Chances are you or someone you know has been to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. As one of the top tourist destinations in the United States, Myrtle Beach has nearly 14 million visitors a year. With activities ranging from neon-fueled casinos to a multitude of water sports, the choices of things to do while visiting Trip Advisor's 2010 Number One Beach and Sun Destination in the United States and Number Five Destination in the world are nearly endless for active travelers.
Amusement Parks
Myrtle Beach contains an extensive selection of one of the most family-friendly activity, amusement and water parks. Boasting water slides, roller coasters and corn dog stands galore, the amusement parks also offer Ferris wheels that give riders a one-of-a-kind view of both the water and surrounding landscape. Another popular, unique destination is the three-story-high Soar and Explore Ropes Challenge Course and Zipline Adventure, which is a part of the Broadway at the Beach complex. There are 33 different elements of the Ropes Challenge Course suspended amid high-rise beams and a 1,000-foot-long Zipline Adventure that cruises across Lake Broadway.
Beaches
With 60 miles of pristine beach bordering the Atlantic Ocean, soaking up the sand, sun and seawater at Myrtle Beach is easy to do. Beaches can also be found along the area's rivers, creeks and marshes and feature freshwater vegetation and wildlife. Skim boarding and body boarding are two very popular activities that are entertaining to both try and watch.
Outdoor Activities
Myrtle Beach boasts a number of bicycle paths that course through the Grand Strand and challenge everyone from beginning bicyclists to the most advanced cycling aficionados. The region also has campgrounds that offer fishing passes and hiking trails. Boat rentals for an afternoon cruise or an excursion out into deep water for some deep-sea fishing are popular, as well as geocaching, in which participants go by code names and use GPS devices to track caches hidden by other players. Additionally, over 100 golf courses cover the Grand Strand area of Myrtle Beach extending from Georgetown to the south coastal North Carolina, with layouts designed by world-class golf course architects.
Water Sports
The selection of water sports in the Myrtle Beach area is all-encompassing. For the adrenaline junkie, choose from jet ski rentals, banana boat rides or parasailing. Dolphin-watching tours, chartered sailboat and boat tours, surfing lessons and sightseeing tours are a few options for those looking for family fun. Those looking for a romantic endeavor can choose from kayaking the oceans and bays to sailboat rentals, scuba diving, windsurfing and sunset cruises. For angler enthusiasts, freshwater, ocean and deep-sea saltwater fishing are also available.
Nightlife
After a day spent on one of the many activities Myrtle Beach offers, the night can be finished at one of the beach's many nightlife venues that are sure to please any parched palate. Some of the favorite night spots for tourists are the outdoor cabana bars. Found in the Myrtle Beach proper region, these nightspots sit adjacent to the beach and allow patrons to revel in sultry ocean breezes while dancing next to a moonlit ocean. Shag clubs, which promote a style of dancing popular in the south, can be found in the northern areas of Grand Strand while dance clubs typically fall between the oceanfront and Conway and Aynor. The South Strand is home to bars that feature local flavor. Also in Myrtle Beach proper are sports bars, live music and karaoke bars for the more adventuresome tourist.
Member Comments