Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach, SC offers a laid-back coastal escape with wide sandy shores, a charming pier, and family-friendly vibes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps & hula shows
Surfside Beach
Best Time
Cooler temps & hula shows

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Surfside Beach, SC offers a laid-back coastal escape with wide sandy shores, a charming pier, and family-friendly vibes.
"A quieter, family-friendly beach experience on the Grand Strand."
Pack Your Own Provisions
Bring food & drinks; dining options are limited. :forkandknife:
Mosquito Defense is Key
Don't forget strong mosquito repellent, especially for evenings. :bug:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Surfside Beach Pier
Surfside Beach, SC
Iconic pier offering fishing, stunning ocean views, and nearby dining options.
Hula Shows
3rd Ave N Beach Access, Surfside Beach, SC
Enjoy lively Monday evening hula performances during the summer season.

Pirate's Table Calabash Seafood Buffet
1100 Water Ave, Surfside Beach, SC
A popular spot for a vast seafood buffet with a variety of options.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Beach Bliss
Know Your Beach Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Your Own Provisions
Bring food & drinks; dining options are limited. :forkandknife:
Mosquito Defense is Key
Don't forget strong mosquito repellent, especially for evenings. :bug:
Arrive Early for Prime Spots
For events like hula shows, aim to arrive by 5:30 PM for best seating. :clock1:
Parking Fees Apply
Pay for parking via app or text at beach access points. :parking:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Your Own Provisions
Bring food & drinks; dining options are limited. :forkandknife:
Mosquito Defense is Key
Don't forget strong mosquito repellent, especially for evenings. :bug:
Arrive Early for Prime Spots
For events like hula shows, aim to arrive by 5:30 PM for best seating. :clock1:
Parking Fees Apply
Pay for parking via app or text at beach access points. :parking:
Explore East for Permit-Free Beach
Head east from Surfside Beach for areas that don't require a beach permit. :compass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Surfside Beach, SC is praised for its relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly environment, offering a quieter alternative to busier Myrtle Beach spots. Visitors appreciate the wide beaches and the iconic pier. However, some find the dining and shopping options limited directly on the beach, and mosquito repellent is a must-have.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Surfside Beach, South Carolina is easily accessible by car via US-17. If flying, the closest major airport is Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), about a 30-40 minute drive away. Many visitors drive from surrounding states, making it a popular road trip destination.
Public transportation options directly to Surfside Beach are limited. Most visitors rely on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services from nearby towns or the airport.
Having a car is highly recommended for exploring Surfside Beach and the surrounding Grand Strand area. Parking is available at beach access points, though fees may apply.
Parking is available at beach access points. Some areas require payment via an app or text message. Arriving early, especially for events, is advised for better parking.
Yes, Surfside Beach, NC is a separate location from Surfside Beach, SC. This guide focuses on the South Carolina destination, known for its pier and family-friendly atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general access to Surfside Beach itself is free. However, parking at designated beach access points may incur fees, typically paid hourly via app or text.
While Surfside Beach is generally open, some adjacent beaches might require permits. Heading east from Surfside can lead to areas with different regulations.
Surfside Beach is open 24/7, as it is a public beach. However, amenities like parking and lifeguard services operate during specific hours, typically from dawn to dusk.
Summer events like the Monday evening hula shows are free to attend, but arriving early is recommended for good spots.
Parking fees are usually indicated at beach access points and can often be paid through a mobile app or by texting a provided number.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The Surfside Beach Pier is a major draw for fishing and scenic views. Don't miss the summer Monday evening hula shows for a unique cultural experience.
Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing from the pier, and exploring the coastline. The beach is known for its relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families.
Yes, Surfside Beach is very family-friendly, offering a quieter alternative to some of the busier Myrtle Beach areas. It's known for its wide sandy shores and gentle waves.
Essentials include sunscreen, hats, beach towels, chairs or blankets, and plenty of water. Bringing your own food and drinks is also recommended due to limited nearby options. :sunwithface:
Lifeguard services are typically available during the peak season, usually from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It's always wise to check local postings for current lifeguard status.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Pirate's Table Calabash Seafood Buffet is a popular choice for a wide variety of seafood. For a quick bite, Pizza Hyena near the pier is also recommended.
While Surfside Beach offers dining options, it's generally less crowded than Myrtle Beach. Bringing your own food and drinks is a common tip from visitors.
Yes, some restaurants offer oceanfront views and dining experiences, particularly near the pier area.
You'll find a range of options from casual seafood buffets and pizza to local eateries. The focus is often on fresh seafood.
Prices can vary, but buffets like Pirate's Table offer a set price for extensive options. Casual eateries are generally more budget-friendly.
📸 📸 Photography
The Surfside Beach Pier offers fantastic opportunities for sunrise and sunset shots, as well as capturing the ocean's expanse. The beach itself provides classic coastal scenery.
Absolutely! The pier is a prime location for photography, offering unique angles of the coastline and the ocean.
Generally, photography is allowed on public beaches. However, be mindful of private property and individuals' privacy.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for beach photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing the vibrant blue of the ocean.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local authorities or the city of Surfside Beach for current rules regarding drone usage for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families include arriving early to secure a good spot on the beach and for parking, especially if attending events like the Monday evening hula shows. Bringing plenty of snacks, drinks, and beach toys is essential, as on-beach concessions are limited. Consider packing beach chairs or blankets for comfortable lounging.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for accommodations slightly off the beachfront for potentially lower rates, as hotels like Residence Inn and Holiday Inn offer options in the vicinity. Exploring the free summer events, such as the hula shows, provides entertainment without additional cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Surfside Beach: A Coastal Gem
Key attractions include the Surfside Beach Pier, a hub for fishing and enjoying ocean vistas, and the Pirate's Table Calabash Seafood Buffet, a local favorite for its extensive offerings. During the summer, don't miss the Monday evening hula shows held at the 3rd Ave N Beach Access, providing a unique entertainment option for visitors.
When planning your visit, remember that while the beach itself is free, parking at access points typically incurs a fee, payable via app or text. It's also wise to heed local advice and bring your own food and drinks, as dining and shopping options directly on the beach are limited.
Navigating Surfside Beach: Practical Tips
Parking is a key consideration. While there are numerous beach access points, be prepared for hourly parking fees, often managed through mobile apps or text services. Arriving early, especially for popular events like the summer hula shows, is crucial for securing a good spot and convenient parking.
Essential packing includes the usual beach gear, but Reddit users strongly advise bringing effective mosquito repellent, particularly for evening hours, and packing your own food and beverages as on-beach amenities are minimal. This preparation ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable experience on the shores of Surfside Beach. :sunwithface: :bug: :forkandknife:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit