner Antiques
Important Information
- Fun Fact: A large antique mall featuring multiple vendors offering vintage furniture, collectibles, and unique finds.
- Address: 507 Main Street, Conway, SC 29526
- Best time to visit: Weekdays for relaxed browsing.
- Distance to city center: In downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Free entry; items vary from $5–$500+.
- Parking: Free nearby public parking.
- Accessibility: Accessible entrance and aisles.
- Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Closing Hours: 5:30 p.m.
- Discounts / Deals: Vendor sales and seasonal specials.
The RoadRunner Antiques shop in Conway reflects a long tradition of preservation through commerce. Antique stores in South Carolina often double as informal archives, housing objects that tell the story of settlement, trade, and everyday life along the Waccamaw River. From 19th-century farm tools to Depression-era glassware and mid-century furniture, the pieces inside RoadRunner trace the rhythms of a community shaped by agriculture, river trade, and later the tourism boom.
Conway’s downtown has gone through several waves of decline and revival, and antique businesses like RoadRunner played a role in drawing visitors back into historic storefronts. Each artifact, whether a quilt, a piece of local pottery, or a military keepsake, links buyers and browsers with the layered past of Horry County. Unlike a formal museum, the shop allows history to change hands, ensuring that the stories of families, farmers, and workers remain part of living memory.
In a town known for its riverwalk and cultural landmarks, RoadRunner Antiques offers another way of experiencing history—through the objects that once filled local homes. It is part of Conway’s wider narrative of keeping the past alive not only in archives but in everyday commerce.
6. L.W. Paul Living History Farm
Important Information
- Fun Fact: A working farm that recreates life in Horry County from 1900–1955, complete with demonstrations of traditional farming, cooking, and blacksmithing.
- Address: 2279 Harris Short Cut Road, Conway, SC 29526
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall for outdoor demonstrations and events.
- Distance to city center: About 7 miles north of downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Free admission.
- Parking: Free on-site parking.
- Accessibility: Accessible visitor center and select farm areas.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Closing Hours: 4 p.m.
- Discounts / Deals: Free entry year-round.
The L.W. Paul Living History Farm transports visitors into the agricultural world of Horry County in the first half of the 20th century. Established as part of the Horry County Museum system, the farm interprets life between 1900 and 1955, a time when tobacco, corn, and livestock formed the backbone of the local economy. Its barns, fields, and restored buildings preserve the routines of families who worked the land long before Myrtle Beach turned the region into a tourist hub.
Here, demonstrations of plowing, cooking on wood stoves, or grinding sugarcane show how self-sufficiency defined rural existence. These practices reflect generations of farmers who relied on both tradition and community to endure lean years and natural challenges. The farm’s emphasis on daily life—rather than extraordinary events—makes it an especially valuable record of Conway’s heritage.
The Living History Farm reminds visitors that Conway’s identity was once rooted in soil as much as in the river. It connects agricultural heritage with cultural memory, preserving the skills and stories that built Horry County before highways, hotels, and universities reshaped its economy.
7. Thompson Farm & Nursery LLC
Important Information
- Fun Fact: A family-run farm offering seasonal activities like pumpkin patches, corn mazes, sunflower fields, and petting zoos.
- Address: 1625 Bucksville Drive, Conway, SC 29527
- Best time to visit: Fall for pumpkin patches; summer for sunflower festivals.
- Distance to city center: About 8 miles southwest of downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Admission $10–$20 depending on season and activities.
- Parking: Free on-site parking.
- Accessibility: Most areas accessible; farm terrain may be uneven.
- Opening Hours: Seasonal; typically weekends 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Closing Hours: 6 p.m.
- Discounts / Deals: Family packages and seasonal passes.
The roots of Thompson Farm & Nursery reach into Conway’s longstanding agricultural traditions. For centuries, the Waccamaw River lowlands supported farming communities, first among Indigenous peoples who grew corn, beans, and squash, and later among European settlers who planted rice and tobacco. By the 19th and 20th centuries, small family farms like the Thompsons’ became the backbone of Horry County’s economy, supplying both local markets and regional trade.
