Atlantic Beach
One of the last surviving Black beach communities from the Jim Crow era — 'Black Pearl of the Strand'
Best time
April-October (beach season), Black Bike Week (Memorial Day), Atlantic Beach Bikefest (May)
Currency
USD
Language
English
Mid-range / day
USD 120
Is Myrtle Beach safe for Black travelers?
Myrtle Beach scores 2.9/5 (Use caution) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. Myrtle Beach is generally safe in tourist areas. Ocean Drive and Atlantic Beach are accessible. Some tension around Black Bike Week historically, but has improved.
Community welcome
3/5
Police climate
3/5
Discrimination risk
3/5
Black-owned presence
2/5
Why this score: Black Bike Week tradition; beach access; limited year-round BOP
Neighborhoods to Know
Ocean Drive / North Myrtle Beach
Home of the Shag dance — important Black music crossover history
Broadway at the Beach
Major entertainment complex popular with families
Must-Visit Places
Atlantic Beach (The Black Pearl)
Historic Black beach resort town that refused to integrate — now celebrated as a heritage site
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Black Bike Week (Memorial Day)
One of the largest annual gatherings of Black motorcyclists in America
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach State Park
Pristine stretch of beach with maritime forest — a beautiful contrast to commercial strip
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The Strip
Amusement parks, mini golf, seafood restaurants along Ocean Blvd
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Local seafood restaurants
Calabash-style fried seafood is a Myrtle Beach specialty
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Visa
No visa required for US citizens
Frequently asked questions
Is Myrtle Beach safe for Black travelers?
Myrtle Beach scores 2.9 out of 5 (Use caution) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. Myrtle Beach is generally safe in tourist areas. Ocean Drive and Atlantic Beach are accessible. Some tension around Black Bike Week historically, but has improved.
Which neighborhoods in Myrtle Beach are good for Black travelers?
Atlantic Beach, Ocean Drive / North Myrtle Beach, Broadway at the Beach. One of the last surviving Black beach communities from the Jim Crow era — 'Black Pearl of the Strand'
Are there Black-owned businesses in Myrtle Beach?
Black-owned presence in Myrtle Beach is low. ROAM BLK maps Black-owned businesses in the app, added by the community.
When is the best time to visit Myrtle Beach?
April-October (beach season), Black Bike Week (Memorial Day), Atlantic Beach Bikefest (May)
How much does a day in Myrtle Beach cost?
Budget: USD 60 · Mid-range: USD 120 · Luxury: USD 250 per day, per ROAM BLK estimates.
Plan your Myrtle Beach trip in ROAM
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