Surf and Turf on Saturday
You know the drill: Stake your claim early on the beach. Even if you venture off for a bit, you've reserved a spot you can come back to.

By afternoon, the beach can get a bit too hot for comfort. Don't stray too far from the water, though: Cool off at Ripley's Aquarium, located at Broadway at the Beach. Our favorite part is the long tunnel that runs through the big tank. If you're the touchy-feely type, there are a few separate touch pools, where visitors can get their feel of spiny critters such as sea urchins, horseshoe crabs, and stingrays. In summer, children may want to check out the Marine Science Camps; (843) 916-0888.

Head for dinner at Greg Norman's Australian Grille restaurant. Superb wines, including some reds and whites from the golfer's vineyards, complement wood-grilled Australian and Mediterranean delights such as the pepper-crusted grouper ($22.95); (843) 361-0000.

For a different dining option, try one of Myrtle Beach's many dinner theaters. We're partial to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show. There's just something about 32 thundering horses that gets your heart racing; call 1-800-433-4401 for show times and prices.

Savor Sunday
Although the Grand Strand abounds with championship, full-size golf courses, it's almost as well-known for the preponderance of miniature golf courses (46 at last count). Our favorite has to be the Dragon's Lair Fantasy Golf course at Broadway at the Beach, where a dragon rises from a castle tower and spews fire.

As with most popular summer spots, Myrtle Beach has an abundance of outlet-style shopping complexes and superstores. In addition to Broadway at the Beach, there's Tanger Outlet Center and Myrtle Beach Factory Stores, with more shops popping up all the time.

Have a late lunch or early dinner at Capt. Dave's Dockside, about 12 miles south of town at Murrells Inlet. It's worth the short drive. You could make a meal out of the bacon-wrapped shrimp appetizer ($7.25), but then you wouldn't be able to enjoy the crab cakes with rémoulade sauce ($18.95); (843) 651-5850.

If you're leaving town tomorrow, here's your last chance to hang out on the beach. You might be surprised at how much less crowded it gets later in the day, but especially as the sun sets. In summer, that happens later than any other season. Time just seems to go by faster when you're having fun.

For more information Contact the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1-800-356-3016 or www.myrtlebeachinfo.com.

This article is from the June 2003 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.