Myrtle Beach South Carolina

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is the center of the Grand Strand—a 60-mi/97-km strip of clean, sandy shoreline that stretches from Calabash, North Carolina, to Georgetown, South Carolina.

But if you're looking for quiet ambience, be forewarned—Myrtle Beach has more in common with Orlando than Hilton Head, with its Broadway-style theaters, shopping outlets and challenging golf courses.

Myrtle Beach has been described as noisy, tacky and a tourist mecca, but never as boring. The main thoroughfare through Myrtle Beach and neighboring North Myrtle Beach, Highway 17, is called the "strip"—and for good reason. Especially during peak seasons, it is a traffic nightmare.

Some parts of Myrtle Beach—such as the boardwalk and Pavilion Nostalgia Park—hearken back to the classic vacation days of yesteryear, but the city has since gone through a growth spurt. Once strictly a summer destination, Myrtle Beach has added prime deals on accommodations and new attractions to reinvent itself as a year-round vacation hot spot.

Shoppers enjoy the outlet stores, specialty shops, flea markets and shopping malls; golfers love a great selection of more than 100 golf courses; and children thrill at the abundance of almost nonstop activity.

It has also become a popular destination because many area resorts offer package deals and golf vacations. If family fun is your desire, Myrtle Beach gives new definition to the thrill and enjoyment of a family vacation.

Top Things to Do in Myrtle

Sights

The great stretch of beaches; Broadway at the Beach; Barefoot Landing; the Myrtle Beach Skywheel.

Museums

The beautiful mermaid and unusual displays at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum.

Memorable Meals

A romantic meal at Thoroughbreds Chophouse & Seafood Grille; hot dogs at the counter of Peaches Corner; fresh local seafood at Catfish Johnny's.

Late Night

Comedy Cabana with its lineup of well-known and emerging comedians; listening to live bands along Murrells Inlet's Marsh Walk.

Walks

Sunrise or sunset strolls along the beach; the boardwalk.

Especially for Kids

The hands-on displays at The Children's Museum of South Carolina; getting up-close and personal with the sharks at Ripley's Aquarium; getting dizzy at the Backstage Mirror Maze and Escape Games; the rides at Family Kingdom Amusement Park.