Myrtle Beach History, Movies and Music Trolley Tour

Two hours tracing Myrtle Beach's rise through music, film and the stories that built it

A two-hour narrated trolley tour of Myrtle Beach that covers the city's mid-20th century growth to today, the movies made or premiered there, and the role music played in its history. The enclosed, climate-controlled trolley departs at 9:45 AM from the Grand 14 Theater at The Market Common and returns at noon. Stops include Charlie's Place Historic Site, where legendary musicians performed on the Chitlin' Circuit from the 1930s to 1960s. The site includes Charlie's home and a reconstruction of his motel, which was listed in The Green Book, the travel guide African-American visitors relied on during segregation. A live guide in English narrates the route. Children must be at least 3 years old.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Myrtle Beach history and music

• Gather at Grand 14 Theater
• Board the enclosed trolley
• Stop at Myrtle Beach historic district
• Visit Charlie's Place Historic Site
• Return to The Market Common

The experience

The trolley leaves the Grand 14 Theater at The Market Common at 9:45 AM and runs for two hours through Myrtle Beach's historic neighborhoods. A live guide narrates the story of how the city came of age from the mid-20th century onward, weaving together the movies that filmed or premiered there and the musicians who shaped its cultural identity. The trolley itself is enclosed and climate-controlled, so the ride works regardless of weather.

The main stop is Charlie's Place Historic Site, where some of the greatest names in 20th-century American music performed between the 1930s and 1960s. The club itself no longer stands, but Charlie's home remains, along with a reconstruction of his motel. A building significant enough to be listed in The Green Book, the guide that African-American travelers consulted to find safe lodging during segregation. The tour also passes through Myrtle Beach's new historic district. By noon, when the trolley returns to The Market Common, nearby cafes and upscale restaurants are open if you want to extend the morning.

Book ahead if you can: the operator recommends booking before the Monday before your desired tour date. Children as young as 3 can ride. Service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Two-hour narrated trolley ride with a live guide in English.
• enclosed, climate-controlled trolley.
• stops at Charlie's Place Historic Site and Myrtle Beach's historic district.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesdayDeparts at 10:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 15 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 33

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Myrtle Beach History Tours

Is this one for you?A shared trolley tour with a live guide means you hear the full story of the city's music and film history without driving or navigating yourself: best for travelers who want context and don't mind riding with others. Book before the Monday before your tour date to secure your spot.

Traveler reviews

4.74★★★★★★★★★★

126 verified traveler reviews

5 ★105

4 ★14

3 ★4

2 ★1

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 15 years); Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is Charlie's Place Historic Site and why does it matter?

Charlie's Place Historic Site preserves the home of Charlie and the reconstructed motel from his historic venue, which was a major stop on the Chitlin' Circuit: the network of clubs and theaters where African-American musicians performed during segregation. The motel was listed in The Green Book, the essential travel guide for Black travelers seeking safe accommodations. The site honors both the music history and the civil rights context of that era.

How long is the trolley tour and when does it start?

The tour runs for two hours and departs at 9:45 AM from the Grand 14 Theater at The Market Common, returning at noon. The enclosed, climate-controlled trolley means the tour operates in any weather.

What movies are connected to Myrtle Beach that the guide will mention?

The guide covers the movies that were made or premiered in Myrtle Beach as part of the city's cultural history, though the specific titles are woven into the broader narrative of the city's mid-20th century growth and its role in American entertainment.

What's nearby the Grand 14 Theater if I arrive early or want to stay after?

The Market Common, where the tour departs, has nearby cafes open before the 9:45 AM start time, so you can grab coffee or breakfast. When the trolley returns at noon, upscale restaurants and shops in the area are ready to welcome you.