Major city · United States
Surfside Beach, South Carolina
A quiet beach town for a half-day or one night: walk the pier, eat seafood, then move on to Myrtle Beach or Pawleys Island.
Surfside Beach is a small, family-oriented town on the Grand Strand, about 15 minutes south of Myrtle Beach. Its main draw is a wide, clean beach with public access points and a fishing pier. Most visitors use it as a stop on a Grand Strand road trip or a low-key base for a night. The town has no major attractions beyond the beach and a handful of restaurants.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jun–Aug (crowded, hot, peak prices)
- Airport
- MYR
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Surfside Beach, South Carolina911 ▾
- Police, Fire, Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Surfside Beach, South Carolina, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyA safe, family-oriented town.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMYR Myrtle Beach International (About 15 minutes north by car; rental cars and ride-hailing available.).
- Getting aroundThe town is walkable along the beachfront.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeUS$3–5
- Sit-down mealSeafood buffet (dinner)US$25–40
- BeerBeer (bottle at restaurant)US$5–8
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi / ride-hailing3.1 mi (5 km) taxi / ride-hailingUS$12–18
- Museum or sight ticketFishing pier entryUS$8–12 (check)
- Budget bedBeachfront condo or hotel, a night, per roomUS$150
- Mid-range bedMotel or budget hotel room, a night, per roomUS$120
- High-end bedMotel or budget hotel room, a night, per roomUS$180
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$150 · High US$250
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MYR Myrtle Beach International (About 15 minutes north by car; rental cars and ride-hailing available.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Feb
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Mar
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Apr
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
May
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jun
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Nov
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Dec
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jul (11 rain days), driest Oct (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Surfside Beach, South Carolina: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Feb
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
8 rd
Mar
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
May
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9 rd
Oct
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Nov
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
7 rd
Dec
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is walkable along the beachfront. A car is needed for groceries, restaurants off the main strip, and day trips. Ride-hailing is available.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 15 min
Car via Highway 17, about 15 minutes
Boardwalk, amusement parks, shopping and nightlife.
Door to door: About 10 min
Car via Highway 17, about 10 minutes south
Seafood restaurants and the Marsh Walk.
Door to door: About 20 min
Car via Highway 17, about 20 minutes south
Quiet beach and historic hammock shops.
Door to door: About 30 min
Car via Highway 17, about 30 minutes south
Historic waterfront district and plantations.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Ocean Boulevard area
Hotels and condos within walking distance of the beach and pier.
Near Highway 17
More budget-friendly motels and chain hotels; a short drive to the beach.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- US$80–130 excl. bed
- Mid
- US$130–220 excl. bed
- High
- US$220+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or budget hotel room1 × 1 night × US$120 | US$120 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$150 | US$300 |
| Fishing pier entry2 × US$10 · check | US$20 |
| Parking at beach access (summer)2 × US$5 · check | US$10 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$45 |
| Trip total≈ US$248 per person per day, bed included | US$495 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | US$3–5 |
| Seafood platter (lunch) | US$15–25 |
| Seafood buffet (dinner) | US$25–40 |
| Beer (bottle at restaurant) | US$5–8 |
| Fishing pier entry | US$8–12 (check) |
| 5 km taxi / ride-hailing | US$12–18 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Parking at beach access points fills early in summer; arrive before 10:00.Parking at beach access points fills early in summer; arrive before 10:00 AM.
- The pier can close during storms or for repairs — check the town website.
- Rip currents are common; swim near a lifeguard station.
Emergency numbers
- Police, Fire, Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Surfside Beach, South CarolinaSurfside Beach, South Carolina
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Take me to this address, pleaseTake me to this address, please
Emergency
- Police, Fire, Ambulance911
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Myrtle Beach Airport → Surfside Beach: about US$25–40 by ride-hailing, about 15 min (check)
- Surfside Beach → Myrtle Beach boardwalk: about US$15–25 by ride-hailing, about 15 min
Say or show
- Hello — Hello
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much is this? — How much is this?
- Where is the bathroom? — Where is the bathroom?
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Surfside Beach, South Carolina. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–May, Sep–Oct · avoid Jun–Aug (crowded, hot, peak prices) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Surfside Beach, South Carolina
Loading…
Was this useful?