The late, great, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys once wrote, “If everybody had an ocean/ across the USA/ then everybody’d be surfin’/ like Californ-i-a.” Now, Wilson wasn’t much of a surfer—his brother and bandmate Dennis was the only real surfer of the group—but more than six decades after the release of “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” he might have done more to promote surfing nationwide than any other individual. So much so that one could now substitute “Virgin-i-a” or “Flor-i-d-a” for the Golden State (save for the poor syllabic match).
Whether it’s surfing or something else, classic coastal pursuits can be found all over the country, and the Southeast is no exception. Up and down the coast, your group will find scenic views, fresh seafood, unique cultural experiences, and an enriching history that only comes from being a port city. Take Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for example. With 60 miles of shoreline, Myrtle Beach is an iconic destination for sand and surf. But it’s also a capital of live entertainment, unique festivals, and outdoor adventures.
“Myrtle Beach offers engaging, memorable moments for all,” says Bob Harris, executive vice president of sales for Visit Myrtle Beach. “It’s a destination where everyone in the group can find their own kind of fun and where shared experiences naturally turn into lifelong memories.”
That 60-mile stretch of coastline is known as the Grand Strand, and it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Southeast. It’s also incredibly convenient to visit. According to Harris, nearly 50% of Americans live within a day’s drive of Myrtle Beach, so it’s perfect for motorcoach tours. Groups can also easily branch off for enriching day trips to nearby communities like Conway, Georgetown, and Florence.
Credit: Visit Myrtle Beach
Once there, groups will find more than 2,000 restaurants along with entertainment hubs like Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing, which offer 350 acres of shopping and attractions. The region also offers more than 25,000 live music and performance acts each year. Another group favorite is Brookgreen Gardens, boasting 9,000 acres of classic South Carolina Lowcountry with sculpture gardens, landscapes, and unique local history. Brookgreen is currently undergoing an expansion, slated to open at the end of this year.
“Many groups combine a visit to Brookgreen with a scenic stroll and meal at the nearby Murrells Inlet MarshWalk,” says Harris, “a waterfront boardwalk lined with locally loved restaurants.”
Myrtle Beach can more than fill an itinerary itself, but South Carolina has other destinations to offer groups as well. Heading south down the coast, Charleston is South Carolina’s most populous city and also its oldest. Founded in 1670, Charleston offers the entertainment options of a large city along with the historic architecture and Southern charm of a small town, right down to the famous cobblestone streets.
Heading south of Charleston you’ll find Beaufort, nearly as old as Charleston, founded in 1711. This city of roughly 13,000 was named the best small town in South Carolina by Southern Living magazine in 2024, and it’s a favorite among groups for its convenient parking, step-on guide services, and abundance of lodging of various styles. Stroll down historic streets, indulge in freshly caught seafood, and discover unique shopping treasures.
Looking outside of the Palmetto State, Virginia is another locale that is long on coastal activities and history. Virginia’s largest city is Virginia Beach, and that beach is a record breaker—the largest pleasure beach in the world, according to Guinness. “Virginia Beach is an ideal destination for groups,” says Erin Goldmeier, director of media relations for Visit Virginia Beach. “It offers far more than a typical beach getaway. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant culinary scene, explore rich historical sites, and take part in a variety of arts, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.”
Credit: Visit Virginia Beach
Some of those attractions include the Military Aviation Museum, presenting more than 50 vintage aircraft, some of which still fly in thrilling demonstrations. Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1792 and the fourth-oldest lighthouse in the U.S., is one of the area’s most popular destinations, offering a stunning view out to sea. And for accommodations, musician and producer Pharrell Williams—also a Virginia Beach native—has backed the Atlantic Park development that opened this summer. This first-of-its-kind surf resort offers a 2.67-acre lagoon and wave pool where even beginners will feel comfortable catching a wave. The $350 million project also features The Dome, a 3,500-seat venue sure to attract some top performers.
“Organizers find Virginia Beach to be a destination that effortlessly supports successful group travel,” says Goldmeier. “Its combination of logistical ease, broad appeal, and reliable amenities reduces the stress of trip coordination. Whether planning for seniors, students, food enthusiasts, or families, the destination delivers engaging experiences that resonate with diverse interests.”
Next door to Virginia Beach is Norfolk, which is steeped in both maritime activities and maritime history. Norfolk is a key port city and East Coast military hub, and for groups with interest in that, they’ll find plenty to discover. Berthed at the Nauticus maritime museum, the USS Wisconsin is open for tours and even overnight stays aboard the ship. With next summer bringing with it the 250th birthday of the United States, military buffs will love to find themselves in Virginia as the port welcomes tall ships and other military vessels and their crews from around the world as part of the Virginia Sail250 celebration June 19-22, Norfolk is also a top destination for cruise ships, and smaller cruises around the harbor are also popular with groups.
“It’s hard to pick just one favorite attraction in Norfolk, as the city offers such a unique blend of experiences,” says Melissa Hopper, associate director of tour and travel for Visit Norfolk, noting that the city is perhaps best known for its maritime and military ties but also is becoming known for more artistic pursuits, such as glass blowing demonstrations. “Groups can explore this vibrant art scene through a docent-led tour of the Chrysler Museum of Art, which houses one of the most comprehensive glass collections in the U.S., followed by a live demonstration at the adjacent Perry Glass Studio—an unforgettable, immersive experience for groups.”
Coming in October, the Norfolk Botanical Garden will open its “Garden of Tomorrow” exhibit, the largest project in the 85-year history of the botanical garden. Groups will find an enhanced visitor experience and more educational opportunities, adding to their enjoyment of the gardens’ 175 acres. Says Hopper: “I hope groups leave Norfolk with a deeper appreciation for its rich history, artistic innovation, and vibrant coastal culture.”
And don’t forget about America’s “other coast” around the Gulf of Mexico. Beach communities such as Biloxi, Mississippi, boast white-sand beaches, championship golf, and world-class entertainment. This is but a small sampling of the coastal cities of the Southeast, each with its own unique cultural attractions. Whether your itinerary is based around just these cities or you’ll be mixing in other destinations throughout the region, your group is sure to find its own special piece of the coast.
By Todd Kortemeier
Main Image: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Credit: Visit Myrtle Beach
