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Surfside Beach Liquors: What to Know Before You Visit

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Surfside Beach Liquors carries beer, wine, and spirits in a beach-town setting

Surfside Beach Liquors is a retail shop located in Surfside Beach, a small coastal town in Horry County near Myrtle Beach. The store stocks beer, wine, and spirits for off-premises consumption—meaning you purchase items to take home or to your accommodation rather than drink on-site. Like other package liquor stores in South Carolina, it operates under state ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) regulations that govern hours, age verification, and what types of alcohol can be sold.

Surfside Beach itself is a quiet residential community about 12 miles north of Myrtle Beach's main tourist corridor. The town draws visitors and residents who want beach access without the high-rise development and crowds of central Myrtle Beach. Surfside Beach Liquors serves both the year-round population and seasonal visitors looking for beverages for beach houses, vacation rentals, or events.

Key Takeaways

  • Surfside Beach Liquors is a package store in a small coastal town, selling beer, wine, and spirits for off-premises use only.
  • South Carolina law requires all customers to show photo ID proving they are 21 or older before any alcohol purchase, with no exceptions.
  • Store hours and inventory vary by season, so calling ahead during off-season months can confirm what you need is in stock.
  • Surfside Beach is a quieter alternative to central Myrtle Beach, located about 12 miles north and accessible via Highway 17.

Location and hours in Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach Liquors sits in the town of Surfside Beach along Highway 17, the main north-south route through the Grand Strand. The store is within walking or short driving distance of the Surfside Beach Pier, the town's central gathering point, and most residential areas. Parking is typically available on-site or nearby street parking.

Hours of operation vary by season. During the busy summer months and holiday periods, the store maintains extended hours to serve both residents and tourists. During slower months—particularly January through March—hours may be reduced. Calling the store directly before your visit, especially during off-season, confirms current hours and whether specific products are in stock.

What South Carolina law requires at purchase

Every alcohol purchase in South Carolina requires photo ID verification, regardless of how old you appear. The store clerk will ask for your ID before completing any transaction. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. Expired IDs are typically not accepted.

South Carolina law prohibits the sale of alcohol to anyone under 21. The store is required by law to check ID and refuse sales if the customer cannot produce valid identification or is underage. This applies to beer, wine, and spirits equally—there is no category of alcohol available without age verification.

Types of alcohol and inventory

Surfside Beach Liquors stocks beer in a range of styles and brands, from major domestic labels to craft and imported options. Wine selection includes red, white, rosé, and sparkling varieties at different price points. Spirits include whiskey, vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and other categories, though specific brands and premium selections may vary.

Inventory changes based on season and demand. Summer months typically see fuller shelves and more variety as tourism peaks. Winter months may have more limited selection, particularly for specialty or premium items. If you are looking for a specific brand or type, calling ahead gives you a better chance of finding it in stock without a wasted trip.

Surfside Beach as a destination

Surfside Beach is one of South Carolina's quietest beach towns, with a population under 4,000 year-round. The town has maintained a residential character and limits commercial development, making it appealing to visitors seeking a slower pace than Myrtle Beach proper. The Surfside Beach Pier is free to walk and a popular spot for fishing, sunrise viewing, and casual strolls.

The town has a few restaurants, a small grocery store, and other local shops, but it is not a nightlife or entertainment destination in the way Myrtle Beach is. Most visitors come for beach time, relaxation, and access to rental homes. Surfside Beach Liquors serves this quieter visitor base and the permanent residents who live there year-round.

Getting to Surfside Beach from nearby areas

Surfside Beach is about 12 miles north of Myrtle Beach's central tourist district and roughly 30 miles south of the North Carolina border. From Myrtle Beach, take Highway 17 North; the drive takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. From Wilmington, North Carolina, Surfside Beach is about 60 miles south on Highway 17.

If you are staying in a vacation rental or hotel in Surfside Beach, the store is easy to reach by car. If you are based in central Myrtle Beach and planning to visit Surfside Beach, factor in travel time. The town itself is small enough that you can walk most areas once you arrive, but you will need a car to get there from other parts of the Grand Strand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Surfside Beach Liquors close?

Closing time varies by season. Summer hours typically extend into the evening, while winter hours may be earlier. Call the store directly to confirm current closing time, especially if you are visiting during off-season months when hours often change.

Can I return alcohol if I change my mind?

Return policies for alcohol are set by individual retailers and vary. South Carolina law does not require stores to accept returns of opened or unopened alcohol. Ask the store about their specific return or exchange policy at the time of purchase.

Does Surfside Beach Liquors sell beer on Sundays?

South Carolina allows beer and wine sales on Sundays, though individual municipalities can impose stricter rules. Surfside Beach permits Sunday sales. Hours on Sunday may differ from weekday hours, so confirm by calling ahead.

Is there a size limit on bottles I can buy?

South Carolina does not impose a per-bottle size limit for off-premises purchases at package stores. You can buy beer, wine, and spirits in whatever sizes the store stocks, from single bottles to larger formats.

What if the store is closed when I need alcohol?

Other package stores operate in nearby Myrtle Beach and along Highway 17. If Surfside Beach Liquors is closed, you can find alternatives in central Myrtle Beach, about 12 miles south. Hours and locations vary, so searching online or calling ahead helps you find an open store quickly.