Thompson Farm carries this legacy forward while adapting to the needs of modern agritourism. Seasonal events such as corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and educational programs connect visitors to practices that once defined daily survival. The farm also preserves heritage crops and livestock, showing how food production shaped Conway’s social and economic development long before the rise of nearby Myrtle Beach as a tourist magnet.
Visiting Thompson Farm is more than a family outing—it is a step into Conway’s agricultural story. The farm reflects a centuries-old cycle of planting and harvest that has sustained the community, blending tradition with modern family-friendly experiences.
8. Carolina Marketplace
Important Information
- Fun Fact: A local shopping center with a mix of retail stores, eateries, and small businesses serving the Conway community.
- Address: 1610 Church Street, Conway, SC 29526
- Best time to visit: Weekdays for easier parking; weekends for events.
- Distance to city center: About 2 miles east of downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Free entry; shopping and dining prices vary.
- Parking: Free on-site parking.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible shopping center.
- Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday 12–6 p.m.
- Closing Hours: 6–9 p.m. depending on the day.
- Discounts / Deals: Seasonal store sales and promotions.
The Carolina Marketplace is one of Conway’s antique centers, part of a tradition of keeping history alive through objects passed down across generations. Located in the historic core of Horry County, the marketplace offers an eclectic mix of furniture, collectibles, and memorabilia, much of it tied to the agricultural and coastal life of the region. Items often carry echoes of farmsteads, naval stores, and households that once lined the Waccamaw.
Conway’s growth has always been tied to trade, from river flatboats carrying tar and timber in the 18th century to railroads moving crops in the 19th and 20th. Antique shops like Carolina Marketplace reflect that mercantile heritage, keeping circulation alive—only now it is family heirlooms, not raw goods, that change hands.
By preserving and reselling these artifacts, the marketplace offers a tactile history lesson for visitors. Each piece tells part of Conway’s story, ensuring that the town’s identity is remembered not just in museums and plaques, but in the lived objects of daily life.
9. Riverfront Park
Important Information
- Fun Fact: A popular community park on the Waccamaw River with picnic shelters, playgrounds, and an outdoor amphitheater for concerts and events.
- Address: 100 Laurel Street, Conway, SC 29526
- Best time to visit: Summer for festivals; evenings for river views.
- Distance to city center: In downtown Conway, adjacent to Riverwalk.
- Pricing: Free entry.
- Parking: Free nearby parking.
- Accessibility: Accessible trails, restrooms, and amphitheater seating.
- Opening Hours: Daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Closing Hours: 10 p.m.
- Discounts / Deals: Free year-round.
The Riverfront Park in Conway stretches along the Waccamaw River, where the town’s earliest stories were written. Long before European settlers arrived, Indigenous peoples relied on these waters for fishing, canoe travel, and trade. When Conwayborough was founded in the 1730s, the river became the artery that carried naval stores, timber, and farm goods to markets in Georgetown and Charleston, helping establish Conway as the seat of Horry County.
The park was later developed as a civic space during Conway’s downtown revitalization in the late 20th century. Its boardwalks and open lawns were designed to reconnect residents with the river, which had been overshadowed for decades by highways and inland expansion. It has since become a centerpiece for festivals, concerts, and public gatherings, reclaiming the riverbank as a shared community asset.
Riverfront Park is not just a place of leisure—it is a historical landscape. Standing on its banks, one can imagine flatboats loaded with tar and pitch, steamboats pushing upriver, and farmers hauling crops for shipment. Today’s visitors walk the same shoreline where Conway’s economic and cultural life first took shape.
10. Shaftesbury Glen Golf & Fish Club
Important Information
- Fun Fact: A Scottish-inspired golf course known for wide fairways, pristine greens, and a unique “play & fish” program with stocked ponds.
- Address: 951 Shaftesbury Lane, Conway, SC 29526
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall for optimal golfing weather.
