Surfside Beach named ‘ultimate destination for families’ in Southern Living

Surfside Beach has been called the “ultimate destination for families” in a recent Southern Living article.

The coastal town was the focus of a June 10 article posted by the lifestyle magazine, which offers stories about southern culture in the United States.

The small community is “...Myrtle’s smaller, quieter, more laidback little sister,” according to writer Tara McCay.

“Away from the hustle and bustle of crowded beachfront boardwalks, amusement parks, and giant Ferris Wheels, Surfside provides a welcome reprieve from the tourist-packed arcades, shops, and restaurants we’ve come to love Myrtle Beach for,” she added.

McCay said Surfside Beach lives up to its name, “The Family Beach,” because it’s a place families can be comfortable and have a good time.

“With only two square miles to navigate and fewer than 5,000 locals, it’s exactly the type of safe, community-focused town you’ll love letting your kids loose in,” she said.

The article lays out places families can stay, where they can eat and what they can do.

McCay recommends Surfside Beach Oceanfront Hotel for single families and suggests checking rental service companies, including Airbnb and Surfside Realty, a local business.

McCay also mentions Surfside Beach’s dining scene and the numerous Italian restaurants. She said Valentino Original Italian Restaurant offers authentic Italian and Sicilian meals.

The article also lists Benjamin’s Bakery as having “the best bagels on the Grand Strand.”

Besides the normal activities families do at the beach, McCay points out Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market and Wild Water & Wheels, which has go-karts and mini golf, as other sources of fun.