Surfside Beach - A drone photo looking south at the Surfside Beach Fishing Pier Surfside Beach, SC
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Surfside Beach

4.6
·491k reviews·Surfside Beach, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Cooler temps & hula shows

CrowdMedium
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Surfside Beach - A drone photo looking south at the Surfside Beach Fishing Pier Surfside Beach, SC

Surfside Beach

Best Time

Summer evenings

Cooler temps & hula shows

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A quieter, family-friendly beach experience on the Grand Strand."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Surfside Beach Pier

Surfside Beach Pier

Surfside Beach, SC

Iconic pier offering fishing, stunning ocean views, and nearby dining options.

Hula Shows

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

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Beach Bliss

Beat the crowds and the heat by arriving early, especially on weekends. Consider weekdays for a more relaxed experience. Pack essentials like sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water, as amenities can be sparse.

Know Your Beach Access

While Surfside Beach SC offers ample public access, some areas might require permits or have specific parking rules. Check local signage or apps for parking fees and regulations to avoid surprises.

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Cooler temps & hula shows
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful beach
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Surfside Beach, TX 🌊 #texas #texascheck #texasbeaches #texascoast
@texas_explorer
36.2K likes • 1.1M views

Pack Your Own Provisions

Bring food & drinks; dining options are limited. :forkandknife: Reddit

Mosquito Defense is Key

Don't forget strong mosquito repellent, especially for evenings. :bug: Reddit

The Surfside Pier is OPEN!!! Be sure to check it out (and grab Pizza Hyena while you’re at it 🍕😉). #myrtlebeach #myrtlebeachsc #myrtlebeachsouthcarolina #southcarolina #pizzahyena #surfsidebeach #surfsidepier #foodiefriday #myrtlebeachfoodie
@officialmyrtlebeach
22.4K likes • 1M views
Una de mis playas favoritas 🏖 😍 ¿A quién más le encanta este spot?📍9383 Harding Ave, Surfside, FL 33154… Esta dirección te lleva directo al estacionamiento 🚗 __ #exploramiami #miamibeachlife #surfsidebeach #surfside #miamiblogger
exploramiami
21.5K likes • 564.5K views

Arrive Early for Prime Spots

For events like hula shows, aim to arrive by 5:30 PM for best seating. :clock1: Instagram

Parking Fees Apply

Pay for parking via app or text at beach access points. :parking: Instagram

Surfside Beach Hula Shows ⏰ Mondays, 7pm until 8/14 📍3rd Ave N Beach Access, Surfside Beach Good to Know 🌺 Park at beach access. There is another one just across the street too. Pay $2 per hour via app or text. 🌊 People start arriving at 5pm. Try to be there by 5:30 for best spot & parking. 🌺 Bring chairs or a beach blanket to sit on and probably a snack for kiddos. 🌊 The show is an hour long and...
moms_of_myrtle
3.4K likes • 103.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack Your Own Provisions

Bring food & drinks; dining options are limited. :forkandknife: Reddit

Mosquito Defense is Key

Don't forget strong mosquito repellent, especially for evenings. :bug: Reddit

Arrive Early for Prime Spots

For events like hula shows, aim to arrive by 5:30 PM for best seating. :clock1: Instagram

Parking Fees Apply

Pay for parking via app or text at beach access points. :parking: Instagram

Explore East for Permit-Free Beach

Head east from Surfside Beach for areas that don't require a beach permit. :compass: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Relaxed family atmosphere
Wide sandy beaches
Surfside Beach Pier

What People Dislike

Limited on-beach dining
Mosquitoes in evenings

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

While Surfside Beach is generally open, some adjacent beaches might require permits. Heading east from Surfside can lead to areas with different regulations. Reddit

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. Instagram

Summer events like the Monday evening hula shows are free to attend, but arriving early is recommended for good spots. Instagram

Parking fees are usually indicated at beach access points and can often be paid through a mobile app or by texting a provided number. Instagram

🎫 🏖️ 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. TikTokInstagram

Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing from the pier, and exploring the coastline. The beach is known for its relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families. TikTok

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. Instagram

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: Reddit

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. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

Yes, some restaurants offer oceanfront views and dining experiences, particularly near the pier area. TikTok

You'll find a range of options from casual seafood buffets and pizza to local eateries. The focus is often on fresh seafood. Instagram

Prices can vary, but buffets like Pirate's Table offer a set price for extensive options. Casual eateries are generally more budget-friendly. Instagram

📸 📸 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. TikTok

Absolutely! The pier is a prime location for photography, offering unique angles of the coastline and the ocean. TikTok

Generally, photography is allowed on public beaches. However, be mindful of private property and individuals' privacy. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Surfside Beach, SC is a fantastic choice for families seeking a relaxed beach vacation. Its wide, sandy shores and generally calmer waters make it ideal for children to play and swim safely. The absence of overwhelming crowds, compared to some neighboring towns, adds to its family-friendly appeal. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Surfside Beach offers a more budget-friendly coastal experience. While parking fees apply, the beach access itself is free. A smart strategy for budget travelers is to pack your own food and drinks, significantly cutting down on daily expenses. Reddit

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. TikTokInstagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Surfside Beach: A Coastal Gem

Surfside Beach, South Carolina, offers a more laid-back coastal experience compared to its bustling neighbors. It's a popular destination for families and those seeking a quieter beach vacation on the Grand Strand. The town is known for its wide, sandy shores and a welcoming atmosphere. TikTok

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. TikTokInstagram+1

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. InstagramReddit

Navigating Surfside Beach: Practical Tips

Getting to Surfside Beach, SC is straightforward, primarily via US-17. For travelers flying in, Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is the closest major airport. While public transport is scarce, having a car is highly recommended for exploring the area and accessing different parts of the beach. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. Reddit This preparation ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable experience on the shores of Surfside Beach. :sunwithface: :bug: :forkandknife:

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