If Surfside Beach has a heart, you’ll find it stretching out over the Atlantic.
The Surfside Beach Fishing Pier reopened in 2024 after Hurricane Matthew destroyed the original structure in 2016, and the all-concrete rebuild quickly reclaimed its place as the town’s favorite gathering spot.
Reaching roughly 800 feet into the ocean, the pier is where locals and visitors come to fish, stroll, watch the sunrise, and simply soak in the salt air.
Whether you’re casting a line or just out for a walk, here’s how to make the most of it.
Walking the Pier
The best part? Walking the pier is completely free. Anyone can wander out over the waves, take in the panoramic ocean views, and feel the breeze.
Early risers are rewarded with some of the best sunrises on the Grand Strand, while evenings bring a laid-back, golden-hour glow. The pier was designed with everyone in mind, featuring a gentle access ramp and an elevator so the views are within reach for all.
General hours run from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (April 1 through October 31) and 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (November 1 through March 31). Pier parking is available for about $4.00 per hour between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Fishing on the Pier
For anglers, the Surfside Beach Pier is a dream spot. While walking is free, fishing requires a paid pass, and you can grab everything you need right on site. Stop by Perry’s Bait & Tackle to pick up your pass, buy bait, and even rent a rod if you didn’t bring your own.
- Standard fishing: about $14 daily, $55 weekly, or $200 annual
- King fishing: about $16 daily, $75 weekly, or $300 annual
- Children under 12: a small service fee of about $2
- Rod rental: roughly $25 per day per rod (bait sold separately)
Depending on the season, anglers reel in everything from spot and whiting to Spanish mackerel and the occasional king, making for plenty of “you should’ve seen the one that got away” stories. Even if you’ve never fished before, the friendly faces at the bait shop can point you in the right direction.
Dining on the Pier
You don’t have to leave the pier to enjoy a bite or a sweet treat. A growing collection of spots makes it easy to turn a quick walk into an afternoon.
The Whistling Duck is the pier’s relaxed wine and charcuterie bar, the perfect place to sip something nice and watch the waves roll in beneath you. Surf Diner brings a casual, beachy dining option right over the water (check ahead for current hours).
nd no trip is complete without Drippy’s, the pier’s beloved homemade ice cream shop, famous for its over-the-top Ice Cream Nachos and open late into the evening for that after-dinner treat.
Near the Pier
The area at the base of the pier, known as the Pier Village, is the lively hub of Surfside Beach. It’s the closest thing The Family Beach has to a downtown, packed with shops, restaurants, and that easygoing coastal-town energy that keeps people coming back. After a stroll on the pier, it’s the natural place to land for a meal or a little shopping.
When hunger hits, you’re spoiled for choice just steps away. Dig into fresh seafood at Bubba’s Fish Shack, grab a drink and soak up the beach-bar vibe at Scotty’s Beach Bar, or settle in for a classic burger at River City Cafe. Pizza lovers should head to Pizza Hyena for wood-fired pies and smoked wings, while Gracious Pig serves up slow-roasted barbecue and a popular brunch. For something with a little spice, Chimichanga Llama dishes out fun, Latin-inspired plates.
Between the free ocean views, the fishing, the food, and the buzz of Pier Village, the Surfside Beach Pier is the perfect first stop on any visit. Come see for yourself why it’s the heart of The Family Beach.