Missy

To the Californians: This is the Atlantic. Beaches are completely different here. VA Beach actually has more waves than many of the other beaches because of it's location (at mouth of Cheaseapeake Bay). But it's not big surf country--that's why people go to CA to surf. The Atlantic is much rougher than the Pacific, but out on the ocean, not near the beaches (though there are exceptions). And it's neither dirty nor run down--it's just a resort town like most of the middle class resort towns on the mid Atlantic (they are all starting to look too much alike in my opinion). There are other types of beaches, like the Outer Banks (and Martha's Vineyard, I'm told) that are more about the beach and less about the beach attractions.

I'm late to this discussion, but when was the last time you were in Virginia Beach? The city has done a great job of cleaning up in recent years. The beach was widened (is that a word?) and the board walk totally re-done. Sorry, but in my humble opinion, Virginia Beach isn't dirty compared to some of the beaches I've been to in the Carribean.

In this delightful interview you'll learn about the weather in Bradenton, Florida plus lots of great recommendations on hotels, restaurants, shopping, and what to see while you're here. You can ride the free trolley or bike to almost all of the area's attractions including the South Florida Museum, the Emerson Point Conservation Reserve, and the Village of the Arts which is a collection of colorfully painted artist's homes and studios open to the public on the weekends. Join us to learn more about this treasure on the Florida coast.

Myrtle Beach’s usual population grows to nearly a half million people in the summer months because of the spectacular attractions for visitors from around the world. Although there are many resorts along the South Carolina coast, Myrtle Beach is known for having the most live entertainment, amusements, water parks and restaurants, along with malls, museums, nature and golf resorts.

Of course, the very biggest attraction at Myrtle Beach is the beach. Swimming, surfing, fishing or just lying around in the sun is the reason most tourists set sail for South Carolina.

When you finally manage to lazily drag yourself off the sand, Myrtle Beach has some of the most beautiful motels where you can shower and rest. Motels and hotels litter the coast of South Carolina, many of them right on the beach. Imagine, waking up to sun and surf, stepping out the door to feel sand instead of cement. And when you’re hungry, tired, or forgot the suntan lotion, relief is just a few yards away.

When the sun goes down and you’re all rested up, how about some shopping for souvenirs? Outlet malls are among the favorite shopping picks, where you can purchase discounted merchandise directly from the manufacturer, or visit hundreds of souvenir shops, antique shops and malls.

Along the beach walkways you’ll find vendors selling everything from caricatures, to shells with horoscopes, to tee shirts. Some very unique crafts and collectibles are offered by sellers who set up shop during summer hours, especially for tourists.

Hungry? Lobster, crab, steaks, or southern fried chicken are amongst the dinner choices in some of the finest restaurants in the region. Some require reservations; check before showing up hungry. Others are located near the sand and accept extremely casual dress.

Get concert tickets to The House of Blues, where Robert Plant, Ashlee Simpson and The Backstreet Boys have all been featured in the past. Go online to book ahead of time, or call for ticket information, prices and dates.

Book a couple of seats at the next sports event. Football, basketball, auto racing, motorbike racing - you name it, you’ve got it when it comes to sports.

Theater tickets can be booked online or purchased during the trip. There are various shows from which to choose, from the classics to the newest productions.

Fun is the name of the game while at the beach, and that’s a good reason to check out the local comedy shows which are very popular among the Myrtle Beach crowd, whether it’s the locals or visitors.

Theme parks, pavilions, state parks, and water parks abound by the hundreds. Some offer mostly rides and water, others offer the beautiful scenery of the mountainsides.

The nightlife at Myrtle Beach is an awesome sight. Fabulous music, drinks, dancing and socializing brings the area to life in the spring and summer.

Whatever your agenda for visiting the area, go online, call, or send for information in advance to get accommodations, tickets, reservations and such, or you might find yourself making a new plan. With so many people visiting, motels book up quickly and tickets sell fast.

NEVER AGAIN!!

Wonderful though, if you have small children or don't like rough water.

A good friend just got back from Virginia Beach, and she said lodging was very expensive there. They really wanted to go to the Gulf (Florida panhandle), but didn't have the time to go that far.