Your Guide to Atlantic Beach, SC: The Black Pearl's Appeal Goes Beyond Bikefest

Tucked into just four oceanfront blocks between the Windy Hill and Crescent Beach sections of North Myrtle Beach, Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, is a destination unlike any other along the Grand Strand.

Known affectionately as “The Black Pearl,” this small but mighty town holds a place of immense cultural and historical significance. Established by the Gullah Geechee people and Black entrepreneurs in the early 20th century, it served as a rare haven for African Americans during segregation—a place where families could gather, relax, and celebrate life, culture, and freedom on the coast.

Today, Atlantic Beach remains a proudly independent community, blending its storied past with a fresh spirit of revitalization.

Since the 1980s, Atlantic Beach has been widely known for its bike week, a high-energy celebration of motorcycle culture that has grown into one of the largest events of its kind in the country. But while Atlantic Beach BikeFest may have put the town on the map for many, it has always been so much more than just a single event—offering deep cultural roots, community pride, and year-round appeal.

From luxurious vacation rentals to community-driven festivals and easy access to top attractions, this town offers a unique mix of heritage, hospitality, and convenience that make it a perfect base for your next Grand Strand getaway.

Atlantic Beach’s story is rooted in resilience and cultural pride. Born from the efforts of the Gullah Geechee community and Black pioneers during segregation, the town emerged in the 1930s as a haven of autonomy and dignity along the coast. While other beach destinations restricted access to African Americans, Atlantic Beach flourished with Black-owned businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

In its heyday during the 1950s and 1960s, it drew a vibrant mix of beachgoers and entertainers, with jazz and soul legends like Ray Charles, Little Richard, and Otis Redding visiting to perform and unwind. 

Though development slowed due to political and economic headwinds over the decades, Atlantic Beach’s small size and independent governance has helped preserve its cultural legacy while resisting overdevelopment, allowing the town to champion community-driven growth rooted in respect for its historical identity.

In recent years, the town has worked to embrace a new era of revitalization with local leaders and new investors collaborating on thoughtful improvements, working to protect the town’s heritage while reimagining its future.

In early 2025, Atlantic Beach was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance as one of the few remaining historically Black oceanfront communities in the U.S. This designation helps safeguard its story and unlocks new resources — like preservation grants and tax incentives — for the 72 properties listed as contributing to its unique character.

Plans for the future include a trail of historical places, more cultural festivals, community events, and infrastructure enhancements that blend the past with a progressive vision. In the near future, the town plans to welcome a locally-owned pizzeria, a new restaurant concept along Kings Highway and a new event venue along the main drag on Atlantic Street.

Once known for its modest motels and motor lodges, Atlantic Beach is now undergoing a transformation.

In recent years, a wave of investment has brought a range of luxury vacation rentals to the area, offering visitors a more upscale and stylish way to experience this historically rich community. Vacation rental companies such as Evolve, Elliot Beach Rentals, and Vereen Vacation Rentals have helped lead the way, reimagining properties with coastal-chic design, modern amenities, and personalized guest experiences.

Among the standout options include Atlantic Oasis and Atlantic Renaissance which both offers sleek modern finishes and spacious living areas, ideal for group getaways or family reunions. Bailey’s Blue Ocean View and Bailey's Lighthouse feature a prime location just steps from the sand and showcases panoramic ocean views with a relaxed, breezy vibe. Meanwhile, Serenity by Tilair is a luxurious 7-bedroom home with breathtaking views, modern amenities and stunning outdoor pool area. 

While longtime visitors may still enjoy nostalgic properties like E&E Motel and Woods Villas, today’s Atlantic Beach traveler is likely to fall in love with the new wave of accommodations that combine the comforts of home with the soul of this special seaside town.

Despite its size, Atlantic Beach offers an abundance of things to do for culturally curious travelers and coastal adventurers alike. At the heart of the town’s cultural identity are its community-driven festivals.

The most famous is Atlantic Beach Bikefest, held every Memorial Day Weekend. This nationally known event takes place this year from May 23-25, 2025, celebrating Black biker culture and draws upwards of 400,000 visitors to the Grand Strand, with Atlantic Beach at the heart of the high-energy atmosphere, live music, and sense of camaraderie taking place in the heart of Atlantic Beach.

Another enriching experience is Gullah Geechee Festival, which honors the food, crafts, and traditions of the town's African-descended founders. Taking place Aug. 29-31, 2025, visitors can immerse themselves in the area's vibrant cultural heritage with a community celebration featuring live music, storytelling, performances, artisans and vendors.

For those seeking artistic expression, the CJSS Skillern Family Art Museum showcases local and regional art in a community-centered space, with a mission to celebrate African American culture through dynamic exhibits, educational programming, and inclusive community engagement. Located in the heart of Atlantic Beach, the museum features work by both emerging and established artists, and serves as a gathering place for creativity and cultural connection.

One of the best features of Atlantic Beach is its wide, pristine shoreline and the convenience of free parking at Atlantic Street Beach Access, making it one of the most visitor-friendly beach experiences along the Grand Strand. For those looking to get active, Atlantic Water Sports provides thrilling on-the-water adventures including jet ski rentals, banana boat rides, and parasailing excursions—all launching right from the town's beachfront.

Whether you're visiting for a quiet sunrise stroll or a full day of sand and sun, this less-crowded stretch of coast offers a more laid-back vibe than neighboring resort areas—ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Just beyond Atlantic Beach's compact borders lies a world of vibrant experiences in every direction. Thanks to its location, visitors can explore a wide array of entertainment, dining, and shopping destinations in North Myrtle Beach and beyond—all within minutes of this quiet, culture-rich retreat.

For those looking to shop or indulge, Barefoot Landing is just two miles south and offering a lively blend of boutiques, restaurants, and live shows. Here you'll find everything from casual eats at Big Chill Island House to upscale entrees at Greg Norman's Austrailian Grille and great craft brews in an expansive backyard settimg at Crooked Hammock Brewery. There's great shows at Alabama Theatre and top-notch concerts and live music at House of Blues.

Within just a few minutes' drive, visitors can find a golf options big and small. For those wanting to tee off, courses like Azalea Sands Golf Club and Beachwood Golf Club offer full-scale play. There's also the world-famous mini golf like Hawaiian Rumble Golf — home of the US Pro Mini Golf Masters — Hawaiian Village Mini Golf, or Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf, all offering family-friendly fun just a mile away.

Ice cream lovers will want to check out Original Painter’s Homemade Ice Cream or Sugar Life Ice Cream & Candy, while foodies can explore local favorites such as Rockefellers Raw Bar, the iconic Kings Pizza, Johnny D's Waffles & Benedicts, and Molly Darcy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant — an oceanfront hangout with hearty food, oceanfront views, and a soundtrack of live music.

Thrill-seekers will also appreciate the thrill of Myrtle Beach Biplane & Helicopter Rides, which take off from nearby Grand Strand Airport, offering bird’s-eye views of the coast.

Whether you're into golf, good eats, or family-friendly adventures, everything is just a quick ride from Atlantic Beach. Its small size is no barrier to big vacation potential, and its access to the full spectrum of Grand Strand excitement makes it a strategic and rewarding base for vacationers