- Distance to city center: About 12 miles north of downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Greens fees $40–$80 depending on season and time; fishing included for golfers.
- Parking: Free on-site parking.
- Accessibility: Accessible clubhouse and golf carts available.
- Opening Hours: Daily 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Closing Hours: 6 p.m.
- Discounts / Deals: Seasonal specials, twilight rates, and membership deals.
The Shaftesbury Glen Golf & Fish Club links modern recreation with South Carolina’s deeper land history. The name “Shaftesbury” recalls the Lords Proprietors, including Anthony Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftesbury, who oversaw the 17th-century colonial settlement of Carolina. This tie to early English land grants reflects how deeply property and agriculture shaped the development of Horry County.
The club itself was built much later, during the late 20th century surge in golf course construction across the Grand Strand. As Myrtle Beach emerged as a golf capital of the United States, Conway joined the movement, weaving its agricultural past into manicured fairways and fish-stocked lakes. The course design, with tree-lined fairways and water features, mirrors the wetlands and hardwood forests that once dominated the region.
Shaftesbury Glen represents the evolution of Conway’s land use—from rice fields and tobacco farms to fairways and recreational lakes. In this way, it preserves the landscape’s legacy while transforming it into a space for modern play, blending echoes of colonial history with the region’s more recent identity as a golf destination.
11. Conway Downtown Alive
Important Information
- Fun Fact: A nonprofit organization revitalizing Conway’s historic downtown through events like Alive After 5, art strolls, and farmers markets.
- Address: Main Street, Conway, SC 29526
- Best time to visit: Thursday evenings for Alive After 5; weekends for markets and festivals.
- Distance to city center: In downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Free entry; vendor and activity costs vary.
- Parking: Free street and lot parking.
- Accessibility: Accessible sidewalks and event areas.
- Opening Hours: Event-based; office open weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Closing Hours: Varies by event.
- Discounts / Deals: Free community events; vendor discounts at festivals.
Conway Downtown Alive is more than a nonprofit organization—it is the driving force behind the revitalization of Conway’s historic core. In the mid-to-late 20th century, like many American small towns, Conway saw its downtown wane as highways and malls drew commerce away. By the 1980s, community leaders realized that Main Street, once the lifeblood of the city, needed intentional preservation and renewal.
Formed under the National Main Street Program, Downtown Alive helped protect historic storefronts, attract small businesses, and host events that reconnected residents with the heart of the city. Festivals, art walks, and farmers’ markets turned once-quiet streets back into lively gathering spaces. The program also underscored Conway’s rich architectural fabric, where brick facades and century-old storefronts reflect the town’s river-trade origins.
Conway Downtown Alive is both preservation and progress. It ensures that the charm of the past—the river town roots, the turn-of-the-century architecture, the small-business spirit—remains intact, while also creating a sustainable future for a city on the edge of South Carolina’s busiest tourist corridor.
12. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Important Information
- Fun Fact: Home to a 340-foot underwater tunnel with sharks, sawfish, and sea turtles, plus interactive exhibits like penguin encounters.
- Address: 1110 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (Broadway at the Beach).
- Best time to visit: Mornings to avoid crowds; December for holiday lights and shows.
- Distance to city center: About 15 miles southeast of Conway.
- Pricing: Adults $39.99; children $27.99; under 3 free.
- Parking: Free parking at Broadway at the Beach.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible exhibits and restrooms.
- Opening Hours: Daily 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Closing Hours: 9 p.m.
- Discounts / Deals: Online discounts, combo tickets, and annual passes.
The Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, though located just a short drive from Conway, ties into the region’s long relationship with the Atlantic. Opened in 1997 at Broadway at the Beach, the aquarium continues a legacy of curiosity that began with early naturalists documenting the marine life of the Carolina coast. Its exhibits draw from centuries of fascination with the sea, which provided food, commerce, and mystery to coastal communities.
