free things to do in surfside beach this summer
I appreciate Surfside Beach so much. Sure, it’s part of the Grand Strand and gets lumped into greater Myrtle Beach area. But, it’s a beach town holding it’s own in so many ways! Vacationers love it and locals should know more about this town too. We’ve got 8 free things to do in Surfside Beach this summer (plus some affordable options too).
Free things
THE FARMERS MARKET | This happens on Tuesdays from 10a-3p at the corner of Surfside Dr & Willow Dr. We wrote about the markets here. It is well shaded, has easy parking, sees well over 30 vendors weekly, and is right beside the library and park.
FULLER PARK & ALL CHILDREN’S PARK | Both are excellent choices and you can find a review on the south strand park review page. Fuller is right beside the Surfside Beach library so if you plan a trip around a library story time then it’s two activities without ever needing to move your car!
Surfside Beach Library | This branch has weekly story time, craft time, and other special events for kids.
CRAFTER’S COVE | This is a free weekly event happening throughout the summer at 3rd Ave S beach access. Open to all kids ages 10 and under. It’s hosted in collaboration with EdVenture. Still haven’t made it in person but hope to go soon.
BEACH HULA SHOWS | Check out our IG Reel on this!!! You simply must attend one of these this summer. It features the lovely family that operates Aloha Island Experience. They’ll make you feel like you’re watching a show in the Hawaiian Islands with the education and authenticity they present.
MUSIC IN THE PARK | Sundays from 4-7pm there is a free concert at Memorial Park in Surfside. Performances run through September.
OPEN AIR MARKET WITH MEANING | Another weekly market in Surfside! This one supports Meals on Wheels of Horry County and accepts food or monetary donations. You’ll see artisans and other vendors there weekly.
Affordable fun in surfside beach
Adventure Falls offers two 18-hole putt-putt courses.
Surfside Bowling and Arcade offers some indoor fun.
Wild Water and Wheels has a deal for Friday afternoons which make this an affordable option. $10.99 per person from 3-8pm on Fridays!
when you're ready for a bite to eat
Benjamin’s Bakery is a Surfside staple offering fresh roasted coffee, breakfast & lunch sandwiches, pastries, cookies, breads and more. There is outdoor seating for when the kids get crazy and parking is usually not hard.
Pizza Hyena isn’t a place we’ve personally tried yet but the MB foodie scene is all over this one. I’ve pictures of a pizza with brie, caramelized onions, slivered almonds and Granny Smith apples on it and that got an immediate follow from me.
Painter’s Homemade Ice Cream is a South Strand institution. Tons of flavors, dairy-free and sugar-free options, and their cakes are also a 10/10.
free events coming up
The Town of Surfside Beach takes holidays very seriously. They host something for nearly every major holiday so keep an eye on their events page. Here are a few happening through the end of 2022.
July 4 | Golf Cart Parade (10am) and 4th of July Celebration (5pm)
Oct 1 | Surfside Beach Family Festival
Oct 29 | Halloween Hot Rod Car Show (10am) and Golf Cart Parade (3pm)
Oct 29 | Champion Autism Network Meatball Challenge (11am)
Nov 24 | Turkey Trot (8:30am)
Dec 2 | Christmas Tree Lighting (2pm)
Dec 10 | Christmas Parade (2pm) and Christmas Movie in the Park (6pm)
Dec 17 | Breakfast with Santa (9am) and Golf Cart Parade (1pm)