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Your Guide to Surfside Beach, SC: The Family Beach with a Bustling Pier Village

  By  Ashley Daniels
Family Hotel Pool Sports Playing Ball Surfside Beach

We are traveling from the top of the Grand Strand to the bottom and exploring the unique 14 communities that make up the Myrtle Beach area. Just to the south of Myrtle Beach, you will find Surfside Beach, known as the “family beach” in the Grand Strand.

Surfside Beach was the first town to be certified as autism-friendly, taking a pledge to learn and assist families who travel with persons of sensory-processing disabilities. Surfside’s clean beaches are also supervised by lifeguards for an extra pair of eyes while your children are swimming in the waves.

The beauty of Surfside is that many of the restaurants, houses, and fun are within a golf cart drive away between the ocean and highway 17 – maybe even walking distance!

Surfside Beach: The Family Beach

Over the past several decades Surfside Beach has earned its reputation as "The Family Beach" by being a welcoming, family-oriented destination. Its wide, sandy shores are perfect for beach games, building sandcastles, or simply relaxing near the ocean.

Families can enjoy a varieties of watersports like parasailing and banana boat rides with Shoreline Watersports, or catch evening Polynesian fire shows on the beach. Local parks, including All Children’s Park, provide playgrounds and green spaces for kids to run and play.

In 2016, Surfside Beach became the first Autism-certified destination in the United States, reinforcing its inclusive atmosphere. The Champion Autism Network (CAN) — based in Surfside Beach — supports families traveling with members on the autism spectrum by offering autism-aware businesses, quick service at restaurants, quiet spaces, and autism-friendly lodging. Families can also access planning resources our Autism-Friendly Vacations page to ensure a stress-free experience.

Beyond the beach, Surfside offers plenty of family-friendly activities. Check out the brand-new miniature golf course called Mulligan's Lagoon , shop at Hudson's Flea Market or satisfy your sweet tooth at Gretel's Candy House. Explore indoor options like Surfside Bowling Center, Fun Warehouse with laser tag and skating, and Redline Simcade for high-tech racing and gaming. 

Surfside Beach Family Beach Pier

The Family Beach

Surfside Beach is home to a flat and calm beachfront perfect for playing in the surf and spending days relaxing with the family. 

Autism-Friendly Surfside Beach

Champion Autism Network

For the past decade CAN has helped make Surfside Beach one of the most Autism-friendly beach communities in the nation, with training for local businesses, special events and programs like the Autism Travel Club card.

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Shoreline Watersports Photo

Shoreline Watersports

Catch a banana boat ride or get your thrills parasailing high above the ocean in Surfside Beach. 

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Redline Simcade Photo

Redline Simcade

Enjoy indoor thrills as you race virtually at Redline. 

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Fun Warehouse Photo

Fun Warehouse

This indoor entertainment center near Surfside Beach includes a skating rink, go-karts, arcade, laser tag, bounce houses and more!

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Surfside Pier Village

Surfside Beach Fishing Pier is the heart of this charming seaside town, offering a perfect blend of coastal relaxation and vibrant entertainment.

Whether you're taking a breezy walk above the waves, casting a line for the catch of the day, or grabbing a bite at new Surf Diner, the pier offers something for everyone. Don’t forget to stop by Drippy’s Ice Cream for their famous Ice Cream Nachos—a must-try sweet treat—or swing by Perry’s Bait & Tackle to gear up for a fun day of fishing.

Just steps from the pier, an exciting lineup of restaurants awaits. River City Café serves up its iconic messy burgers with a side of ocean views, while Pizza Hyena takes pizza to the next level with creative wood-fired pies and mouthwatering smoked wings. Craving some Southern comfort? Gracious Pig delivers indulgent breakfast and brunch options alongside its famous barbecue, and Chimichanga Llama offers a fresh, colorful twist on Mexican-inspired favorites.

When the sun goes down, Surfside Beach Pier Village turns up the energy with great nightlife spots. Neal & Pam's, a local institution for over 40 years, is the go-to spot for live music, karaoke, and an unbeatably fun vibe. If you're looking for a relaxed place to sip a cocktail and enjoy the ocean breeze, oceanfront Scotty’s Beach Bar has you covered.

With good food, great drinks, and plenty of entertainment, the village is the perfect place to make unforgettable beachside memories.

Surfside Beach Pier Fishing Family

Surfside Fishing Pier

This newly-renovated pier is a great spot for castling a line with the family and grabbing your next big catch.

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Surfside Beach Pier Drippy's Ice Cream

Drippy's Ice Cream

After a long day in the sun — or just a short walk on the pier — cool off with sweet treats from Drippy's. Local's Tip: Try the "Salty Goat" flavor ice cream!

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Surfside Beach Chimichanga Llama Food

Chimichanga Llama

Enjoy a wide variety of Latin-inspired dishes in a fun, colorful setting with a great patio and live music.

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Surfside Beach Gracious Pig Food

Gracious Pig

Get "high on the hog" with pit-smoked barbecue and southern favorites from this smokehouse in the heart of Surfside. 

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Cheeseburger and fries on display

River City Cafe

Big, creative burgers are the name of the game at this oceanfront location of the locally-famous burger chain.

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Dining in Surfside Beach

For breakfast, a must-have is Benjamin’s Bakery and Café which has been a fixture in Surfside for over 30 years. Voted best of the Grand Strand, Benjamin’s serves tasty bagels, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and breads that are all homemade. Johnny D's Waffles, just north on U.S. 17 Business, is just as well regarded — if not quite as iconic — as Benjamin's, specializing in scrumptious Red Velvet Waffles, creative eggs Benedicts, heart skillets and a wide variety of breakfast fare.