Inside, the aquarium houses thousands of species, from local coastal fish to exotic sea creatures from across the globe. Its most famous feature—the Dangerous Reef tunnel—offers a diver’s-eye view of sharks, rays, and sea turtles gliding overhead. Beyond spectacle, the aquarium serves as an educational hub, echoing the efforts of earlier conservationists who warned about overfishing and habitat loss in the late 20th century.
Though modern in design, Ripley’s Aquarium stands within a continuum of coastal heritage. It turns the timeless curiosity about the ocean into a structured experience, blending entertainment with conservation. For visitors from Conway and beyond, it bridges the past dependence on the sea with today’s efforts to understand and protect it.
13. Wild Wing Plantation
Important Information
- Fun Fact: A premier golf community with multiple 18-hole courses and scenic lakes, offering a blend of challenge and natural beauty.
- Address: 1000 Wild Wing Boulevard, Conway, SC 29526
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall for prime golf conditions.
- Distance to city center: About 8 miles east of downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Greens fees $40–$100 depending on time and season.
- Parking: Free on-site parking.
- Accessibility: Accessible clubhouse and golf carts.
- Opening Hours: Daily 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Closing Hours: 6 p.m.
- Discounts / Deals: Membership packages, twilight rates, and seasonal specials.
The Wild Wing Plantation reflects the evolution of Conway’s landscape from farmland to recreation hub. Once part of vast tracts of rice and tobacco fields that defined Horry County’s economy through the 19th and early 20th centuries, the land was gradually repurposed as the Grand Strand became a golf destination. By the late 20th century, golf courses replaced fields, symbolizing a shift from agriculture to tourism and leisure as the economic driver of the region.
Wild Wing was one of the largest golf developments in Myrtle Beach during the 1990s, at one time boasting 72 holes. Its design incorporated lakes and wooded terrain, echoing the wetlands and pine forests that had long shaped settlement patterns. Although reduced in size over the years, the club remains a showcase of the Grand Strand’s identity as a premier golf corridor, where the land itself narrates the shift from subsistence farming to recreational landscapes.
For Conway, Wild Wing Plantation represents more than just fairways and greens. It is a continuation of the region’s tradition of using the land to sustain the community—first through crops, then through tourism, each era leaving its own imprint on the soil.
14. Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Coastal Carolina Conway
Important Information
- Fun Fact: A modern hotel close to Coastal Carolina University, popular with visiting families and business travelers.
- Address: 2061 E. Highway 501, Conway, SC 29526
- Best time to visit: Year-round; peak during university events and football season.
- Distance to city center: About 5 miles east of downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Rooms $120–$180 per night.
- Parking: Free on-site parking.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible rooms and amenities.
- Opening Hours: Check-in 3 p.m.
- Closing Hours: Check-out 11 a.m.
- Discounts / Deals: AAA, senior, and extended-stay discounts.
The Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites near Coastal Carolina University tells a newer chapter in Conway’s history—one shaped by education and growth. As Coastal Carolina University expanded from a small branch campus in the 1950s to a full-fledged institution by the 1990s, demand for lodging grew around Conway. Hotels like the Fairfield became essential in connecting the university with visiting families, faculty, and students from across the region.
Beyond the university, the hotel also reflects Conway’s integration into the larger Myrtle Beach tourism economy. Located just inland from the Grand Strand, it provides accommodation for travelers who want proximity to both the beaches and the quieter heritage of Conway. Its presence illustrates how modern hospitality follows patterns set centuries earlier, when Conway’s inns and riverfront boarding houses served traders and travelers along the Waccamaw.
In essence, the Fairfield is part of Conway’s ongoing narrative of welcoming outsiders—first through river trade, then through tourism, and now through education and business. It symbolizes the town’s role as both host and home in the fast-changing landscape of coastal South Carolina.
15. Whitaker’s
Important Information
- Fun Fact: A locally owned restaurant known for hearty Southern comfort food, steaks, and seafood.
- Address: 1150 Highway 501 Business, Conway, SC 29526
- Best time to visit: Evenings for dinner; weekends for family gatherings.
- Distance to city center: About 2 miles east of downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Entrees $15–$30.
