The Myrtle Beach area has long been called the “seaside golf capital of the world.” Now the area has a new moniker, thanks to Sports Illustrated magazine and the National Recreation and Park Association: Sportstown USA. While golf is the Grand Strand’s No. 1 sport, the area also boasts professional baseball, auto racing, high school and youth activities (including the annual Beach Ball Classic national basketball tournament), tennis, water sports, recreational fishing and much more.

Shopping is No. 1 on the list of activities enjoyed by U.S. travelers, according to the Travel Industry Association of America. Grand Strand merchants are obviously attuned to this and have created a virtual smorgasbord of retail establishments.

Barefoot Landing
(800) 272-2320
BFLanding.com

Barefoot Landing blends the beauty of nature with miles of boardwalk, more than 100 specialty shops and 15 waterfront restaurants. This popular complex, adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway, is also home to Alligator Adventure, the House of Blues restaurant and concert hall, the Alabama Theatre and Barefoot riverboat cruises.