Surfside Beach: Atlantic Coast and Local History

Surfside Beach brings together the Atlantic coast and its pier, community amenities and a local history that can also be traced through the area’s changing names. When planning your trip, you can consider these topics separately: the coastal landscape and fishing have different practical considerations from a visit to the farmers market or learning about the town’s past. This can help you decide which aspects you’d like to focus on during your stay.

Coast and fishing at the pier

Surfside Beach has two miles of Atlantic coastline. The Surfside Beach Fishing Pier extends 814 feet into the ocean. These measurements describe different things: the two miles refer to the town’s coastline, while the 814 feet refer to the named pier. If you’d like to fish there, you need a fishing license or Fishing Pass. Pass procedures and fees may change, so check the current requirements before fishing.

Farmers market and local products

The Surfside Beach Farmers Market takes place weekly in 2026 and is supported by the Town of Surfside Beach. It offers locally grown and handcrafted goods; the selection may vary from week to week. The market provides a firsthand look at the produce and handmade products on offer. If you’re planning a visit in a later season, check the dates and weekly schedule again.

Parks, views and skate park

Martin Park is home to Floral Lake Playground, a small lakeside playground designed for children ages five to twelve. Memorial Park is home to the Veterans Memorial Fountain. The Dogwood Lake Observation Deck offers a view over Dogwood Lake. Each place has a different focus: a playground, a park with a fountain, and a view of the lake.

The Surfside Beach Skate Park on North Poplar Drive is a free community skate facility. It gives locals and visitors a place to practice and develop their skills. If you’re planning to visit the Dogwood Lake Observation Deck or Skate Park specifically, check the latest visitor or use details in advance.

Historical names and Ark Plantation

Ark Plantation, also known as Arke Plantation, covered a large part of what is now Surfside Beach. In 1838, it encompassed 3,194 acres. The plantation house served as an inn for travelers heading north. They timed their journey along the coastal road to coincide with low tide. This former use shows how closely travel in the area depended on getting the tide timing right.

The area’s names have also changed: what is now Surfside Beach was first known as Roach’s Beach. George J. Holiday renamed the area Floral Beach. Together with the history of Ark Plantation, these place names offer another perspective on the area’s development.

A special official recognition

Surfside Beach is the first destination in the world to be officially recognized as autism-friendly. This distinction adds another notable aspect to the destination’s identity alongside its coastal attractions and local history.

Discover more destinations: Little River, Myrtle Beach, Longs, Loris, Nichols, North Myrtle Beach.

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