A beach wheelchair is available to rent at City Hall for a refundable deposit of $100. Please email csr@surfsidetx.org to reserve.

For more information about the wheelchair, CLICK HERE

Beach Rules

The following is a summary of Local, State, and Federal regulations subject to fines and penalties related to beaches within the city limits of the Village of Surfside Beach. This list is not all inclusive but contains some of the more common regulations. Check the City, State, and Federal regulations for a complete list of regulations. 

Surfside Beach | Beach Rules, Beach Safety, Golf Cart Rules & Parking Permits
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Beach Rules, Beach Safety, Golf Cart Rules, Parking Permits & Beach Wheelchair

Everything visitors need in one clear, easy-to-read page.

Beach Rules

  • Vehicles: Street-legal vehicles only. Follow all traffic laws and do not endanger people or property.
  • Speed Limit: 15 MPH on the beach.
  • Driving & Parking: Drive-on beach is east of Hwy 332. One-way eastbound traffic with parking on the dune-side only. No driving or parking on dunes.
  • Pedestrian Beach: No vehicles, including golf carts, except permitted accessibility use.
  • Pass Required: All vehicles, including golf carts, must display a valid annual beach pass on the front left windshield.
  • No Glass: Glass containers are prohibited.
  • No Littering: Use receptacles or take trash with you.
  • Campfires: Allowed if controlled and no larger than 3 ft x 3 ft. Do not burn Christmas trees or dune fencing.
  • No Fireworks: Prohibited on the beach and within city limits.
  • Noise: Keep sound at a reasonable level that does not disturb others.
  • Pets: Must be leashed at all times and have required vaccination tags.
  • Horses:
    • Nov 1 – Mar 31: allowed daily
    • Apr 1 – May 15 and Sep 15 – Oct 31: weekends only
    • May 15 – Sep 15: not allowed
  • Dunes: Strictly off-limits. Do not remove or burn erosion control materials.
  • Vendors: No mobile vendors. Temporary vendors allowed on private property with a valid permit.
  • Fishing/Crabbing: Do not leave catch on the beach or public areas.
  • Property Access: Do not cross private property to access the beach without permission.
  • Holes: Do not dig holes deeper than 12 inches or leave holes unattended.
  • Signs & Equipment: Do not damage or remove signage, posts, or safety equipment.
  • Alcohol Laws: State law restrictions apply to public consumption times and underage possession.

Note: Where beach guidance or posted signage differs from ordinance language, visitors must follow posted signs and current beach rules.

Beach Safety

  • Rip Currents: Learn how to “Break the Grip of the Rip” (NOAA Ocean Today) . If caught in a current, stay calm, float, and swim parallel to shore.
  • Water Safety: Swim with caution. Gulf conditions can change quickly due to waves, tides, and weather.
  • Children: Never leave children unattended near the water or traffic areas. Life jackets are strongly recommended.
  • Traffic Awareness: The beach is a public roadway. Stay alert for moving vehicles and teach children to do the same.
  • Fire Safety: Fully extinguish fires with water. Use at least two 5-gallon buckets to drown hot coals and fill fire holes with sand.
  • Sand Holes: Fill in all holes or trenches to prevent injuries, especially at night when vehicles travel the beach.
  • Dunes: Stay off dunes. These protected areas may contain hazards such as wildlife and are subject to fines if disturbed.
  • No Pallet Burning: Burning pallets leaves exposed nails that can cause serious injuries.
  • Pets: Keep animals on a leash at all times for their safety and the safety of others.
  • Vehicle Safety: Do not sit or hang off vehicles. Keep hands and feet inside to avoid injury from debris or objects in the sand.
  • Stingray Awareness: Use the “stingray shuffle” by sliding your feet through the sand when entering the water to reduce the risk of stepping on marine life.
  • Sun Protection: Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks to avoid heat-related illness.
  • Follow Posted Warnings: Always obey beach signage, closures, and public safety direction.
  • Emergency: Call 911 in case of emergency.

Beach conditions can change quickly. Always use caution and follow posted safety guidance.

Golf Cart Rules

  • Golf carts may be operated on all streets and the south easement of Bluewater Highway (CR257).
  • Golf carts are not allowed on Surfside Bridge, Bluewater Highway (CR257), or Fort Velasco Boulevard, except to cross at intersections.
  • Golf carts are not allowed on the pedestrian beach, except for persons with a valid disabled parking placard.
  • Driver must have a valid driver’s license.
  • Golf carts must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem.
  • Golf carts must be equipped with headlights, taillights, reflectors, a parking brake, and mirrors.
  • Golf carts must display a valid golf cart license plate or motor vehicle plate.
  • If rented or used for pay, the operator must maintain financial responsibility (insurance).
  • No paddle tires or deep sand tires allowed.
  • No excessive lift or height modifications.

Parking Permits

Permits are required for all vehicles, including golf carts.

Permits expire on December 31.

Permits are $30.

Permits may be purchased at City Hall, local convenience stores, and from booth attendants during the season.

Beach Wheelchair (Mobi-Chair)

  • Submit a completed rental application and a copy of a valid photo ID. Beach Wheelchair Rental Application (Accessible PDF)
  • No rental fee; $100 refundable damage deposit required.
  • Pay deposit online: Pay Mobi-Chair Deposit
  • Select “Office” under location and enter “MobiChair rental” as the permit number.
  • Reservation is confirmed once payment and application are received.
  • Chair must be returned in the same condition for deposit refund.

The Mobi-Chair is a floating beach wheelchair designed for use on sand and in shallow water, improving beach accessibility for visitors.