Myrtle Beach Trolley Tour: History, Movies & Charlie’s Place

Summary

Stories of music, movies and change on Myrtle Beach’s trolley

You’ll ride Myrtle Beach’s enclosed trolley with a local guide who shares personal stories about music legends and movie moments. Stops include Charlie’s Place Historic Site and its Green Book motel. Expect small surprises—like old neon signs or hidden murals—and time to reflect where history happened. This tour leaves you feeling both curious and oddly at home.

What’s the experience like?

“Charlie always said, ‘Music brings folks together, even when the world tries to keep us apart.’ That’s how our guide started things off as we waited by the Grand 14 Theater at The Market Common. I’d barely finished my coffee — you could still smell pastries from the café next door — when the trolley doors swung open. The seats were soft, a little worn in that way that makes you relax right away. There was this gentle hum from the engine as we rolled out, windows fogged just a bit from the AC fighting off the Carolina humidity.

We drifted through Myrtle Beach’s new historic district while our guide pointed out details I’d never have noticed: old neon signs peeking out behind newer storefronts, a mural half-hidden by a palm tree. She had this way of weaving in movie trivia with local gossip — apparently one of the theaters here hosted a premiere back in the day, but she wouldn’t say which one (I think she wanted us to guess). It felt like riding with someone who actually grew up here, not just reading from a script.

The real pause came at Charlie’s Place Historic Site. The club itself is gone now — just an empty lot and some grass where legends once played — but Charlie’s house stands quiet beside a reconstructed motel. Our guide told us about The Green Book and what it meant for Black travelers passing through Myrtle Beach in those years. I tried to imagine pulling up here in the 1950s, tired from the road, maybe hearing laughter or saxophone notes drifting out into the night air. It’s strange how much you can feel just standing there, you know? Even now, I still think about that silence.

The tour wrapped up before noon back at The Market Common. Some people peeled off for lunch or shopping; others hung around swapping stories with our guide (who somehow remembered everyone’s name). Two hours went fast — I didn’t expect to feel so connected to places I’d only ever driven past before.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Myrtle Beach history and music

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

Top questions

Where does the Myrtle Beach history trolley tour start?

The tour begins in front of the Grand 14 Theater at The Market Common.

What time does boarding for the trolley tour begin?

Guests gather to begin boarding at 9:45 AM.

Is Charlie's Place included on this Myrtle Beach tour?

Yes, there is a stop at Charlie's Place Historic Site during the tour.

Is this Myrtle Beach trolley tour suitable for kids?

Children must be at least 3 years old to join this tour.

Is the trolley climate-controlled?

Yes, the trolley is enclosed and climate-controlled for comfort.

How long does the narrated Myrtle Beach trolley ride last?

The full narrated ride lasts about two hours.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted on board.

Do I need to book this Myrtle Beach history tour in advance?

It is best to book before Monday prior to your desired tour date.

What’s included

Your morning includes a fully narrated two-hour ride around Myrtle Beach aboard an enclosed, climate-controlled trolley with stops at both the city’s new historic district and Charlie’s Place Historic Site—including time outside at Charlie’s reconstructed Green Book motel—before returning near midday to The Market Common for lunch or shopping if you like.