Atlantic Beach, Myrtle Beach, SC, 60 miles of beaches stretched along the ocean is one of the most popular beaches for sunbathing, and entertainment in the USA. The town of Atlantic beach has been nicknamed the Black Pearl due to the influence of the African American business and culture within the area. The town folk are Gullah/Geechee slave descendents, who were living on the Sea Islands for over 300 years between Wilmington, NC to Jacksonville, Fl.
By the 1930's, the African American community opened up businesses, nightclubs, restaurants, shops and hotels in Atlantic Beach despite the racial tensions of the times. By 1934, the first vacation home was built in Atlantic Beaches' oceanfront property, thus opening its doors to residents and vacationers who traveled along the highways to stop and enjoy the cold breezes, beautiful beaches and warm ocean waters. According to legend, the tides the slash against the shores came from Africa itself. Today it is considered by some to be the only Black owned ocean property town in the United States.
The town of Atlantic Beach hosts the Atlantic Beach Bike Fest on the
Grand Strand, which is part of the "Black Bikers Weekend" where a million festival goers will always find live entertainment, food, crafts, art, and bikers displaying their magnificent motor cycles and rides. This bike rally is the fourth largest in the USA.
More of the history of the people can be found during the Gullah/Geechee Festival usually held in August. The festival tributes the history and culture of the Gullah Nation, through exhibits and storytelling, basket weave, African cuisine, African dress, tribal dancing, games and more.
Whether you choose to visit during festival time or want to sunbath, shop, and take in the nightclub scene on the ocean, make Atlantic Beach your next vacation spot.
