Despite having been a lumber gateway in its past, Myrtle Beach has most definitely grown into a tourist destination that is to be contended with in the sense that there are so many things to enjoy in the area that one would be hard-pressed to leave once he or she has had a visit. For one thing, there is the sixty miles of beach that puts the ?beach? in the area's name. And don't think that the beaches of Myrtle Beach are like any old beaches ? these have soft sands, and children can most definitely play on those beaches safely. Then there are the restaurants that have sprung up in the area, which not only serve some delicious food, but are also quite family-friendly ? Myrtle Beach, after all, is ideal for family vacations not only for the beaches, but also for the amusement parks in the area (not to mention the golf courses where the entire family could have a friendly game). That is not to say that Myrtle Beach only caters to families ? Myrtle Beach has many shopping opportunities for those who would like a good buy, and it has a nightlife that consists of stage shows, dance clubs, and some nice bars. For those who would like to have a bit more physical activity in their Myrtle Beach vacation, there are water sports and that one could try, and many opportunities for fishing ? both freshwater and saltwater. If those seem too much, then there are always the tours that one could sign up for ? Myrtle Beach has many historical and cultural areas that warrant exploring. No matter who you are, you will always find something fun to do in Myrtle Beach.