Myrtle Beach Travel Guide
Strung along the southern Atlantic, Myrtle Beach comprises 60 miles of fine sandy coastline, from Little River to Georgetown in South Carolina. The area is known for its expansive beaches, vibrant nightlife and world-class golf course. And the famous resort coast continues to come up with new ways to entertain the summer crowds who come here hoping to find either a little excitement away from their laid-back Southern lifestyle or a little relaxation away from their fast-paced city life. So whether it's enjoying the sunrise with an espresso or reveling in the late-night scene (and enjoying the sunrise with a different sort of beverage) you'll find activities to satisfy your vacation preference.
Dining, Shopping and Nightlife
Myrtle Beach has several large "entertainment complexes" that provide nearly endless dining, shopping and clubbing options. Barefoot Landing is a large development that features a range of shops, restaurants, bars and golf courses. The eating options here run from steakhouses to crab shacks, many of which offer live music. Broadway at the Beach is a similarly expansive complex, with restaurants, boutiques and nightclubs spread over 350 acres. For something slightly less formulaic, check out the all-night clubs, pubs and karaoke bars lining the seafront or clustered in the local favorite Southern Strand area. If theatrical shows are more to your taste, try the Carolina Opry or the Palace Theater, which features a kid-friendly Christmas on Ice production in the winter months.
Festivals
Once purely a summer destination, Myrtle Beach is now a year-round tourist spot and it aims to draw all-season visitors with shows, live events and festivals. The Can-Am Days Festival in March coincides with the school holiday in Ontario and naturally attracts a lot of people from north of the border with beach activities, concerts and sporting events. The Sun Fun Festival is the summer-season opener, with everything from sandcastle contests to the Miss Legs pageant. Foodies are drawn to Coastal Uncorked, a spring event focusing on food and wine. Closing out the summer is the Beach Boogie & BBQ Festival, which includes a barbecue cook-off joined by the likes of the RoBo Smokers and R & K Cookers. (Competing barbecue dishes are available for purchase after the judging is done.)
Sports and Activities
Beach destinations are, of course, primarily about the outdoors and Myrtle Beach does not disappoint in this department. Along the 60 miles of Atlantic coastline you'll find kayaking, wind surfing, wakeboarding, swimming and more. Chartered and party boats take anglers off for deep-sea fishing. Inland rivers and waterways provide promising opportunities for interesting explorations or a quick romantic getaway. Golf aficionados can enjoy the many well-manicured courses in over 100 locations. Summer is high season but golfers can arrange a reasonable package at one of the less crowded clubs--or come in the offseason. Family-oriented activities revolve around theme parks, which include the NASCAR Speedpark, with seven tracks, a miniature golf course and a rock wall for climbing.
Where to Go in Myrtle Beach
