Conway, SC

• About the City
• Geography
• Climate and Weather
• Landmarks
• Transport
• Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
• Museums
• Sport and Sports Legends
• Universities and Academic Institutions
• Healthcare Facilities and Services

Conway is a historic river city in South Carolina, known for its charming downtown, scenic Riverwalk, and role as the county seat of Horry County, near Myrtle Beach.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

• Full Official Name: Conway, South Carolina.
• Administrative Role: Conway is the county seat of Horry County . It is the administrative and historic heart of the county.
• Location and Regional Context: The city is located in the northeastern part of South Carolina, a state known for its historic Southern charm, beautiful coastline (the Grand Strand), and significant role in American history. Horry County itself is famous for being home to the major tourist destination of Myrtle Beach, placing Conway in a region driven by tourism and rapid growth .

Historical Names and Nicknames

• Historical Name: Conway was originally established in 1732 and named "Kingston" . It served as the principal seat of the historic Kingston Township.
• City Renamed: After the American Revolution, the town was renamed in honor of a local politician and war veteran, Robert Conway, who served under the famous "Swamp Fox," Francis Marion .
• Modern Moniker: In recent years, the city has playfully rebranded itself as "Halloween, South Carolina," gaining widespread attention for its elaborate, month-long Halloween celebrations that draw visitors from across the region .

Date of Foundation and Age

• Founding Date: Conway was founded in 1732, originally under the name Kingston .
• Age: As of 2026, the city is 294 years old, approaching its tercentenary.
• Founder Context: It was established as the main town for the township of Kingston by early European settlers in the coastal plain region.

Geographic Location and Coordinates

• Geographic Coordinates: Latitude: 33.8401° N, Longitude: -79.0431° W. The city's precise coordinates are often cited as 33.8422° N, 79.0489° W .
• Positioning: Conway is situated in the South Carolina Lowcountry, at the confluence of Kingston Lake and the Waccamaw River . It is a classic inland port city, located approximately 12-15 miles from the Atlantic Ocean .
• Elevation: The city center sits at a low elevation of approximately 9 to 10 meters (30 feet) above sea level . This low elevation places it within the river's floodplain.

City Type and Economic Specialization

• Historic Administrative Center: Traditionally, Conway has functioned as the administrative and agricultural hub for Horry County .
• Educational Influence: The presence of Coastal Carolina University significantly shapes the city's character, contributing to its population growth and youthful energy .
• Modern Diversified Economy: Today, its economy is a blend of tourism, retail, agriculture, and education . It serves as a quieter, historic counterpoint to the beach-centric tourism of nearby Myrtle Beach, attracting visitors with its cultural festivals, historic downtown, and outdoor recreation . The city is actively fostering a "vibrant and welcoming environment" to draw families and businesses .

Population and Demographics

• Current Population: As of 2025, the population of Conway is estimated to be 29,656 . This marks a significant increase from the 2020 census figure of 25,176, reflecting an annual growth rate of 4.82% .
• City Class: Conway is a small but fast-growing city. It experienced a population boom of 50% between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, and projections suggest it could grow by 75% by 2030 .
• Demographic Note: The population is predominantly White (62.12%) and Black or African American (29.04%), with a median age of 34.3 years, making it a relatively young community .

City's "Visiting Card" (In Brief)

Conway is a picturesque Southern city where a historic downtown, draped in Spanish moss and anchored by an 1825 landmark courthouse, meets the scenic Waccamaw River via a beloved Riverwalk . Known as "Halloween, South Carolina," it offers a unique blend of deep history, year-round festivals, and small-town charm, all just minutes from the Grand Strand's beaches .

Geography

Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes)

The geography of Conway is defined almost entirely by its relationship with the Waccamaw River.

• Waccamaw River: The city is situated on the banks of this historic, 140-mile-long (225 km) blackwater river . The river begins at Lake Waccamaw in North Carolina and flows slowly through the coastal plain. For Conway, it has been a vital commercial route since the 18th century, navigable as far as the city itself . Today, it is the centerpiece of the city's recreational life and a key part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway .
• Kingston Lake: Conway is specifically located at the point where Kingston Lake joins the Waccamaw River, adding to the area's intricate network of wetlands and waterways .

