I think Surfside Beach is a great place to go with a bunch of friends to go surfing and just "chill" in the water (the water is really cold!). Its also a fun place to go when it really windy just to watch the huge waves splash on the beach. But it is not a good place to go with children or people who arnt strong swimmers. I was taken under by the waves myself several times when I was younger. So i wouldent recomend bringing children.