While all of the beaches along the Strand cater to family fun, Myrtle Beach is the most popular and the whole family will enjoy sunning and swimming there. If you get tired of swimming check out the Myrtle Beach Grand Prix, with every kind of miniature car you can think of, from go-carts and kiddie cars to Formula 1 race cars and bumper boats. The Myrtle Beach Pavilion and Amusement Park has a variety of rides and the Carolinas' largest flume. And the Myrtle Waves Water Park has 17 rides and other fun water activities. I'd also suggest Ripley's Aquarium, with an underwater tunnel exhibit longer than a football field filled with exotic marine creatures.
Children can get a close-up view of crabs and eels in touch tanks.
The worst time to visit Myrtle Beach is during Spring Break and early June. You're likely to run into hordes of tourists, especially newly-released high school and college students who can get raucous. If you prefer a quieter seaside location, consider heading further south. Good bets include Murell's Inlet, a picturesque fishing village known for its good seafood, and Pawley's Island. Both are dominated by private homes rather than souvenir shops.