Tourist Attractions In Myrtle Beach

Thousands of families, spring break-bound teenagers, and individuals from around the country converge on this unassuming stretch of beach each year. The city's top draw is obvious from its name. The beautiful seaside location is home to some of the most breathtaking land-water convergences on the east coast. On any given day, the soft sands are populated with children building sandcastles, women sunbathing, men fishing on the pier, and water craft of all kinds sailing across the clear seas. Fishing, in particular, is a favorite pastime of tourists. The 985-foot Cherry Grove Fishing Pier has witnessed several memorable moments, including record-setting king, sheepshead, and whiting captures. Even the non-fishing enthusiasts will be blown away by the calm Atlantic Ocean vastly laying before them. For the braver at heart, Myrtle Beach also offers several deep sea fishing adventures, where salt water fish, crabs, and assorted other sea creatures are at the fingertips.

For those craving family fun, Myrtle Beach offers an assortment of thrills and spills at area parks. The Myrtle Beach Pavilion is the heart of family (and friendly!) time in Myrtle Beach. The largest selection of children's rides country-wide is on hand, and some quite literally breathtaking thrill rides are awaiting daring adults. No trip to the Pavilion would be complete without a whirl on The Hurricane Category 5, a 110-foot, 53-degree drop steel and wood monster which calls itself a roller coaster. Vacationing teens are also likely to spend hours within the Pavilion's powers, playing video games and dancing the night away in under-21 club The Attic. And for those who cannot get enough of the wet and wild waters, Myrtle Beach houses two water parks. In Wild Water, bring the swim gear for a full day of fun. Visitors can lounge on the 950-foot Lazy River, or they can truly take advantage of the park's name and conquer the Wipeout Wave Pool, the Dark Hole, and the Kamikaze (a 35-foot high, head-first water slide). After they have packed their beach towels, tourists can head over to the Ocean Front Water Park and ride the largest log flume in Myrtle Beach. But never fear--if one prefers to have land under their feet, then another "thrill"ing opportunity awaits at the Myrtle Beach Grand Prix Family Thrill Park. Trade in boats for uncanny models of Grand Prix cars and trade in waterways for some pulse-pounding action on the race tracks. Just a short distance away, NASCAR lovers will create some memorable moments at the SpeedPark, 26 acres and eight race tracks' worth of NASCAR action created in miniature. Such tracks as Thunder Road and The Intimidator will challenge even the most hardened racers. Surprise visitors and NASCAR legends are always making the SpeedPark experience a little something extra special.

The NASCAR SpeedPark also highlights another Myrtle Beach favorite, miniature golf. In addition to the 36 holes offered at the SpeedPark, dozens more courses line nearly every street of Myrtle Beach. From the Dragon's Lair to Captain Hook, a unique themed course quenches every golfing appetite. Undeniably, the "All-Star" of mini-golf courses is the not-to-be-missed Hawaiian Rumble. This awesome attraction, home of the Masters of Miniature Golf and featured in Southern Living magazine, is immediately recognizable by its 40-foot volcano. The lava-laden wonder spews and rumbles a greeting to visitors every twenty minutes. The volcano serves as the focal point for every spectuacular hole on the course. Children and adults alike will be entertained for hours. Avid players can learn the secrets and master one of the premier miniature golf courses in the world.

For those who crave the real deal, Myrtle Beach is no slouch in the normal golfing department either. With over 100 courses, tourists can easily spend an entire vacation at Myrtle Beach on golfing excursions. Heron Point Golf Club, International World Tour Golf Links, and Legends Golf Club are just a few of the 18-hole challenges which beckon the vacationing golfer.

What more awaits the tourist at Myrtle Beach?...

Music maniacs have an assortment of destinations to choose from. For the rocker in all of us, take in a meal at the only pyramid-shaped Hard Rock Café in the country. For those with a more "show"y side, Broadway at the Beach, the Carolina Opry, and the House of Blues offer something for everyone. And for those who cannot get enough of their favorite stars, enjoy the talents of Elvis Presley, the Blues Brothers, and many more at Legends in Concert.

Meanwhile, nature lovers should pencil in visits to three very different""yet very memorable""destinations. If one is craving serenity and rest, then the 9100-acre Brookgreen Gardens is just what the doctor ordered. With a seven-day pass available, visitors will likely need a week to fully absorb the beautiful sculptures, wildlife exhibits, artifacts, and more than 2000 plant species populating the area. 250-year-old oaks stand guard over the immaculately landscaped scenery. After touring the gardens and animal refuges, individuals can take a closer look at some of the beach's more aquatic wildlife. Ripley's Aquarium brings the brave-at-heart up close and personal with sharks (some will even swim right over the heads of visitors!), sea dragons, octopus, and countless other sea mysteries. Visitors can even witness a live dive show and pet some watery wonders. Finally, our round trip of Myrtle Beach brings us to the doorstep of those creepy, scaly guardians of the sea""Alligator Adventure. If you truly wish to end your stay at Myrtle Beach with a bang, them put this world's largest reptile park on your must-see list. The eight-inch newborns may make you smile and breathe a sigh of relief"¦until you meet their 13-foot "parents." And with these nice "parental figures," we conclude our whirlwind tour of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Surfs up!