Surfside Beach, South Carolina boasts a laid-back, small-town vibe. It’s situated within a 15-minute drive from Myrtle Beach. Quieter and less touristy than its well-known neighboring city, Surfside Beach is ideal for families looking for a relaxing coastal vacation. Many Surfside Beach vacation rentals are located close to plenty of local attractions that visitors enjoy. Check out a few of the most popular activities to do in Surfside Beach.
1. Wild Water and Wheels
If you prefer water slides to waves, spend the day at that Wild Water and Waves waterpark. The park features an array of tube and mat slides, a lazy river, and an adults-only pool that provides splash-free relaxation. Little ones visiting the waterpark also have their own play area, which features shallow splash pools and smaller slides. The park also boasts some drier attractions including bumper cars, bumper boats, carnival rides, and a miniature golf course.
2. Celebration Music Theater
Celebration Music Theater hosts live music performed by celebrity impersonators. The acts vary – so check the venue’s schedule before you go – but some of the more popular events include tributes to Cher, Dolly Parton, Elvis, and Garth Brooks. In addition to shows, such as Liza Minnelli, Tina Turner, and Barbra Streisand tributes, the theater hosts Broadway-style productions, local acts, and comedic performances.
3. Nostalgia City and Museum
Stroll down memory lane at Nostalgia City and Museum. View everything from antique cars, old-timey gas station pumps, and vintage metals signs to old-fashioned cash registers, a collection of license plates, and life-size statues of celebrities. Whether you’re a fan of vintage advertising or you’re a car fanatic, there’s something to enjoy at Nostalgia City and Museum.
4. Shoreline Watersports
Visit Shoreline Watersports to go parasailing or ride on a banana boat. The company has parasailing boats that accommodate up to six people, and offers single, double, and triple flights. If you prefer to stay closer to the ground, take your whole family on a short banana boat ride. Rides span approximately two miles of shoreline and last between 10 and 15 minutes. Shoreline Watersports also offers photo packages for guests who’d rather enjoy the experience than take pictures along the way.
5. Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market
Browse Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market for antiques, souvenirs, and collectibles. Hudson’s prides itself on renting booths to small business owners, crafters, craftsmen, and vendors who sell everything from clothing and accessories to kitchen gadgets and home decor. The variety of items for sale make the flea market worth the trip, but plan on arriving early in the morning and leaving before the afternoon heat arrives because the building doesn’t have air conditioning.
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6. Gator Bait Adventure Tours
Visit Gator Bait Adventure Tours to take a guided kayak tour along the portion of the Waccamaw River that leads you through historic Conway, South Carolina – a small town approximately a 20-minute drive away from Surfside. The kayak tours take you past breathtaking historic homes, under moss-covered oaks trees, and alongside the town’s Riverwalk Park. During the tour, your knowledgeable guide regales with stories about the area’s wildlife and history.
7. Surfside Bowling Center
Enjoy an afternoon of bowling at the Surfside Bowling Center. The family-oriented bowling alley offers plenty of lanes and an on-site snack bar, making it a great attraction for anyone looking for something to do on a rainy afternoon. The alley also offers night time psychedelic bowling – a great late-night activity for vacationing couples or families with older children or teens.
8. Adventure Falls Golf
Adventure Falls Golf boasts two 18-hole miniature golf courses – an animal-themed course and a castle-themed course. The courses feature a variety of caves, waterfalls, and ponds to keep players interested. The par two holes are difficult enough to keep the game from becoming boring, but easy enough for younger kids to navigate. If you’re a beginner, opt for the animal-themed course, because the castle-themed course is slightly more difficult.
9. Tupelo Bay Golf Center
Tupelo Bay Golf center boasts a par three and four course for more serious golfers that’s challenging without being overly intimidating. Book a tee time to enjoy an afternoon of golf or spend a few hours practicing at the center’s driving range. The range boasts grass-covered hitting space, a large putting green and a sand trap, allowing players to practice long drives, putts, and penalty shots.
10. Waccamaw River Tours
Waccamaw River Tours provide fun, educational boat tours of the Waccamaw River and the swamp-filled Intracoastal Waterway. Learn about the National Wildlife Refuge’s local wildlife, as well as the history of the river and the surrounding area during your tour.
11. Waccatee Zoo
The Waccatee Zoo backs up to Waccamaw River Tours parking lot, making it easy to visit both attractions in one day. The site is on 500 acres of land and houses both exotic and domestic animals. See herds of zebra and buffalo roaming the grassy areas and get an up-close look at lions, cougars, and tigers. Because the zoo is part of the natural wildlife sanctuary, it’s not uncommon for visitors to see flocks of egrets and heron along the winding tree-covered paths.
12. Carolina Waterman
Take stand-up paddleboard lessons from Carolina Waterman. Lessons are given on the Waccamaw River, so beginners aren’t fighting rougher ocean currents, and the company provides lessons for both children and adults. Instructors teach stand-up paddleboard safety and techniques to make classes a positive experience. Younger children or kids who aren’t confident standing on the board are able to ride on the front of a parent’s paddleboard during the class.
13. Myrtle Beach Segway
Take a Segway tour through Huntington Beach State Park. Myrtle Beach Segway offers guided tours of the wetland and wildlife preserve that gives guests the chance to see loggerhead turtles and other endangered species up close. Look for alligators basking in the sun when you traverse the causeway surrounding the park’s freshwater lake and keep your eye out for mink too. The company also offers Segway tours along the Grand Strand in North Myrtle Beach.
14. Harbor Light Batting Range
Practice your swing at the Harbor Light Batting Range. The attraction has numerous batting cages, as well as areas designed for pitching practice. The fast pitch system features a radar cube that clocks your pitch speed as you practice. The facility also has a driving range for golfers to practice their swing.
15. Brookgreen Gardens
Spend the day exploring Brookgreen Gardens – a lush park that dates back to 1932. The garden features a variety of art sculptures, paved walking trails, and a butterfly house. Check the events calendar before you go. The gardens host a variety of exhibits and events each year.
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