Myrtle Beach’s popularity started in the 1920s, when a group of businessmen built an upscale resort called Arcady at the north end of the community. The legendary resort was the rage among affluent society and included the present Pine Lakes International Country Club, the area's first golf club and birthplace of the magazine Sports Illustrated, and the grand Ocean Forest Hotel. The Ocean Forest, with its 300 rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, health club, stables, and crystal chandeliers, remained the center of Myrtle Beach social life for nearly 30 years. The stately building was torn down in 1974 for new development.

    The Intracoastal Waterway was opened to pleasure boats and commercial shipping in 1936, and Myrtle Beach was incorporated in 1938. The Myrtle Beach Pavilion opened in 1949 as a family destination. During the 1960s, a golf boom began in which new courses were opened nearly every year.

    North Myrtle Beach and the historically Black town of Atlantic Beach both rose to prominence when the Intracoastal Waterway opened to pleasure boats and commercial shipping in 1936. Myrtle Beach was incorporated in 1938. Then Myrtle Beach Pavilion opened in 1949 as a family destination. During the 1960s, a golfing boom opened nearly every year. During this boom time, Black tourists were not allowed to mix with white vacationers. Black entertainers performing at the Ocean Forest Hotel could not stay at the hotel. Consequently, racism turned Atlantic Beach, a little town between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, into a Mecca for Black travelers and entertainers.

    In 1966, Atlantic Beach incorporated and the state of South Carolina issued its charter making it a full-fledged municipality. During its heyday, Atlantic Beach was “THE” place for Black-owned hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and novelty shops and became know as “The Black Pearl.” According to the National Conference of Black Mayors, it may be the only remaining Black-owned, oceanfront, chartered town in the United States.

    In the 1970’s, desegregation offered new opportunities for Black tourists, letting explore other South Carolina beaches once closed to them.  That fact, along with many Black merchants who were unprepared to trade in a free market economy would have devastating affect on Atlantic Beach. Businesses went into decline. Meanwhile, Myrtle Beach flourished with development, becoming one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country. Even North Myrtle Beach fared better, attracting many African Americans in search of better economic opportunities.

    The small Black town of Atlantic Beach has few hotels and motels remaining. But the town council, activist residents, and the Redevelopment Corporation are working to revitalize the town, while maintaining its historical significance and heritage. The annual Black Bikers Weekend keeps Atlantic Beach alive. Started in 1980, today it’s called the “Atlantic Beach Bike Fest” and brings in more than 250,000 people to the town every Memorial Day weekend.  It’s said to be the fourth largest bike rally in the U.S. The Atlantic Beach Historical Society was is also working to raise the area’s profile with an annual awards ceremony. Many are determined to ensure that Atlantic Beach does not lose most of its cultural roots like Hilton Head.  Will it succeed at its rebirth?  That very much depends on travelers you.

North Myrtle Beach Dragstrip
Earl Chestnut, part owner of the dragstrip offers bikers, spectators and vendors a prime location during the annual bike fest over Memorial Day Weekend; the dragstrip covers 20 acres and provides family-oriented entertainment; an eight and half-mile race track caters to stock, pro-stock, and drag bikes