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Welcome to Atlantic Beach, South Carolina

Called the "Black Pearl," Atlantic Beach is a strip of primarily black-owned coastal property in Horry County. Historically, African-Americans went there because they could not use the same beaches as whites in South Carolina. In the early 1930’s, defying Jim Crow laws in the segregated south, debunking black stereotypes, and broadening the enterprises of the Gullah/Geechee people, black men and women opened hotels, restaurants, night clubs, and novelty shops in Atlantic Beach.

--Discover South Carolina

 
Our History
old postcard of Atlantic Beach
In the state of “Smiling Faces and Beautiful Places,” between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, lies a pearl.  Atlantic Beach, nicknamed “The Black Pearl” for its rich history and African-American owned businesses, is located in Horry County in the northeast corner of South Carolina.  Though it was conceived as a result of segregationist laws, Atlantic Beach flourished as a thriving African-American vacation spot and as a nucleus for the surrounding communities of Crescent Beach, Windy Hill, Ocean Drive, and Cherry Grove that would later become part of North Myrtle Beach.
National Trust for Historic Preservation

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Our Future

  • Baileys Lighthouse

  • Maritime Manor with Fire Pit

  • K & K Getaway

  • Captain David's Red Pearl

  • Booker Abode

  • DeWitt Hotel

  • Black Magic Social Club

  • Pierce Cottage

Atlantic Beach is a colorful, historic and growing town in Horry County, South Carolina.  The community is filled with historic beach side cottages, well preserved mid to late nineteenth century buildings and beautiful custom designed vacation getaways.  These structures provide the foundation for the forward-thinking plans being developed to preserve the Town of Atlantic Beach which has been historically important in African American culture along the South Carolina coast since the 1930s. 

The Town of Atlantic Beach Master Plan is designed to promote the continued growth and revitalization of the Town and provide guidance on the implementation of our Town Vision. The primary objective is to provide for growth and development in a manner that respects and balances the goals of the Town and its unique historical and physical characteristics. To position the Town to benefit from the added social and economic value of redevelopment, this Plan provides guidance on public and private physical improvements targeted at the re-invention of a unique sense of place, as it is this uniqueness that will distinguish the Town within the regional and national context and provide both the impetus for redevelopment efforts.

Featured Event
  • The Black Pearl
    Spanning generations, The Black Pearl is an epic story of love and loss set against the majestic beauty and rich history of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina. The Wise family fights to protect the integrity of one of the last Black-owned beach communities in America - if only they could stop fighting each other. Written by Cynthia Grace Robinson and directed by Cezar Williams, The Black Pearl will have its world-premiere, full production here at Coastal Carolina University. This play commission was made possible by the generous support of Nancy and Billy Cave.
    Written by Cynthia Grace Robinson
    Directed by Cezar Williams

    Friday, March 28th, 7:30pm
    Saturday, March 29th, 2:00pm
    Saturday, March 29th, 7:30pm
    Sunday, March 30th, 2:00pm – ASL Interpreted Performance
    Thursday, April 3rd, 10:00am (Student Matinee) – Reduced cost admission ($3)
    Thursday, April 3rd, 7:30pm Show 7 Friday, April 4th, 10:00am (Student Matinee) – Reduced cost admission ($3)
    Friday, April 4th, 7:30pm
    Saturday, April 5th, 7:30pm
    Sunday, April 6th, 2:00pm

    Admission: •$19 for adults •$15 for alumni, faculty/staff, OLLI, seniors, teens (aged 12-17), and groups of 10 or more •$3 for any students (Horry County, HGTC, CCU)

    Theatre at Coastal Carolina University | Explore our innovative BFA programs.
    The Black Pearl | Coastal Carolina University - Arts

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  • Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival! 
    Bike Fest image
    Hit the road and drive up to Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, located within the North Myrtle Beach communities, for the Memorial Day Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival.  Since 1980, the Atlantic Beach Bike Fest, now known as the Memorial Day Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Fest, has been a staple to the Atlantic Beach community and the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand economy. History of Bike Fest

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Upcoming Events