Located in the heart of South Carolina, Surfside Beach is a popular vacation destination for travelers looking to soak up some sun and enjoy all the area has to offer. With miles of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and plenty of activities, it’s no surprise why Surfside Beach is one of the most sought-after tourist locations in South Carolina. From outdoor recreation and shopping to dining, entertainment, and much more, this beautiful surfside beach town offers something for everyone!
When visiting Surfside Beach, there are plenty of things to do that will ensure an unforgettable trip. From sandcastle-building contests to daily fishing excursions, nature walks on nearby trails, or surfing lessons in the surf – there is something for everyone! This blog post will discuss the Best Things To Do In Surfside Beach SC.
Things to do in Surfside SC: Surfside Beach Attractions
If you’re looking for a perfect family beach to stay in Surfside Beach, you won’t be disappointed! The calm and relaxed atmosphere makes it the ideal place for families to vacation. There are plenty of tourist attractions to enjoy while visiting the area. There’s something for everyone, from arcades and mini golf courses to beautiful beaches. As a bonus, most attractions in Surfside Beach are pet-friendly, so your furry family members can join in on all the fun.
Other attractions like kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and water sports make this destination one of a kind. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach walk or an adventurous day out on the waves, there is something for everyone at Surfside Beach.
1. Family Kingdom Amusement Park
Family Kingdom Amusement Park is an excellent destination for fun-filled family entertainment in Surfside Beach, SC. Located just minutes from the beach, this amusement park offers more than 30 rides ranging from kiddie rides to thrilling roller coasters and an oceanfront water park. Whether you’re looking for a day full of exhilarating thrills or want to take it easy and relax, you’ll find something that will make your vacation special at Family Kingdom Amusement Park.
One of the most popular attractions is Swamp Fox Wooden Roller Coaster, which is over a century old. This wooden coaster takes riders on a wild ride with drops and climbs that give it its iconic character and charm. For those who prefer gentler rides, there are several carousels, bumper cars, Ferris wheels, and several smaller kid’s rides.
2. Myrtle Beach State Park
This park offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature and explore one of South Carolina’s most stunning stretches of coastline. From swimming and sunbathing to fishing and other recreational activities, there’s something for everyone at this picturesque destination.
The park also boasts miles of trails that provide incredible ocean views—perfect for an afternoon hike or bike ride. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, this park is sure to offer an unforgettable experience with its breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife.
3. Ripley’s Aquarium
This fantastic aquarium brings the ocean to life with its array of tropical fish, sharks, and other sea creatures that visitors can view in tanks and as part of interactive displays. Guests are invited to touch starfish and horseshoe crabs, hold sea urchins, and even feed stingrays while enjoying all Ripley’s Aquarium offers. It also features daily shows like Dive Show Spectaculars, Penguin Encounters, Ray Bay Feedings, and more! With plenty of hands-on activities to keep everyone entertained, this aquarium will surely make your trip one you won’t forget!
4. Broadway at the Beach Shopping & Entertainment Complex
It offers a variety of entertainment and shopping opportunities to visitors, with something for everyone in the family to enjoy. The complex has over 100 shops and eateries, from famous national retailers to unique local stores, as well as 20 thrilling rides and attractions that will make your visit memorable. There’s a separate area for children called Celebrity Square, which includes an interactive fountain show with lights, music, and dancing water, plus carnival games and other kid-friendly amusements like mini golf courses.
For adults looking for fun nightlife activities, there is also an outdoor amphitheater hosting live concerts throughout the year featuring top artists from around the country. With so much to explore, you’ll never be bored visiting Broadway at the Beach Shopping & Entertainment Complex!
5. The Market Common Retail District
This exciting outdoor shopping and dining destination is popular with locals and tourists. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues. From upscale fashion stores to everyday essentials like grocery stores and pharmacies, there is something for everyone here! The Market Common also features various activities, such as concerts in the park, movie nights in the plaza courtyard, and seasonal events throughout the year.
Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or exploring local businesses – The Market Common has it all! Surrounded by lush landscaping and beautiful architecture – The Market Common offers visitors a unique experience that will make your visit to Surfside Beach even more memorable!
6. Arcades, Mini Golf & Go Karts
Surfside Beach, South Carolina, is the perfect beach vacation spot for families looking for fun and excitement. With plenty of outdoor activities, restaurants, and shopping opportunities, Surfside Beach also offers plenty of indoor activities when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Arcades, mini-golf courses, and go-kart tracks are some family-friendly attractions that make Surfside Beach an ideal getaway destination.
Arcades provide hours of entertainment with classic games like pinball machines and skeeball and modern favorites like air hockey and racing games. For more active amusement time, try one of Surfside’s several mini golf courses that offer unique layouts with lots of twists and turns to keep players engaged from start to finish.
7. Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park
One of the top attractions in the area is Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington State Park, two beautiful outdoor destinations offering a variety of activities.
Brookgreen Gardens feature sprawling gardens, wildlife habitats, impressive sculpture gardens, and a zoo showcasing native species like alligators and river otters. Guests can also take an educational tour of the 19th-century rice plantations, once part of the Lowcountry landscape. In addition to its natural beauty, visitors will find several historical artifacts from past times on display throughout the property.
8. Surfside Beach Pier
It offers visitors a chance to enjoy beautiful scenery, ocean views, and various activities such as fishing and sunbathing. The pier also features an array of shops and restaurants, providing visitors with plenty of entertainment options. Several events are held throughout the year at Surfside Beach Pier, including live music, art shows, and festivals. With its convenient location and endless opportunities for fun, Surfside Beach Pier is sure to be an unforgettable experience for all who visit it.
9. Celebration Music Theatre
Celebration Music Theatre in Surfside is a great place to enjoy an evening of entertainment. They offer a range of beautiful shows, including musicals, comedies, and dramas. The theatre hosts concerts with some of the best local and national artists. The cozy atmosphere makes it perfect for enjoying a night out with friends and family. Additionally, there are plenty of activities to enjoy after the show, such as karaoke nights, trivia competitions, and themed events.
10. Shoreline Water sports
Shoreline Water Sports is great for outdoor fun in the sun. From jet skiing and wakeboarding to paddleboarding and tubing, there’s something for everyone. With facilities located in some of the most beautiful locations around the country, it offers a variety of activities for all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the lake or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Shoreline has it all. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help you get your gear together and ready to go.
11. Fishing Charters and Tours
From the white sandy beaches to the beautiful blue waters, there is something for everyone at Surfside Beach. One activity that will surely be a hit with visitors of any age group is fishing charters and tours.
The fishing charters and tours in Surfside Beach are top-notch and provide an excellent opportunity to get out on the ocean for incredible deep-sea fishing. All levels of anglers can enjoy these trips as professional guides will be on board to show you what spots have been producing the best catches recently. You’ll also learn how to use different bait and lures so that your chance of reeling in some big ones increases significantly!
12. Surfside Bowling Center
Bowlers of all ages and abilities can come together for a fun-filled night of bowling at this family-friendly establishment. Located just off the main street, Surfside Bowling Center offers 12 lanes with automatic scoring, bumper bowling for children and adults alike, and an onsite cafe/snack bar to keep hunger away as you bowl.
Surfside Bowling Center has something for everyone; from cosmic bowling and nights to open play times during the day, this center offers a variety of gaming options to fit your schedule. On Saturday nights, they feature Cosmic bowling with black lights, music, and glow-in-the-dark features that will make any bowler smile.
13. Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market – Buy Souvenir
M. Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market is a paradise for treasure hunters and bargain shoppers. This flea market has various items to choose from in the small coastal town of Surfside. You can find antiques, vintage furniture, clothing, books, art, handmade jewelry, and more. It’s also a great place to pick up souvenirs such as postcards, keychains, and t-shirts. This flea market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, and it’s sure to be packed with locals and tourists looking for hidden gems.