Natural and National Parks

• Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge: Located near the confluence of the Waccamaw, Great Pee Dee, and Little Pee Dee rivers just downstream from Conway, this refuge was established in 1997. It protects a unique ecosystem of cypress-gum swamps and bottomland hardwood forests, providing habitat for diverse species like the American black bear. It is planned to encompass over 50,000 acres .

Islands and Archipelagos

• While there are no named islands within the city itself, the Waccamaw Neck is a significant geographical feature. It is the long, narrow peninsula of land formed by the lower Waccamaw River and the Atlantic Ocean, extending south towards Georgetown .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

• Climate Type: Conway has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) , characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters .

Average Temperatures by Month

Summers are long, hot, and humid, while winters are short and cool .

• Hottest Month: July is the warmest, with average daily highs reaching 32°C (90°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F) .
• Coldest Month: January is the coolest, with average daily highs of 13°C (55°F) and lows dropping to 4°C (39°F) .

Data sourced from weather monitoring services .

Precipitation and Humidity

• Rainfall: Conway receives significant rainfall throughout the year, with a distinct wetter season in late summer. The average annual precipitation is high, ranging from 1,250 mm (49 inches) to 1,408 mm (55 inches) .
• Wettest Month: August is the wettest, averaging around 180 mm (7 inches) of rain, often from thunderstorms .
• Driest Month: January is the driest, with average rainfall around 85 mm (3.3 inches) .
• Snowfall: Snow is extremely rare in Conway. The average annual snowfall is a negligible 5 mm (0 inches) , with the small chance of flurries confined to January and February .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March-May): This is an excellent time to visit. Temperatures warm from pleasant 18°C (64°F) in March to hot 27°C (81°F) by May. The city's famous live oaks and gardens are in full bloom, making it ideal for walking tours and the Riverwalk .
• Summer (June-August): Summer is hot, humid, and wet, with high temperatures frequently in the low 30s°C (high 80s°F) and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. This is the peak season for outdoor events and enjoying the river, but visitors should be prepared for the heat and humidity .
• Fall (September-November): Perhaps the best time to visit. The oppressive summer heat subsides, with September still warm (29°C / 84°F) and November turning mild and crisp (19°C / 66°F). This season is highlighted by Conway's famous month-long Halloween festivities .
• Winter (December-February): Winters are mild and generally pleasant for outdoor activities, though nights can be chilly. Daytime highs average between 13-16°C (55-61°F). It's the quietest time of year for tourism, ideal for those seeking solitude .

Landmarks

Horry County Courthouse (1825)

This is the crown jewel of Conway's historic downtown. The Horry County Courthouse, built in 1825, is a significant architectural work attributed to the renowned American architect Robert Mills . Mills was a prominent figure in early American architecture, and his design for this courthouse anchors the city's picturesque downtown square. It stands as a testament to the city's long-standing role as the county seat and is a beloved local landmark.

The Riverwalk

The Conway Riverwalk is a scenic pathway that winds along the banks of the Waccamaw River . It is the city's premier recreational attraction, offering stunning views of the blackwater river, moss-draped cypress trees, and a glimpse of the area's natural beauty. The city has ambitious plans to expand the Riverwalk, adding boardwalks and even a public beach in the downtown area, which would make it an even more significant draw for visitors and residents alike .

Historic Downtown District

The entire downtown area of Conway is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . Its charm lies in its well-preserved Southern aesthetic, featuring streets lined with moss-draped live oaks, unique boutiques, local restaurants, and historic homes. The Main Street bridge over the river provides a classic view that beckons visitors to explore the shops, frequent festivals, and live theatre that make up the city's vibrant cultural scene .

Transport

Main Airports

Conway does not have its own commercial airport. It is served primarily by the nearby international airport in Myrtle Beach.

• Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR): This is the closest and most convenient airport for visitors. It is located approximately 12 miles (19 km) southeast of Conway . A taxi or rideshare (like Uber) from MYR to Conway takes about 26 minutes and costs around $33 on average . The airport handles a high volume of flights, particularly from major US carriers like American Airlines and Delta, connecting the Grand Strand region to major hubs like Charlotte, Atlanta, and Dallas/Fort Worth .

Public Transport

• Coastal Carolina Regional Transportation Authority: Public transit in the area is managed by the Coastal Carolina Regional Transportation Authority, which provides bus services connecting Conway to Myrtle Beach and other parts of Horry County .

Major Highways

• U.S. Route 501: This is the primary highway serving Conway, connecting the city directly to Myrtle Beach to the southeast and to inland areas of South Carolina to the northwest. It acts as a major commercial and commuter artery. The city is also working on developing greenways and ferry services to better connect the university and downtown, reducing car dependency .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Conway's culinary identity is deeply rooted in the Lowcountry and the rich heritage of the Gullah Geechee people, with a growing modern farm-to-table movement.

Gullah Geechee Culinary Traditions The most significant culinary influence in Conway comes from the Gullah Geechee culture, descendants of West and Central Africans who have preserved their traditions in the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia. Rice, a crop central to this heritage, forms the basis of iconic local dishes such as red rice and crab rice. These dishes are celebrated during events like the International Gullah Geechee and African Diaspora Conference at Coastal Carolina University, where food trucks and cooking demonstrations showcase how fresh, local ingredients are used to interpret variations of this distinct coastal culture .

Crooked Oak Tavern A standout in the contemporary Conway dining scene is Crooked Oak Tavern, a farm-to-table restaurant that emphasizes fresh, locally-sourced ingredients . The menu reflects a commitment to quality and community.

• Signature Dishes: The restaurant is known for its tender, super prime 12 oz. New York Strip, sourced from Brave Home Farms, which was started by an animal psychologist to ensure the cows are raised with exceptional care . For a lighter option, their pan-cooked scallops over smoked gouda risotto are a local favorite .
• Dessert: A must-try is the "crooked cookie," a giant baked chocolate cookie topped with caramel bourbon ice cream, made locally at Stella's across the street . The restaurant's atmosphere, complete with repurposed barn wood and a fully stocked speakeasy, makes it a cornerstone of the Conway food experience .

Museums

Conway offers a variety of museums that delve into the region's natural history, cultural heritage, and artistic expression.

Horry County Museum Located in a converted post office building adjacent to the historic downtown district, the Horry County Museum is the premier institution for understanding the area's past . Its exhibits cover the prehistory, natural history, and history of Horry County, featuring artifacts from Native American settlements, Civil War memorabilia, and displays on marine life. Admission is free, making it an accessible and engaging stop for visitors of all ages .

L.W. Paul Living History Farm For a hands-on historical experience, the L.W. Paul Living History Farm offers a glimpse into rural life in the early 1900s. This working farm demonstrates traditional agricultural practices, blacksmithing, and other crafts from the era, providing an educational and interactive experience for families .

Conway Glass Center Art takes center stage at the Conway Glass Center, where visitors can watch live glass-blowing demonstrations or even take a class to create their own piece. The on-site gallery showcases beautiful, handcrafted glassware and local artwork, making it a unique cultural attraction .

Historic Downtown and Public Art The entire Historic Downtown Conway functions as an open-air museum. With its cobblestone streets, live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and centuries-old buildings, the district itself is a draw. It is also home to numerous murals that add to the town's artistic soul, and sites like the Theatre of the Republic offer a dose of local performing arts .

Sport and Sports Legends

Sports in Conway are synonymous with the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, whose recent rise in NCAA Division I athletics has put the city on the national map.

