Myrtle Beach FAQ: When to visit, what to do and more

Oceanfront from Little River to Georgetown. Called The Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach's 60-mile coastline encompasses a collective of beaches and seaside towns. Sport fishermen cast their nets into the estuaries around Little River, and lovers loll on deserted sands at Pawley's Island, while the seashore around the town of Myrtle Beach buzzes with families, watersports and restaurants. gotomyrtlebeach.com/information/beaches/beach-access-map
Families, gaggles of teens and couples love strolling this 1.2-mile-long oceanfront promenade lined with eateries, shops, amusements, rides and the free nightly entertainment show, “Hot Summer Nights.” “People come from around the world to see the show,” says David Chaney, the show's Elvis impersonator. Oceanfront, between 14th Avenue and the 2nd Avenue Piers, myrtlebeachdowntown.com
On the Wild Encounters tour, older children and grown-ups explore the 50-acre preserve alongside uncaged tigers, leopards, chimpanzees and more. The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species, 4898 Highway 17S, Myrtle Beach, 843-855-2699, myrtlebeachsafari.com Albino American alligators, giant tortoises, pythons and even kangaroos star in the hourly shows here, which includes feedings and petting opportunities. Alligator World, 4604 US-17, North Myrtle Beach, 843-361-0789, alligatoradventure.com
History buffs are enchanted touring this authentic 18th-century rice plantation. Distinguished for being immaculately preserved, not restored, Hopsewee is the birthplace of Thomas Lynch Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Also on site are former slave quarters and sweetgrass basket-weaving classes taught by a Gullah/Geechee slave descendant. 494 Hopsewee Road, Georgetown, 843-546-7891, hopsewee.com
This quaint, Mayberry-like inland town is worth of an afternoon away from the beach. Conway's historic downtown is charming. The River Walk, a bucolic, historic trail, leads to an arboretum. And you can experience early 20th-century life on a local farm at LW Paul History Museum
This outdoor flora and sculpture garden is also home to the state's only coastal zoo. Young children love the interactive playhouses in The Enchanted Storybook Forest. Best of all, tickets are good for seven days, enabling you to return for the Cool Summer Evening series featuring activities, entertainment, boat rides. 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, 843-235-6000, brookgreen.org
Families visiting Myrtle Beach will find great entertainment beyond the boardwalk, says Myrtle Beach's visitors bureau. The coastline dazzles with high-quality theater and music venues, including The Carolina Opry, Alabama Theater and Palace Theatre. And wee ones will yar-har-yar at the rollicking Pirates Voyage.
“Shag is a slowed-down jitterbug. Sort of a front-to-back form of swing dancing,” says Jeppy McDowell, who provides free lessons to nostalgic dance-craze devotees at Fat Harold's on Tuesday nights. “Everyone wants to learn! Even in the dead of winter, we have 50 or more showing up,” McDowell says. Fat Harold's Beach Club, 212 Main St., North Myrtle Beach, 843-249-5779, fatharolds.com
Golf enthusiasts flock to the Grand Strand to break par at one of Myrtle Beach's 100-plus golf courses. Often called an “everyman's golf destination,” the local courses range from the serious PGA and pro-level Dunes Golf & Beach Club, to casual courses like Midway Par-3. Various locations, myrtle-beachgolf.com/golf-courses
Eco-adventurists bypass the beach, opting instead to kayak the Waccamaw River, surrounding inlets and marshes. “Take our 11/2-hour paddle to Sandy Island Preserve, the East Coast's largest undeveloped freshwater island,” says guide Paul Laurent. “There's crazy wildlife: red-cockaded woodpeckers, screech owls, and alligators … aw, they're just scaly teddy bears.” Myrtle Beach, 843-546-4840, blackriveroutdoors.com

by Stephanie Citron

Everything you need to know to have a successful trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C.:

Best time to visit: While summer is peak season, autumn is Myrtle Beach’s best-kept secret — temperatures are still summery, but crowds have dissipated and deals are everywhere, recommends Myrtle Beach’s Visitors Bureau.

Worst time to visit: If you’re not a fan of revving motorcycles and crowds, best to avoid Bike Week Spring Rally, May 13-22.

Beach rules: Beaches are free. No tents, cabanas or sports umbrellas permitted. If you dig a hole, it must be filled in before leaving. Dogs are permitted before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. May 1-Labor Day, but unrestricted the rest of the year.

