Sixty miles of wide, golden sand have lured a diverse group of sun wordshippers Myrtle Beach for decades. Families migrate to the Grand Strand for summers by the sea, and college kids come for spring break. Golf foursomes gravitate to the region because they can return year after year and, with 80 golf courses, never play the same one twice.

The beach itself pulses with activity. Cyclists weave around games of volleyball and Velcro paddleball while teens in swimsuits push carts filled with soft frozen lemonade. Waves nudge bodysurfers toward shore. Planes ply the sky with high-flying billboards. "Bargain Beachwear hypercolor T's. Reg. $19.99 now $4.99."

Touristy Kings Highway (U.S. 17), the main drag through the Grand Strand, serves as one of the area's many diversions. Marquees and billboards vie for your attention and show why Myrtle Beach is in the running for the discount souvenir capital of the world: "Rock-Bottom Discount City, nothing over $5.99"; "All $9 sunglasses 1 [cents]"; "12 T's for $5."

Putt-putt golf. While kids enjoy the small amusement parks and go-cart joints, miniature golf is one of the biggest family attractions. At the Hawaiian Rumble, aloha music plays while you work your way around hazards like lava rock, palm trees, and a steaming volcano.