This Quiet South Carolina City Is Hiding In Plain Sight
There is a particular majesty to certain towns in the South, where cypress-lined rivers and wetlands meet old-timey farms and boardwalks beneath Spanish moss that seem to defy the passage of time. Conway, South Carolina, is exactly such a place. In addition to its winding riverways, this town of roughly 30,000 hosts spectacular, Broadway-level shows and Japanese restaurants, creating an atmosphere that feels remarkably global. And there is so much more to discover! It is time to dive into exactly what makes Conway such a rare find in South Carolina.
City Riverwalks & Paddle Trails
A lot of Conway’s outdoor activities center around the Waccamaw River, a waterway that extends over 140 miles through North and South Carolina, famous for its cypress swamps, black waters, and tidal marshes. One of the best places to experience this river and its surrounding landscape is via the Conway Riverwalk, a 1.5-mile path that meanders along the riverbank. This scenic trail also connects with Riverfront Park and the Conway Marina, a popular hub for community events.
Waccamaw River Park is another great spot to explore Conway’s nature, likewise along the river, and is home to an abundance of wildlife and plant species. The park is a relatively new addition, where you can enjoy a friendly game of disc golf, a picnic, or a hike on the nature trail. For travelers who want to get right out on the water, the Waccamaw Island Paddle Route is a must. This four-mile loop trail near Conway offers a moderately challenging experience for those looking to explore the area by kayak or canoe.
Museums & Living History Farms
With British settlement dating back to 1732, Conway is filled with fascinating history, much of which can be explored at the Horry County Museum. Established in 1979, this museum showcases the history, pre-history, and natural history of the county with displays that include artifacts and information about native wildlife, military connections, Native American culture, a 20th-century school, and a photography gallery.
After exploring all of the exhibits at the county museum, you can continue your day at the L.W. Paul Living History Farm. Opened in 2009, this site recreates what life was like on a one-horse family farm in the first half of the 20th century. The farm sits on 17 acres and allows visitors to view traditional farm activities like blacksmithing, milling, farming, cooking, and more. Both the Horry County Museum and the L.W. Paul Living History Farm host educational events throughout the year as well, so make sure to check out the calendar when planning your visit.
Arts & Culture
Conway’s theater and glass gallery are phenomenal institutions, offering a world-class cultural experience that rivals larger cities. The town’s Main Street Theatre is home to Theatre of the Republic, renowned for its annual Broadway Series, which delivers high-quality musical productions to the local stage. This year’s lineup features hit shows such as Come From Away, Pretty Woman The Musical, Dear Evan Hansen, and Mean Girls.
You are also unlikely to find anything like the Conway Glass Gallery, a private art studio that opens to the public for workshops and lessons. A few of the gallery’s most popular workshops throughout the year include ornament glassblowing, glass bowl making, and a glass pumpkin blowing workshop. The studio also sells beautiful glass ornaments, if you prefer to purchase something already created.
Culinary Scene
From Japanese food to ice cream, Conway has a bit of everything when it comes to the local culinary scene. There are plenty of restaurants in the historic district to try, such as Rivertown Bistro, an upscale restaurant that was established in 1994. Serving a seasonal, southern-inspired fusion menu, the bistro has an upstairs deck that overlooks the city and a classy, two-tiered main dining room where you can enjoy your meal. For some unforgettable sushi rolls, teriyaki chicken, or shrimp, you should also consider dining at Jó Hibachi, a family-owned hibachi restaurant on Elm Street. Finally, don’t miss out on dessert at Stella’s Homemade Ice Cream, which serves classic and creative handcrafted flavors like chocolate, vanilla, pralines and cream, cosmic brownie, glazed donut, cinnamon toast crunch, black raspberry, and much more.
An Essential 2026 Addition to Your Itinerary
As you begin to plan your 2026 travels, Conway, South Carolina, is exactly the kind of town you should have on your radar. Not only does it have tremendous potential for a weekend on the water, but it is also filled with cultural attractions, such as living farms, museums, glass galleries, and theaters, which will allow you to easily design a weekend itinerary based on your preferences. And these attractions are only the beginning. Who knows what else you might discover?
