Vast stretches of oceanfront sprinkled with sand dollars await your leisurely discovery along the Grand Strand. Here, in the most romantic of Southern settings, the panoramic ocean views, soothing Gulf Stream breezes and swaying marsh grasses force you to abandon your everyday worries and set yourself free.

Explore Hilton Head Island's 12 miles of sandy coastline by kayak, horseback, sailboat or your bare feet. (You never know when you might observe a bottlenose dolphin or an endangered loggerhead turtle.) Or simply hop on a bicycle and see where one of the many dirt paths takes you. (There's virtually nowhere you can't go on two wheels.)

Farther up the Strand sits Myrtle Beach, the ideal setting for a game of tennis or a round of golf. But choosing where to tee off won't be easy: This area possesses the largest cluster of golf courses on the planet (115 and counting) many designed by legendary players such as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.

Of course no South Carolina vacation would be complete without sampling some of the many revered dining options, from casual outdoor cafes to restaurants that still believe in the magic of an exquisite meal served by candlelight.

Come stay and play on the Grand Strand, and leave your worries behind.

Eat...

Eat fresh. Coastal South Carolina offers a diverse range of dining experiences, from casual outdoor family venues to jacket-and-a-tie restaurants who take their romantic dinners seriously. But there's one thing each of these places have in common: some of the best seafood in the Southeast.

Red Fish. This Hilton Head restaurant serves up Caribbean inspired dishes made with tropical fruits, fresh vegetables and just the right combination of spice. The onsite wine shop is well-stocked with more than 1,000 bottles from regions around the world.

Play...

Golf 'til you drop. The Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head areas are home to some of the country's most beautiful and notable golf courses, including PGA Tour and celebrity events.

The Sandbox (Hilton Head). You won't find any "don't touch" signs at this hands-on interactive museum for kids. Among the most popular attractions: the international airport terminal with simulator plane and the Loggerhead sandcastle filled with magic sand.

Adventure Cove (Hilton Head). This family fun spot features laser tag, bumper cars, a video arcade, an indoor play room and two amazing miniature golf courses.

Fuller Park (Surfside Beach). Located just a few blocks from the Surfside Pier, this relaxing park is perfect place to come for a game of tennis, a picnic or playground time with the kids.

Explore...

Family fun on a budget. On luxurious Hilton Head Island, you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a great time. Go on a shark-tooth expedition along a white-stand beach. Ride a bicycle into and around Harbour Town. Or, for $1 per person, head to the top of the Harbour Town Lighthouse for spectacular views of the Marina.

Take a tour. Hilton Head tours cover a lot of ground, from historical walking tours of Bluffton's historic district to dolphin and sea turtle watch tours to Gullah culture tours. Get out and explore all this area has to offer.

Land a trophy fish. Each year The Grand Strand Fishing Event offers anglers of all ages the chance to win cash and prizes. But you don't have to enter a tournament to land your next meal: just charter a boat or head to the pier.

Shop...

No-window shop. Unlike in other vacation destinations, shopping Hilton Head Island feels more like an outdoor exercise. Here many of the exclusive shops and boutiques blend in with the surroundings, from intimate plazas to picturesque marinas.

Broadway at the Beach (Myrtle Beach). Get lost among 350 acres of shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions at this lively destination where people come to stay and play.

This is provided for informational purposes only. Endless Vacation Rentals does not endorse any of the resort activities, guides, vendors or service providers described. It is the individual’s responsibility to investigate the safety and suitability of any activity, and the credentials and fitness of any guide, vendor or service provider. Endless Vacation Rentals expressly denies any liability for engaging in any activity, and for using any guide, vendor or services provider, that may be mentioned or described in any Endless Vacation Rentals advertisement or publication. Additional fees and restrictions may apply to any activity or service.