Call a Search Party
Collect pristine shells and shark’s teeth at Edisto State Park. The beach has the best shelling on public property in the region. $1.50 to $4 per person, under 5 are free. www.southcarolinaparks.com
Enjoy a High Light
Get a bird’s eye view of Hilton Head Island atop the 90-foot Harbor Town Lighthouse in Sea Pines. Entrance to Sea Pines is $5 per car, tour is $3 per person. Under 5 are free. 866.305.9814, www.harbourtownlighthouse.com
Venture to Wipe Out
Hang ten at “The Washout,” Folly Beach’s most popular area for catching a wave. Folly serves up some of the best surfing on the East Coast. Surfing and most parking are free. $1/hour lots are also available. www.follybeach.com
Go Gator Gazin’
Take a break from the sun and go on a four-mile gator drive at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. You can easily spot the reptiles sunning themselves on the banks of waterways. Visits to the refuge are all free. www.fws.gov/savannah
Catch Beach Fever
Boogie barefoot (or with sand in your shoes) along the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach. OD is where the famous form of dancing called “The Shag” originated decades ago. Shaggin’ on the beach is always free.
Soak up the Fun
Have a blast at the 2009 Myrtle Beach Sun Fun Festival June 4 through Labor Day weekend. You won’t have to dig into your wallets to enjoy events like hot air balloon and boat rides, celebrity meet-and-greets and character parades — it’s all free! www.sunfunfestival.com
Make Tracks
Tout the turtle during Jekyll Island’s Nest Fest at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center June 8-14. The week of family-friendly activities showcases the island and the sea turtles that nest here. $4-$6, under 3 free. www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org
Absorb Local Color
Stroll above the ocean, people watch, fish and picnic at Tybee Island’s south-end pier and pavilion. Picnic tables, snack bar and public restrooms are available. Free. www.tybeeisland.com
Get Crackin’
Watch free fireworks shows after dark in Myrtle Beach every Monday night at Barefoot Landing and every Tuesday night at Broadway on the Beach, two of the most popular shopping, dining and entertainment areas in Myrtle. www.barefootlanding.com, www.broadwayatthebeach.com
Eat on the Porch
On the way to Hunting Island, follow the cue of locals and stop at the Shrimp Shack (right before the bridge to the island) for shrimp burgers, sweet-potato fries and sweet tea. It’s pretty much a big screened-in porch overlooking the marsh, where you can watch the shrimp boats dock while you eat. Most items under $10. (843) 838-2962, 1929 Sea Island Parkway.
