North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach was founded more than 30 years ago when the communities of Windy Hill, Crescent Beach, Ocean Drive, and Cherry Grove united. Each of these communities has its own appeal, as witnessed by generations of vacationers who return to one locale year after year. North Myrtle Beach's accommodations include everything from rustic beach cottages and mom-and-pop motels to luxury resorts. The city has nearly 16,000 residents and is also home to many fine restaurants and family amusements. Of course, you can't describe North Myrtle Beach without mentioning the shag, a dance that originated here and continues to thrive in local dance clubs and at annual shag reunions. Contact the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, 270 U.S. 17 N., North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582; (877) 332-2662; www.northmyrtlebeachchamber.com

Cherry Grove Beach

The Cherry Grove section of North Myrtle Beach offers some of the best surf fishing opportunities on the Grand Strand. Several marinas in Cherry Grove offer charter boats and deep sea fishing in the Gulf Stream of the Atlantic Ocean. If you want a personalized fishing tour, you can rent a boat for the day and fish the Intracoastal Waterway and the creeks and rivers accessible from it. The Cherry Grove Pier offers excellent fishing, with fishing pole rentals for those needing their own fishing gear!

Ocean Drive

The Ocean Drive section is the birthplace of the Shag, the official South Carolina State Dance, and boasts many dance clubs such as the Spanish Galleon, Fat Harold's Beach Club, Ducks, and Pirates Cove who cater to not only shaggers, but anyone enjoying a fun evening of beach music, cold drinks and some pretty nice folks.

Little River

One of the area's earliest coastal settlements, Little River lies a short distance from the ocean along the Intracoastal Waterway, just below the North Carolina border. It was a popular harbor for pirates in the 1700s and Civil War blockade-runners in the 1800s. Today, Little River (population about 7,000) has a thriving charter boat and commercial fishing industry. Little River's most popular event is the Blue Crab Festival, held each May. Arts and crafts, entertainment, and educational exhibits are featured alongside booths offering a variety of delicious foods — including crab cakes, steamed crabs, and other blue crab creations. Contact the Little River Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 400, Little River, SC 29566; (843) 249-6604; www.littleriverchamber.org, www.littleriversc.com

Myrtle Beach

Families began vacationing in Myrtle Beach (originally called New Town) more than a century ago, making their way from inland locales by horse and buggy, then ferrying over the Waccamaw River to reach the undeveloped coast. Oceanfront development began in the early 1900s. Myrtle Beach became a town in 1938 and a city in 1957. Myrtle Beach has a population of nearly 30,000 and is the largest and most developed community of the Grand Strand, with hundreds of hotels, restaurants, attractions, retail stores, and other businesses. Contact the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577; (843) 626-7444 or (800) 356-3016; www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com.