If Hilton Head Island is the resort for the wealthy, Myrtle Beach is its counterpart for ordinary people. Here they will find endless broad sandy beaches - and, immediately beyond the beaches, equally endless lines of hotels. Amusement parks, country music clubs, more than 70 golf courses and almost 200 tennis courts, cater for a range of tastes in entertainment. A more tranquil atmosphere prevails in Brookgreen Gardens (Murrells Inlet).
The Children's Museum of South Carolina in Myrtle Beach features self-discovery for children through interactive exhibits and programs.
Address: Children's Museum of South Carolina, 2501 North Kings Highway, Box 1781, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578-1781, United States
Phone: 1 (843) 946-9469, Fax: 1 (843) 946-7011
Hours:
10am-3pm; Closed: Sun
Always opened on: Martin Luther King's Birthday - USA (3rd Monday, January ), President's Day - USA (3rd Monday, February )
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Memorial Day - USA (last Monday, May ), American Independance Day (July 4), Labor Day - USA (1st Monday, September), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
The Dixie Stampede in Myrtle Beach features family entertainment with dinner in a 35,000-square-foot arena. The shows include 32 horses, 30 riders, singers and dancers, plus 36 costumed servers.
Visitors to Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach dine in a European castle as they watch an 11th century royal tournament complete with jousting, horsemanship and hand-to-hand combat.
The Myrtle Waves Water Park is a 20-acre water park with more than 30 rides and attractions including waterslides, a lazy river ride, a wave pool, and a children's water park.
The Nascar Speedpark in Myrtle Beach is a 26-acre family theme park with seven tracks. A rock climbing wall, miniature golf and an arcade are available.
Address: Nascar Speedpark, 1820 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577-7472, United States
Phone: 1 (843) 918-8725, Fax: 1 (843) 913-9257
Hours:
Always closed on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Hours vary, call or visit website for details.
The Pavilion Nostalgia Park houses a collection of classic rides from the original Pavilion Amusement Park. The rides include the Herschell-Spillman Carousel, Wave Rider, the Caterpillar, Dune Buggy, and Teacup Rides. There is also a Pavilion Museum, midway skill games, and the historic German Baden Band Organ.
Hours:
January 1 to February 28: 12pm-5pm
March 1 to May 27: 12pm-8pm
May 28 to September 5: 12pm-11pm
September 6 to December 31: 12pm-8pm; Sun:12pm-6pm
Always closed on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Visitors to the Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach walk through an underwater tunnel to visit the touch tank. Dive shows are offered hourly and interactive computer exhibits are available.
The Palace Theatre in Myrtle Beach features a golden-domed lobby, three crystal chandeliers, and a winged staircase that leads up to the mezzanine level. The main auditorium seats 2,600 people. Featured performances include Le Grand Cirque Adrenaline, with over 40 acrobats and performers from around the world.
Address: The Palace Theatre, 1420 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States
Phone: 1 (843) 448-0588, Fax: 1 (843) 626-9659
Tips: The Box Office is open from 9am to 9pm Monday through Saturday and 9am to 6pm on Sundays. January hours may vary.
The Waccatee Zoo is located just west of Myrtle Beach. It is a 500-acre farm with exotic and domestic animals in their natural habitats. A petting zoo and nature trail are also available.