Spread across 350 acres of shopping, dining, and entertainment, Broadway at the Beach has something for everybody. Planet Hollywood? Check. Hard Rock Café? Check. Ripley’s Aquarium? Check. Mini-Golf? Check. Amusement Park? Check. Pubs and bars? Live theatre? Check. IMAX 3D Theatre? Check. Water Park? Check. NASCAR race track? Check. It’s all incredibly over-the-top, and the shopping and dining tends toward chain fare, but this is one of the main attractions of Myrtle Beach.

What could be gayer than a dinner theatre owned by Dolly Parton? It’s incredibly kitschy and manufactured, but when in Rome… Shows are, of course, all-ages, and include a four-course meal. In 2011 Dixie Stampede had an $11 million renovation, to become Pirates Voyage Fun, Feast & Adventure, "the most breathtaking dinner show ever" - and still a Dolly Parton endeavor.

This is the best place in the area to learn about the wonderful wildlife that inhabits the region, including plants, birds, and marine life such as dolphins and sea turtles. There’s more than a mile of public beachfront, a fishing pier, nature trails, and a large campground. Wander about on your own, or take one of the tours on offer from the visitor’s center.

The beach ought to be your main reason for coming. Beach space – and especially parking – gets quite crowded in the high season but if you come early in the morning you can have the beach almost to yourself. The sunrise over the Atlantic is truly a sight to behold and you’ll have first pick of the seashells that have washed ashore overnight. Later in the day, be prepared for crowds of tourists and families.

The kitschy variety show at The Carolina Opry has been enchanting audiences for 25 years, winning audience choice awards year after year. The regular program blends music, comedy, and dance for a two-hour show. Other shows in the season present pop hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s, seasonal concerts, and there’s also a laser show.