Kick-start your summer memory-making with a week full of family fun and adventure in Myrtle Beach. Laid-back and welcoming, with plenty of outdoor pursuits and evening entertainment, this coastal South Carolina city has long been a favorite destination. Experience:

Morning

Get a lay of the land by exploring 312-acre (126 hectares) Myrtle Beach State Park. Walk along the Sculptured Oak Nature Trail boardwalk for views of one of the last strands of maritime forest in South Carolina. There’s plenty of family-friendly fun to enjoy in the park, including a self-led scavenger hunt for an outdoor learning adventure, a fishing pier that jets out into the Atlantic Ocean, two playgrounds and birdwatching.

Afternoon

After a morning of exploring, settle into your vacation home base at the oceanfront Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort. You'll enjoy bright guestrooms, a sand-bottom pool, great recreation — including tennis, pickleball and sunrise yoga — delicious dining options and, of course, beach access. Jumpstart your afternoon by practicing your swing at one of the hotel’s three golf simulators. Then play a round of miniature golf at nearby Hawaiian Rumble, or head to Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf in North Myrtle Beach, where a short train ride brings you to the first hole.

For a thrilling ride of a different kind, head to Mrytle Beach’s Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade for stunning views from the popular SkyWheel.

Evening

End your first day in Myrtle Beach back at your hotel in the relaxed yet elevated atmosphere of Black Drum Brewing. It’s an ideal spot for an easy family dinner, featuring oysters, pulled pork sandwiches and barbecue pizzas, as well as 40 beers on tap from all over the Carolinas. Don’t forget a few Shirley Temples for the kids! It seems only fair.

Morning

Rise early and get moving! Hit the beach to join the hotel’s 90-minute surf camp, which teaches all ages and skill levels how to ride the waves. Or reserve one of several tennis or pickleball courts for a little friendly competition.

Afternoon

Reset and refresh after an active morning at the tranquil on-property Spa33. Enjoy a deep tissue massage followed by an exfoliating scrub to get that perfect summer glow. Once fully rejuvenated, time in the water is in order. Choose from a sand-bottom pool or the hotel’s Currents Waterpark with a maze of water slides, 28 cabanas and more.

Evening

To cap off the busy day, stroll along Barefoot Landing, a retail, dining and entertainment hub on the Intercoastal Highway, before grabbing a bite at Blueberry’s Grill or Taco Mundo Kitchen y Cantina. Be sure to stick around after dinner — the center hosts fireworks every Monday night through the summer months.

Morning

Take advantage of your oceanfront perch and practice sun salutations during a sunrise yoga class on the sand. Close out your active morning by renting bikes from the property and enjoying a peaceful ride along the beach. After fueling up with a delicious breakfast, head to the car for your next adventure: Brookgreen Gardens.

Before heading to lunch, be sure to stop by Brookgreen’s unique butterfly and Palmetto gardens to truly appreciate the beauty of your location.

Afternoon

Overlooking the water, Wet Whistle’s lunch menu ranges from grilled peach salad with goat cheese and loaded nachos to turkey BLT wraps. Wash it all down with a pina colada — you’re on vacation, after all.

Evening

Smile and cheer as 35 performers in the Carolina Opry sing and dance their way into your heart during a two-hour musical variety show. Lighting, sound and special effects will keep the kids on the edge of their seat, too.

Morning

Soak in the natural surroundings at 2,500-acre (1101-hectare) Huntington Beach State Park, especially the freshwater lagoon and salt marsh, where flocks of birds gather. Keep an eye out for loggerhead turtles, alligators and minks in and around the bodies of water.

Afternoon

Let the kids take the wheel on family fun at Broadway Grand Prix race park, which offers seven unique go-karting tracks. With additional amusement rides, a 20,000-square-foot (1,858-square-meter) arcade and two miniature golf courses, your brood won’t want to leave.

There are special events scheduled year-round in Myrtle Beach — including dance parties, karaoke, variety shows and more — so be sure to check the calendar for the latest on what’s happening during your stay.

Afternoon

Time to cool off! The kids will be more than happy to return to the pool for some bonus water play back at your hotel. While they splash, grab a pair of loungers for you and your love. It’s the perfect opportunity for a little rest and relaxation after an action-packed morning.

Evening

Before heading home, hit the beach to breathe in the salty air and stroll the sand one last time. Soak in this time together and cherish the family memories you and your crew have made during your Myrtle Beach vacation.

No matter what activities you choose to fill your days with, one thing is certain: Myrtle Beach is the ultimate family vacation destination. Gather with your loved ones and enjoy sun, sand and sensational memory-making.

Formerly an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles-based Tanvi Chheda has been freelancing for 15 years. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, AFAR, Virtuoso Life, Four Seasons magazine, Qantas, Inspirato, Invited, Pasadena magazine and OLTRE and Ciao Bambino, among others. She writes mostly about lifestyle and travel, which often spills into arts & culture, food, design and more. With two young children, family travel is also a passion of hers. Given her South Asian heritage, she writes about India quite frequently as well (she was born in India and speaks three Indian languages). When not traveling or writing, she enjoys reading, cooking and spending time outdoors.