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Best things to do in Surfers Paradise

Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise

Updated: Dec 18, 2024

Surfers Paradise is the glitzy party strip that put the Gold Coast on the worldwide tourist map, but there is so much more than high rises, noisy novelty arcades and long white beaches on offer. From beachfront markets and culture hubs to foodie havens and theme parks - here are some of the best things to do in Surfers Paradise.

Cowboys is a cowboy themed bar in Surfers Paradise, featuring a bucking bull, immersive decor and a whole lotta country charm

Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets

The Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are an iconic shopping and cultural experience

HOTA

Outdoor stage HOTA

HOTA (Home of the Arts) is the Gold Coast's world class arts precinct and cultural hub

HOTA Farmers and Artisan Markets

HOTA Farmers and Artisan Markets

One of the Gold Coast's most vibrant community markets in the iconic HOTA precinct

Sea World & Sea World Resort

Delve below surface and discover a whole new world of fun and adventure at Sea World

Cali Beach Club

Cali Beach Club, Surfers Paradise

Cali Beach Club in the heart of Surfers paradise is credited as the first Vegas-style pool party of its kind in the country

Bazaar is a highlight of any visit to Surfers Paradise – a contemporary dining room inside a traditional food market, serving dishes from around the world.

Surfers Paradise Beach Café (and The Beach Bar)

Beach Café & Bar Surfers Paradise

Adjoining venues – a modern cafe and bright bar – sharing the Soul Boardwalk

Paradox Coffee Roasters

Paradox Coffee Roasters Surfers Paradise

Paradox Coffee Roasters Cafe - superb coffee and delicious handcrafted food

ESPL Coffee Brewers

ESPL Coffee Brewers Surfers Paradise

Specialty coffee and artisan bakery - awesome brews with ocean views

Elston Restaurant & Bar

Elston Restaurant & Bar Surfers Paradise

The art of tapas - unwind as the sunlight glistens over the shoreline

House of Brews Surfers Paradise

Lively gastropub serving American fare such as finger foods & burgers, plus cocktails & craft beer

Stairwell Coffee

Stairwell Coffee Surfers Paradise

A hole-in-the-wall coffee shop in the heart of Surfers Paradise, specialising in espresso and cold-brew

Sandbar Surfers Paradise

Enduring institution serving up traditional pub fare, wine & beer in a relaxed setting

Bumbles Surfers Paradise

Quirky venue on Budds Beach offering modern Australian eats with bright decor

The Island Rooftop

The Island Rooftop Surfers Paradise

Ascend the stairs to The Island Rooftop, a retro-style alfresco bar overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline

Blue House Surfers Paradise

Blue House at Budds Beach is a charming cottage cafe and restaurant, attached to the iconic Bumbles Cafe

COAST Beach Bar & Kitchen

COAST Beach Bar & Kitchen Surfers Paradise

COAST Beach Bar & Kitchen is an expansive bar & restaurant boasting a glamorous interior, mouthwatering fare and oceanfront views

Alma Surfers Paradise

Located opposite Surfers Paradise beach, Alma is a Mexican restaurant serving delicious eats all day, tasty tipples and ocean views

Edgewater Dining

Edgewater Dining is a waterfront fine diner boasting a modern Australian menu and stunning views

Madam Fu Modern Asian

Madam Fu Modern Asian Surfers Paradise

Madam Fu is an Asian fusion eatery, located on the waters of Isle of Capri, that showcases a share-style menu with Modern Asian flair

Fu Manchu Oriental

Fu Manchu Oriental Surfers Paradise

Fu Manchu Oriental is an Asian Fusion restaurant, cocktail and wine bar that dishes up traditional south-east Asian flavours with a European twist

Isla Cantina Surfers Paradise

Isla Cantina is a Cal-Mex restaurant and bar perched on the waters of Isle of Capri, dishing up authentic Mexican sips and snacks with a Cali-twist

La Playa Surfers Paradise

La Playa is a Mediterranean restaurant dishing up delicious bites and beachside vibes on Cavill Avenue

BOBs Beer Surfers Paradise

This restaurant and microbrewery, located a stone’s throw from Surfers Paradise Beach, is dishing up delicious brews and bites

Mirror Bar Surfers Paradise

Step inside a reflective wonderland at Mirror Bar Surfers Paradise, a world-first concept which is made entirely of mirrors

Dipcro Pastry Chevron Island

Dipcro Pastry is a patisserie specialising in perfectly puffy pastries and top-tier coffee

Shiraz Persian Restaurant + Bar

Exterior view of Shiraz Persian Restaurant + Bar

Shiraz Persian Restaurant + Bar has been dishing up delicious authentic Persian food in the heart of the Gold Coast since 2011

Lulu Rooftop Bar

Birdseye view of rooftop, Lulu Rooftop Bar Surfers Paradise

Lulu Rooftop Bar is a trendy bar and eatery dishing up stunning views, killer cocktails, including a frosé wall, and beachside eats

Top Things To Do On The Gold Coast This Week

Fireworks at Seafire

Seafire 2026

A spectacular fireworks competition is returning to Surfers Paradise foreshore

Westin Wellness Weekend

Westin Wellness Weekend

Brisbane’s most sought-after wellness event, Westin Wellness Weekend returns

Artsian picnic spread by river at O'reilly's Canungra

Artisan Picnic at O'Reilly's

Indulge in a premium picnic experience by a clear flowing waters of Canungra Creek

Circus tents by night

Ashton's The Great Australian Circus

Ashton’s Great Australian Circus is lighting up the Gold Coast with a brand-new production

Jun 26 - Jul 12

Performers on stage 360-ALLSTARS

360 Allstars

BMX, basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing and more combine at 360 ALLSTARS

Orchestra performing overview

Italian Serenatas

A dramatic journey with The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra through the heart of Baroque Italy.

Inside Door Seven Haunted House

Door Seven Haunted House

A spine-chilling immersive experience that is like stepping into a horror movie

GreazeFest 2026

GreazeFest 2026

GreazeFest is back for 3 huge days of music, cars and kulture!

Woman walking Tugun Bulimba

EDITOR'S PICK

6 Best Coastal Walks

From Burleigh to Coolangatta and up to The Spit, these coastal walks give you the chance to explore some of the Gold Coast’s most beautiful stretches of coastline

6 of the Best Coastal Walks on the Gold Coast

EDITOR'S PICK

School Holidays at Village Roadshow Theme Parks

School holidays are sorted with endless family fun waiting at Village Roadshow Theme Parks

School Holidays at Village Roadshow Theme Parks

Circus tents

MUST DO

Ashton's The Great Australian Circus

Ashton’s Great Australian Circus is lighting up the Gold Coast with a brand-new production at Broadwater Parklands

Ashton's The Great Australian Circus

WINTER FAMILY HOLIDAY

BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

Make the most of the cooler months with their Winter Magic offer. Stay 4 nights and only pay for 3 on stays until 25 June 2026!

BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

Facade of The Westin Brisbane

WEEKEND AWAY

The Westin Brisbane

Treat yourself to a getaway at this unique and refreshing urban retreat with a focus on wellbeing, relaxation and effortless luxury, located in the heart of Brisbane's CBD

The Westin Brisbane

A stunning tribute to Barbra Streisand

WIN a golden ticket valued at $1,136 to see 12 must-see shows at Brisbane Comedy Festival!