Discover The 10 Best Things To Do In Surfside Beach, South Carolina

Dianne
Posted May 18, 2022
| 4 min read

If you’re looking for a chilled out vacation option away from the horde of tourists, then head to Surfside Beach for some great seaside attractions. Its variety of family friendly activities, shopping and eating options will be all you need to enjoy your time in the sun and sand. It also features amazing vacation rentals for your accommodation needs. Discover the best things to do in Surfside Beach, South Carolina and start planning your next trip away on the Atlantic Coast.

1. Surfside Pier

Despite suffering some hurricane damage in 2016, Surfside Pier is currently being rebuilt and is still a welcome attraction. What better way to enjoy your lunch than to sit in one of the restaurants with the sea all around you? With plenty of distractions for the kids and views of the beach, there’s no better place than this iconic historical centerpiece of Surfside Beach.

Surfside Pier

Address: 11 S Ocean Blvd, Surfside Beach, SC 29575-3633

Website: Surfside Pier

2. Wild Water & Wheels


Going to Wild Water and Wheels will be an awesome experience for both adults and children. It has over 30 thrilling water slides plus mat and speed slides to keep everyone busy having fun. There’s also a 950-foot (289 meter) lazy river, adults only pool and many children’s water play areas to suit everyone’s needs. Out of the water, the park also has bumper boats, carnival rides, go-karts, and mini-golf. Will you have time to fit it all in?

Wild Water & Wheels

Address: 910 U.S. 17 Business, Surfside Beach, SC 29575

Website: Wild Water & Wheels

3. Old Time Pottery Myrtle Beach

Make sure you put plenty of time aside for a visit to Old Time Pottery as you might find yourself browsing all day! In their well laid out store, you’ll pretty much find everything you need, from accessories and furnishings, to indoor/outdoor decor. And, because they stock huge quantities of each item, you’ll find massive discounts on the things you want to buy.

Old Time Pottery Myrtle Beach

Address: 1870 N Kings Highway, Surfside Beach, SC 29575

Website: Old Time Pottery Myrtle Beach

4. Hudson's Surfside Flea Market

Another fantastic place to do some shopping is at the Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market, which has been run by the Hudson family for 3 generations. This large, old market has many vendors selling their wares. Antiques, golf supplies, kitchen items, tools, jewelry, clothing and handmade items are all to be found, and you’re bound to leave with something unique for a great price. If you need a break from shopping, there’s plenty of good quality food to be bought as well.

Hudson's Surfside Flea Market

Address: 1040 hwy 17 south Surfside Beach, South Carolina

Website: Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market

5. Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach

For a truly memorable experience, visit Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach. Here you’ll get to touch jellyfish, stingrays and horseshoe crabs, or if you’re feeling really brave, you can even sleep with sharks! This aquarium houses many unusual sea creatures and also provides the opportunity to go on a glass bottomed boat adventure, where you can see all the sea-life beneath you. Offering behind the scene tours and educational live shows, there’s plenty to keep you entertained here.

Ripley's Aquarium Myrtle Beach

Address: 1110 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577-7465

Website: Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach

6. Surfside Bowling Center

If you and your friends or family like to bowl, then you’ll be impressed when you visit the state-of-the-art Surfside Bowling Center. With 32 professional grade lanes, this is a great place to hang out and keep everyone entertained. In addition to bowling, there are 30 video attractions, some of which offer great prizes, and there’s plenty to eat and drink when you need a break from all the action.

Surfside Bowling Center

Address: 510 Highway 17 N Surfside Beach, SC 29575

Website: Surfside Bowling Center

7. Myrtle Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach State Park is just 4.6 km (3 miles) from Surfside Beach. Hurricane Florence took down some trees, but the park’s back up and looking lovely. There is an entry fee, but you’re guaranteed easy parking and clean ablutions. If you enjoy the place, you can opt to camp, but it’s a nice spot for a day trip. Delicious ice cream is available and you can pick up some souvenirs at the gift shop right at the end of the pier. The place is a quiet, clean and natural retreat, close to town but without big crowds. Enjoy the beach, let the kids play in the playground, hike the trails, or throw in a rod and do some fishing.

Myrtle Beach State Park

Address: 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575-4936

Website: Myrtle Beach State Park

8. Shoreline Watersport

For those seeking adventure, experience some water sports fun while on vacation at Surfside Beach. Shoreline Watersport provides all the necessary equipment along with friendly, knowledgeable staff to guide you through the ins and outs. Hire a jet ski or take a shuttle ride to the parasail boat and have a go at parasailing. Or, if you prefer, go out on a banana boat for some fun on the water. Even if you haven’t had any prior experience, you’ll soon get the hang of it and wonder why you haven’t tried it before!

Shoreline Watersport

Address: 409 S Ocean Blvd, Surfside Beach, SC 29575-3542

Website: Shoreline Watersport

9. Nostalgia City and Museum

Take a stroll down memory lane with a visit to Nostalgia City and Museum. Everything vintage is all under one roof, including vintage cars, old signs and lots of other memorabilia to remind you of bygone days or give you a history lesson. Although it might not take long to explore, as it isn’t very big, it’s well worth a visit just to see the owner’s collection and maybe buy a little something from their gift shop.

Nostalgia City and Museum

Address: 1907 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577-4646

Facebook: Nostalgia City and Museum

10. Beach Beads & Glass Studio

The Beach Beads & Glass Studio is a nice stop on a rainy day, especially if you want to try your hand at making your own jewelry. Even if you don’t, it’s a great shop to pick up some gifts and souvenirs of your vacation in Surfside Beach. You can buy beads, string, wire, and more to craft your own. You can also pick up some premade jewelry, or even book a class. The owner offers several classes, where you can learn to make your own special jewelry. The classes are a lot of fun and singles, couples and families will enjoy their creativity.

Beach Beads & Glass Studio

Address: 1918 Highway 17 N, Surfside Beach, SC 29575-6102

Website: Beach Beads & Glass Studio

Have some fun in the sun at Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach has everything you’ll want from a seaside vacation, and maybe even some more! There’s plenty of opportunities to get involved in water activities - both in and out of the sea. If you’d rather take the laid back approach, grab a deck chair and sit in the shade under the pier, or if shopping is your thing, you’ll find an abundance of stores that offer a bargain or two. With a wide choice of restaurants and bars serving up some great food, what more could you ask for?

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