Grand Strand

A collection of suntanned beach towns decorate some 60 miles of uninterrupted Atlantic coastline stretching from Cape Fear, NC to Georgetown, SC. This region is called the Grand Strand, a moniker that denotes the coconutty scent of Coppertone oil, the sublimity of freshly shucked oysters and the splish-splash of saltwater fun. The Strand centers on the hub of Myrtle Beach, SC – where theme parks cater to families, teenagers cruise in hot rods and the beaches are packed from sun up 'til sundown. North Myrtle Beach is slightly more subdued, but is catching up in number of restaurants, bars and kitsch. South of Myrtle Beach, the towns of ...

A collection of suntanned beach towns decorate some 60 miles of uninterrupted Atlantic coastline stretching from Cape Fear, NC to Georgetown, SC. This region is called the Grand Strand, a moniker that denotes the coconutty scent of Coppertone oil, the sublimity of freshly shucked oysters and the splish-splash of saltwater fun. The Strand centers on the hub of Myrtle Beach, SC – where theme parks cater to families, teenagers cruise in hot rods and the beaches are packed from sun up 'til sundown. North Myrtle Beach is slightly more subdued, but is catching up in number of restaurants, bars and kitsch. South of Myrtle Beach, the towns of Murrells Inlet, Litchfield and Pawley’s Island offer a mellower beach vibe. World-class golf courses litter the Grand Strand, and outdoor activities include big-game fishing, scuba diving and boating. The Strand has several state parks that showcase the beauty of the area’s coastal ecosystem.

About the Expert

Debra Landau has written eight Lonely Planet guidebooks, including books on the USA, Caribbean, and the South.