At Surfside Beach, “The Family Beach” is more than a nickname — it is a promise that every family belongs here. In January 2016, our town made history by becoming the world’s first autism-friendly beach, and in the decade since, our businesses, restaurants, and attractions have worked together to make a beach vacation joyful and accessible for families affected by autism.
For many families, travel can feel out of reach. New environments bring unfamiliar lights, sounds, smells, and crowds that can be overwhelming for someone with sensory sensitivities. Surfside Beach was founded on a simple idea: that the beach should be for everybody, and that with a little training and a lot of heart, a community can welcome autism families without judgment, guilt, or worry.
Whether you are planning your first trip or returning to a familiar favorite, here is what makes Surfside Beach a place where your whole family can relax and make memories.
A Decade of Welcome: How Surfside Beach Made History
In January 2016, the Town of Surfside Beach passed a resolution declaring itself the first autism-friendly travel destination in the world. The milestone reflected years of grassroots work to train local businesses and create experiences designed with autism families in mind. The City of Myrtle Beach and Horry County later adopted similar resolutions, helping extend that welcome across the Grand Strand.
In 2026, Surfside Beach proudly marks a decade as an autism-friendly destination — a reminder that inclusion is not a one-time announcement, but an ongoing commitment from our entire community.
Meet the Champion Autism Network
Surfside Beach’s designation grew out of the work of the Champion Autism Network (CAN), a nonprofit founded in 2012 by Becky Large, a Surfside Beach resident and mother of a son on the autism spectrum. CAN’s mission is to build inclusive communities where all people can happily live, work, and play, by creating a worldwide network of autism champions.
CAN works directly with local businesses to provide autism-readiness training, so that staff understand how to offer patient, welcoming, judgment-free service. You can learn more about their work at championautismnetwork.com.
The Autism Travel Card
One of the most helpful tools for visiting families is the Autism Travel Card, part of the Autism Travel Club (the program formerly known as the CAN Card). The card gives families a quiet, dignified way to let participating businesses know that they are an autism family, so staff can offer the right support from the moment you arrive.
- What it does: unlocks discounts and special offers at participating restaurants, attractions, and lodging, and connects families with businesses that have completed autism-readiness training.
- How to get one: download the Autism Traveler app from the Apple App Store or Google Play and enroll, or sign up through the Autism Travel Club. Original CAN cards are still honored.
- Where it works: across the Grand Strand and at a growing list of destinations nationwide.
Membership tiers and pricing are listed on the Autism Travel Club site, so you can choose the option that fits your travel plans.
Sensory-Friendly Dining and Businesses
Many Surfside Beach restaurants have embraced sensory-friendly service, and several offer Autism Travel Card discounts. A standout is Johnny D’s Waffles & Benedicts, where the team offers priority seating and noise-cancelling headphones on request — and where the quietest times tend to be before 10:30 a.m. or after 12:30 p.m. Other welcoming favorites that have participated in the program include Famous Hamburger Joe’s, Saltaire Coastal Kitchen, Simply Tea and Soda, Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin, and Golden Egg Pancake House.
Because hours, menus, and offers can change, we recommend calling ahead to confirm current accommodations and discounts before you visit.
Planning Your Visit
A few simple strategies can make a beach day calmer and more comfortable for sensory-sensitive travelers:
- Time it right. Visit the beach in the early morning or evening when crowds are smaller, and check tide charts for calmer, low-tide waters.
- Practice first. Try a “practice beach day” at home with towels, swimsuits, and a hose to build familiarity before the trip.
- Pack for comfort. Bring sunglasses or sun goggles, a sun or surf suit, and a shade device to reduce sensory triggers.
- Plan around noise. Surfside Beach prohibits fireworks, helping keep evenings quieter for noise-sensitive visitors.
- Skip the lines. Book attractions and tours in advance whenever possible.
Ready to plan a trip where everyone feels welcome? Learn more and get your Autism Travel Card at championautismnetwork.com, then come see why Surfside Beach is the world’s first autism-friendly travel destination.