Brookgreen Gardens

America’s first public sculpture garden — 9,000 acres of live oaks, art, and wildlife

About

Brookgreen Gardens is one of the most extraordinary places in South Carolina — a 9,127-acre National Historic Landmark that combines formal gardens, American sculpture, a zoo of native wildlife, and one of the most beautiful live oak allées in the South. Founded in 1931 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington on the site of four former rice plantations, Brookgreen holds the largest collection of American figurative sculpture in an outdoor setting in the world. The live oaks draped in Spanish moss are reason enough to visit. The wildlife sanctuary includes river otters, white-tailed deer, American alligators, and a bald eagle aviary.

Key takeaways

Founded in 1932 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington on the site of four former rice plantations.
Roughly 9,100 acres, holding the largest collection of American figurative sculpture displayed outdoors in the world.
Located just south of Murrells Inlet in Georgetown County, next door to Huntington Beach State Park.
A land-based visit — most people drive down after a morning paddle. See the one-day itinerary for how to fit both in.

Local Insider Tip

Go early on a weekday morning when the light filters through the live oaks and the crowds haven't arrived. The sculpture garden is most beautiful in spring when the azaleas bloom. The boat tour through the rice fields is worth every penny — it's the only way to see the back portions of the property.

Kayak Access

The Waccamaw River runs along the western edge of the property. Experienced paddlers can access the rice field canals from the river — check with Brookgreen staff for current access rules.

View Launch Sites →

Photos

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