The Grand Strand

From the Winyah Bay on north to the North Carolina line is the 60 mile beach region referred to as South Carolina's Grand Strand. It is composed of well known cities like Myrtle Beach and Georgetown and less familiar towns such as Litchfield, Surfside Beach or Murrells Inlet. It is a long island region that is now home to many resort developments.

As you travel north from Georgetown along the Grand Strand, you will reach Pawleys Island. This 4 mile wide island is a laidback community resort along route 17 where you will find charming restaurants and chic boutiques. Pawley's Island, thought by many to be America's oldest resort town, has few tourist or commercial ventures and its relaxed atmosphere will help you slow down and recharge.

Farther up the road is Litchfield Beach where you will find beach cottages, unspoiled sandy beaches and the Litchfield by the Sea beach resort. Do you love to feel the wind in your face as you roll along? Then be sure to bring (or rent) your bike. The roads in residential areas like Pawleys Island, Litchfield and Murrells Inlet provide a great way to view the town.

North of Litchfield is Murrells Inlet with its 40+ sea food restaurants that are sure to please if you crave an exceptional feast from the deep! The Inlet is also home to Hunting Beach State Park. As you continue up the coast, you will pass through community areas like Garden City and Surfside before eventually reaching Myrtle Beach and its many activities and attractions.

Other great activities that can be indulged in while touring the Grand Strand are paddling a canoe or kayak along the 4 rivers that converge in Winyah Bay, chartering a boat for a day deep sea fishing, horseback riding on North Myrtle Beach, exploring the Intracoastal Waterway or Atlantic Ocean via a Hobie Cat or Hobie Wave 14 (www.dwswatersports.com).

For art and antiques, the Grand Strand has many offerings. In Murrells Inlet you will find estate jewelry, paintings, and silver at the Legacy Antique Mall, or you can shop for furniture and decorative items at the Wachesaw Row Antique Mall. The Cheryl Neuby Gallery in Pawleys Island has antique prints, engravings, and regional and national artwork and for Gullah art, antiques, books, and documents, don't overlook The Gullah O'oman Shop.

Fishing at Pawleys Island