Known as “The Family Beach,” Surfside Beach is a laid-back coastal town with a strong emphasis on safety, cleanliness and protecting its natural shoreline.
While many of its beach rules are similar to neighboring communities, Surfside Beach has several unique regulations governing shade structures, beach equipment, smoking, boating and fireworks. Visitors should take a few minutes to familiarize themselves with these rules before heading to the beach.
Dogs are welcome on Surfside Beach, but seasonal restrictions apply.
From May 1 through Labor Day, dogs are not permitted on the beach between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Outside those hours—and throughout the remainder of the year—dogs are welcome provided they:
Surfside Beach allows larger shade devices than some neighboring communities, making it a popular destination for families spending the day on the beach.
Shade devices may not exceed 10 feet by 10 feet.
Beach umbrellas are permitted and may have a maximum diameter of 9 feet.
To help maintain lifeguard visibility and emergency access:
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on Surfside Beach’s public beach.
Glass containers should never be brought onto the beach.
Fireworks are generally prohibited within the Town of Surfside Beach. However, the town allows fireworks only on the beach between the mean high-water mark and the Atlantic Ocean:
Fireworks are never permitted within 500 feet of the Surfside Beach Fishing Pier, and the Town may authorize additional professional public displays by permit.
Open wood campfires are prohibited on:
The only exception is for town-sponsored or specially permitted events.
Beach equipment—including chairs, umbrellas, tents, surfboards, volleyball nets and similar items—may not be left on the beach between 9:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m.
Equipment left unattended overnight may be removed by the Town.
Beach equipment may not obstruct public access, emergency lanes or beach maintenance operations.
Always swim near a staffed lifeguard whenever possible and obey all posted warning flags.
Swimmers should remain:
During the summer season (May 15 through September 15):
During the remainder of the year:
All surfers must wear a surf leash.
Watercraft may only be launched from the 4th Avenue South beach access.
Boats may not operate within 50 yards of shore, and jet skis must remain at least 150 yards offshore between May 15 and September 15.
Shark fishing is prohibited within Surfside Beach.
Surfside Beach’s dunes help protect homes, businesses and public infrastructure from coastal storms while providing habitat for native plants and nesting wildlife.
Visitors should always:
Protecting these natural features helps preserve the beach for future generations.
Help keep Surfside Beach clean by removing everything you bring with you.
Littering is prohibited.
If you dig a hole in the sand:
Deep holes create hazards for children, beach maintenance equipment and nesting sea turtles.
Surfside Beach offers paid public parking throughout the oceanfront.
Parking enforcement is generally in effect March 1 through October 31, from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., though visitors should always verify posted signs at individual lots.
Never park in:
Smoking is prohibited on Surfside Beach’s public beaches and public beach access points. This includes cigarettes, cigars and other smoking products.
Small beach weddings are welcome and generally do not require a permit. Wedding planners conducting business within Surfside Beach, however, must have a Town business license.
Wedding parties should remove all decorations after the ceremony and avoid balloons, glass containers and plastics that could become marine debris.
Surf fishing is prohibited between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from May 15 through September 15, and is never allowed within 300 feet of the Surfside Beach Fishing Pier.
Commercial fishing from the public beach is prohibited.
Visitors most commonly receive warnings or citations for:
In an emergency, call 911 immediately.
If you’re on the beach, notify the nearest lifeguard immediately. Surfside Beach Police, Fire Rescue and seasonal lifeguard personnel work together to respond to water rescues, rip currents, lost children, medical emergencies and other incidents along the shoreline.
For non-emergency assistance, contact the Surfside Beach Police Department at 843-913-6368.
One note after comparing all five communities: Surfside Beach is the outlier on shade devices. Unlike Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Horry County, it still allows 10′ × 10′ canopies (provided they meet placement rules), which is a significant difference visitors appreciate knowing. Highlighting that distinction on your map would be genuinely useful.
