by Julie Wood

Created on: June 03, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

The weather is heating up, school is finished and the whole family's thoughts are turning to vacation time. The distant sounds of the ocean are calling. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is the perfect place to start off the summer season with a short break, so good in fact that you may head back to end the season there too!

With glorious sandy beaches packed full of every kind of water sport known to man and great sunrises over the Atlantic, Myrtle Beach is a winner every time. If you only have a long weekend you are going to have to sit down and do some serious planning to make sure you experience the best of this vacation hot spot.

Day One:

Start Early. Catch the sunrise over the Atlantic. Take a morning stroll along the beach and stop for breakfast and a hearty helping of coffee to see you through the rest of the day. Get a taste for the area by renting bikes and riding along the beach and cruising the Grand Strand.

The area is rich in history and in amongst the High Rise hotels, that are a bit of a blight on the area, you will find many historic sites and buildings that have been preserved and are open to the public.

After a long day pedaling and sight seeing, with maybe a few stops for ice cream along the way, head over to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. Yes it is kitschy and a little cheesy, but it is also great family show. The food isn't too shabby and the price makes it one of the best deals in town.

Day Two:

Well, after the excitement of Dolly and all that good old southern hospitality, you are either pumped up and ready to go or in need of a pick me up. Myrtle Waves Water Park has enough excitement and water to clear any body's head. This is a must see destination for the whole family. From the wave pool to the water slides and the ubiquitous lazy river, this water park will keep you busy all day. Arrive early as it fills up pretty fast and the lines are shortest in the morning.

At the end of the day if you have any energy left, how about a spot of Crazy Golf? Myrtle Beach is known for it's golf, crazy and otherwise. Your options are seemingly endless. You will find just about every type of themed course known to man. It is a great way to work off some of those calories after dinner!

Day Three:

If the Crazy Golf from last night has left you with a hankering for a little more golf, then you are certainly in the right place. There are countless Golf Courses in the area and every skill level and wallet size is easily catered to.

If however, your idea of sport simply requires a rectangular slice of plastic and some sturdy shopping bags, then you wont be disappointed. Myrtle Beach offers everything from Outlet Malls to smart boutiques and galleries. There are a couple of great destination shopping developments, where you can easily spend the whole day. Barefoot Landing, along the Inter-coastal Waterway, blends fantastic shops and restaurants with some spectacular habitats for wild and migratory birds. Whether you spend all day or head on over after a round of Golf to sample some of the great seafood, it really is a great way to end your stay.

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