Brooks Stadium Brooks Stadium is the electric home of the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers football team . Opened in 2003 and expanded several times since, the stadium now boasts a capacity of 21,000 and is immediately recognizable for its distinctive teal artificial turf . It also hosts the annual Myrtle Beach Bowl . The stadium's history is quirky; the land was once the site of Conway High School's football field and sat abandoned for months, overgrown with wild watermelons, before construction began . The Marrio & Josh Norman Fieldhouse, named after the NFL star and CCU alum, houses athletic facilities and the Sasser Athletic Hall of Fame .

HTC Center The HTC Center is a 3,212-seat multi-purpose arena on the university campus . It serves as the home venue for the Coastal Carolina men's and women's basketball teams and the women's volleyball team, replacing the smaller Kimbel Arena in 2012 .

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers are the NCAA Division I teams representing Coastal Carolina University. The football team's ascent has been particularly remarkable. In only their third season as a full-fledged Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program in 2020, the Chanticleers achieved a perfect 6-0 regular-season record and rose to the national rankings, underscoring how far the program has come . They compete in the Sun Belt Conference .

Famous Sports Figures

• Josh Norman: Perhaps the most famous athlete to come out of Conway, Josh Norman is an NFL cornerback who played college football at Coastal Carolina . His success at the professional level is honored at his alma mater, with the Marrio & Josh Norman Fieldhouse at Brooks Stadium bearing his name following a significant donation to the athletic department .
• Joe Moglia: A unique figure in college football, Joe Moglia is the former CEO of TD Ameritrade who became the head coach of the Coastal Carolina football team. He led the Chanticleers to the FCS playoffs in his very first year as a college head coach in 2012, a story that garnered national attention .

Universities and Academic Institutions

Higher education in Conway is defined by one major institution, which is also a significant cultural and economic engine for the city.

Coastal Carolina University Coastal Carolina University (CCU) is a public, co-educational university founded in 1954 . Located on a sprawling 620-acre campus just minutes from the Myrtle Beach resort area, it has grown into a comprehensive university with nearly 10,000 students .

The university is organized into several colleges, including the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration, the College of Education and Social Sciences, the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, and the College of Science . It offers a wide range of bachelor's, master's, and specialist degrees, along with a Ph.D. program in Marine Science, its first doctoral program established in 2014 .

CCU is notable for its strengths in several areas:

• Marine Science: The university manages over 1,100 acres of coastal environments for study and research. The Swain Science Center and the Chapin Center for Marine and Wetland Studies provide a unique educational environment for students in this field .
• Professional Golf Management: The campus uniquely includes an 18-hole golf course managed by the university's Professional Golf Management Program .
• Research: The university publishes academic periodicals such as "Archarios" .

The campus itself is a point of interest, with beautifully landscaped grounds that often host public events, art exhibits, and, of course, high-profile NCAA Division I sports games, contributing a youthful and vibrant energy to the city of Conway .

Healthcare Facilities and Services

Conway is served by comprehensive healthcare facilities that cater to the local population and the surrounding region.

Conway Medical Center (CMC) Conway Medical Center (CMC) is the primary acute care hospital in the city, located at 300 Singleton Ridge Road . It is a full-service hospital that provides emergency services and has 398 affiliated doctors and clinicians . As a high-volume emergency department, CMC is equipped to handle a significant number of patients annually .

The hospital's performance is publicly tracked through Medicare ratings, offering a detailed look at its quality of care.

• Mortality and Readmission: For many of the reported mortality and readmission measures, CMC performs "Same as the national average" .
• Patient Experience: Patient survey ratings show that CMC generally performs comparably to state and national averages in key communication and cleanliness metrics .
• Timely and Effective Care: CMC provides data on its effectiveness in treating conditions like severe sepsis and septic shock. For outpatient care, it tracks metrics such as the appropriate use of medical imaging for low-back pain and cataract surgery outcomes to ensure patients receive evidence-based treatment .

Lighthouse Behavioral Health Hospital For specialized mental health and substance abuse services, Conway is home to Lighthouse Behavioral Health Hospital, located at 152 Waccamaw Medical Park Drive. This facility provides psychiatric care, complementing the general medical services offered by CMC .

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