Looking for a family beach getaway? Surfside Beach South Carolina is the perfect destination. In this post I am sharing the best things to do in Surfside Beach South Carolina for your next vacation.
Surfside Beach, South Carolina is south of the downtown Myrtle Beach area on the east coast of the United States. It is a quiet family-friendly area with beach house rentals lining the Atlantic ocean.
It’s location makes it easy to drive to the most popular things to do in Myrtle Beach as well as offers a less busy escape for families looking to relax. We have spent many Myrtle Beach vacations in Surfside Beach and it is one of our favorite family friendly beach spots.
Where is Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is located south of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It is on the East Coast of the United States.
Surfside Beach is best for families looking for a less spring break crowd. With its abundance of beach house rentals it is a great place for a multi-generational vacation.
Surfside Beach is very walkable with beach access on nearly every block as well as multiple restaurant options. Many families rent a golf cart to explore the area.
Surfside Beach is great for young children as well as teens and adults. It has something the whole family will enjoy it.
Top Things to Do in Surfside Beach SC
Some of the top things we like to do in Surfside Beach is enjoy the amazing beaches and try the different restaurants nearby. As much as I like a packed trip itinerary, at times I am looking for a slower paced vacation and Surfside Beach is a perfect choice.
Duck Donuts
Duck Donuts has been a favorite of our since first trying in Hershey, Pennsylvania. We were so excited to see they opened a location in Surfside, South Carolina.
The locations was minutes from our beach house and just as delicious as I remember. If you can I highly suggest ordering online ahead of time.
Beach Time
There are 36 Town access points to the beach and some offer wheelchair accessibility. There is paid parking available as well as restroom and shower facilities.
The beaches can get busy, especially during the busy season, but we never had any trouble finding a spot.
Eat at the Popular Restaurants
One of the things I love about staying in Surfside for a beach vacation is you don’t have to leave. We could spend an entire week in the area and enjoy a new restaurant each night all within walking distance of our beach house.
Some of our favorite spots to eat that are good for the whole family are the following:
- Rivercity Cafe
- Bubba’s Fish Shack
- Gracious Pig Smokehouse
- Surfside Beach Pizza
- Pizza Hyena *we haven’t tried this one yet!
- Neil & Pam’s Bar & Grill *we haven’t tried this one yet! (They often have live music and evening entertainment.
Surfside Pier
Many nights during our beach vacation were spent going for an after dinner walk along the beach and treating ourselves to ice cream at Drippy’s Homemade Ice Cream Shop on the pier. The pier is free to walk on and a really nice place to watch the sunset.
Surfside Beach Farmer’s Market
The Surfside Farmer’s Market is a great place to shop local and stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Typically the market runs from April-December on Tuesdays from 10:00am-3:00pm.
Shoreline Watersports
If you and your family are looking for adventure check out Shoreline Watersport. Shoreline Watersports offers parasailing and banana boat rides. Participants must be 42 inches tall.
Water Sports don’t have to be extreme either. We had fun renting skim boards during our most recent trip.
Surfside Bowling Center
If you are looking to escape a hot afternoon or just want some evening family fun consider visiting the bowling alley! Surfside Bowling Center has bowling, an arcade, and a bar and grill.
Harbor Lights Batting
If you are a baseball family consider spending time at the Harbor Lights Batting Cage during your visit to Surfside Beach South Carolina.
Things to Do Nearby
Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach State Park has a pier, picnic area, beaches, and camping area. It does not offer free admission but is a nice place to visit if you want to spend the day at the park.
Market Common
Market Commons is a shopping and dining area that has grown a lot in recent years. It has one of my favorite places to eat in Myrtle Beach, Nacho Hippo as well as a great playground for young children.
North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach has the outlet malls, mini-golf, and dining options. It is about a 30 minute drive from Surfside Beach, depending on traffic.
We like to plan a morning at the outlets during our Surfside Beach trip.
Downtown Myrtle Beach
Downtown Myrtle Beach is where you will find the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Grand Strand, and the SkyWheel. This is in the busiest area of Myrtle Beach.
We like a quieter vacation but if you are interested find a place to park and walk the paved path along the beach stopping at all the touristy gift shops. It can be a fun addition to your Myrtle Beach trip.
Dinner Shows Near Surfside Beach, SC
Dinner shows are such a fun way to enjoy your time in Myrtle Beach. We have done the Pirate Adventure numerous times and always enjoy it.
I do wish they would update the story to a new one because it can be pricey for a family to purchase tickets.
There is also a Medieval Times, Polynesian Fire Luau, and House of Blues hosts a Murder Mystery Dinner. Make reservations for these shows before you leave for your vacation.
Broadway at the Beach
If it is your first time or you are returning to Myrtle Beach you want to visit Broadway at the Beach. This entertainment complex has great restaurants and family fun things to do.
Be sure to check out Ripley’s Aquarium. They have a really cute gift shop too! We tried Paula Deans for lunch on our recent visit and it was really good!
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is south of Surfside in Murrells Inlet. This outdoor garden has animal exhibits, sculptures, and walking areas set among beautiful gardens.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a quiet beach vacation with lots of dining options and beach days Surfside Beach South Carolina is for you. It is family friendly and a great place for a beach vacation.
It is our first option when we plan a Myrtle Beach trip and we will continue to visit there for our next beach vacation.
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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.