Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - More Than Just White Sandy Beaches

There is a stretch of coastline at the high end of the Low Country that includes 60 miles of white sandy beaches so beautiful that more than 17 million people choose it for their vacation each year. And people may come to Myrtle Beach originally for the beaches, but they return for the amusements, terrific restaurants, historic gems, and cultural activities that abound. The region is also a boater's dream, with the Intracoastal Waterway, the Atlantic Ocean, the peaceful Waccamaw River and countless backwater and inland rivers all beckoning.

Twelve communities make up the greater Myrtle Beach area, including idyllic Pawleys Island and the bustling city of Myrtle Beach itself. One of the community's biggest consistent draws is breathtaking Brookgreen Gardens, a massive outdoor sculpture garden situated within an antebellum rice patty. The Ripley's Aquarium is also always popular, especially with boaters who enjoy getting a close look at some of the creatures living in the waters they cruise. The 1.2-mile Boardwalk and Promenade, filled with shops, carnival-like entertainments and restaurants, truly has something for everyone. Stroll along the pier, ride the 200-foot-high SkyWheel, then have a picnic on the beach.

In addition to all the activities on land, Myrtle Beach boasts some of the best fishing in the country. For a more unique angling experience than you may be used to, try your hand at casting from a kayak or crabbing off the Myrtle Beach State Park pier. If you're more competitive, each April through October you can enter your catch in the annual Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo for the chance to receive monthly decals, shoulder patches, and prizes totaling thousands of dollars in cash and merchandise.

But even if you don't love to catch your own, Myrtle Beach is also home to the fishing capital of South Carolina, Murrells Inlet, so a fresh, sea-to-table meal is a must-do experience when visiting the area.

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Where to Dine

• Wicked Tuna (4123 US 17 Business, 843-651-9987) serves up some of the freshest and most delicious seafood around; set within the scenic Marshwalk in Murrells Inlet.
• Gulfstream Cafe´ (1536 S. Waccamaw Dr., 843-651-8808) offers beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway and is one of the only restaurants in Myrtle Beach where you can see the sun both rise and set.
• Sea Captain's House (3002 N. Ocean Blvd., 843-448-8082) is an institution in Myrtle Beach and for good reason: the views are extraordinary, and the seafood is legendary, especially the she crab soup”don't miss it.

Where to Dock

• Barefoot Marina - Located directly across from Barefoot Landing outdoor mall, the marina offers a fuel dock, on-site swimming pool, floating concrete docks, and repair services. Cruising Club members receive 20% Off transient dockage and $0.10 Off per gallon of fuel.
• Harbourgate Resort & Marina is just six miles inland from the Little River Inlet and offers fuel, ship store, restroom and shower facilities.
• Marina at Grand Dunes located on ICW Mile Marker 357, the facility offers 126 slips for vessels up to 120 feet.