- Parking: Free on-site parking.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible dining area and restrooms.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 5–10 p.m.
- Closing Hours: 10 p.m.
- Discounts / Deals: Early bird specials and seasonal menu promotions.
Whitaker’s is more than just a bar in downtown Conway—it is part of the town’s effort to blend its historic charm with modern social life. Set within a historic brick storefront, Whitaker’s reflects the adaptive reuse trend that has defined Conway’s revitalization since the late 20th century. Where hardware stores and mercantile shops once served river traders and farm families, the same spaces now house restaurants and bars that draw both locals and visitors.
The bar carries on a tradition of community gathering that stretches back to Conway’s earliest taverns in the 18th and 19th centuries. In those days, taverns doubled as meeting halls and political forums, places where news traveled as quickly as riverboats could carry it. Whitaker’s modern atmosphere nods to that heritage by serving as a hub where Conway residents and Coastal Carolina University students meet, share music, and celebrate the town’s character.
As Conway continues balancing small-town roots with the cultural pull of Myrtle Beach, Whitaker’s stands as a reminder that hospitality has always been at the core of this river town. It represents continuity: the storefront may have changed, but the role of gathering has remained the same.
16. Brooks Stadium
Important Information
- Fun Fact: Home of the Coastal Carolina University Chanticleers football team, famous for its teal-colored “Surf Turf” field.
- Address: 965 One Landon Loop, Conway, SC 29526
- Best time to visit: Fall during football season.
- Distance to city center: About 5 miles east of downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Tickets $20–$50 for football games.
- Parking: Paid event parking available on-site.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible stadium seating and restrooms.
- Opening Hours: Event-based; gates typically open 2 hours before games.
- Closing Hours: After events.
- Discounts / Deals: Student and season ticket packages available.
The Brooks Stadium at Coastal Carolina University is a modern symbol of Conway’s growth into a center for education and athletics. Completed in 2003 and expanded several times since, the stadium reflects the rapid rise of CCU from a small local college into a nationally recognized university. Its turquoise turf—unique in college football—has become a defining image of both the Chanticleers and Conway itself.
The stadium is named for brothers C. Allen and Aaron Brooks, longtime supporters of the university and the Conway community. Their namesake facility has hosted not only football games but also commencement ceremonies and community events, cementing its role as more than just an athletic field.
Brooks Stadium ties Conway into broader cultural and economic networks. When CCU won the College World Series in 2016 and later joined the Sun Belt Conference, national attention turned to Conway, with the stadium serving as a focal point for pride and identity. Just as the Waccamaw River once anchored the town’s early growth, the stadium now anchors its 21st-century reputation as a place of achievement and community gathering.
17. Coastal Carolina University
Important Information
- Fun Fact: Founded in 1954, CCU is a vibrant liberal arts university best known for its Chanticleers athletics and strong marine science programs.
- Address: 100 Chanticleer Drive East, Conway, SC 29528
- Best time to visit: Year-round; fall for campus events and tours.
- Distance to city center: About 5 miles east of downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Free to walk around; tuition and event costs vary.
- Parking: Visitor parking available with passes.
- Accessibility: Accessible campus pathways, buildings, and facilities.
- Opening Hours: Campus generally open 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Closing Hours: 10 p.m.
- Discounts / Deals: Free campus tours for prospective students.
Coastal Carolina University (CCU) began in 1954 as a small extension of the University of South Carolina, created by Conway residents determined to bring higher education closer to home. What started with a few dozen students in borrowed classrooms grew steadily, fueled by local fundraising and a commitment to serving the Pee Dee and Grand Strand regions. By 1993, CCU had gained independence as a state university, marking a turning point in Conway’s identity as more than just a historic river town.
The university’s growth reshaped Conway’s economy and culture. Once defined primarily by agriculture and river trade, the town became a center for education, research, and athletics. The campus itself expanded into a blend of modern academic halls and student housing, while still maintaining ties to the surrounding community. Land once devoted to fields now hosts facilities where thousands of students prepare for global careers.
