Summary
With 2876 miles of tidal coastline, South Carolina presents an idyllic setting for beach enthusiasts, whether seeking tranquility, family activities, or a lively spring break ambiance.
The beaches of South Carolina captivate visitors not only with the refreshing, crystalline Atlantic waters and expansive sandy shores revealing stunning seashells but also provide opportunities for wildlife observation, a deep dive into local history, various water sports, and exceptional dining, shopping, and relaxation.
Each beach in South Carolina embodies its own unique character. Many are conveniently located a short drive from Charleston, a hub of southern elegance. Therefore, consider South Carolina for your upcoming beach retreat if you aspire to indulge in luxury or create cherished memories without substantial expense.
Folly Beach
Best beach for surf town vibes
Located just south of Charleston, Folly Island features the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Folly River on the other. The convergence of these two waterways creates six miles of wide beaches around the island’s perimeter, where visitors can partake in surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking, fishing, boating, or water skiing.
The rich history of Folly Beach dates back to its original inhabitants, the Bohicket Indians, who resided in the area during the 1600s until displaced by European settlers.
Often regarded as one of America’s last authentic beach towns, this 12-square-mile barrier island is home to 2400 residents. Folly Beach’s Center Street is lined with eclectic clothing shops and seafood restaurants, contributing to its charming and bohemian atmosphere.
The island is replete with marine-centered attractions, including the 1000ft Folly Beach Pier, a pelican rookery, and the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve.
Exploring the Folly River marshlands by kayak presents a safe and enjoyable adventure suitable for children of all ages.
Cultural experiences abound at Folly Beach. The Porgy House, once home to Charleston authors Dubose and Dorothy Heyward in the 1930s, is significant as the place where George Gershwin composed Porgy and Bess in 1934, drawing inspiration from Dubose Hayward’s novel.
Hilton Head
Best beach for luxury
Renowned for its upscale accommodations, picturesque lowcountry beaches, and over 23 exceptional golf courses, Hilton Head stands as the first eco-planned destination in the United States.
Immerse yourself in luxurious experiences at Hilton Head’s spas, savor exquisite dining at its four-diamond restaurants, and engage in leisurely rounds of golf between sunbathing and beachcombing.
This 42-square-mile barrier island boasts 12 miles of splendid beaches, with numerous exclusive hotels offering private beach access. The Gulf Stream ensures pleasant daytime temperatures averaging 70°F, complemented by similarly warm ocean waters.
While Hilton Head is famous for its upscale amenities, there is also ample opportunity for families and nature enthusiasts to explore. The Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge supports a diverse population of wildlife, including deer and alligators, within a network of salt marshes and lagoons. Moss-draped oak trees, magnolias, pines, and palmettos create a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate public beach access, with metered parking available at eight of the island’s beaches.
Edisto Beach
Best beach for nature lovers
As one of four oceanfront state parks in South Carolina, Edisto Beach, situated on Edisto Island, serves as an excellent rustic retreat for nature lovers. A visit to Edisto Beach consistently involves adventure in the great outdoors.
The Beach State Park offers a network of hiking and biking trails, including the state’s longest system of ADA-accessible trails. Hike, bike, explore the beach, fish, and wade in the shallows. Edisto Beach provides an economical beach experience, featuring furnished cabins nestled in the woods, as well as oceanfront and forest campsites.
The park also houses an environmental education center with exhibits showcasing 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 site for loggerhead sea turtles.
When it’s time for the beach, journey to the mile-and-a-half, palmetto-lined stretch of Edisto Beach in search of vibrant seashells, pause to witness sunrises, and keep an eye out for fossils.
Bull Island
Best beach to avoid the crowds
Arriving on Bull Island—also referred to as Bulls Island—within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge resembles embarking on an East Coast safari.
This secluded island is reachable by ferry or kayak, offering 16 miles of trails and roads, alongside seven miles of untouched shoreline. Consequently, it serves as an ideal spot to escape the crowds.
Bull Island is renowned for its biodiversity, with over 293 bird species recorded. Observing the majestic American Bald Eagle is a favorite activity for children. Naturalist-led tours are available for all ages, providing opportunities to observe alligators, black foxes, and bottlenose dolphins.
The island spans 66,000 acres and constitutes the largest of four barrier islands within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, which features saltwater estuaries, barrier islands, freshwater impoundments, and maritime forests.
Bottlenose dolphins utilize the creeks surrounding Bull Island for nurturing their calves, while loggerhead sea turtles nest along the coastal shores.
Boneyard Beach, distinguished by the bleached remains of oaks, cedars, palmettos, and pines that dot a three-mile stretch along the northeast coast, attracts many photographers.
Whether for an entire day or just a few hours, visiting Bull Island promises enjoyment for the entire family, and it serves as a convenient day trip from Charleston, accessible in approximately 50 minutes from the ferry launch in Awendaw.
Crescent Beach
Best beach for families
Myrtle Beach ranks as South Carolina’s most frequented beach, attracting over 19 million visitors annually. Families are drawn here due to the variety of family-oriented attractions, beachfront resorts, lively entertainment, and of course, the pristine white-sand beaches.
Crescent Beach, one of the four beaches in North Myrtle Beach, is a lesser-known treasure and an ideal location to relax with a beach umbrella and enjoy while children partake in boogie boarding or sandcastle building.
Engage with locals at Molly Darcy’s Irish Pub or Bay Watch Cafe located on South Ocean Boulevard. North Myrtle Beach offers ample opportunities for adventure and water sports, catering to adrenaline enthusiasts through activities such as wakeboarding, jet skiing, surfing, and parasailing.
Kiawah Island
Best beach for privacy
Kiawah Island, a private destination featuring 10 miles of white sandy beaches, is often described as paradise. The island stands as one of the premier beach locations for a luxurious holiday. Alongside a world-class resort, a vibrant village resides beside a stunning coastline, encompassing 10,000 acres of maritime woodlands, sand dunes, and marshes inhabited by whitetail deer, alligators, bobcats, seabirds, and sea turtles.
The preservation and enhancement of this natural maritime environment benefit both current and future generations. Visitors can bask in the sun and enjoy the surf—welcoming to families as well as adult vacationers. A visit to the five-century-old Angel Oak Tree is highly recommended, as is enjoying a meal or drink at Charleston Tea Garden and Firefly Distillery.
Although most beaches are private and accessible solely to property owners, guests, and renters, visitors not staying on the island can sunbathe and swim at Beachwalker County Park.
This article was initially published on Mar 31, 2021, and has been subsequently updated on Jun 18, 2022.
