Historically African American Atlantic Beach only covers a few blocks
Atlantic Beach is a tiny oceanfront town with a deep history. Affectionately referred to as "The Black Pearl," this community thrived in the early 1940s and '50s as an African American vacation community during the segregation era. Anchored by businesses like the Black Hawk Night Club, African Americans came from all over the South to enjoy what Atlantic Beach had to offer. However, Hurricane Hazel caused significant damage to the area in 1954, and desegregation through the second half of the 20th century contributed to the area's decline in visitors. Around the same time, several surrounding communities incorporated to become North Myrtle Beach, while Atlantic Beach incorporated independently in 1966.
Although this sleepy town is no longer the busy hub of activity it once was, activists and longtime residents have worked to preserve the character of Atlantic Beach. "They've kept their own thing going on, and it hasn't changed much over the years," says Nash Kemp, Realtor at Century 21 Coastal Lifestyles. Unlike surrounding North Myrtle Beach, which has exploded with growth and whose beachfront is lined with high-rise condo buildings, Atlantic Beach has an unobstructed view of the waterfront, and homes rarely come up for sale.
Direct ocean access and the Intracoastal nearby
With direct access to the ocean, locals and visitors can spend the day soaking up the sun, throwing out a fishing line or cooling off in the water. Atlantic Beach's quiet beachfront has a small pavilion with a public beach access and ample parking areas. The nearby intracoastal waterway also has public access for launching boats and jet skis a few miles down the road, and courses like Azalea Sands Golf Club have public tee times on rolling fairways.
Cozy coastal homes and plans for future developments
Home values typically range from $150,000 to $500,000. Properties here include coastal cottages and red brick ranch-style houses, as well as a handful of small, one- or two-story condo buildings and motels. Properties don't have a cohesive look; front lawns often have sparse landscaping, with old-growth trees and the occasional palm tree.
An aging population, lack of a strong tax base and conflicting visions on what development should look like in Atlantic Beach, among other challenges, have hindered growth in the area. Between 2010 and 2020, Atlantic Beach was one of the few parts of Horry County that saw a decline in population, and many lots remain vacant. Still, new houses have been built in recent years, and the town's first commercial development in 50 years began construction in late 2024. Proposals for oceanfront high-rises have also been considered, though no construction has begun as of 2025. "They're trying to build it up, but there are no condos on the ocean like there are in North Myrtle," Nash says. The lack of development on the beachfront here means that very few properties are within a flood zone.
Gullah Geechee Heritage Festival and Black Bike Week
In August, Atlantic Beach hosts the Gullah Geechee Heritage Festival. The Gullah Geechee people descended from enslaved West and Central African people who worked on plantations in isolated coastal regions of the southeast United States. The festival celebrates the traditions and cultures of this unique ethnic group that has deep roots in Atlantic Beach and around the region. Festivities include a parade, seafood and rice cook-off, speakers and other activities.
The Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival, sometimes referred to as Bikefest or Black Bike Week, is the town's most popular event. Hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists and spectators descend on the usually sleepy community over Memorial Day weekend, showing off their flashy rides, doing tricks and meeting fellow enthusiasts. This free festival also has food and retail vendors, live music and entertainment alongside spontaneous events.
Options for shopping and dining just outside the community
Visitors can explore the town's history and heritage alongside the art of African Diaspora artists at the CJSS Skillern Family Art Museum, which opened in 2024. Although shopping and dining options within the community are limited, there's plenty nearby. For errands, Dollar General and Food Lion are both less than a mile away. Also just outside the neighborhood are casual restaurants like Rapone Original Brick Oven and Southern Sunrise Pancake House. Barefoot Landing, about 2 miles away in North Myrtle Beach, has dozens of shops and restaurants. North Myrtle Beach also has medical facilities like McLeod Seacoast Hospital and North Strand Emergency Room.
Horry County Schools serve Atlantic Beach students
Horry County Schools serve students in North Myrtle Beach and Atlantic Beach. Children living in the community typically begin at Ocean Drive Elementary School, which has an A grade from Niche, before continuing to A-minus-rated North Myrtle Beach Middle School and B-plus-rated North Myrtle Beach High School. The high school offers the Program for Accelerated College Enrollment, where students can earn college credits through dual enrollment with Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
U.S. Route 17 connects drivers through the region
U.S. Route 17 goes through Atlantic Beach and connects drivers to downtown Myrtle Beach, about 12 miles away, and Myrtle Beach International Airport. Ocean Boulevard, a street one block over from the oceanfront that connects the communities within North Myrtle Beach, does not connect through Atlantic Beach. Drivers have to circumnavigate the community via Highway 17 to continue down Ocean Boulevard.
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Written By
Faith Wakefield
