Atlantic Beach, S.C.

Known as "The Black Pearl," Atlantic Beach is one of the few towns in the United States that was independently owned and governed by African Americans.

 Located just north of Myrtle Beach, it was a safe haven for Black vacationers during the Jim Crow era, offering lodging, entertainment, and community without the restrictions imposed by white-owned resorts.

Musicians who played Charlie’s Place often made their way to Atlantic Beach, and the town’s summer tourism scene was closely tied to the performers and fans who filled Carver Street. 

Charlie Fitzgerald himself had connections to Atlantic Beach through his guests and his influence on the regional music circuit.

Founded in the early 1930s, Atlantic Beach blossomed as a leisure destination for Black families throughout the Southeast. Though it struggled post-segregation, the town has seen a resurgence in interest and preservation.

Today, Atlantic Beach is celebrated for its rich cultural legacy, oceanfront charm, and growing list of events and experiences that attract both locals and visitors alike. 

Atlantic Beach also hosts the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Festival, celebrates its roots through art and education, and remains one of the few historically Black beach communities in the U.S. Visitors can explore the beach itself, shop with local vendors, or simply take in the powerful sense of place that defines "The Black Pearl." 

Learn more about Atlantic Beach’s past and present in this guide from Visit Myrtle Beach: Atlantic Beach, South Carolina Guide.