Also nearby is Milk & Honey Coffee Cafe, a chic coffee shop, with a great cup of Joe and gourmet grub for breakfast or lunch. It is run by local chef Mason Zeglen — known for his appearances on Max's "The Big Brunch", "Guy's Grocery Games" and hosting the Myrtle Beach-based cooking competition "Chef Swap at The Beach."

A Myrtle Beach staple, Dagwood’s Deli & Sports Bar, also has a location in Surfside perfect for grabbing one of their legendary subs. It is known around town as the headquarters for all Washington Commanders and South Carolina Gamecock football fans but is a great place to watch any type of sports game in the area.

Other options to check out in or around the Surfside area include seafood buffets like Crabby Mike's and Crab Daddy's and one of the area's tastiest wing joints, Fat Jack's.

Johnny D's Red Velvet Waffle

Johnny D's Waffles & Benedicts

Run by heralded local chef Jamie Daskalis, this breakfast joint specializes in decadent and hearty fare including creative waffles, Benedicts & skillets.

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Benjamin's Bakery Surfside Beach

Benjamin's Bakery

Over the past 30 years, this quaint bakery has become an institution locally thanks to it's fresh-baked bagels, breads and breakfast sandwiches.

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Milk and Honey Coffee Cafe Surfside Beach

Milk & Honey Coffee Cafe

Come visit chef Mason Zeglen in this laid-back nook of a coffee shop for great java, pastries and excellent vibes.

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Dagwood's Bumstead's Sub

Dagwood's Pub & Sports Bar

This long-running sandwich dynasty earned its reputation with some of the best bread around. Go catch a game here — you'll be glad you did!

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Crab Daddy's Seafood Buffet Restaurant Photo

Crab Daddy's

Just a few miles south of Surfside, this hearty buffet brings everything you could want from the sea, in a colorful setting that's unique as the food it serves.

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Events in Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach offers a packed calendar of events throughout the year, making it a fantastic destination for visitors looking to enjoy the charm and excitement of this coastal town.

In the spring, highlights include the BBQ Festival in March, featuring mouthwatering barbecue and live entertainment, and the Easter Egg Hunt and Children's Fair, perfect for families. The Memorial Day Golf Cart Parade kicks off the summer season with festive fun, while the Farmers Market provides fresh, local goods and handmade items to explore.

Summer is filled with beachside activities like the weekly Hula Dancer and Fire Shows and the Summer Concert Series on Sunday evenings at Memorial Park. Surfing enthusiasts can catch a variety of competitions throughout the season, and the 4th of July Parade and Fireworks is a can’t-miss celebration with patriotic floats and a dazzling fireworks display.

Fall brings festive favorites such as the Halloween Hot Rod Car Show, CAN Meatball Challenge, and Halloween Golf Cart Parade for family fun. The Veterans Day Service is a meaningful tribute to those who served, offering a chance to connect with the community.

The holiday season transforms Surfside Beach into a winter wonderland with the Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Breakfast with Santa. Visitors can also enjoy the Yuletide Golf Cart Parade, a Christmas Movie Under the Stars, and the festive Trolley of Christmas Lights. With events for every season, Surfside Beach is the perfect destination for year-round fun and entertainment

Surfside Beach Fire & Hula Show

Surfside Beach Hula & Fire Dancer Show

Enjoy the free Surfside Beach Fire Hula Show every Monday night from 7-8 p.m., June through August, featuring captivating Polynesian dances and thrilling fire knife performances.

Surfside Beach BBQ Festival

Surfside BBQ Festival

Competition teams from all over the region come to compete for your favor with tasty barbecue dishes of all sorts at a two-day festival.

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Surfside Beach Family Festival

Surfside Family Festival

This lively fall event featuring live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts, and fun activities for all ages, making it a must-visit for families.

CAN Meatball Challenge Surfside Beach

CAN Meatball Challenge

Held in conjunction with the Halloween Hot Rod Car Show, this fall event celebrates this Italian Favorite in unique ways.

Breakfast with Santa Surfside Beach

Holidays in Surfside

The Christmas season is packed with events including a golf cart parade, tree lighting, breakfast with Santa and a holiday lights trolley. 

Ashley Daniels

Ashley Daniels of Myrtle Beach is a full-time freelance writer, editor, wife, and mother of three sons and two fur babies. Most recently, she also became a published author of "100 Things to Do in Myrtle Beach Before You Die," part of a bestselling national series. A native of Eastern PA, Ashley received her bachelor’s in English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh and her MA in Writing from Coastal Carolina University. Today, her folio boasts nearly 25 years of regional and nationally published printed magazine features, blogs, and web copy for a roster of clients, and ADDY award-winning copywriting. For more info, visit www.ashleymdaniels.com

Surfside Beach Videos

The Beach's Best Bagels

In this episode, Johanna visits Benjamin's Bakery in Surfside Beach. Benjamin's is a staple of the Grand Strand community, known for their baked goods and coffee. They have been supplying breads and other baked goods to restaurants in the community for years and years - so chances are you've eaten a roll from Benjamin's Bakery!

Myrtle Beach Karaoke in Surfside Beach

Julio hits "The Family Beach" for an offseason excursion, taking in the beautiful weather October brings and hanging with some families on Fall Break in Surfside Beach.

Did You Know: Myrtle Beach & Surfside Beach are Autism-Friendly Destinations

Paul and Mary Stein with Daxton share their autism-friendly Myrtle Beach vacation story.

 

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