Before North Myrtle Beach became known for its oceanfront condos and golf courses, it was famous for something else—the dance.
The Carolina Shag began right here along Ocean Drive, where music drifted through open doors and barefoot locals moved to the rhythm of the sea breeze. What started as a coastal pastime became a symbol of joy, freedom, and Southern charm that still defines the area today.

🎶 A Dance Born from Beach Music

The roots of the Carolina Shag trace back to the late 1940s, when young people from across the Carolinas gathered at Ocean Drive Pavilion. They danced to rhythm and blues records from Black musicians—songs full of life, swing, and soul. Locals soon adapted the steps, blending smooth moves and effortless style that perfectly matched the rhythm of the coast.

It wasn’t long before the Shag became the official state dance of South Carolina.
But here in North Myrtle Beach, it’s more than a dance—it’s a tradition.

💃 Ocean Drive: The Heartbeat of Shag Culture

Ocean Drive still hums with that same energy. Walk down Main Street on a Friday night, and you’ll hear the familiar sound of beach music spilling from the clubs—places like Fat Harold’s Beach Club and Duck’s Night Life, where locals and visitors alike gather to dance, laugh, and keep the rhythm alive.

Every year, the SOS (Society of Stranders) Spring Safari and Fall Migration bring thousands of Shag dancers back “home.” The streets fill with classic cars, smiling faces, and music that spans generations.

🏖️ The Spirit of North Myrtle Beach

What makes the Shag so special isn’t just the steps—it’s the feeling.
It’s about slowing down, connecting, and celebrating life by the water.
That easygoing, welcoming spirit has shaped the personality of North Myrtle Beach itself.

Today, the same sense of joy that filled those dance floors echoes in the community—from summer festivals to Sunday afternoons on the sand.

🏠 Living Where the Music Never Stops

Living in North Myrtle Beach means being part of this living history.
You’ll find neighbors who still know the old dance steps, who’ll tell stories about Ocean Drive “back in the day,” and who welcome newcomers like family.

It’s not just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.

🤝 Ready to Call North Myrtle Beach Home?

If you’ve fallen in love with the charm, warmth, and rhythm of North Myrtle Beach, I’d love to help you make it home. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront condo or a quiet home near Ocean Drive, I’ll help you find a property that fits your lifestyle.

Call me, Kim Stevens, REALTOR®, at (843) 222-9327 or email KimStevens100@gmail.com—and let’s find your place in the heart of the Carolina coast.