14. Beach Beads & Glass Studio
If you’re looking for a fun and creative activity in Surfside, you should check out Beach Beads & Glass Studio. Here, you can learn how to make unique jewelry pieces from glass beads and shells. They offer workshops and classes to learn bead stringing, wire wrapping, and lampwork techniques. You can also purchase supplies for your projects or browse their handmade jewelry selection. Beach Beads & Glass Studio also offers private parties where you can come with friends and family to create beautiful works of art together. With their wide selection of materials, tools, and instructions, they can provide an enjoyable experience for all ages!
15. Oceanfront Dining Options
Surfside Beach, SC, offers a wide variety of visitor activities, but oceanfront dining is one of the most enjoyable. With an abundance of restaurants on the waterfront, diners can experience some of the best seafood in the area while taking in magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean.
From casual seaside eateries to upscale establishments, Surfside Beach has something for everyone regarding oceanfront dining. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, oysters, Rockefeller, and more, and all served with stunning views along South Carolina’s Grand Strand. Plenty of other options, such as steaks and sandwiches, satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
16. Seafood Restaurants
Surfside Beach, SC, is the perfect destination for seafood lovers. With its wide selection of fresh catches, visitors can enjoy a variety of seafood delicacies right on the beach. Seafood restaurants in Surfside Beach offer some of the most delicious and unique dishes. Whether you want to savor a traditional Lowcountry boil or try something new, there’s something for everyone at these local eateries. From casual beachfront bars to fine dining establishments, here are some of our favorite seafood restaurants in Surfside Beach. Enjoy everything from classic shrimp and grits to creative takes on sushi rolls—all with an unforgettable ocean view!
17. Local Pubs and Sports Bars
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere filled with craft beers and comfort food or an exciting night of watching sports on big screens, Surfside Beach has it all. Check out these top-rated spots for an unforgettable experience. You can find exactly what you’re looking for, from pool tables to trivia nights. Enjoy traditional pub fare with a modern twist at Hammerhead Jack’s Pub & Grub. Featuring hearty bar food and local brews, this spot is always lively and full of people ready to have fun.
18. Exploring Local Parks
With an abundance of outdoor activities available to take part in, visitors can make their beach vacation even more memorable by taking some time to enjoy the local parks. From picnicking and grilling out with friends and family to exploring nature trails or playing sports with a group, there is something for everyone when visiting these parks.
The famous Ocean Bay Park, located on the south end of Surfside Beach, offers over 85 acres dedicated to providing recreational opportunities within a natural setting. Visitors can find picnic tables, playgrounds, and open green spaces perfect for running around or enjoying a game of frisbee. There are also nature trails that wind through swampy areas where you may spot birds and other wildlife as you walk along.
19. Take a Stroll Along the Boardwalk
This charming boardwalk offers stunning ocean views and a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. With an array of shops, restaurants, and arcades lining the walkway, there’s something for everyone to experience. Visitors can find plenty of exciting attractions on either side of the boardwalk and take in some breathtaking scenery as they make their way. From beach-goers soaking up the sun during summer months to families enjoying ice cream cones while admiring the waves lapping upon the sand, there’s never a dull moment here. Even better, those looking for adventure are invited to rent bikes or scooters and explore further down the Shoreline.
20. Visiting Local Museums
The Surfside Beach Museum is a trendy destination for those who want to learn about the history and culture of this great beach town. Here visitors can explore displays showing artifacts from old fishing villages, examine historical shipwrecks, and hear stories about how different cultures have mingled in Surfside Beach over time.
The Richardson Museum of Natural History also offers unique opportunities to explore the natural beauty of Surfside Beach and its surrounding areas. This museum has exhibits on a variety of topics, such as sea life, birds, hiking trails, plants, and flowers. Visitors can even take guided tours through interactive displays that help them better understand the area’s ecology and conservation efforts.
