Discovering A Treasure Of Art, Nature, And History At Brookgreen Gardens

Ready to explore a 9,100-acre sanctuary? Welcome to Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. At this National Historic Landmark, visitors can get an unforgettable experience of art, nature, and culture. You can find it on the Hammock Coast, just off US Highway 17 between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island. Brookgreen Gardens brings in visitors with its magical gardens with native plants, grand sculptures under ancient oaks, and serene waterways. As of September 2025, with events like the Pollinators Playground and the National Sculpture Society Exhibition, it is the perfect time to explore this coastal treasure. Whether you are looking for adventure as a family, planning a wedding as a couple, or chasing inspiration as a solo traveler, Brookgreen Gardens SC has something for you always.

Brookgreen Gardens and the legacy of vision and preservation

Brookgreen Gardens came from the vision of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. This couple bought four old rice plantations in 1929 to create a winter retreat. The beauty of the Lowcountry captured them, so they transformed the property into the nation’s first public sculpture garden, opening in 1932. Since Anna was a famous sculptor, she showed her works alongside those of other American artists. While Archer, as a historian, wanted to preserve the region’s ecological and cultural heritage. Today, Brookgreen focuses on conservation, education, and cultural preservation as a nonprofit organization.

You can find the gardens on the Waccamaw Neck, between the Waccamaw River and the Atlantic Ocean. It covers different ecosystems from salt marshes to longleaf pine forests.

Art, nature, and wildlife all in one

Every path at Brookgreen Gardens tells a story. The sculpture garden is the main attraction at the gardens. It holds the largest collection of American figurative sculpture in the U.S., with works by Anna Hyatt Huntington and other famous artists. Visitors can see Anna’s famous Fighting Stallions at the entrance. Walking further, you can discover modern pieces in the National Sculpture Society’s 92nd Annual Awards Exhibition.

The botanical gardens are just as captivating, especially themed areas like the Live Oak Allée. The Butterfly House and seasonal displays like the Pollinators Playground burst with native plants and hands-on exhibits. The Lowcountry Zoo housing native animals like river otters, alligators, and birds, adds to this beauty. Keeper talks and tours come with your admission ticket. If you are a history lover, you must not miss the Lowcountry Trail. You can get a Brookgreen Gardens map online or at the entrance. The main loop is 1.4 miles with extra trails through marshes and forests.

Events lighting up the seasons

Brookgreen Gardens Night of a Thousand Candles transforms the grounds into a holiday wonderland. So, mark your calendars on the right dates between late November and early January. The event is full of fun with the following,

Lights and decorations

Thousands of hand-lit candles and millions of twinkling lights are the main part of the dazzling show. They hang lights across the historic live oaks on the Avenue of Oaks. The floating candles light up the gardens’ ponds and sculptures.

Entertainment

Besides the Brookgreen Gardens Christmas lights displays, live music and carolers are there to entertain the visitors. Will bagpipers play in 2025, too? We will have to wait and see.

Brookgreen Gardens Night of a Thousand Candles is not just any other garden event. It has garnered national recognition as the “Best Christmas Lights in South Carolina” by Travel + Leisure.

Tickets and details

For 2025, non-member adult tickets are $40, and for non-member children (ages 4–12), they’re $20. Buy your tickets online in advance, either from Brookgreen Gardens or an official vendor. They often sell out.

Pro tip – Since the events are all outdoors, dress in warm clothes to stay comfortable.

More 2025 events

The gardens have a full schedule of events this year. Be sure to check out:

• Pollinators Playground (May 3–Sep 14, 2025) – A family-friendly hands-on exhibition about pollinators
• National Sculpture Society Exhibition (Aug 2–Oct 26, 2025) – You can see some of the best modern American sculptures here
• Art After Hours (Wednesdays and Saturdays until 8 PM) – Extended evening hours for art viewing and dining at Harvest Restaurant
• Gullah Geechee Program – Talks by cultural interpreter Ron Daise (like Sep 10, 2025)
• Sculpture Workshop – April–September 2025, covering topics like bird sculpture, mold-making, and medallic art

Weddings and planning your visit

Brookgreen Gardens wedding cost? Site fees are only for members and depend on the facility or garden space you choose, how many guests you expect, and the date of your event. Couples must be President’s Council members to host events, with site fees changing based on venue (like Holliday Cottage or sculpture gardens), guest count, and date. You should also know that bridal portraits are only allowed for couples who are getting married there. For any other kind of photography session, you need to make an appointment and pay a separate fee. Couples love the stunning backdrops, awesome Brookgreen Gardens photos, and professional staff.

Planning your visit

Here is what you should know about tickets when you plan your visit

• Adults (13-64) – $25
• Seniors (65+) – $23
• Children (4-12) – $14
• Children under 3 – Free

The best part? Your ticket is good for seven consecutive days, so you can come back and explore more! The gardens are daily open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. (gates closing at 4:30 p.m.), But they are closed on Christmas Day. Just a heads up, you can not bring pets in (except for service animals), but you can find nearby doggy daycares. Do not forget to pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a camera for some amazing Brookgreen Gardens photos.

Conclusion

Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet is an unforgettable and affordable escape. Since your Brookgreen Gardens tickets are valid for seven consecutive days, you have plenty of time to enjoy everything here. You can see incredible sculptures, go on a Brookgreen Gardens boat tour, Creek Excursion for just $12 per adult, or plan a wedding (members only). Whether you are looking for art, nature, or history, this coastal masterpiece got you. Keep an eye out for the magical Brookgreen Gardens Night of a Thousand Candles event.