North Myrtle Beach’s O.D. Pavilion Amusement Park has rides that are sure to excite thrill seekers. Frenzy, Roll O Plane, Tempest, Fireball and many others offer plenty of fun for the whole family. In addition to the rides are many games, cotton candy and the excitement that fair-goers share. Include younger family members by letting them try the less wild Merry Go Round and Kiddie Swings.
Myrtle Beach has a long tradition of entertainment attractions, with the O.D. Pavilion being where it all began in 1926. Located on Ocean Drive, the early attraction provided a dance pavilion, bathhouse, park and an area to enjoy the ocean environment. Local hotels were busy, as the pavilion attracted visitors from areas of South Carolina and other surrounding states to attend live music shows. Learn the swing dance known as the shag while in Myrtle Beach. It was developed here many years ago.
Although the original pavilion doesn’t exist anymore, it was historically square with one room and hardwood floors, a porch that wrapped around its exterior and windows with shutters. A drink stand was located nearby and a boardwalk ran to the beach from the pavilion.
Picture dance nights when the pavilion was packed and people outside would be filling open windows to view the bands and the dancing. Along with shag dancing, beach music became the trademark of the entire Myrtle Beach area.
The pavilion was leased in 1938 and the new operator remodeled it to become a skating rink. The lease didn’t last long and the owner eventually had it torn down. Look for the historical plaques providing additional details.
Take the family to the current O.D. Pavilion Amusement Park, which has free admission and parking. Purchase ride tickets or all-day wristbands at the site. The park is just 0.5 mile (0.8 kilometer) northeast of the center of North Myrtle Beach.
