Myrtle Beach isn’t just about sunbathing and golf; it’s also a place where history comes alive in all sorts of ways. Whether you’re interested in the city’s vibrant music and film past, tales of pirates and haunted landmarks, or its military history, Myrtle Beach offers a variety of engaging tours that make learning about the area both fun and meaningful.
We especially like the Myrtle Beach History, Movies and Music Trolley Tour because it combines storytelling with visits to iconic sites like Charlie’s Place, a legendary venue on the Chitlin’ Circuit that helped shape the city’s jazz and blues scene.
If ghost stories and pirate legends are more your speed, the Ghosts, Pirates, and Historic Families Trolley Tour provides creepy stories alongside visits to historic landmarks.
For those with a military interest, the Myrtle Beach Military History Trolley Tour takes you back to World War II, highlighting preserved planes and the old base.
Not to forget, the Early Myrtle Beach History and WWII Years Trolley Tour offers insights into the city’s earliest days and wartime role. Ready to learn more? Check out these experiences to see which fits your trip best.
Quick Overview
Our list features four excellent Myrtle Beach historical tours, each with a unique focus. The History, Movies and Music Trolley explores entertainment history and Charlie’s Place. The Ghosts and Pirates Tour uncovers spooky tales and local legends.
The Military History Tour shines a light on Myrtle Beach’s role during World War II, and the Early History and WWII Years Tour dives into the city’s earliest days and wartime involvement.
All tours are around two hours long, priced at $45 per person, and provide a comfortable climate-controlled ride. Now, let’s see what makes each of these tours special.
1. Myrtle Beach History, Movies and Music Trolley Tour
At number 1, this 2-hour trolley tour takes you through Myrtle Beach’s mid-20th-century rise to fame, with a focus on its film and music history.
Starting at the historic district, the tour includes a visit to Charlie’s Place Historic Site, a key venue on the Chitlin’ Circuit—a network of black performers’ stops during segregation that helped launch careers like those of James Brown and B.B. King.
While the original Charlie’s Place no longer exists, the tour stops at Charlie’s home and a reconstruction of his motel, which was listed in The Green Book, the travel guide for African-American travelers during segregation.
Guides share stories about the city’s music legends and movies that put Myrtle Beach on the map in the 1930s through 1960s. The commentary is lively, and the route covers more ground than a walking tour, making it ideal for those who want to maximize their time and see multiple sites comfortably.
With consistent five-star reviews praising the knowledgeable guides—some of whom have authored books on local history—this tour offers excellent value. It’s perfect for anyone interested in the legacies of music, film, and civil rights-era landmarks.
Bottom line: If you’re curious about Myrtle Beach’s cultural contributions, especially its jazz and blues scenes, this trolley offers insightful stories in a relaxed setting.
2. Myrtle Beach Area Ghosts, Pirates and Historic Families Trolley Tour
Number 2 on our list is the Ghosts, Pirates and Historic Families Trolley Tour, a 2-hour ride into the spooky side of Myrtle Beach’s past. This tour ventures south to Murrells Inlet, known for its pirate legends and haunted landmarks. As you cruise in climate-controlled comfort, listeners are treated to tales of pirates, haunted houses, and the historic families that shaped the area.
The tour includes a brief visit to Brookgreen Gardens, where you can stretch your legs and see the Gardener’s Cottage, the garden’s information center.
Later stops include the Hammock Weavers studio, where you’ll meet a local artisan, and a panoramic photo stop of Murrells Inlet with its weathered buildings that evoke images of pirates and early settlers. The stories told along the way—supported by local lore and legends—make this a fun, slightly spooky experience.
Reviewers highlight the clean trolley and knowledgeable guides, especially those who enjoy history mixed with ghost stories.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who love a good story—and maybe a scare—this tour mixes history with ghostly legends and pirate tales that bring Myrtle Beach’s coastal history to life.
3. Myrtle Beach Military History Trolley Tour
At number 3, the Military History Trolley Tour stands out for its focus on Myrtle Beach’s role during World War II. The tour explores the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base and Airfield, where visitors stop at Warbird Park to see military planes on display. The recreated military museum at the Reed Recreation Center offers a closer look at the equipment and stories of those who served during wartime.
Guided by a narrator with military expertise and enthusiasm, you’ll learn about the base’s history, its significance during WWII, and the role it played in national defense. The tour includes a catered reception at Tupelo Honey, adding a social element to the experience.
Reviewers praise the informative narration and the veterans’ stories, with one noting it’s a great way to appreciate what the area contributed during the war.
This tour is ideal for those interested in military history, aviation, or WWII stories, offering an intimate glimpse into Myrtle Beach’s strategic importance during a pivotal time.
Bottom line: For history enthusiasts eager to see planes and learn about WWII efforts, this tour offers both education and reflection.
4. Early Myrtle Beach History and The WWII Years Trolley Tour
Finally, the Early Myrtle Beach History and WWII Years Trolley Tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive look at the city’s origins and wartime role.
Starting at the Pines Lakes International Country Club, the tour covers the early days of Myrtle Beach’s development, including its first golf course and prominent landmarks. The guide shares stories about the city’s growth from a small coastal town to a popular vacation spot.
The tour also explores Myrtle Beach’s WWII history, including the presence of German POWs and the U-boat threats off the coast. Visits include the Historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum, which highlights African-American education during segregation, providing a deeper understanding of the community’s social history. Reviewers note the informative narration and the well-chosen stops.
The tour strikes a good balance between early history and wartime stories, making it well-suited for those wanting a detailed overview.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want to understand both the early development of Myrtle Beach and its wartime contributions, this tour offers a full picture in just two hours.
How to Choose
Picking the right Myrtle Beach historical tour depends on your interests. Are you fascinated by music, film, and civil rights? Then the Myrtle Beach History, Movies and Music Trolley Tour will satisfy your curiosity. If ghost stories and pirate legends excite you, then the Ghosts, Pirates, and Historic Families Trolley is perfect.
For WWII buffs, the Military History Tour offers a detailed look at Myrtle Beach’s military past, while history enthusiasts interested in the city’s foundation and WWII era will find the Early History and WWII Years Tour comprehensive.
Practical factors such as cost, duration, and specific interests should guide your choice. All tours are around two hours, priced at $45, and run in comfortable, climate-controlled vehicles. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.
Final Thoughts
Myrtle Beach offers a surprising variety of historical tours that cater to different interests—whether it’s music legends, ghost stories, military history, or early town development.
For a well-rounded experience, the Myrtle Beach History, Movies and Music Trolley Tour is a standout for its cultural insights and storytelling. For those drawn to the spooky and legendary side, the Ghosts and Pirates Tour delivers fun with a dash of history.
Military history lovers will appreciate the Myrtle Beach Military Tour for its detailed exhibits and stories, while the Early History Tour provides a full picture of Myrtle Beach’s roots and WWII involvement.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out. These tours add a meaningful layer to your visit, helping you appreciate Myrtle Beach far beyond its beaches and golf courses.