CCU’s influence extends far beyond its classrooms. The Chanticleers’ 2016 College World Series championship brought national attention to Conway, while ongoing research and cultural programs strengthen the region’s intellectual life. The university embodies a new chapter in Conway’s history—one that looks forward while rooted in local determination and pride.
18. SkyWheel Myrtle Beach
Important Information
- Fun Fact: A local glassblowing studio offering handmade art pieces and live glassblowing demonstrations.
- Address: 209 Laurel Street, Conway, SC 29526
- Best time to visit: Saturdays for live demos; holidays for glass ornament events.
- Distance to city center: Located in downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Free to browse; glass pieces $20–$200+.
- Parking: Free street and public lot parking.
- Accessibility: Accessible showroom and demo areas.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Closing Hours: 4–5 p.m. depending on the day.
- Discounts / Deals: Workshop packages and seasonal sales.
The SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, though located in nearby Myrtle Beach, is an extension of the coastal tourism boom that has long shaped Conway’s fortunes. Opened in 2011, the 187-foot-tall observation wheel was among the first of its kind in the United States, symbolizing the Grand Strand’s transformation into an entertainment hub comparable to global seaside resorts.
The wheel’s glass gondolas offer sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Myrtle Beach boardwalk, and inland toward Conway and the Waccamaw River basin. In many ways, the SkyWheel reflects the same dynamic that once drew visitors to Florida’s Space Coast or Coney Island in New York—iconic structures designed to fuse leisure, spectacle, and identity.
For Conway, the SkyWheel represents both opportunity and contrast. While the town remains steeped in river heritage and small-town character, Myrtle Beach’s rapid growth and entertainment-driven skyline have influenced Conway’s own evolution. Students, tourists, and families often move between the two, linking Conway’s historic streets to the neon lights of the Grand Strand. The SkyWheel, towering over the coast, is a reminder of how tourism redefined the region’s economy and culture in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
19. Conway Glass
Important Information
- Fun Fact: A local glassblowing studio offering handmade art pieces and live glassblowing demonstrations.
- Address: 209 Laurel Street, Conway, SC 29526
- Best time to visit: Saturdays for live demos; holidays for glass ornament events.
- Distance to city center: Located in downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Free to browse; glass pieces $20–$200+.
- Parking: Free street and public lot parking.
- Accessibility: Accessible showroom and demo areas.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Closing Hours: 4–5 p.m. depending on the day.
- Discounts / Deals: Workshop packages and seasonal sales.
Conway Glass reflects the intersection of art, craftsmanship, and local heritage. Glassblowing and stained-glass work have centuries-old traditions in Europe, but in Conway, studios like this one emerged during the late 20th century as part of the town’s cultural revitalization. Located in a historic downtown building, Conway Glass connects the town’s river-trade roots with a newer identity as a hub for artisans and small creative businesses.
The studio is both a workshop and gallery, where demonstrations show the ancient techniques of heating, blowing, and shaping molten glass. Each piece—whether stained-glass windows or handblown ornaments—carries echoes of the craftsmanship that once defined local industries, from shipbuilding to blacksmithing. Just as earlier Conway trades blended artistry with utility, Conway Glass continues that tradition in a modern medium.
By hosting community events and classes, Conway Glass strengthens the role of creativity in downtown life. It is not only a shop but also a cultural landmark, proving that Conway’s story is written as much in its arts as in its agriculture, education, and river heritage.
20. HTC Student Recreation and Convocation Center
Important Information
- Fun Fact: A multi-purpose facility at Coastal Carolina University with basketball courts, fitness areas, and event space for sports and concerts.
- Address: 104 Founders Drive, Conway, SC 29526
- Best time to visit: Year-round; basketball season for sporting events.
- Distance to city center: About 5 miles east of downtown Conway.
- Pricing: Free entry for CCU students; event ticket pricing varies.
- Parking: On-site parking available with event passes.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible seating, restrooms, and entrances.
- Opening Hours: Event-based; fitness facilities open daily 6 a.m.–11 p.m. (for students/members).
