Myrtle Beach © South Carolina Tourism

The 60 miles (97km) of white sand stretching along South Carolina's coastline, from Little River to Georgetown in the south, is known as The Grand Strand. Peppered with beach resorts and seaside communities, the main hub of activity is centred at Myrtle Beach. However, all along The Grand Strand visitors can enjoy the sea, sun and surf, as well as excellent seafood, shopping malls, amusement parks and numerous family-orientated activities, shipwreck diving, museums, and over 100 championship golf courses.

Myrtle Beach lies at the centre of the Grand Strand, a glitzy stretch of uninterrupted commercial development that has transformed the city into a mega entertainment centre and family resort. Beach towels and brightly coloured beach wear cover the sand in summer and the population swells with vacationers seeking fun and thrills offered by the Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park, with funfairs, waterslides, arcades and shopping. Myrtle Beach State Park offers nature trails, camping, fishing and swimming when the bright lights and non-stop entertainment wear thin.

At the southern end of the Grand Strand lies Georgetown with a pretty historic district and a restored waterfront that buzzes with activity. During colonial times it boasted a rich plantation culture and was the centre of America's rice empire.