The Charming South Carolina Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar

So many people flock to South Carolina’s coastal towns when the temperatures begin to rise. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of sinking your toes in the sand and listening to the sounds of the waves crash onto the shore. As much as I love the beach, I do not like crowds, and I’ll admit that I go to great lengths to avoid them. While popular beach towns like Myrtle Beach are worthy of a visit, there’s a hidden beach town in South Carolina that offers a chance to enjoy the coast without the crowds! Let’s check it out:

What Makes This Coastal South Carolina Town So Special

Surfside Beach is a quiet beach town in South Carolina that’s home to fewer than 5,000 residents. It’s conveniently located less than 10 miles from Myrtle Beach, making it a perfect home base for a beach vacation away from the crowds. 

Surfside Beach has two miles of beaches to enjoy, and it’s earned the nickname of the “Family Beach.” The beaches are cleaned and supervised daily, and the eco-friendly town itself encourages recycling, too. With 36 access points to the beach with plenty of showers, restrooms, and also handicap-accessible ramps, it might just be the most family-friendly beach in South Carolina. 

Since it’s so close to Myrtle Beach, visitors to Surfside Beach can easily venture over to Myrtle Beach for the day. In the opposite direction, Murrells Inlet is only seven miles south of Surfside Beach. For nature lovers, Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park offer endless outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. Especially if you love beachcombing!

When it comes to where to stay in Surfside Beach, I think you have to stay on the water. If I drive several hours to enjoy a beach getaway, I want to wake up and see the water from my bed. This condo in Surfside Beach is practically perfect in every way, and it’s within walking distance to the many restaurants, bars, and shops in Surfside.   

When to Visit Surfside Beach for Fewer Crowds

As soon as the temperatures rise, beaches along the coast will begin to fill up. Even though the beach is one of the most popular places in the summer, I still think you can find some of the quieter times if you’re flexible with your schedule. 

Visiting Surfside Beach (or any beach) in the shoulder season is key to escaping the crowds. This typically aligns with school schedules, as I know many households go on family vacations when the kids are out of school. If you can plan a visit in April or early May, you’ll notice much fewer crowds. As we head further into summer, the crowds will thicken—especially around holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, or even Labor Day in September. 

That being said, you’d be surprised at the deals you can score by planning your vacations around these holidays! Try the week after one of these holidays and see if the prices drop. The crowds certainly might!

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.