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. And nowadays, Myrtle Beach hosts hundreds of hotels, restaurants, attractions, retail stores, and other businesses. Contact the Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau; (843) 626-7444 or (800) 356-3016; www.VisitMyBeach.com.

Aynor

Affectionately called the Little Golden Town, Aynor is located in western Horry County. It got its start in the early 1900s as the last stop for a railroad from Conway. Each September, the town hosts the Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down Festival -- with crafts, food booths, music, dancing, and more. Contact the Aynor Chamber of Commerce. (843) 358-4808.

Conway

Tree-lined streets, historic homes and churches, a revitalized business district, and the wondrous Waccamaw River are what make Conway such a charming town. Conway has much to offer visitors -- including walking tours, riverboat cruises, antique shops, restaurants and cafes, the Horry County Museum, and numerous historic landmarks. Contact the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce at (843) 248-2273, www.cityofconway.com, or www.conwayscchamber.com.

Little River

Little River was a popular harbor for pirates in the 1700s and Civil War blockade-runners in the 1800s. 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 at (843) 249-6604 or www.littleriverchamber.org.

Loris

Located 35 miles northwest of Myrtle Beach, Loris' claim to fame is its annual Loris Bog-Off -- a festival and chicken bog-cooking contest that draws huge crowds each year. A local specialty, chicken bog is made with chicken, rice, sausage, and assorted seasonings. Contact the Loris Chamber of Commerce at (843) 756-6030, www.cityofloris.com, or www.lorischambersc.com.

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. North Myrtle Beach's accommodations include everything from rustic beach cottages and mom-and-pop motels to luxury resorts. And, 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 at (877) 332-2662, www.northmyrtlebeachchamber.com, and www.nmb.us.

Atlantic Beach

Nicknamed the Black Pearl, Atlantic Beach was established around 1934 as an oceanfront community for blacks during the days of segregation. For the next four decades, Atlantic Beach was one of the most popular resorts for blacks on the East Coast. Atlantic Beach is a revitalizing community rich in heritage with several festivals and cultural events taking place each year. www.atlanticbeachsc.com.

Surfside Beach

These South Strand communities have been family favorites for generations. Surfside Beach, in fact, proudly calls itself "the family beach." Along its lovely beachfront, you'll find beach houses, hotels, condominiums, and a popular fishing pier. www.surfsidebeach.org.

Garden City Beach

To the south of Surfside Beach is Garden City Beach. The majority of Garden City's vacationers stay in beach houses, with condos coming in a close second. With access to the ocean and inlet, Garden City Beach is a hot spot for fishing, crabbing, and other water sports. The community has a fishing pier, marina, amusements, restaurants, and other businesses.

Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island

The pace is just a little slower in these South Strand communities:

Murrells Inlet

Once the lair of the infamous pirate Blackbeard, Murrells Inlet is known as "the Seafood Capital of South Carolina" -- earning its title from the fresh fish, clams, oysters, and crabs pulled from the surrounding waters and prepared in the numerous restaurants nestled along the creek banks. A 1,400-foot boardwalk aptly called "The Marshwalk" winds through the wetlands ... offering stunning vistas and glimpses of wildlife and waterfowl. www.murrellsinletsc.com.

Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island

Litchfield Beach boasts quaint shops, delightful restaurants, quiet beaches, and an uncommon beauty. Its neighbor to the south, Pawleys Island, prides itself on being the oldest resort in America -- once offering a summer respite for plantation owners and their families. Many of their treasured retreats still stand today. www.townofpawleysisland.com.