Roofing company in Atlantic Beach, SC

South Carolina’s Atlantic Beach stands as a living testament to the resilience and spirit of the Gullah-Geechee people, making it truly deserving of its title as the “Black Pearl of the Coast.” This historic town, situated between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, is not only a beautiful coastal retreat but also a place where history and culture intertwine in a way that is both captivating and educational. Established in the early 1930s by the descendants of enslaved West Africans, Atlantic Beach was created as a safe haven for Black families and entrepreneurs who were denied access to other beaches. Over the decades, it has grown into a symbol of Black empowerment and community, preserving its cultural significance while still offering a serene escape for visitors today. With its rich legacy, Atlantic Beach offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore African American history, from its roots in the Gullah-Geechee culture to its ongoing cultural celebrations. The town’s historic role, combined with its beautiful oceanfront and thriving festivals, makes it a destination full of discovery—one that invites you to experience both the past and present of this remarkable seaside community.

Today, while the surrounding region has experienced significant commercial growth, Atlantic Beach continues to honor its legacy. The town, which spans just four blocks of oceanfront land, remains Black-owned, serving as a vibrant reminder of its history. In 2024, the town celebrated its 90th anniversary, and in a major milestone, it was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its place in American history.

A Tranquil Beach Escape with a Storied Past

Atlantic Beach is much more than a quiet stretch of sand. It offers visitors a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant community events. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an opportunity to immerse yourself in the town’s unique culture, this hidden gem has something for everyone.

The town is easy to access, located just 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach International Airport, which provides direct flights to over 50 destinations across the U.S. Once you arrive, you’ll find a range of accommodations, from luxury oceanfront homes to intimate beach cottages. These properties often offer spacious suites, private pools, stunning ocean views, and easy access to the beach, making them ideal for families or groups of friends looking for a retreat. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying the sound of the waves from your balcony, these rentals offer the perfect blend of comfort and scenic beauty.

Atlantic Beach Festivals: Celebrating Culture and Community Spirit

The heart of Atlantic Beach lies in its dynamic cultural festivals, which celebrate the town’s heritage and community. Throughout the year, visitors can participate in events that showcase the town’s Gullah-Geechee culture and the African American experience.

One of the most anticipated events is the Gullah Geechee Festival, held annually in August. This three-day celebration brings the community together with activities like a vibrant parade, a seafood and rice cooking competition, and storytelling sessions that honor the Gullah-Geechee traditions. Visitors can also enjoy vintage photo booths capturing the town’s historic charm, along with food vendors, local crafts, and live music. It’s an event that’s both educational and entertaining, offering a family-friendly environment for all ages.

Another signature event is the Atlantic Beach BikeFest, which has become a tradition for many since the 1980s. This Memorial Day weekend event draws thousands of visitors, particularly Black bikers who’ve found a welcoming space at Atlantic Beach. The streets fill with motorcycles, food trucks, live performances, and a palpable sense of community. Even those who aren’t bike enthusiasts find themselves drawn to the festivities year after year, making it one of the town’s most iconic events.

In addition to these well-known festivals, Atlantic Beach will also debut its Summer Concert Series in 2025. This exciting series runs from July to November and features a mix of musical genres, including funk, jazz, and Motown. Special weekends will spotlight the I Love Seafood Festival and a Motown Review, offering a perfect blend of food, music, and entertainment.

Where to Stay: Oceanfront Luxury and Comfort

Atlantic Beach’s charm extends to its accommodations, with several luxury rentals offering stunning oceanfront views. Many of these spacious homes are perfect for large families or groups of friends, providing plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the beach. With amenities like private pools, hot tubs, and even home theaters, these rentals allow guests to enjoy both relaxation and fun during their stay.

Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a week-long retreat, these properties provide the ultimate comfort, with the beach just steps away. Rental prices typically range from modest to luxurious, with some properties reaching up to $900 per night, depending on the season and availability. For the best deals, it’s wise to book early and check the rental policies, as many homes have specific rules regarding age restrictions or party size.

Why You Should Visit Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach is more than just a beautiful coastal destination—it’s a town filled with history, culture, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re looking to relax by the beach, learn about the area’s Gullah-Geechee heritage, or take part in one of the town’s lively festivals, Atlantic Beach offers an experience that is both enriching and rejuvenating.

For those looking to extend their journey, nearby St. Helena Island offers additional historical insights, as it is part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. Also, just a short drive away is Beaufort, known as “America’s Happiest Seaside Town,” which offers its own blend of history, charm, and natural beauty.

South Carolina’s Atlantic Beach is the “Black Pearl of the Coast” due to its rich Gullah-Geechee heritage, serving as a historic sanctuary for Black families and entrepreneurs. With its vibrant culture, scenic beauty, and ongoing cultural celebrations, it remains a unique destination filled with legacy and history to discover.

Atlantic Beach provides a unique opportunity to experience a lesser-known part of South Carolina that celebrates both the past and present. For those interested in uncovering hidden gems and receiving travel tips, subscribing to a newsletter will give you access to even more destinations that offer the perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation.

A disturbance headed northwest across the Atlantic has a 90% chance of developing into Tropical Storm Gabrielle by Thursday morning. Currently churning between the African West Coast and the Windward Islands, the area of showers and thunderstorms is moving 10 to 15 mph over the central tropical Atlantic.

Although it’s too early to confidently predict the potential storm’s path, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Jordan Baker, ensemble prediction models currently forecast that the storm would likely stay off the coast of South Carolina.

“At this point, if it develops, it would go toward the northwest, but all ensembles have it curving out to sea, if it does develop,” Baker said. “So, as of right now, we’re not really concerned about a threat to the U.S. East Coast.”

A curving storm path

Tropical storm systems headed northwest toward the East Coast sometimes turn northeast and curve off the coast due to something called the Beta effect.

“Basically, weather patterns over the U.S. and over the Atlantic kind of dictate where these storms go, so given all the cool air we’ve had recently, there’s this trough over the eastern U.S., and that’s pretty much what’s keeping everything offshore at this stage,” Baker said.

Potential Tropical Storm Gabrielle impacts in SC

The National Weather Service will issue an official forecast with a more detailed prediction timeline if the disturbance officially develops into a tropical storm. As of Tuesday morning, there’s a 90% of formation by Thursday morning.

If a tropical storm does form, at this point it’s unlikely to make landfall with storm winds and rains in South Carolina. However, it could strike South Carolina with coastal impacts. According to Baker, if potential Tropical Storm Gabrielle curves off the coast and remains in the Atlantic, it could generate waves and dangerous rip currents on South Carolina beaches.

Another tropical disturbance

Besides the system in the central tropical Atlantic, which will likely develop into Tropical Storm Gabrielle, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring another disturbance with a low chance of formation.

A tropical wave producing storms near the Guinea-Bissau coast is moving west at 15 to 20 mph. Current predictions say there’s almost no chance it could form a tropical storm in the next two days, but there’s a 20% chance one could develop over the course of a week.

This story was originally published September 16, 2025 at 10:45 AM.