MURRELLS INLET. Huntington Beach offers the best preserved beach on the Grand Strand. Features a freshwater lagoon, saltmarsh, nature trail, boardwalks, beach, surf fishing and excellent opportunities for bird watching. There are 184 campsites that run $17-28.

MYRTLE BEACH. A 312-acre oceanfront park developed by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) in the 1930s. In addition to about a mile of beach, the park encompasses a fishing pier, a nature center, a campground and cabins.

Travel just north of Myrtle Beach on Highway 17 and you'll see a sign for this 115-acre park and designated wildlife refuge. The trails and boardwalks extend into the salt marshes and pass by a Civil War cemetery.