Myrtle Beach

One of North America’s most renowned sculpture gardens is on the Strand. — Where

Open since 1997, the Franklin G. Burroughs and Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum was founded as a way to highlight artists of the Grand Strand as well as to bring in exhibits from elsewhere. — Where

The 187ft-high SkyWheel overlooks the 1.2-mile coastal boardwalk. One ticket includes three revolutions in an enclosed gondola. — Lonely Planet

Glide underwater (no need for a wet suit) through a winding tunnel exhibit that's longer than a football field. — Fodor's

Huntington Beach State Park, worth a visit even if you see nothing else on the Strand, offers the best-preserved beach on the Grand Strand and one of the best we have seen anywhere in the world. — Where

This 20-acre park of water slides and rides is the Strand’s largest water park, with more than 30 rides and attractions. — Where

The home of Archibald Rutledge, poet laureate of South Carolina for 39 years until his death in 1973, this 18th-century plantation house is a fine example of a Lowcountry mansion. — Fodor's

Kids love this hands-on learning experience, beginning with the crazy-looking building itself—it’s upside down. Inside are over 100 high-tech games, interactive exhibits, and simulations. — Frommer's

Family Kingdom now lays claim to being Myrtle Beach’s only seaside amusement park and is making the most of it. — Where

Bring the kids here to beat the heat or take cover on a rainy day. Create giant bubbles, pet turtles, and play dentist or doctor. — Fodor's

The house at Hopsewee Plantation, a National Historic Landmark, is an early Georgian-style mansion—a typical example of a Lowcountry rice plantation dwelling of the early 18th century. — Where

Small interpretive center has exhibits on coastal ecology and history, with special emphasis on the Baruch family. There are aquariums, touch tanks, and video presentations, and guided three-hour tour. — Fodor's

The Rice Museum, in the beautifully renovated heart of Georgetown, offers a concise and fascinating overview of the society that flourished around rice cultivation. — Where

At La Belle Amie, it’s about the wine and the festivals, and they have developed a big reputation for being a great place to experience both. — Where

T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station is an interactive conservation effort that lets you get up close and personal with the rare and endangered golden tabby tiger as well as a host of other animals. — Where

Alligator Adventure adjoins Barefoot Landing and is different from any other attraction along the Grand Strand. — Where

With shops, restaurants, nightclubs, rides and an IMAX theater, this is Myrtle Beach's nerve center. — Lonely Planet