21. Window Shopping at Boutiques
From home décor to clothing, these unique stores offer something for everyone. A great place to start your boutique exploration is along Atlantic Avenue, where you’ll find a wide variety of shops offering an array of items, from beachwear and jewelry to antiques and souvenirs. You’ll also find fantastic art galleries, bookstores, and gift shops scattered throughout Surfside Beach that are sure to have something special for everyone.
22. H. Blue Huckabee Recreation Complex
The H. Blue Huckabee Recreation Complex is a great place to go for some fun and relaxation. It offers a variety of activities, including swimming, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and much more. The complex also has a large playground with slides and swings for children to enjoy. Additionally, there is an area with picnic tables where families can sit and eat together or relax in the sun. The complex also offers fitness classes and other recreational activities such as aerobics, yoga, tai chi, and martial arts. With so much to offer at this recreation complex, it’s no wonder why so many people choose it as a destination for their recreational needs!
23. Nostalgia City & Museum
Nostalgia City & Museum is a great place to visit in Surfside. It features some of the most exciting and unique attractions in the city. Visitors can explore an old-fashioned movie theater, take a guided tour of the vintage cars on display, or learn about the history of Surfside through various interactive exhibits. The museum also boasts an extensive collection of memorabilia from local businesses and a range of artifacts from around the world.
For those looking for something more recreational, there are plenty of activities to enjoy at Nostalgia City & Museum, from arcade games and pinball machines to mini golf and go-karts. This venue has something for everyone and will surely provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.
24. Eternal Wave Surf Shop
The Eternal Wave Surf Shop in Surfside is the perfect place to find everything you need for a great day at the beach. With a wide selection of boards, wetsuits, and accessories, you’ll find something that fits your style. You can also rent surfboards and take lessons with experienced instructors who will help you quickly catch those waves. The shop also organizes events such as movie nights, surf contests, and live performances by local bands. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, Eternal Wave Surf Shop offers something for everyone, making it the ideal destination for all your surfing needs.
25. Sweet Peppers & Hot Ice Cream
Surfside is a great place to explore the unique combination of sweet peppers and hot ice cream. With its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches, Surfside offers plenty of exciting and fun things to do. Start your day off with a visit to the local farmers’ market, where you can find freshly-picked sweet peppers in all colors and sizes. Afterward, why not try some hot ice cream? There are plenty of ice cream parlors to choose from that serve up this delicious treat topped with your favorite toppings.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try exciting flavors like black pepper ice cream or chili chocolate. After a day out exploring the town, take some time to relax on one of Surfside’s many beaches while enjoying the unique taste of sweet peppers and hot ice cream.
26. Oceans Edge Salon & Spa
The salon offers various services, such as haircuts, massages, facials, manicures, waxing, and more. Relax in one of their comfortable massage chairs while getting a luxurious scalp massage, or enjoy a facial that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. They also offer kayaking trips and fishing charters if you’re looking for something more adventurous.
27. Old Time Pottery
Old Time Pottery in Surfside is a great destination for any traveler exploring the local culture. From browsing the vast selection of antiques and vintage items to shopping for handmade crafts and home decor, this store has something for everyone. Visitors can experience pottery-making classes, guided tours of the store’s collection of art and artifacts, and even take part in special events like wine tastings or movie nights. With an extensive array of activities available, Old Time Pottery is a great place to spend an afternoon exploring the area’s history and culture while enjoying fun activities with family or friends.
28. Wild Water & Wheels water park
Wild Water & Wheels in Surfside is a great water park for the whole family. It has something for everyone, from thrilling waterslides to lazy rivers. You can also enjoy go-karts, mini golf, and bumper boats. Plenty of food and beverage options are available to keep you going throughout the day. The park also offers private cabanas that can be rented for a more relaxing experience. All these activities make it an ideal spot for a family day out or a birthday party. Whether you’re looking to get wet and wild or lounge around by the pools, Wild Water and Wheels will keep you entertained all day!