- Closing Hours: 11 p.m. or after events.
- Discounts / Deals: Free with student membership; discounts on season passes.
The HTC Student Recreation and Convocation Center at Coastal Carolina University symbolizes the town’s commitment to community growth through education and athletics. Opened in 2012, the 131,000-square-foot facility was designed as a dual-purpose venue—both a hub for student recreation and the home of CCU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. Its scale and design reflect Conway’s transformation from a small river town into a place capable of hosting regional events and drawing national attention.
The naming of the center after Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC), one of the nation’s oldest member-owned telecom companies, ties the facility to local industry and history. HTC has been part of Horry County since the 1950s, helping connect rural communities to the wider world. That same spirit of connectivity lives on in the convocation center, where students, athletes, and the public gather under one roof.
In many ways, the facility mirrors Conway’s broader narrative. Just as the Waccamaw River once served as the town’s lifeline, the HTC Center now anchors Conway’s educational and cultural present, hosting games, concerts, and ceremonies that define the community’s modern identity.
Conclusion
Conway isn’t loud. It doesn’t need to be. Its stories speak for themselves—etched into the bricks of century-old storefronts, whispered through the oaks lining the Waccamaw, and felt in the slow pace that asks you to stay a little longer.
This is a town that remembers where it came from. From its colonial roots as Kingston to its pivotal role in South Carolina’s timber trade, Conway has carried its history with dignity. It doesn’t dress itself up for tourists—it invites you to come as you are, to walk its Riverwalk, browse its local shops, hear the creak of old wood under your feet, and feel what it means to be part of a place that values memory over momentum.
Come for the day if you must—but stay if you can. Conway isn’t just a stop on the map. It’s a Southern story still being written.
Interactive Map
Where to Eat in Conway, SC
Restaurant | Address | Contact | Notable Dish / Specialty |
---|---|---|---|
Rivertown Bistro | 1111 3rd Ave, Conway, SC 29526 | (843) 248-3733 | Creative takes on Southern & American cuisine; great for a nice dinner or date night. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} |
Crooked Oak Tavern | 316 Laurel Street, Conway, SC 29526 | (843) 488-0007 | Farm-to-table food with local meats/seafood; shrimp & grits, scallops are favorites. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} |
Crafty Rooster | 1125 3rd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526 | (843) 438-8330 | Pub food + lots of beer options; tuna burger and house specials get good reviews. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} |
Hop N Wich | 1029 3rd Ave, Conway, SC 29526 | (843) whatever local line is (call ahead) | Handhelds & sandwiches; happy hour specials; casual and good for quick bites. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} |
Coppers Restaurant | 201 Laurel St, Conway, SC 29526 | (843) 488-0783 | Classic American menu, steaks & seafood; great dinner spot. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} |
The Local Market & Deli | 337 Main St, Conway, SC 29526 | (843) 438-8003 | Delis and sandwich shop; large portions, great for lunch. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} |
Donzelle’s Restaurant | Conway, SC (exact address on TripAdvisor listing) | (843) listed on site (call via TripAdvisor) | Southern style, friendly service, good value for local cuisine. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} |
Conway Vs Other South Carolina Cities
Metric | Conway, SC | Charleston, SC | Columbia, SC | Greenville, SC |
---|---|---|---|---|
Population (2023/2024 est.) | ~26,100 | ~150,000–155,000 | ~136,000 | ~73,000 (city proper) |
Median Household Income | $54,841 | $83,891 | ~$55,000–$60,000 | ~$60,000 |
Per Capita Income | $25,243 | ~$40,000+‡ | ~$30,000–$33,000 | ~$30,000–$35,000 |
Poverty Rate | ~20.3% | Lower than Conway — around ~15% or less | ~18–20% | ~16–18% |
Median Home Value (Owner-occupied) | $236,300 | $500,000+ (housing more expensive in Charleston)‡ | ~$200,000–$250,000 | ~$230,000–$300,000 |
Commute Time (avg to work) | ~22.4 minutes | ~25–30 minutes | ~20–25 minutes | ~25 minutes |
Growth Trend | Growing rapidly — Conway population increased ~3.8% from 2022 to 2023 | Growing, strong demand; often higher cost of living pushes people to suburbs | Moderate growth | Steady growth, appealing economic opportunities |
How to Get to Conway
By Air
- Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) – Closest airport, about 15 miles east of Conway (~25 minutes by car). Offers domestic flights and some seasonal international connections.
