TripAdvisor Names Garden City Beach Top Affordable “Hidden Gem” Destination

TripAdvisor Names Garden City Beach Top Affordable “Hidden Gem” Destination

By Marissa Polascak ˙ January 22, 2016

Renowned travel rating website, TripAdvisor, has recently come out with a list of the top 10 affordable hidden gem winter getaways. Taking the top spot on this list is Garden City Beach, South Carolina; just a short drive from Pawleys Island.

TripAdvisor rated each destination by the average rental review score, average weekly rental rate, and the average winter temperature.  Garden City Beach scored as follows:

Winter Temperature: 58-64 degrees

Average Weekly Rate: $709

Average Rental Review Score: 4.06/5.00

The travel site also recognized Garden City for shopping, restaurants, and the famous Garden City Pier.

If you’re planning on booking a vacation to Garden City this winter, or any time for that matter, here are some places to check out:

Attractions

Garden City Pavilion Arcade
Garden City Pavilion Arcade

Operating since 1969, Garden City Pavilion Arcade is a fun place for people of all ages. Located just a short walk from the Garden City Pier, the Garden City Pavilion Arcade is a two storey arcade with games like Skee-Ball, Pac Man, Whack-A-Mole, Guitar Hero, pinball, shooting games, and much more.

Garden City Pier
Garden City Pier

The Garden City Pier is the perfect spot for anyone! Not only can you take a stroll on the pier and go fishing, but there are plenty of other things to do as well. Kids of all ages will love the arcade, and there is also an on-site cafe here. At night, the bar is restricted to 21+ only, and the pier becomes a great spot for live music and karaoke.

Slick Track Family Amusement Park
Slick Track Family Amusement Park

This family-friendly attraction boasts a range of amusements like go-karts, bungee jumping, inflatables, rides, and much more!

Restaurants

Causeway Grill & Raw Bar
Causeway Grill & Raw Bar

Located just steps away from the beach, Causeway Grill & Bar has become a favorite spot for locals and visitors. This is a family-friendly establishment that has a kids menu, sandwiches, appetizers, a raw bar, pizza, calzones, stromboli, and more. This is also a great place to catch live music and play a game of pool.

Conch Cafe
Conch Cafe

Boasting steak and seafood dishes, Conch Cafe is located on the coast and provides beautiful views of the ocean. The menu here consists of appetizers, assorted sandwiches, seafood platters, and steak entrees. There is also a children’s menu at Conch Cafe. While you’re here, be sure to try one of their delicious frozen drinks, too!

Grilled Cheese & Crabcake Co.
Grilled Cheese & Crabcake Co.

If you’re in the mood for a grilled cheese sandwich, or for crab cakes, stop by the Grilled Cheese and Crab Cake Co. in Garden City. The star on the menu here is the The CrabMelt which features a Maryland-style crab cake with sliced tomato and melted Monterey Jack cheese on two pieces of Texas Toast.

Gulfstream Cafe

Gulfstream Cafe

1536 S. Waccamaw Dr., Garden City SC 29576 • (843) 651-8808

This waterfront restaurant has been voted “best restaurant” and “most romantic restaurant” by The Sun News in the past, and for good reason. The menu here features a variety of seafood dishes, chicken dishes, and steak. Whether you are dining with friends, family, or on a date, Gulfstream Cafe is a wonderful choice for a nice dinner or a Sunday brunch buffet.

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