The best running trails around Surfside Beach
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Jogging routes around Surfside Beach offer diverse terrain, from expansive sandy shores to multi-use paved trails. The region features four miles of coastline, providing a unique running experience on firm sand. Inland, dedicated greenways and parks with walking paths cater to various fitness levels. The landscape is generally flat, with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for many runners.
Best jogging routes around Surfside Beach
- The most popular jogging route is East Coast Greenway: Surfside and Garden City Loop, a 12.5 miles (20.0 km) trail that takes 2 hours 13 minutes to complete. This route offers coastal views and a challenging workout.
- Another top favourite among local runners is The Pier at Garden City loop from Surfside Beach, a difficult 9.4 miles (15.1 km) path. This route provides views of the coastline and the pier.
- Local runners also love the Myrtle Beach State Park & South Ocean Boulevard Beach Loop, a 3.4 miles (5.5 km) trail leading through coastal areas, often completed in about 35 minutes.
- Jogging around Surfside Beach is defined by sandy shores, multi-use greenways, and parks with walking paths. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult routes, accommodating different ability levels.
- The routes in Surfside Beach are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.5 stars from 5 reviews. More than 180 runners have used komoot to explore Surfside Beach's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
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Lace up for a challenging jogging experience on the East Coast Greenway: Surfside and Garden City Loop. This difficult 12.5-mile (20.0 km) route offers a coastal workout, taking you past Surfside Beach and providing views of the ocean and salt marshes. You'll cover the distance in an estimated 2 hours and 12 minutes, with a minimal elevation gain of just 13 feet (4 metres). The mostly paved path allows for a steady pace as you enjoy the sea breeze and glimpse maritime forests along the way. Keep an eye out for The Pier at Garden City as you complete your loop.
When planning your visit, remember that this route is designed for a longer coastal workout, so consider starting early to avoid peak times. While specific parking details are not provided, the trail is generally accessible within local communities. Always check local conditions before you head out, especially regarding weather or any temporary closures. This ensures you have the best possible experience on your jog.
This segment is part of the much larger East Coast Greenway, a monumental 3,000-mile route connecting Maine to Florida. The Myrtle Beach area, where this loop is located, is particularly noted for its completed off-road sections, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for jogging. The varied coastal scenery, from open ocean views to glimpses of salt marshes, makes this a distinctive part of the extensive greenway network.
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Jog the 5.4-mile Market Common Trail in Grand Park, a moderate route with paved paths, lake views, and urban amenities.
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5.50km
00:36
10m
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Jog this 3.4-mile loop through Myrtle Beach State Park's maritime forest and along the undeveloped South Ocean Boulevard beach.
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6.38km
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Surfside Beach
Tips from the Community
The Pier at Garden City is a family-friendly fishing spot that offers free entry. It has a tackle shop, an arcade, and a café. While hiking on the beach, you can pass right underneath the pier, making for a nice photo opportunity.
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Surfside Beach, known as "The Family Beach," has a pier and golden sandy beaches. Rules prohibit surfing within 300 feet of its fishing pier. The Surfside Beach Pier, originally destroyed by Hurricane Matthew in 2016, was replaced with a brand new pier in 2023.
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The Myrtle Beach State Park Boardwalk offers scenic ocean views as it winds through marshlands and dunes, connecting visitors to the Myrtle Beach State Park Pier. Though the boardwalk has little shade, it gives hikers an immersive coastal experience.
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This park is delightful, boasting a display of three original warplanes serving as a memorial to the US Air force, here from 1954 to 1993. The park is free and worth a visit, especially if you are a military buff.
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Myrtle Beach State Park Pier offers free admission for those who want to walk the pier, while fishing requires a fee. Park admission is $8 for adults, $5 for South Carolina seniors (65 and older), and $4 for children ages 6–15. Children 5 and younger can enter for free. This beautiful area is popular among visitors, so it can be crowded mid-day.
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Springmaid Pier, stretching 1,060 feet into the Atlantic, is the longest pier in Myrtle Beach. It is a nice spot to visit year-round for fishing, sightseeing, and dining. Fishermen try to catch mackerel, flounder, and sea trout, and hikers can enjoy the stunning ocean and perhaps see dolphins and pelicans. The pier also features Southern Tides Bar & Grill.
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This park is delightful, boasting a display of three original warplanes serving as a memorial to the US Air force, here from 1954 to 1993. The park is free and worth a visit, especially if you are a military buff.
