Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Family Vacation

Myrtle Beach is a paradise for kids. The Grand Strand is lined with every imaginable attraction, from go-carts to an alligator zoo; the mini-golf courses compete to be the biggest, brightest, and loudest. Even the restaurants are huge and flashy -- all-you-can-eat seafood buffets are events in themselves. But the main attraction is still the beach that stretches for miles, and offers the decidedly non-flashy pleasures of swimming, seashell-collecting, and catching a much-needed snooze.

Although it's gradually turning into more of a year-round destination, summer is prime time in Myrtle Beach. Crowds pour into all the attractions and restaurants, swelling the city to more than 12 times its permanent population. Spring and autumn are nice times to visit. There are lighter crowds and cooler temperatures, but some attractions are closed and the water in the Atlantic may be too cold for comfortable swimming. The "shoulder seasons" -- the very beginning and end of summer -- are a good compromise. Keep in mind that September is peak hurricane season.

Although summer is the most popular time to visit, it can be hot and humid. The average high temperature in July is 90 degrees. The rest of the seasons are mild, with highs of 75 degrees in April, 76 in October, and 68 in January. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with peak months of August and September. Get more weather info.

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is located on the south end of Myrtle Beach and offers direct flights from many cities. If you're driving, Myrtle Beach is close to I-95.

Most people drive in Myrtle Beach, and the main roads can be frustratingly clogged in the summer. If you're going to popular attractions, check to see if your hotel or the attraction has a shuttle. Public bus transportation (called Lymo) is available -- check the website for schedules, maps, and fares.

Myrtle Beach and surrounding beach communities have a calendar that's jam-packed with festivals from motorcycle rallies to those just celebrating year-round summer fun. For dates, check MyrtleBeachCalendar.com

• Canadian-American Days Festival (Mar.)
• Little River Blue Crab Festival (May)
• The Harley-Davidson Dealers Association Spring Rally (May)
• The Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Bikefest (Memorial Day)
• Sun Fun Festival (June)
• Fall Bike Rally (Oct.)
• Endless Summer Festival (Oct.)

Find helpful tips at MBChamber.com, CityofMyrtleBeach.com, and NorthMyrtleBeachChamber.com

Never pay full price in Myrtle Beach! You can find coupon books at hotels, shops, and restaurants. If you don't see one at your hotel, ask at the front desk. The All-Access Pass gives you unlimited access to several popular attractions for four days.

• Over 13,000,000 visitors pour into Myrtle Beach each year. 62 Percent of visitors are families with children.
• Over 4,000,000 rounds of golf are played every year in Myrtle Beach.
• Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach originated as an Indian trail.
• Myrtle Beach was incorporated in 1938 and became a city in 1955.
• Myrtle Beach got its name from the wax myrtle bushes that grow here.