Finding the grandeur of the Grand Strand

Myrtle Beach, S.C., is a popular go-to destination for spring breakers and high school seniors looking to celebrate beach week, but the coastal town has much more to offer than a place to party. From top of the line resorts to countless attractions, shopping and shows, plus fresh seafood, there is something for everyone.

What to do:

One thing Myrtle Beach doesn’t lack is shows, whether you’re looking for an adventure at Pirate Voyage and Dinner Show or feel like paying tribute to your favorite singers of the past at Legends in Concert, there is something for everyone.

Get up close and personal with some of America’s largest reptiles at Alligator Adventure. They’ve got it all, from alligators and crocodiles to snakes and turtles! Don’t worry, there are also less ferocious animals like kangaroos.

Take a trip around Myrtle Beach’s version of a Ferris wheel, SkyWheel, for incredible long-distance views of the beach and oceanfront. Adult tickets $14 and $9 for children under 12.

Experience the world of weird at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium, a showcase of eclectically bizarre, mind-boggling visual illusions and a fascinating array of the most unusual and weird stuff.

For a fintastic day, visit Ripley’s Aquarium to learn about your favorite sea creatures! You’ll even get to touch a few at the aquarium’s Ray Bay.

Head down the Murells Inlet for a full day’s worth of things to do. Visit the MarshWalk for a leisurely walk past the inlet’s restaurants and bars while taking in the saltwater sights. Stop into Bubba’s Love Shack for a drink and laid back Caribbean atmosphere that’ll make you really feel like you’re on vacation. Brookgreen Gardens offers guests acres of beautiful botanicals, a zoo and even boat rides down the Waccamaw River. There’s also lots of boutique shopping and sightseeing in the area.

Grab drinks at Crocodile Rocks Dueling Piano Bar at Broadway on the Beach for a fun night full of your favorite music and lots of entertainment and audience interaction.

Shop ‘til you drop. With two outlet locations, shopping malls, Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing and countless beach shops, you won’t run out of places to grab whatever you need.

Where to eat:

For breakfast with a view try Croaker’s, located on the Apache Pier. They’ve got a typical breakfast menu, with a front row seat to the ocean.

Embrace your inner tourist and grab dinner and a margarita at Jimmy Buffet’s Key West Grill located at Broadway at The Beach.

To find the best oyster shooters anywhere, check out Bimini’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Café.

You’ll find the best brunch in town at Sea Captains House Restaurant, where you can get crab cakes benedict or pecan waffles. Plus, the restaurant is oceanfront, so you can take a stroll on the beach post meal.

Waterfront views, house-made dressings and amazing clam chowder are just a few of the many reasons to eat at Chesapeake House. Oh, and make sure you try one of their famous cinnamon rolls, you won’t regret it.

Tired of seafood and looking for a juicy burger? Sit ocean side and enjoy Bummz Beach Café’s bacon cheeseburger while enjoying live music.

If you’re visiting Murrells Inlet get appetizers at Drunken Jack’s Restaurant and Lounge, it has a great view of the boats coming in and out of the marsh. I’d suggest getting the Drunken Jack’s Sampler that has bacon wrapped crab, stuffed shrimp, bacon wrapped scallops, mini crab cakes and blackened beef tips. For the freshest seafood right off the boat and fantastic sushi, grab an entrée at The Wicked Tuna.

Where to stay:

Options are endless for places to stay on the Grand Strand, here are a few great options.

Ocean Creek Resort is a 57 acre oceanfront resort with a wide variety of studios, suites and condominiums. It offers nine pools, five tennis courts, kids playground, restaurant, beach bar and grill.

If you’re looking for somewhere the kids will enjoy, check out Ocean Reef Resort, an oceanfront resort that has top of the line accommodations. Amenities include a shipwreck waterpark with tiki pool and waterslide, pools, lazy rivers, hot tubs, Café Du Port and banana boat lounge. Ocean Reef also offers free admission to several of the beach’s most popular attractions.

Prince Resort at the Cherry Grove Pier gives guests lots of options with fully-equipped one, two and three bedroom condos with luxury amenities and private balconies. The oceanfront resort also has a rooftop pool, on-site restaurant and is only steps away from the pier where guests can fish.

Regency Towers Condominiums are perfect for guests looking for a quiet, laid back vacation. The towers provide an uncrowded atmosphere for guests seeking relaxation in an exclusive seaside setting with spacious accommodations, friendly staff and a sweeping view of the Grand Strand coast from the private balcony.

Sea Watch Resort offers nearly 300 studios and one, two and three bedroom condos. There are also 10 hot tubs, oceanfront tiki bar, six pools and two lazy rivers!

If you’d rather rent a house or condo, check out Seaside Rentals for places in Surfside Beach, Garden City and Myrtle Beach.

Surfside Beach Realty is also a great option for vacation rentals.

Cox Media Group