Blog written by: Tracy S.
Tracy writes for Dunes Realty, sharing vacation planning tips, travel insights, local things to do, and property highlights to help guests make the most of their time along the South Carolina coast.
There are so many amazing things to do in Surfside Beach, SC. Perhaps that is why it has been nicknamed “The Family Beach”. Located on the Grand Strand just south of Myrtle Beach, this family-friendly community beckons families from across the globe for a relaxing oceanfront vacation.
Surfside Beach is where life slows down, and memory-making speeds up. Away from the flashing lights and faster-pace lifestyle of Myrtle Beach, this stretch of beach is a place where childhood vacations are magical. Family fun is easy here! Let us show you why.
In this article:
- Why Surfside Beach is Perfect for Families
- Laid-Back Vibes
- Highly Accessible Environment
- Autism Friendly Certification
- Central Amenities
- Accessible Beach
- Family-Friendly Things to Do
- Kid-Friendly Restaurants
- Staying in Surfside Beach
- Frequently Asked Questions
See Why Surfside Beach is Perfect for Families
From charming sidewalks to easy beach access, there are a plethora of reasons to consider Surfside Beach for your next family vacation.
Laid-Back Vibes
This quiet, residential community fosters an environment that is perfect for families who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are no high-rise hotels or loud nightclubs. This is a place where families can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere that is safe and appropriate for children. It is also an ideal destination for multi-generational vacations or family reunions. The grandparents will enjoy this beach getaway as much as the kiddos!
Surfside Beach offers a tight-knit community of beach vacation rentals and small hotels. Local ordinances are strictly enforced in an effort to keep the area safe and calm. In fact, local beach laws prohibit vehicles, alcohol, and thong bikinis. The town also enforces noise ordinances, drinking while driving, driving under the influence, and drinking in public.
Highly Accessible Environment
Autism-Friendly Certification
Did you know that Surfside Beach was the first travel destination in the U.S. to earn the distinction of a certified Autism-friendly community? Since 2016, local businesses, restaurants, and attractions have been trained to accommodate families with sensory processing and special needs through the Champion Autism Network.
Central Amenities
One of the best things about Surfside Beach is that everything is centrally located. Most families find the area to be extremely walkable, while others prefer the ease of getting around on a golf cart. You will find entertainment, restaurants, shops, and beach access points to be easily accessible from just about anywhere within the community.
Accessible Beaches
Locals and visitors can access the beach from any of the town's 36 access points. This makes getting on the beach easy and convenient, no matter where you stay in Surfside Beach. In addition to well-marked beach accesses, you will find access points with lifeguards, wheelchair ramps, and mobility mats. The town also offers residents, homeowners, and guests staying in Surfside Beach the opportunity to use beach wheelchairs, which are available through the police department.
Wheelchair access is available at the following locations:
- 3rd Avenue North
- Surfside Pier
- 3rd Avenue South
- 13th Avenue South
- Melody Lane
Beach walking mats are provided to assist with mobility challenges at these locations:
- 3rd Avenue North
- Surfside Pier
- 16th Avenue North
- 3rd Avenue South
- 13th Avenue South
Lifeguard stations can be found from mid-June through mid-August at the following locations:
- Holiday Inn at 16th Avenue North
- 12th Avenue North
- 6th Avenue North
- 3rd Avenue North
- 1st Avenue North
- Days Inn at Pier
- 4th Avenue South
- 15th Avenue South
- 10th Avenue South
- 13th Avenue South
Additionally, the wide beaches make it easy to keep kids and family members within view. Even on a more crowded summer day, there is still plenty of room for the entire family to stretch out and have their own slice of paradise in the sand.
Family-Friendly Things to Do
While the beach is the main attraction for most family vacations, there are plenty of other Surfside Beach things to do with kids. Here are a few of our favorites!
