Hotel at a Glance: Ocean Creek Resort

Ocean Creek Resort in Myrtle Beach occupies 57 acres stretching from Highway 17 all the way to the ocean. And there’s plenty to do in that swath of land: you can play tennis and beach volleyball and go biking along the many shaded paths. Head for the water to spot wildlife in the ocean creek running between the main tower and the Beach Club Bar and Grill. Turtles, ducks, and small fish gather in and around the salty stream—you might even see a crab or two.

• Lodge villas: one- and two-bedroom units have kitchens and screened-in porches.
• Play some tennis on one of the five outdoor, clay courts for an additional fee.
• Go for a swim whatever the weather in the indoor pool or soak in the jetted tub.
• Entertainment: At Barefoot Landing, right across the street, there’s a House of Blues, the Alabama Theatre, and numerous shops and restaurants.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Sandy Beaches, Golf Courses, and Classic Amusement-Park Rides

Myrtle Beach is the crown jewel of South Carolina's Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of white-sand beaches along the Atlantic seaboard that draws surfers, fishers, and kayakers. The city was named one of the best vacation spots in the United States for a family by USA Today, in part because of its wooden boardwalk, which stretches for more than a mile. Hop into the SkyWheel Ferris wheel’s gondolas, surrounded by more than a million LED lights, for a panoramic view of the city below.

Less than 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach, the tiny fishing village of Murrells Inlet provides a tranquil contrast to the boardwalk's hustle and bustle. At Brookgreen Gardens, more than 2,000 sculptures stand amid sprawling floral gardens and massive, moss-covered oak trees that have been around for centuries. Murrells Inlet is also home to the Tom Fazio–designed TPC Myrtle Beach golf course, 1 of nearly 80 courses in the area that helped Myrtle Beach earn its title as the seaside golf capital of the world.