10 Things To Do in Surfside Beach, South Carolina

The shops in this community have been serving surfers and skaters for years. While some, like Bargain Beachwear and Eagles Beachwear, are available in other areas of the Grand Strand, there are also locally owned beachwear stores in this town worth checking out. If you need boards to go with your new look, stop by Eternal Wave Surf Shop for rentals or surfing lessons.

Though Surfside Beach is only two square miles, it is still known to host big celebrations. This community hosts holiday parties and parades, summer surf-offs, family festivals, and Bike Week events, so there is something to do in any season. Sticking to the “family beach” motto, this travel destination is also autism-friendly and welcomes everyone to join in the events.

First built in 1953, the Surfside Pier has been through a lot, including 2016’s Hurricane Matthew, which rendered it out of service. The current rebuild is expected to be completed soon so families can once again hang out, fish, enjoy the views, and browse retail spaces at the pier. The new structure will be 814 feet long and 25 feet tall—9 feet taller than the previous pier—and it will also be handicap accessible with an elevator and ramps.

Before large retail stores appeared in Myrtle Beach, there was the original Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market. Built by Jack Hudson in 1975, and originally named Log Cabin Antique Store, today this flea market is still family owned and operated by the third generation of Hudsons. With 400 uncovered and covered vendor spaces, this is one of the largest open-air markets on the Grand Strand. Whether you’re a local or you’re visiting Surfside for the day, this flea market has something for everyone. The vendors here sell everything from antiques, clothing, and jewelry to golf supplies, handmade gifts, and tools. If you come here, we bet you won’t leave empty-handed.

The Grand Strand offers a variety of miniature golf courses to choose from, including Adventure Falls Golf in Surfside Beach, one of the best and cleanest courses around. Runaway Bay Mini Golf is another spot near Surfside Beach with two separate Jamaican-themed courses, and many people visiting the area also enjoy Gilligan’s Island Funland Golf for its lagoons, waterfalls, shipwrecks, and other obstacles that recall the classic TV show.

Surfside Bowl Entertainment Center is one of the best things for families to do. This venue features 32 professional lanes, 9 projection screens, and a mini bowling area for kids. Bowling here can entertain you for hours, but there’s more to enjoy here. The arcade features 30 video and prize games to keep the fun going.

One of the best aspects of a vacation is trying new cuisine and discovering awesome places to dine out, but it can be challenging to know which spot to try first. Surfside Beach is home to so many delicious restaurants that you probably won’t have time to dine at them all. For seafood, try Crabby Mike’s or Bubba’s Fish Shack, and for more upscale dining, head to The Original Valentino Italian Restaurant. Grab a beer and a bite at Dagwood’s Deli & Sports Bar, or join the locals at River City Café, Joey Doggs Burgers, or Fat Jack’s Wings & Things.

While Myrtle Beach has tons of beachfront bars, sometimes it’s nice to get off the beaten path and hang out with locals, and Surfside Beach offers many bars to enjoy a drink or two. Sundown Sports Pub, Scotty’s Beach Bar, Island Bar & Grill, Neal & Pam’s, Spencer’z Sports Bar, and Borgata are just a handful of a number of fantastic bars where you can kick back and enjoy a brew and entertainment, like karaoke, bingo, or live music.

Because the shoreline is less crowded than at Myrtle Beach, treasure hunters often enjoy more success in Surfside Beach. An early walk along the shore can afford visitors in Surfside Beach all kinds of treasures, from Myrtle Beach seashells to crabs and other critters or shark teeth. Those who enjoy metal detecting also find the quieter shores a good location to explore to look for lost or rare items.

Undoubtedly we saved the best for last because the beaches in Surfside Beach are some of the best. And, the beach rules are more relaxed here than in Myrtle Beach so you know your time on the shore will be leisurely and carefree. There are 36 access points for locals and visitors to reach the beautiful, sandy beaches, and many accesses include convenient shower stations. For wheelchair beach access, head to 3rd Avenue North, Surfside Pier, or Melody Lane. You may also contact the Surfside Beach Public Safety Department for special beach wheelchairs. Find your spot in the sand, relax, and bask in the sun listening to the waves crash on the shore.