Surfside Beach is on the south shore of the island, facing the open Atlantic with a long stretch of sand and reliable surf. It is the closest ocean beach to the town centre — roughly three miles, which is bikeable on the dedicated path — and draws the largest summer crowds. Facilities include restrooms, a snack bar, and lifeguards in season.
The surf at Surfside is real enough for bodyboarding and occasionally for surfing, though the waves are inconsistent. The beach is wide and backed by low dunes, giving a sense of scale that the smaller harbour beaches don't have. At low tide the sand stretches for a long way and the walk toward Cisco to the west is worth doing.