Named for its abundance of crape myrtle trees, Myrtle Beach is the largest, liveliest, and most developed beach resort along the Grand Strand, with the greatest number of attractions, entertainment facilities, and restaurants. In stark contrast to Charleston, the tone here is that of a family resort, with many hotels providing programs and diversions for children. The range of activities on offer is simply overwhelming. In addition to boating and a wealth of watersports, fishing is first-rate, whether you cast your line from the surf (permitted all along the beach), a public pier, or a “head boat”—charter boats that are available at marinas up and down the Strand. Golfers can swing a club at any of 120 courses (high season for golf is from February to November), while tennis enthusiasts can whack balls at more than 200 public and private tennis courts along the Grand Strand. While environmentalists are concerned that all this development puts the region’s natural beauty at risk—and longtime promoters fear that Myrtle Beach’s family-friendly atmosphere may be threatened—corporate entrepreneurs continue pouring money into the area, and the region’s metropolitan population of around 330,000 continues to grow.