Summary
Boasting 2876 miles of tidal coastline, South Carolina is a paradise for beach enthusiasts, whether in search of tranquility, family-friendly activities, or a lively spring break atmosphere.
The beaches of South Carolina attract visitors not only with the refreshing and sparkling Atlantic but also with expansive sandy shores that conceal stunning seashells. Opportunities for wildlife observation, historical exploration, water sports, dining, shopping, and wellness experiences abound here.
Each beach in South Carolina presents its own distinct character. Many are conveniently located within a short drive from Charleston, a hub of southern elegance and hospitality. Therefore, if you seek to indulge in luxury or create lasting memories without excessive expense, consider South Carolina for your next beach getaway.
Folly Beach
Optimal beach for surf town ambiance
Located just south of Charleston, Folly Island is embraced by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Folly River. The confluence of these two waterways has resulted in six miles of wide sandy beaches encircling the island, offering ample opportunities for surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking, fishing, boating, and water skiing.
Folly Beach has a rich historical background, originating with its earliest inhabitants, the Bohicket Indians, who resided in the region during the 1600s until European settlers displaced them.
Often referred to as one of America’s last authentic beach towns, this 12-square-mile barrier island is home to 2400 residents. The eclectic surf town atmosphere of Folly Beach’s Center Street features an array of bohemian clothing shops and seafood dining options.
The island is abundant with attractions centered around the ocean, including the impressive 1000-foot Folly Beach Pier, a pelican rookery, and the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve.
Explore the Folly River marshlands via kayak; this adventure is engaging and safe for children of varying ages.
Cultural richness also permeates Folly Beach. The Porgy House, the residence of Charleston authors Dubose and Dorothy Heyward in the 1930s, is a focal point. It is in this location that George Gershwin composed Porgy and Bess in 1934, inspired by Dubose Hayward’s novel.
Hilton Head
Optimal beach for luxury accommodations
Renowned for its luxury lodging, picturesque low-country beaches, and more than 23 premier golf courses, Hilton Head was the first eco-planned destination in the United States.
Indulge in opulent experiences at Hilton Head’s spas, savor meals at its four-diamond restaurants, and participate in rounds of golf amidst beach-combing and sunbathing.
The 42-square-mile barrier island is enriched with 12 miles of breathtaking beaches, with many exclusive hotels offering private beach access. The Gulf Stream ensures pleasant daytime temperatures around 70°F, with the ocean waters closely mirroring this comfort.
While Hilton Head excels in high-end experiences, it also provides ample exploration opportunities for families and nature enthusiasts. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to deer and alligators, featuring a network of salt marshes and lagoons embellished with moss-draped oaks, magnolias, pines, and palmettos—a veritable haven for bird watchers.
Travelers mindful of budgets will find public beach access with metered parking available at several of the island’s beaches.
Edisto Beach
Optimal beach for nature enthusiasts
As one of four oceanfront state parks in South Carolina, Edisto Beach, situated on Edisto Island, serves as an ideal rustic retreat for nature lovers. A visit to Edisto Beach inevitably involves adventures in the great outdoors.
The Beach State Park features a network of hiking and biking paths, including the longest system of ADA-accessible trails in the state. Activities such as hiking, biking, beach exploration, fishing, and splashing in the shallows are commonplace. Edisto Beach presents economical beach enjoyment through furnished cabins nestled in the woods, as well as oceanfront and wooded campsites.
The park also houses an environmental education center, showcasing exhibits on the natural history of Edisto Island and the surrounding ACE Basin. The ACE Basin encompasses the watersheds of the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers and serves as a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles.
During your beach outings, explore the mile-and-a-half palmetto-lined stretch of Edisto Beach, searching for gleaming seashells, pausing to catch a sunrise, and keeping an eye out for fossils.
Bull Island
Optimal beach for seclusion
Arriving on Bull Island—also referred to as Bulls Island—within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge offers an experience akin to embarking on an East Coast safari.
Accessible solely by ferry or kayak, this island boasts 16 miles of trails and roads and seven miles of untouched shoreline to discover, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquility.
Bull Island is celebrated for its avian diversity, with over 293 species noted in the area. Visitors will particularly enjoy spotting majestic American Bald Eagles. Guided naturalist tours cater to all ages, especially for those interested in observing alligators, glimpsing black foxes, and spotting bottlenose dolphins.
The 66,000-acre island is the largest of four barrier islands comprising the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, which includes saltwater estuaries, barrier islands, freshwater impoundments, and maritime forests.
Bottlenose dolphins raise their young within the protected creeks of Bull Island, while loggerhead sea turtles nest on its sandy shores.
Boneyard Beach, so named for the bleached remains of oaks, cedars, palmettos, and pines scattered across a three-mile section of beach on the island’s northeastern tip, is a favorite among photographers.
Whether for a full day or a few hours, Bull Island promises enjoyment for the entire family, serving as an excellent day excursion from Charleston, located roughly 50 minutes from the ferry launch in Awendaw.
Crescent Beach
Best beach for families
Myrtle Beach stands as South Carolina’s most frequented beach, attracting over 19 million visitors each year. Tourists are drawn to its family-friendly attractions, beachfront accommodations, vibrant entertainment, and, undoubtedly, its pristine white-sand shores.
Crescent Beach, among North Myrtle Beach’s four coastal areas, is a cherished hidden treasure, offering an excellent spot for families to unwind under a beach umbrella while children enjoy boogie boarding or constructing sandcastles.
Join the locals at Molly Darcy’s Irish Pub and Bay Watch Cafe along South Ocean Boulevard. North Myrtle Beach presents an array of adventurous water activities ranging from wakeboarding and jet skiing to surfing and parasailing, establishing it as a paradise for thrill-seekers.
Kiawah Island
Optimal beach for privacy
Characterized by 10 miles of sandy shores, Kiawah Island is often deemed a paradise. It represents one of the premier destinations for luxurious vacations. On Kiawah, a world-class resort coexists alongside a spirited village, all set against the backdrop of a pristine coastline, comprising 10,000 acres of maritime woodlands, sand dunes, and marshes populated by whitetail deer, alligators, bobcats, seabirds, and sea turtles.
The natural maritime environment is being conserved and enhanced for both contemporary and future generations. Bask in the sun and enjoy the surf—Kiawah welcomes families and adult visitors alike. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the historic Angel Oak Tree, estimated to be five centuries old. Treat yourself to refreshments or meals at Charleston Tea Garden and Firefly Distillery.
Most beaches are private, intended for property owners, their guests, and renters. However, visitors not residing on the island can enjoy sunbathing and swimming at Beachwalker County Park.
This article was first published Mar 31, 2021, and updated Jun 18, 2022.
