With 2876 miles of tidal coastline, South Carolina is a beachgoer’s dream, whether you’re seeking solitude, family fun, or a vibrant spring break atmosphere.
South Carolina beaches entice visitors, not only with the cool, sparkling Atlantic and broad, sandy stretches that hide dazzling seashells but also with opportunities to see wildlife, dive into history, enjoy water sports, and indulge in dining and shopping.
Each beach along South Carolina’s coastline has its unique vibe. Many are conveniently located a short drive from Charleston, a hub of southern charm. Therefore, consider South Carolina for your next beach vacation to enjoy luxury or create lasting memories without excessive costs.
Folly Beach
Best beach for surf town vibes
Just south of Charleston, Folly Island features the Atlantic Ocean out front and the Folly River at the back. This intersection creates six miles of wide beaches, where visitors can enjoy surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking, and fishing.
Folly Beach’s rich history began with its original residents, the Bohicket Indians, who lived in the area until European colonists arrived. This charming surf town, often called one of America’s last true beach towns, boasts a Center Street lined with boho clothing shops and seafood dining.
The island is filled with ocean-focused attractions, including the 1000-foot Folly Beach Pier, a pelican rookery, and the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve. Moreover, exploring the Folly River marshlands by kayak offers an exciting adventure suitable for kids of any age.
Folly Beach is also rich in culture. The Porgy House, once home to Charleston authors Dubose and Dorothy Heyward, is where George Gershwin wrote Porgy and Bess, based on Dubose Hayward’s novel.
Hilton Head
Best beach for luxury
Known for its luxury accommodations, low country beaches, and over 23 world-class golf courses, Hilton Head was the first eco-planned destination in the United States.
Immerse yourself in indulgent luxury at Hilton Head’s spas, dine at its four-diamond restaurants, and play golf between beachcombing sessions.
The 42-square-mile barrier island boasts 12 miles of stunning beaches, with many exclusive hotels offering private beach access. The Gulf Stream maintains delightful daytime temperatures around 70°F, with ocean waters nearly matching.
While Hilton Head is famous for high-end offerings, there are ample opportunities for family-friendly exploration. The Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to various wildlife, including deer and alligators, and features beautiful salt marshes and lagoons, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Edisto Beach
Best beach for nature lovers
As one of four oceanfront state parks in South Carolina, Edisto Beach offers a rustic retreat for nature lovers. A vacation here is filled with outdoor adventures.
The Beach State Park features a network of hiking and biking trails, including the state’s longest ADA-accessible trail system. Visitors can hike, bike, fish, and splash in the shallows. This destination promises affordable beach fun with opportunities for camping and cabin stays.
The park also houses an environmental education center that showcases the natural history of Edisto Island and the ACE Basin, a nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles.
While enjoying the beach, explore the mile-and-a-half stretch of palmetto-lined sand on Edisto Beach, perfect for shell collecting and sunrise viewing.
Bull Island
Best beach to avoid the crowds
Stepping onto Bull Island, also known as Bulls Island, within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge feels like embarking on an east coast safari.
Accessible only by ferry or kayak, the island offers 16 miles of trails and seven miles of undeveloped shoreline, making it a perfect escape from crowded beaches.
Bull Island is renowned for its diverse birdlife, with over 293 species recorded, and families can look forward to spotting majestic American Bald Eagles. Guided nature tours cater to all ages, offering chances to view alligators, black foxes, and bottlenose dolphins.
The refuge spans 66,000 acres and contains a variety of ecosystems, including saltwater estuaries and maritime forests, where both dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles thrive.
Crescent Beach
Best beach for families
As South Carolina’s most popular beach, Myrtle Beach attracts over 19 million visitors annually, drawn to its family-friendly attractions, beachfront resorts, and pristine white-sand shores.
Crescent Beach, one of North Myrtle Beach’s four beaches, is a hidden gem, ideal for families wishing to relax under an umbrella while children build sandcastles or boogie board.
Experience local flavor at nearby establishments like Molly Darcy’s Irish Pub and Bay Watch Cafe. Furthermore, adventure seekers can partake in various water sports such as wakeboarding, jet skiing, and surfing.
Kiawah Island
Best beach for privacy
Kiawah Island, often referred to as paradise, features 10 miles of pristine white-sand beaches. This exclusive destination offers luxury accommodations and a vibrant village set against a backdrop of natural beauty.
The island’s natural maritime environment is preserved, creating an ideal setting for both families and adult travelers. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing and swimming while exploring the historic five-century-old Angel Oak Tree.
While most beaches here are private and accessible only to property owners and guests, visitors can still enjoy the beach at Beachwalker County Park.
This article was originally published on March 31, 2021, and updated on June 18, 2022.