When/where to go if you’re …

A young family: Downtown’s Broadway at the Beach is an outdoor entertainment complex that includes Ripley’s Aquarium and Myrtle Waves water park, and amusement rides.

In need of personal space: Huntington Beach State Park is a coastal preserve with towering dunes, a secluded beach and a walkway over the salt marsh for viewing wildlife.

Into people watching: “We’re the Times Square of Myrtle Beach,” says Rick Sarver, owner of Boardwalk Coffee. “People sit outside, sipping a caramel frappe, watching everyone walk the boardwalk.

Into beach sports: “We’ve been here the longest, and have it all: parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking and a paddleboarding/surfing school,” says Downwind Sails Watersports‘ Morgan Williams.

Into marine life: Along with Ripley’s Aquarium, Myrtle Beach State Park is a haven for sea turtles, mollusks, and nesting sea birds.

Into fishing: Various public piers sell fishing passes that allow you to fish but don’t require a license. Individual licenses are not required on licensed for-hire fishing charters. Saltwater fishing licenses are required to fish from the shore. “Cast a line at any pier,” recommends Ann Marcum, of Visit Myrtle Beach. For deep-sea excursions, try Captain Ricky Long’s.

Into surfing: 29th Avenue South at Myrtle Beach, between 38th and 44th, is where local surfers hang.

Into craft brewing: Try Myrtle Beach’s American gastropub The Brass Tap, or sample handcrafted ales and lagers at New South Brewing.

A foodie: Fishermen unload fresh catch into the kitchen of Murrells Inlet’s Wicked Tuna. Little River’s Brentwood serves French/Low Country fusion in an elegant Victorian home.

Doing as the locals do: Take in a Pelicans game, Myrtle Beach’s High-A minor league team. Afterward, try local barbecue at Little Pigs Bar-B-Q.

Looking for fresh, local seafood to cook where you’re staying: “Our seafood comes in fresh every day,” says Ted Hammerman of Mr. Fish Seafood Market.

Into nightlife: The Bowery is the birthplace of the band Alabama. 2001-Nightclub offers two clubs under one roof.

Looking to go upscale: Marina Inn at Grande Dunes has a golf course and a private beach. Or check into the penthouse at North Beach Plantation.

In need of a rainy-day diversion: The Myrtle Beach Art Museum exhibits local and national works. For kids, try The Children’s Museum.

New this year

GTS Theatre, 1220 Port Drive, gtstheatre.com. This 1920s Parisian cabaret-themed theater will present summer shows including “Motor City Musical: A Tribute to Motown,” “Vaudeville the Show” and a hypnosis comedy show.

High Flyer Extreme Air Sports, 568 George Bishop Parkway, Suite B, 843-636-8075. A 20,000-square-foot sports center, featuring a trampoline dodge ball stadium, flying trapeze and Olympic-size foam pits.

The Chemist, 300 9th Ave. North, chemistbar.com. Molecular gastronomy drives the sophisticated cuisine and inventive libations, including liquid nitrogen cocktails at this dining spot.

Big events

Sun Fun Festival: Myrtle Beach’s official kickoff to summer (June 3-5), this fest features games, a parade and beach concerts.

Held in conjunction with the Native Sons SALT surfing competitions, and lifeguard games. Various locations, Myrtle Beach. sunfunmb.com

Carolina Country Music Fest: Tim McGraw, Keith Urban and Jake Owen are just a few of the headliners rocking the stage here, plus performances by least 30 additional big-name artists. June 10-12. On Myrtle Beach by the boardwalk.

Conway Riverfest: Wholesome, family-friendly festival in a charming town, 25 minutes from Myrtle Beach. Events include a color guard opening ceremonies, a bass fishing tournament, a Jell-O jumping contest, bull rides, a Gulf Cart Parade and artisans’ market. June 25. conwayriverfest.com

Murrells Inlet 4th of July Boat Parade: Whatever floats … will likely be sailing by, decked out in Independence Day regalia. July 4.

In the afternoon, join a fishing charter or rent a paddleboard.

Have sunset dinner at Captain Dave’s dockside before the big fireworks show.

Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival: Deemed the Official BBQ Competition of South Carolina, it offers food vendors, grill master competitions, live music, beer gardens, wakeboard demos and a fireworks finale. Sept 2-5.