The S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism has launched a new Web site devoted specifically to the Palmetto State’s 200 miles of coastline. The site is so new in fact that it took a minute to load, and when it did, it just redirected to a sub-domain off their existing site. Here’s the direct link: SCPRT’s new beach site.

The Web site at www.SCBeaches.travel provides up-to-date travel information on three distinct areas – the Lowcountry and Resort Islands, Historic Charleston and Myrtle Beach & the Grand Strand – along with interactive games for kids, weather, maps and a photo album.

Using keyword research, SCPRT has organized the new site in a way to make it more accessible to the Internet search engines that millions of consumers use when looking for unique, fun and affordable beach trips. It also provides the state’s tourism partners on the coast with a clear portal for their consumer message.

SCBeaches.travel is the latest in a series of Web sites created and maintained by SCPRT. The others include the state’s official tourism site at www.DiscoverSouthCarolina.com, the Web site of the S.C. State Park Service at www.SouthCarolinaParks.com and specialized offerings such as www.SouthCarolinaGolf.com, www.SavorSouthCarolina.com and www.CarolinaGirls.travel.

The state tourism agency also maintains sites designed specifically for cellphones and other handheld devices. They are www.DiscoverSouthCarolina.mobi and www.SouthCarolinaParks.mobi. They contain key information about South Carolina attractions, events, lodging, shopping, dining, golf courses and state parks.

_{Now I know why my logs have been showing so many hits for “South Carolina beaches” lately.}