Ocean Boulevard Live Cam

Ocean Boulevard is a significant and iconic stretch of roadway located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It's a central part of the city's vibrant tourism industry and has a rich history that spans over a century.

Early Development (Late 19th - Early 20th Century): Ocean Boulevard's history can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At that time, Myrtle Beach was a quiet, relatively unknown coastal town. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, however, brought the first influx of tourists, drawn by the natural beauty of the area.

The Pavilion Amusement Park: In the early 1900s, the area around Ocean Boulevard began to develop as a resort destination. The construction of the Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park in 1908 was a significant milestone. The Pavilion became a beloved attraction for generations, offering amusements, games, and entertainment for families.

Growth and Expansion (Mid-20th Century): The mid-20th century brought a boom in tourism to Myrtle Beach, and Ocean Boulevard played a central role. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues sprang up along the boulevard, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere. The area became known for its beachfront attractions and a wide variety of activities for visitors.

The Hurricane Hazel Impact (1954): Hurricane Hazel, which struck in 1954, had a significant impact on the Myrtle Beach area. The storm caused widespread damage, including to many businesses along Ocean Boulevard. However, the community rallied, and the area was rebuilt, demonstrating the resilience of the local population.

Modern Developments (Late 20th Century - Early 21st Century): In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Ocean Boulevard continued to evolve. New hotels, resorts, and attractions were built, catering to a diverse range of visitors. Additionally, efforts were made to beautify the area, including the addition of parks, promenades, and public spaces.

Recent Developments (21st Century): In recent years, Ocean Boulevard has continued to be a focal point for Myrtle Beach's tourism industry. The city has made efforts to balance growth with preservation of the natural environment, aiming to create a sustainable and appealing destination.

Today: Ocean Boulevard remained a hub of activity in Myrtle Beach, offering a wide array of entertainment, dining, and shopping options. It's a place where visitors can enjoy the beach, explore attractions, and take in the lively atmosphere of this popular coastal destination.

Top Tourist Attractions

Ocean Boulevard offers a wide range of tourist attractions. Here are some of the top attractions that were popular at that time:

• Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade: This 1.2-mile oceanfront boardwalk features shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. It's a popular spot for strolling, people-watching, and enjoying the beach views.
• SkyWheel Myrtle Beach: One of the tallest Ferris wheels on the East Coast, the SkyWheel offers breathtaking views of the coastline and city. It's an iconic attraction on the Myrtle Beach skyline.
• Pavilion Park: Located at Broadway at the Beach, Pavilion Park features a variety of rides and amusements, making it a family-friendly destination.
• Ripley's Believe It or Not!: This museum is known for its oddities, interactive exhibits, and intriguing displays. It's a popular stop for those interested in the unusual and bizarre.
• Myrtle Beach Zipline Adventures: Located at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, this attraction offers thrilling zipline experiences with views of the ocean and boardwalk.
• Family Kingdom Amusement Park: Situated right along Ocean Boulevard, this classic amusement park has a mix of thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions.
• WonderWorks: An interactive science museum, WonderWorks offers a wide range of hands-on exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages.
• The Bowery: A historic bar and music venue, The Bowery has been an integral part of Myrtle Beach's entertainment scene for decades. It's known for live music, dancing, and a lively atmosphere.
• Gay Dolphin Gift Cove: This iconic store offers a vast array of souvenirs, gifts, beachwear, and unique items. It's a longstanding fixture along Ocean Boulevard.
• Myrtle Beach Sports Center: This state-of-the-art facility hosts a variety of sports events and tournaments, attracting athletes and spectators from around the region.

Climate

• Precipitation: Myrtle Beach receives a relatively consistent amount of rainfall throughout the year. The wettest months are typically July and August, with an average of around 6-7 inches of rain each. The drier months are usually October and November, with around 3-4 inches of rain on average.
• Hurricane Season: Myrtle Beach, like many coastal areas in the Southeastern United States, is susceptible to hurricanes. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. While not every year sees a direct impact, it's important for residents and visitors to stay informed about potential tropical weather systems.
• Humidity: Due to its coastal location, Myrtle Beach can experience high humidity levels, especially in the summer months. Humidity can make the temperatures feel warmer than they actually are.
• Sunshine: Myrtle Beach enjoys a relatively high amount of sunshine throughout the year, with an average of about 215 sunny days annually.

Geography

It runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, providing direct access to the beach and offering a range of amenities and attractions for both residents and tourists. Here are some key geographical aspects of Ocean Boulevard and its surrounding area:

• Coastal Location: Ocean Boulevard is situated along the eastern coastline of South Carolina, directly adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. The beach runs parallel to the boulevard, making it a popular destination for beachgoers.
• Beachfront Access: The boulevard itself is separated from the sandy beach by a stretch of sand dunes and vegetation. Numerous access points along Ocean Boulevard provide convenient entry to the beach for visitors.
• Sand Dunes and Vegetation: The area between Ocean Boulevard and the beach is typically characterized by sand dunes, which serve as natural barriers to protect against erosion and storm surges. This area often features native coastal vegetation.
• Myrtle Beach Boardwalk: The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is a prominent feature of Ocean Boulevard. It spans a significant portion of the boulevard and provides a pedestrian-friendly walkway with views of the beach, numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
• Inland Waterways: While Ocean Boulevard is oriented towards the Atlantic Ocean, Myrtle Beach is also characterized by a network of inland waterways, including the Intracoastal Waterway. These water bodies contribute to the area's unique coastal geography.
• Surrounding Environment: The area around Ocean Boulevard features a mix of commercial, residential, and recreational spaces. There are hotels, resorts, condominiums, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues lining the boulevard, making it a hub for tourism and leisure activities.
• City Layout: Myrtle Beach is laid out in a grid pattern, with Ocean Boulevard serving as a major north-south thoroughfare. The boulevard intersects with several other important roads and avenues, facilitating access to various parts of the city.
• Elevation: The elevation of Ocean Boulevard and the surrounding area is relatively low, as is characteristic of coastal regions. This means that the area may be vulnerable to storm surges and flooding during severe weather events.
• Barrier Island Geography: Myrtle Beach is located on a barrier island, which is a narrow strip of land that runs parallel to the mainland. Barrier islands provide a natural buffer against the full force of ocean waves and storms.
• Estuaries and Marshlands: In addition to the beach and oceanfront, the Myrtle Beach area is characterized by estuaries, marshes, and wetlands. These ecosystems play a vital role in supporting local wildlife and protecting against coastal erosion.