Weekend in South Carolina’s top coastal destinations.
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Myrtle Beach, www.visitmyrtlebeach.com: Top Grand Strand attractions include Ripley's Aquarium, the Myrtle Waves Waterpark, and the T.I.G.E.R.S. Preserve Wild Encounter Tour. Broadway at the Beach has over 100 shops, restaurants and attractions. Discover history at the Civil War Collection, or take the kids to the Children's Museum of South Carolina. For big views, ride SkyWheel, a 187-foot-tall Ferris wheel with six-passenger enclosed gondolas; $13 adults; $9 ages 3-11. Drive time from Atlanta: 5.5 hours.
Stay: Enjoy Grand Strand beach views from your balcony at the oceanfront Hampton Inn & Suites. The resort-style hotel has seven pools, two lazy rivers, a full-service spa and free airport shuttle. Two-week advance purchase weekend rates from $169; midweek from $130, including Wi-Fi and breakfast. 1801 S. Ocean Blvd., 843-946-6400, www.hamptoninnoceanfront.com.
Eat: The party's on the back deck at Wet Willie's at Broadway on the Beach. Nosh on nachos, wings, quesadillas and shrimp ($6-$14) and chill with one of 20 frozen daiquiri flavors. 1306 Celebrity Circle, 843-448-5653, http://wetwillies.com.
Experience: Psst, there's an undeveloped strand of beach at the 312-acre Myrtle Beach State Park. Go for a picnic, a swim or a hike along miles of trails; $5 adults; $3 ages 6-15. 4401 S. Kings Highway, 843-238-5325, www.myrtlebeachstatepark.net. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through Aug. 30 (8-11 p.m.), hear the area's hottest bands at the oceanfront stage in Plyler Park, next to the Boardwalk. Head to Ninth Avenue on Wednesdays for live music (6-9 p.m.) and a fireworks show (10 p.m.). The downtown Boardwalk runs from 14th Avenue North to Second Avenue North. www.myrtlebeachdowntown.com.
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Hilton Head Island, www.hiltonheadisland.org: This 12-mile-long by 5-mile-wide barrier island (45 miles north of Savannah) offers miles of wide, hard-packed beaches; 24 on-island championship golf courses; and 300 courts for play. It was the first eco-planned destination in the United States. Drive time from Atlanta: 4 hours.
Stay: New features at the Sonesta Resort include a shaded pool, deck and hot tub, a zero-entry heated lagoon swimming pool, a children's area, and a full-service spa. Other amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, bike rentals and complimentary shuttle service around Shipyard Plantation. Non-view room rates from $179 and from $259 oceanview. 130 Shipyard Drive, 843-842-2400, www.sonesta.com/HiltonHeadIsland.
Eat: Enjoy a drink and great views at the outdoor waterfront Buoy Bar at Skull Creek Boathouse. Or, dine in on American classics and sushi. From 4-5:30 p.m., choose a salad or soup and an entree for $15.75. Sushi, $7-$16, and other entrees, $16-$29. 397 Squire Pope Road, 843-681-3663, www.skullcreekboathouse.com.
Experience: Join the crew aboard the America's Cup Stars & Stripes sailing ship on a 90-minute afternoon Dolphin & Nature sail ($29.95 adults; $20 children), or take a two-hour sunset sail ($44.95 adults; $30 children). This authentic 12-meter vessel is the original yacht that was skippered by Dennis Conner in the 1987 U.S. vs. Australia race. 149 Lighthouse Road, 843-363-9026, www.vagabondcruise.com.
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Charleston, www.charlestoncvb.com: Hit the beaches just beyond Charleston's city center. Isle of Palms is a barrier beach island with abundant wildlife, fun beach bars and surfing opportunities. Beachwalker Park is the only public beach on the west end of Kiawah Island. Take a 20-minute drive to Sullivan Island from downtown for kid-friendly tidal pools and low surf (no restroom facilities). Drive time from Atlanta: 4.5 hours.
Stay: Comfort Suites West of the Ashley is located near the Citadel and plantations such as Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. It's a five-minute drive to the historic center of Charleston and a 20-minute drive to Sullivan's Island Beach and Isle of Palms Beach. On site are an indoor heated pool, a fitness center and a sundry shop. Rates for Sunday-Thursday arrivals through Sept. 10 are $89; from $134 weekends, including breakfast. 2080 Savannah Highway, 843-769-9850, www.comfortsuites.com.
Eat: Find traditional Southern veggies, seafood and fried chicken at Jestine's Kitchen. Baskets, $6-$10; sandwiches, $7-$10; and a glass of house wine, $4.95. 251 Meeting St., 843-722-7224, www.jestineskitchen.com.
Experience: Beat the heat and play in two water fountains at the 12-acre Waterfront Park (1 Vendue). Look for the Headless Torso and the Gentleman Ghost during a stroll through the garden of the Battery Carriage House Inn (public welcome) — considered Charleston's most haunted inn. 20 S. Battery, www.batterycarriagehouse.com. A Hop-On/Hop-Off Trolley Shuttle from the Charleston Visitor Center visits many of the area's main attractions. The shuttle operates 8:45 a.m.-8 p.m.; $5. 375 Meeting St., 843-724-7174, www.lowcountrylooptrolley.com.
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