3 Days of Free Time in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Aerial view of the gorgeous Myrtle Beach coastline Photo Credit:Visit Myrtle Beach

The long, wide Atlantic shoreline here might in itself be enough to keep a visitor happy for three days, but there's plenty to do when you step off the beach. The seafood, of course, is super fresh, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy on and off the water, and the shopping is local and beach-themed. Learn more from Visit Myrtle Beach.

DAY 1
Before Sunup

Out on the water with J and L Kayaking *Photo Credit: Visit Myrtle Beach*

Get up and go early to catch the sunrise on a relaxing tour with J and L Kayaking toward Waties Island in North Myrtle Beach. It's such a peaceful and healthful way to start the day, with the jeweled morning colors reflecting off the calm waters.

9 A.M.

A few blocks off the beach, yummy breakfast is found at Donald's Pancake House. Dine in or take out items from the packed menu of Southern favorites like Old Charleston Style Shrimp and Grits, a host of eggs Benedict options, and a long list of omelettes.

11:00 A.M.

Add some art and nature to your morning at Brookgreen Gardens, a 9,100-acre preserve full of local flora and more than 1,400 sculptures.

DAY 2
7:00 A.M.

It's time to get some exercise. If you brought your jogging shoes, head out to the shoreline for some of the best beach running anywhere, as the sand is flat and firm for miles and miles. Or you can skip the sand and jog along the 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade.

12:00 P.M.

She-crab soup from Lucy Buffet's LuLu's *Photo Credit: Mike Buck*

After a leisurely morning, lunch along the Intracoastal Waterway with Jimmy Buffett's little sister. Lucy Buffett's LuLu's will serve you a cheeseburger in the paradise of North Myrtle Beach, but seafood makes up the bulk of the menu. Order such delights as crab claws, peel-and-eat shrimp, Sista Lu's she-crab soup (above), Crazy Sista's crab dip and LuLu's Famous seafood gumbo.

4:30 P.M.

When it's time to chill, settle in at Duplin's Winery for a tasting. The favorite vintage here is the sweet Muscadine wine, made from the grape found mostly in the American South, but there are a number of reds and whites to choose from.

DAY 3
2:00 P.M.

If your credit card is burning a hole in your pocket, or you want to find the perfect gift to bring home to someone special, head to Market Common, a collection of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Slip into spots like the Seacoast Artists Gallery and Elegant Pet Store, or one of the many brand-name shops such as Pottery Barn.

6:00 P.M.

End your day with a super-fresh dining experience at the Murrell's Inlet location of Wicked Tuna, where patrons can watch fishermen unload the day's catch and bring it straight into the restaurant. As might be assumed, tuna is one of the establishment's specialties, available tartar, on a pizza, as sashimi or as a seared steak. Top-notch steaks and sandwiches are on the menu, as well.