One Day In The Grand Strand
Morning
Fuel up on flapjacks. Pancake houses are almost as plentiful as golf courses on The Grand Strand, but try Donald's Pancake House on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach if you're looking for where to eat.All beaches are not created equal. With a fishing pier, maritime forest, nature center, picnic shelters and restrooms, Myrtle Beach State Park is an option for anyone willing to pay a nominal per diem admission. However, families with teens might prefer the availability of water sports, arcades, shops, attractions and food places near the boardwalk in Myrtle Beach's historic district.
Afternoon
Shake the sand out of your shoes and head over to Broadway at the Beach for an afternoon of one-stop shopping and dining. Not your typical mall, this village-like promenade surrounding a huge, man-made lake is the place to go to stroll outdoors, feed seagulls and buy beachwear, Birkenstock shoes and Brighton accessories.For lunch duck into a familiar pizza, steak or seafood eatery or nearby restaurants like Hard Rock Cafe and Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. Amusements include the Charles Bach Wonders Theatre and Ripley's Aquarium .
Evening
Plan on an early dinner at Thoroughbreds Chophouse & Seafood Grille , an upscale equestrian-themed restaurant in Myrtle Beach, before taking in a live variety show. You can't go wrong with The Carolina Opry, The Strand's longest running show, at The Calvin Gilmore Theater . If you've seen it, choose “One—The New Show,” at Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach . Both shows have won numerous tourism industry awards.Cap off the night with a little dancing at a beach club. Shag dancing is especially popular in the Ocean Drive district of North Myrtle Beach, where it originated in the 1940s and later enjoyed a revival after being named the state dance. Slip on a pair leather-sole loafers and show off your shuffle at Fat Harold's Beach Club , or join the gallery of spectators wishing they had the smooth moves characteristic of this retro dance style.