Moving to Surfside Beach is more than unpacking boxes. It’s about stepping into a lifestyle where sandy mornings, friendly waves, and small-town charm meet Gulf Coast adventure. Whether you’ve bought your beach house as a weekend getaway or a full-time home, your first 30 days are the perfect time to explore, connect, and start feeling right at home by the coast.

Catch Your First Sunrise (and Sunset)

There’s nothing quite like a Surfside sunrise. Watch the first light spill over the Gulf from the beach or take a morning walk out on the jetty at Jetty Park. The jetty extends about three-quarters of a mile, giving you an open, peaceful view of the horizon as the day begins. It’s also one of the best spots to watch the sunset later in the evening, the view to the west is wide open, unobstructed by houses, and absolutely beautiful. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you chose Surfside Beach in the first place.

Find Your Go-To Eats and Drinks

Every Surfside local has a favorite hangout, and now it’s your turn to find yours. Start your mornings with a cup of coffee from Culture Coffee or stop by Seahorse Bar & Grill for fresh Gulf seafood and a casual dinner with live music. Keep an eye out for The Salty Pelican, a new restaurant set to open next year that we’re already excited about. Trying out local spots is part of the fun, it’s how you start to feel like a true Surfside regular.

Meet the Community

One of the best things about Surfside is how easy it is to get involved. From holiday parades to local fishing tournaments, there’s always something happening around town. You’ll also find smaller, community-based events that aren’t always widely advertised, like neighborhood gatherings, volunteer beach cleanups, or helping with the Sea Turtle Patrol, where locals walk the beach during nesting season to help protect baby sea turtles. Whether you live here full-time or just visit on weekends, these small connections are what make Surfside feel like home.

Explore Surfside by Golf Cart

One of the best ways to get to know Surfside is from behind the wheel of a golf cart. Rent one from Sun & Sea Carts and spend the day exploring the island at your own pace. Surfside may be small, but there’s a lot to see. Visit Surfside Jetty County Park to watch the boats come and go, stop by the Historical Museum at City Hall, or check out the Fort Velasco Historical Site to learn more about the area’s roots. Cruise down to the Butterfly Trail, splash pad, or the boat ramp, then follow the street that runs along the coastal waterways to watch dolphins and barges move along the Intracoastal Canal. You can fish, crab, or just sit and enjoy the view.

The golf cart path that runs along Bluewater Highway lets you explore even farther down the island, with easy access to beach entrances, restaurants, and local shops. From bird watching over the wetlands to watching the sunrise or sunset, exploring by golf cart is the best way to see all of Surfside’s hidden corners,  and you’ll likely make a few local friends along the way.

Get Practical, Too

Once you’ve unpacked and started to settle in, take time to get your systems set up. If your new home will double as a short-term rental, now is the time to apply for your Surfside Beach rental permit and put your guest management process in place. Set up your cleaners, create a guest guidebook, and decide how you’ll handle check-ins and maintenance. Even if you’re not planning to rent, this first month is a good time to save local service contacts, everything from plumbers and electricians to golf cart repair and handyman services. You’ll thank yourself later.

Welcome to the Surfside Lifestyle

Whether you’re calling Surfside home year-round or enjoying it as your weekend retreat, your first 30 days are about more than moving in, they’re about finding your rhythm on the coast. From quiet mornings on the beach to your first neighborhood gathering, this is where it all begins.

If you ever need help navigating local resources, finding trusted service providers, or learning the ins and outs of coastal ownership, our team at Land Shore Realty is here to help you make the most of living by the Gulf.

FAQs About Moving to Surfside Beach, TX

Whether you’re here every day or just on weekends, Surfside Beach has a way of making new homeowners feel welcome. By mixing a little exploration with a few practical steps, your first month won’t just be about moving in, it’ll be about truly settling into the coastal lifestyle.