Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a bustling hub of activity but its roots run deeper than just tourism. 

During the mid-20th century, the area around the Pavilion and the Boardwalk was a symbolic line of segregation and integration. Young people from all backgrounds congregated here, though often in parallel rather than together.

Charlie Fitzgerald, ever the boundary-pusher, mingled with white businessmen at nearby establishments like the Kozy Korner Diner. 

Meanwhile, young Black teens who learned to dance at Charlie’s Place would bring their moves to the Pavilion, blending cultures whether the rules allowed it or not. The infectious rhythms of "race music"—what would later be recognized as rhythm and blues and early rock 'n' roll—spilled out of jukeboxes and dance halls, capturing the imaginations of white teens eager to learn the latest moves. 

It was on the Pavilion’s dance floors and along the Boardwalk that shag dancing proliferated, drawing influence from Black musical traditions and catalyzing a quiet but powerful cultural integration. These cross-cultural exchanges not only influenced popular music and dance but also laid the groundwork for a broader cultural shift that would challenge the status quo of segregation. 

Once the dividing line between segregated communities, it's now a lively oceanfront destination that blends nostalgia with modern energy. 

Visitors can stroll the 1.2-mile promenade and explore old-school arcades like Fun Plaza, dine at legendary establishments like The Bowery, Peaches Corner, and Oceanfront Bar & Grill, or take in panoramic views from the SkyWheel. With classic charm and contemporary attractions, the Boardwalk remains one of Myrtle Beach’s most beloved gathering spots.