- Charleston International Airport (CHS) – Around 120 miles southwest (~2 hours by car). Larger airport with more nonstop destinations.
- Wilmington International Airport (ILM) – About 85 miles northeast (~1.5 hours by car). Good alternative for regional flights.
By Train
- Conway does not have direct Amtrak service.
- The nearest Amtrak stations are in Florence, SC (~50 miles inland) and Myrtle Beach (via Amtrak Thruway bus service). From these points, you’d need to rent a car or use a local shuttle to reach Conway.
By Bus
- Greyhound and other intercity bus lines stop in Myrtle Beach and Florence. From there, local buses or taxis can connect to Conway.
- Coast RTA Bus Service – Provides regional routes linking Myrtle Beach, Conway, and nearby communities.
By Car
- From Myrtle Beach: Drive US-501 West directly into Conway (~25 minutes).
- From Charleston: Take US-17 North then US-701 North (~2 hours).
- From Columbia, SC: Take I-20 East to Florence, then US-76/US-501 East (~2 hours).
- From Wilmington, NC: Drive US-17 South to US-701 South (~1.5 hours).
FAQ
1. What is the population of Conway, and how big is the city?
Conway is a small but growing city. As of 2020, the population was about 24,849, and recent estimates increase it to around 27,985. The total area is approximately 25.41 square miles, of which about 24.51 square miles is land and 0.90 square miles water. It serves as the county seat of Horry County.
2. What climate and weather can visitors expect in Conway?
Conway has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild, with daytime temperatures often in the 60s-70s°F even in December through February. Rain is spread throughout the year, but the warmest months are June to September. Proximity to the coast adds humidity and moderates extreme temperature swings.
3. What are major attractions or things to do in Conway?
Some highlights include strolling along the Riverwalk on the Waccamaw River, visiting historic downtown with oak-lined streets, checking out local boutiques and galleries, and seeing buildings in the Downtown Historic District (32 historic structures). Also notable are Coastal Carolina University, Brooks Stadium, and numerous cultural and outdoor offerings like kayaking, historic architecture, and southern cuisine.
4. How is public transportation in Conway?
Conway is served by Coast RTA (formerly Waccamaw RTA / Lymo), which operates multiple fixed bus routes within Conway and the broader Myrtle Beach area, including connector routes between Conway and Myrtle Beach. There’s also paratransit service for seniors and those with mobility challenges. The transit system makes it possible to get around without a car in some areas, especially downtown.
5. What is the reputation of the schools and school safety in Conway?
Conway falls under Horry County Schools, which publishes information about school safety and security. The district has established protocols for emergencies, bullying/harassment reporting, and coordinates with local public safety. There are also well-defined policies for school facility safety, fire drills, and lockdown procedures.
6. How walkable and tourist-friendly is Conway?
Conway is considered very walkable, especially downtown. Historic downtown streets are compact, with shops, cafes, galleries, and scenic spots like the Riverwalk easily accessible on foot. Visitors frequently mention enjoying walking tours, historic sites, and riverfront views. The city balances being quaint and easily navigable with enough amenities to enjoy without needing a car constantly.
7. Does Conway offer good food, history, and places to stay for visitors?
Yes. Conway has a growing food scene with local restaurants in its historic downtown, Riverwalk area, and near the university. History is abundant: many historic buildings, the Downtown Historic District, and heritage via oak-lined streets and preserved architecture. For lodging, options include quaint inns and bed-and-breakfasts, particularly those near the river or downtown. It’s seen as a charming alternative or complement to neighboring Myrtle Beach for lodging and food.