What’s New in Surfside Beach? Hidden Gems Worth Discovering
The pier is just the start of fresh finds in Surfside
Long known as The Family Beach, Surfside Beach is a laid-back, welcoming stretch of the Grand Strand built for slow mornings and sandy afternoons.
Its crown jewel, the Surfside Beach Pier, was rebuilt as a striking, one-of-a-kind concrete pier and reopened in 2024, and it’s quickly filling with new shops and restaurants that have the whole town buzzing.
Beyond the pier, a lively Pier Village and a fresh crop of local spots, from the Grand Strand’s newest mini golf course to a refined oceanfront wine bar, are giving visitors even more to love. These are the hidden gems worth seeking out.
2298 Glenns Bay Rd, Surfside Beach
A cozy neighborhood favorite, Casa Mia’s Surfside serves up crave-worthy Italian classics, from New York-style brick-oven pizza and hearty pasta to fresh salads and even Maryland-style crab cakes. Warm service and generous portions make it a reliable pick for a relaxed family dinner just minutes from the beach.
813 Surfside Dr, Surfside Beach
A welcome addition to downtown Surfside Beach, Griffin's Public House has brought new life to a familiar gathering spot on Surfside Drive. This laid-back neighborhood pub serves up cold drinks, good company, and a spacious outdoor patio that's become one of the best places in town to unwind. It's also home to the iconic Surfside Beach Hat Girl Mural, making it a popular stop for photos before or after grabbing a drink. Whether you're meeting friends for happy hour, catching the game, or simply soaking up the beach-town atmosphere, Griffin's feels right at home in the heart of The Family Beach.
351 US-17 Business N, Surfside Beach
A cozy spot to start your morning, Milk & Honey Coffee Cafe serves handcrafted coffee drinks, sweet treats, and cafe fare in a welcoming, easygoing setting. Pop in for a latte and a pastry before a day at the beach, or settle in for a relaxed bite. It’s the kind of friendly local cafe that makes you want to linger.
735 Hwy 17 Business, Surfside Beach
The Grand Strand's newest mini golf destination, Mulligan's Lagoon brings a fresh twist to a classic beach vacation tradition. Opened in 2024, this family-friendly attraction features 36 holes of tropical-themed putting adventures complete with waterfalls, winding paths, and plenty of opportunities for friendly competition. When the final putt drops, head indoors to tackle nearly 50 arcade games, grab a bite to eat, and keep the fun rolling. Whether you're escaping a summer shower or looking for an evening activity after the beach, it's the kind of place where a quick game can easily turn into an all-afternoon family outing.
Surfside Drive
At the base of the pier, the newly dubbed Pier Village Area is the lively hub where you can experience all that Surfside has to offer. Grab wood-fired pizza and smoked wings at Pizza Hyena, slow-roasted barbecue and brunch at Gracious Pig, Latin-inspired plates at Chimichanga Llama, and fresh seafood at Bubba’s Fish Shack, then cap the night at Neal & Pam’s, a local institution serving up live music and karaoke for more than 40 years. It’s the perfect place to eat, sip, and soak up the easygoing beach-town energy.
You can tell a lot about a beach town by its burger joint, and Surf Dawgs Grill doesn't disappoint. This Surfside favorite has built a loyal following with creative choices that go far beyond the standard beach burger. Crowd favorites include the Carolina Dawg piled high with chili, slaw, mustard, and onions, the signature Surfside Burger stacked with house-made toppings, and the Carolina Coast, a local-inspired creation packed with coastal flavor. The menu is full of personality, from gourmet hot dogs and smashburgers with crispy edges to loaded fries that practically deserve their own entrée. Add in the colorful mural outside, and you've got a spot that's equal parts local landmark and lunch destination. Casual, creative, and unmistakably Surfside Beach.
11 S Ocean Blvd, Surfside Beach (on the pier)
A longtime pier favorite was reborn when the Surf Diner returned in 2026, bringing its classic beach-diner vibes back to the oceanfront with all-new surroundings atop the revitalized pier. Pull up for hearty breakfasts, burgers, seafood, and all the casual comfort food that makes a day at the beach complete, with the Atlantic right outside the window. It’s a feel-good spot with outstanding oceanfront patio views that the whole family will love.
The Surfside Beach Fishing Pier may not be hidden — it's literally central to everything happening in the town — but it's a gem nonetheless. Its recent transformation makes it one of the area's most exciting rediscoveries. Reopened in 2024, the striking all-concrete pier stretches more than 800 feet into the Atlantic and has quickly reclaimed its place as the heart of The Family Beach. Rebuilt after Hurricane Matthew, the pier now offers more than just fishing and ocean views. A growing collection of activities atop the pier includes an ice cream shop, bait and tackle shop, a wine bar, a restaurant and ample room for fishing, strolling and sightseeing. This has created a lively atmosphere that keeps visitors lingering to enjoy all it has to offer.
825 Surfside Drive
A charming stop for beachy finds, Surfside Shore Decor is full of coastal-themed home decor, furniture, lighting, gifts, and accessories. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect souvenir, a hostess gift, or a little something to bring the beach home with you, it’s a delightful place to browse. Surfside often doesn't get recognized for having a thriving "downtown", but a quick walk through this area's shops and restaurants proves otherwise.
11 Ocean Blvd S, Surfside Beach (on the pier)
Surfside’s most refined surprise, The Whistling Duck is a one-of-a-kind wine and charcuterie bar perched right on the pier. With a breezy boho-beach-industrial look, a central bar, and a wall of windows framing the ocean, it pairs thoughtfully curated wines and local craft beers with beautiful charcuterie boards and shareable plates. It’s an elegant, unexpected gem with one of the best views in town.