Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Tourism News
10 Memories Celebrating the Old Myrtle Beach



When fans remember the old Myrtle Beach of the 1980s and 1990s, Mother Fletchers, Freaky Tiki, Purple Gator, and the Pavilion all come to mind. From family photos snapped on the beach, to foggy memories of cruising the strip, to the silly souvenirs you’ve kept for a lifetime, there’s so much to celebrate about those old Myrtle Beach vacations.

Let’s take a look at some of the special moments, businesses, and landmarks that defined trips to Myrtle Beach for generations. We know not all good things last forever, but the timeless memories they created certainly do. We’ve gathered the top 10 memories of Myrtle Beach to help you relive the fun again. If you’ve done them all, you’re an honorary local, but if you’ve experienced even a few of these experiences first-hand, consider yourself lucky. 

Note: A special thanks to Wayne Aiken of  Myrtle Beach Remembered for photos provided for this post. Check out the site for more photos and history of Myrtle Beach.

There’s way more than just 10 experiences making Myrtle Beach so special to everyone who has visited; check out these memorable spots and attractions or visit the awesome Myrtle Beach Remembered website for even more historic photos and info:

  • Ocean Forest Hotel: Myrtle Beach’s first luxury hotel built in 1930 and demolished in 1974. (Now part of Pine Lakes Golf Course and Country Club)
  • Chesterfield Inn: This oceanfront hotel and inn at 700 N. Ocean Blvd. opened in 1946 and was demolished in 2012. (Now Shark Attack Adventure Golf)
  • Cagney’s Old Place: 9911 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach (Now Carolina Seafood & Steak)
  • Astroneedle Amusement Park: Between 8th Avenue North and Chester Street (Now Myrtle Beach Zipline Adventures)
  • Rivoli Theatre: 904 Chester St. in Myrtle Beach (Now Ground Zero Teen Club)
  • Chapin’s department store: Open from 1928–1992 on U.S. 501 near Kings Highway (Now Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Goff)
  • The Purple Gator: Concert venue in the 1980s to mid-’90s in Myrtle Beach, located at the Magnolia Shopping Center off of Kings Highway near Restaurant Row.
  • Marvin’s Food & Games: 918 N. Ocean Blvd., along Myrtle Beach Boardwalk (Now Moe Moon’s)
  • Gatlin Brothers Theatre & Ronnie Milsap Theatre: Two separate show venues open in the mid-1990s in the Fantasy Harbour area (Now Christ United Methodist Church and Beach Church, respectively)
  • Camelot Theatre: Open from the late 1960s to early 1990s at 1901 N. Kings Hwy. in Myrtle Beach (Now La Casona Mexican Restaurant)
  • Santa Fe Station: Restaurant located at 1101 Hwy. 17 N. in North Myrtle Beach (Now Mellow Mushroom Pizza)
  • Around The World In 18 Holes: Oceanfront mini golf course open in the 1960s and ’70s next to Gay Dolphin in downtown Myrtle Beach (now Plyler Park)
  • The Pink House: Open from 1947–2005 as an inn, restaurant, and holiday shop at 4301 N. Kings Hwy. in Myrtle Beach
  • Sherwood Forest/Barefoot RV Campground: Family campground located at 4825 Highway 17 South in North Myrtle Beach
  • Castle Dracula: Haunted house at 907 N. Ocean Blvd. in Myrtle Beach, next to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! (Now multiple beachwear stores)
  • PirateLand & Magic Harbor: Theme parks open from mid 1960s to early 1990s at 4901 S. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach (Now PirateLand Campground)
  • KISS Coffeehouse: Rock-themed coffee shop at 1320 Celebrity Square at Broadway at the Beach (Now Rooster’s Restaurant & Bar)
  • NASCAR Cafe: Themed restaurant at corner of 21st Avenue North and U.S. 17 Bypass (Now Hollywood Wax Museum)
  • Broadway Theatre: Movie theater at 811 Main St. in downtown Myrtle Beach (Now Encore Video Productions)
  • The Pad: Shag club at Main Street and Ocean Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach from 1955–1987 (Now part of O.D. Pavilion Amusement Park)
  • Club Kryptonite: Off of U.S. 17 Bypass near 29th Avenue North (Now Legends In Concert)