by 
TripAdvisor’s 2026 Summer Travel Index ranks Myrtle Beach, SC as the No. 1 domestic summer travel destination in the U.S. If you’re mapping out a domestic beach vacation down south, there’s one stop that’s a must-visit while you’re in the area: Brookgreen Gardens.
Brookgreen Gardens is home to the nation’s largest and most comprehensive collection of American figurative sculpture. The gardens also feature the Lowcountry Zoo, a sanctuary dedicated to native wildlife in habitats designed to mirror their natural environments. A recent addition, Red Wolf Ridge, is a four-acre habitat housing one female and two male red wolves as part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Red Wolf SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) program – highlighting the Zoo’s commitment to conservation. Beyond its world-class art and wildlife, Brookgreen Gardens is considered the floral jewel of South Carolina’s coast, offering stunning botanical displays year-round.
This summer, visitors can also experience several standout exhibitions and events, including:
- A Founder‘s Legacy: The Society of Animal Artists (May 9 – July 26, 2026): As one of the founding members of the Society of Animal Artists in 1960, Anna Hyatt Huntington’s influence shaped the direction of contemporary animal art. This juried exhibition, featuring many of today’s leading sculptors and painters, pays tribute to her remarkable legacy and celebrates the 150th anniversary of her birth.
- Gardens of Glass: The Art of Craig Mitchell Smith (May 15 – August 22, 2026): Back by popular demand, Gardens of Glass showcases vibrant glass sculptures that capture nature’s beauty. The pieces shine by day with intricate colors and details, and on select summer evenings are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
- National Sculpture Society Awards Exhibition (August 8 – October 25, 2026): The premier annual exhibition of American figurative sculpture returns once again to Brookgreen Gardens. Featuring the work of American masters alongside rising stars, the National Sculpture Society’s annual awards exhibition presents the finest in contemporary figurative sculpture.
Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.
