Please note: This page is a general visitor guide and may not include every
applicable Village ordinance, state law, county regulation, or public safety requirement.
Visitors are responsible for following all posted signs, current regulations, public safety
instructions, and applicable laws.
Know Before You Go
Beach rules are in place to protect public safety, preserve the dunes and shoreline, support
emergency access, and keep Surfside Beach clean and enjoyable for everyone.
Last updated: May 2026
Beach Rules
- The beach speed limit is 15 MPH.
- Street-legal vehicles only.
- Drivers must follow all traffic laws and operate safely.
- Drive-on beach areas are east of Highway 332.
- Beach traffic is one-way eastbound.
- Park on the dune-side only where allowed.
- Do not drive, park, walk, or disturb protected dunes.
- Vehicles must display a valid beach permit when driving or parking on the beach.
- Glass containers are prohibited on the beach.
- Fireworks are prohibited on the beach and within city limits.
- Pets must be leashed at all times and have required vaccination tags.
- Keep music and sound at a reasonable level.
- Do not dig holes deeper than 12 inches.
- Fill all holes before leaving.
- Do not leave bait, fish remains, or crab remains on the beach.
- Do not cross private property to access the beach without permission.
- Use trash receptacles or take your trash with you.
- Fires must be controlled, no larger than 3 ft. x 3 ft., and fully extinguished before leaving.
Parking & Beach Permits
Beach permits are for vehicles driving or parking on the beach. Permit revenue helps support
beach maintenance, public safety, and shoreline operations.
- Annual Beach Permit: $30
- Daily Beach Permit: $15
- Daily permits: Valid until midnight on the date of purchase.
- Annual permits: Valid for the remainder of the calendar year.
- Annual permits: Available at local convenience stores or beach booths.
- Daily permits: Available at beach booth entrances or City Hall.
Beach Access & Permit Booth Locations
- Main Entrance
- Ocean Avenue
- Yucca Avenue
- Bay Avenue
- Seagull Avenue
Rip Current Safety
Rip currents can occur in the Gulf and may be difficult to see from shore. Always use caution
when entering the water and check current surf conditions before swimming.
- Stay calm: Conserve energy and focus on staying afloat.
- Do not swim against the current: Rip currents can move faster than expected.
- Swim parallel to shore: Move sideways until you are out of the current, then return to shore.
- Float or tread water: Keep your head above water and regain control of your breathing.
- Signal for help: Wave your arms and call for assistance if needed.
- Help from shore: Call 911 and throw a flotation device if available.
Beach Safety
- Call 911 in case of emergency.
- Gulf conditions can change quickly due to waves, tides, wind, and weather.
- Never leave children unattended near the water or traffic areas.
- The beach is also a public roadway. Watch for moving vehicles.
- Fully extinguish fires with water before leaving the area.
- Fill in all holes to prevent injuries to people, pets, wildlife, and vehicles.
- Do not burn pallets. Pallets can leave nails and sharp debris in the sand.
- Use the stingray shuffle by sliding your feet through the sand when entering the water.
- Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks from the heat.
Beach Accessibility
A beach wheelchair, also known as a Mobi-Chair, is available through City Hall to help improve
beach access for visitors.
- No rental fee is charged.
- A $100 refundable damage deposit is required.
- A completed rental application and valid photo ID are required.
- The chair must be returned in the same condition for the deposit to be refunded.
Protect the Beach
Surfside Beach is a natural coastal environment. Please help protect the dunes, wildlife,
water quality, and shoreline by leaving the beach better than you found it.
- Stay off the dunes: Dunes help protect the shoreline and surrounding properties.
- Respect wildlife: Do not disturb birds, turtles, marine life, or nesting areas.
- Pack out trash: Remove all trash, food, fishing line, and personal items before leaving.
- Report sea turtles: Call 1-866-TURTLE5.
- Report stranded marine mammals: Call 800-962-6625.