Surfside Beach Pier
The newly rebuilt Surfside Beach Pier offers families a chance to go fishing, observe other fishermen, get a scoop of ice cream, and indulge in other kid-friendly fun. The 814-foot marvel opened in March of 2024, offering fishing, dining, vendor kiosks, entertainment, and amazing views.
Admission to the pier is free. For those wishing to cast a line, fishing passes and rod rentals are affordable. Here are a few other things you can do at the Surfside Beach Pier Village.
- Free Hula & Fire Dancer Shows: Every Monday at the pier, June 8-August 10
- Free Crafter's Cove: Every Thursday at the pier, June 10-August 14, for children 10 and under
- Surf Diner
- Drippy's Homemade Ice Cream
- The Whistling Duck Restaurant & Wine Bar
- Perry's Bait & Tackle Shop
Mulligan’s Lagoon: Putt-Putt Golf & Arcade
Mulligan’s Lagoon is an exciting 36-hole mini-golf course for players of all ages! There are two courses to choose from, each nestled among beautiful landscaping and themed holes. Every game is an opportunity for a memorable experience. For indoor fun, check out the arcade. You will find classics, like Skee-ball, along with a wide variety of new challenges.
Fuller Park & Martin Park
The town features several parks for families to enjoy. If you are looking for fun things to do in Surfside Beach, SC, you can always opt for a traditional picnic in the park. Fuller Park, centrally located, offers visitors and locals access to shaded areas that include tennis courts, a playground, and a picnic area. Martin Park is a lakeside recreation area located on Lakeside Drive and 8th Avenue South. There are shuffleboard courts, a horseshoe pit, bocce ball courts, a playground, and picnic shelters.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants
If you are looking for delicious restaurants with family-friendly vibes, then look no further! Here is a quick list with a few of our favorite places to eat in Surfside Beach that offer something for everyone:
- Lunch & dinner
- Live music
- Drink menu
- Outdoor seating
- Nachos, tacos, salads, margaritas, & more
- Lunch & dinner
- Great cocktails & beer
- Outdoor seating
- Wood-fired pizza, wings, salads, sandwiches, & more
- Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
- Full breakfast menu
- Live music
- Outdoor seating
- Biscuits, pulled pork, chopped brisket, smoked BBQ chicken, cold beer, & more
- Breakfast & lunch
- Made-fresh bread, bagels, and pastries
- Freshly roasted coffee
- Breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, doughnuts, bagels, coffee, & more
- Breakfast & lunch
- Kid’s menu
- Outdoor seating
- Seafood & coastal eats
- All-you-can-eat catfish, crab cakes, fried green tomatoes, shrimp, & more
- Breakfast, lunch, & select Greek dinner nights
- American Greek cuisine
- Biscuits & gravy, shrimp ‘n grits, sandwiches, burgers, gyros, and more
Book Your Family-Friendly Vacation with Dunes Realty
Now that you have uncovered the family-friendly things to do in Surfside Beach, and the reason it is called “The Family Beach”, it’s time to book your getaway. At Dunes Realty, we offer an impressive selection of vacation rentals for you to choose from. Whether you are looking for an oceanfront oasis or a cozy cottage, we have the ideal rental for you. For those whose families include a fur baby, be sure to browse our collection of pet-friendly homes. For an elevated beach vacation, consider a rental home with a private pool.
Our team of vacation professionals and local experts is standing by to help make your vacation dreams come true!
Start your search for the perfect Surfside Beach vacation rental today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there bike rallies in Surfside Beach?
Yes. Each May, two bike rallies come to town. The town does an excellent job of enforcing ordinances and ensuring everyone stays safe.
Does Surfside Beach host any annual events?
Yes. There is a BBQ Festival in the spring and a Family Fest each fall. We hope you will check them out if you happen to be visiting during that time.
Are there any fun, free things to do along the South Strand?
Sure! Whether you want to visit the South Carolina Hall of Fame or simply hit the beach, we have a blog post dedicated to South Strand free things to do.