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Grand Lake is part of Grand Park. A sports complex, and a public park right next to Market Commons. It's a great spot for a run with many urban trails to connect to make your run as long as you want with a limited amount of road crossings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available in Surfside Beach?
Surfside Beach offers over 25 dedicated running routes, catering to various fitness levels. You'll find options ranging from easy, relaxed jogs to more challenging workouts.
Are there easy running routes suitable for beginners or a relaxed jog?
Yes, Surfside Beach has several easy running routes. For a relaxed experience, consider the Surfside Beach loop from Garden City, which is a moderate 5.5-mile (8.8 km) path. Additionally, Memorial Park offers lighted sidewalks with multi-use exercise stations, perfect for a gentle run amidst beautiful live oaks.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the running trails in Surfside Beach?
The terrain in Surfside Beach is quite varied. You can enjoy running on expansive, soft sandy shores, especially when the tide is out. There are also numerous multi-use paved trails like sections of the East Coast Greenway and the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway. Parks such as Surfside Jetty Park offer concrete walkways with Gulf views. The region is generally flat with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for most runners.
Are there any running routes that offer coastal views or pass by natural features?
Absolutely! Many routes provide stunning coastal views. The East Coast Greenway: Surfside and Garden City Loop offers scenic coastal vistas over its 12.5-mile (20.0 km) stretch. For a shorter option, Surfside Jetty Park features a concrete walkway along a 4,300-foot granite jetty, perfect for enjoying Gulf views and birdwatching during your run. You can also run along Waccamaw Drive to Ocean Drive for miles of flat terrain with views of beach houses and the ocean.
Can I bring my dog on the running trails in Surfside Beach?
While specific dog-friendly trail regulations can vary, many multi-use trails and parks in Surfside Beach generally welcome leashed dogs. The expansive sandy shores are also popular for dog walks and runs, though seasonal restrictions may apply to beach access for pets. Always check local signage for the most current rules regarding dogs on trails and beaches.
Are there any family-friendly running options in Surfside Beach?
Yes, several routes are suitable for families. Memorial Park offers lighted sidewalks and exercise stations, making it a pleasant and safe environment for a family jog. Shorter, mostly paved routes like the Surfside Beach loop from Garden City are also great for families looking for an accessible and enjoyable run.
What do other runners enjoy most about jogging in Surfside Beach?
The running routes in Surfside Beach are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.8 stars. Runners often praise the diverse scenery, from the serene sandy beaches to the well-maintained multi-use greenways. The flat terrain and variety of route lengths are also frequently highlighted as positive aspects, making it enjoyable for all skill levels.
Are there any circular running routes in the area?
Yes, Surfside Beach offers several excellent circular running routes. Popular options include the East Coast Greenway: Surfside and Garden City Loop, a 12.5-mile (20.0 km) loop with coastal views, and the Surfside Beach loop from Beach Access 1, a moderate 9-mile (14.5 km) loop. These loops provide a convenient way to explore the area without retracing your steps.
What landmarks or attractions can I see while running in Surfside Beach?
You can encounter several interesting landmarks and natural features during your runs. The The Pier at Garden City loop from Surfside Beach offers views of the coastline and the pier itself. You might also pass by Surfside Beach, Myrtle Beach State Park, or even the Warbird Park Air Force Memorial on some routes. For nature enthusiasts, the Bird & Butterfly Trail allows for wildlife observation, especially during migration seasons.
Is there parking available near the running trails?
Yes, parking is generally available at various access points for the running trails and parks in Surfside Beach. Many beach access points, parks like Memorial Park and Surfside Jetty Park, and trailheads for greenways offer designated parking areas. It's always a good idea to check specific parking details for your chosen starting point.
Are there any running routes that are particularly challenging?
For those seeking a more challenging workout, the East Coast Greenway: Surfside and Garden City Loop is a difficult 12.5-mile (20.0 km) route that provides a substantial distance. Another difficult option is The Pier at Garden City loop from Surfside Beach, a 9.4-mile (15.1 km) path that offers a good test of endurance.
What is the best time of year to go running in Surfside Beach?
Surfside Beach offers good running conditions for much of the year. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures, ideal for longer runs. Summer mornings and evenings are best to avoid the midday heat and humidity. Winter can also be a great time for running, with cooler, crisp air, though you might encounter stronger winds along the coast.
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