10 Best Beaches in South Carolina

Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is an upscale resort area located 12 miles from downtown Charleston. Surrounded by several iconic seaside destinations, Isle of Palms is home to nearly 3,000 acres of homes, stores, beaches, and parks and prides itself on being the perfect getaway for travelers of all ages.

• You can access the beach beach via 57 public beach access paths.
• The beach is pet-friendly as long as dogs are on a leash.
• Click here for parking fees and where to park.
• There are a handful of hotels and inns located on Isle of Palms as well as a large golf course, while Wild Dunes Resort, a highly exclusive community of rental apartments and homes, is located directly on the beach.
• Isle of Palms holds exciting events and festivals throughout the year. If you are spending a weekend here, you will have plenty of opportunities to stay entertained. Map
• Charleston's annual MOJA Arts Festival from September 26 – October 6, 2024 is a must-visit for art lovers.

The drive from Charleston takes 30 minutes (14.6 miles via Hwy 17 N).

Folly Beach, South Carolina

Folly Beach is a popular place for watersports like boating, kayaking, and surfing. Known as ‘the Edge of America’, boat tours near Folly Beach take guests to several picturesque areas.

• Click here for parking info.
• The backwaters of Folly Island and the Morris Island Lighthouse are a couple points of interest along the way.
• To get more time out on the water, you can sign up for sailing lessons with local instructors.
• Fishing is another popular activity at Folly Beach and there are areas for deep-sea fishing, pier fishing, river fishing, and more.
• Paddleboarding, bicycling, camping, and picnicking are some of the other fun pastimes visitors can enjoy at Folly Beach. Map
• If you decide to spend a weekend here, book a room at the romantic Regatta Inn.
• You can find Folly Beach County Park camping info here.

You can reach Folly Beach in 25 minutes from Charleston (11.3 miles via SC-30 W and State Hwy 171).

Hilton Head Island

Celebrated as one of the premiere vacation spots on the East Coast, Hilton Head Island is filled with pristine beaches, spacious parks, and beautiful scenic areas.

• In total, Hilton Head boasts more than 12 miles of beaches.
• Each park has a certain number of free parking spaces so it's best to arrive early.
• You can stay busy by indulging in a myriad of fun activities such as swimming, surfing, sunbathing, paddleboarding, boating, fishing, and playing among the beachside sand dunes.
• Many of Hilton Head's beaches have photographers to capture special moments among families and friends.
• Since the island was built to accommodate tourists, it is easy to get from place to place using The Breeze Trolley Service. Map
• You will have no problem finding restaurants, nightlife, and family-friendly entertainment. Here are some of our favorites:

Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park is an ideal destination for a getaway with family and friends.

• In the summer, you really need to plan ahead. You can purchase a parking pass from 3 days to one month in advance. The parking pass costs $5.
• All kinds of fun activities, such as swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting, are available at this picturesque state park.
• The park also has wireless Internet access, restrooms, picnic areas, EV charging station, and a beachside gift shop.
• There are areas within the park for camping and all parts of Huntington Beach State Park are pet friendly.
• Click here for camping info in Huntington Beach State Park. Map
• The nearby Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort is great for families.

Huntington Beach State Park is 3 hours from Columbia, SC via I-20 E.

Edisto Beach, South Carolina

Known as one of the few non-commercialized beaches in South Carolina, Edisto Beach is a tranquil destination for individuals, honeymooners, and families. The beach is lined with cozy vacation rentals, upscale restaurants, and fun attractions.

• You can park at 37 public beach access points from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Edisto Beach boasts plenty of spots for camping, bicycling, playing golf, and fishing.
• You can go on boat tours to enjoy views of the coastline and take walks along the pier for gorgeous sunset vistas.
• Swimming is permitted at Edisto Beach, but visitors enter the water at their own risk as there are no lifeguards on duty.
• Edisto Beach also has lots of scenic spots for wedding and family photography.

Edisto Beach is 2 hours from Savannah (105.5 mi via I-95 N and Hwy 17 N).

Kiawah Island

Known for its thriving tourism industry and natural beauty, Kiawah Island is a popular destination for families, couples, and individuals.

• Head to Kiawah Beachwalker Park which has seasonal lifeguards. According to the city website, the parking spots fill up by 10:30 so be sure to arrive early.
• Maritime forests, rolling sand dunes, and carefully preserved marshes are some of the main attractions in the area.
• At the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean while playing on one of the area's premier golf courses.
• Several other golf courses are located on Kiawah Island. There are multiple hotels and vacation rentals spread throughout the town. Map

Kiawah Island sits just 25 miles from downtown Charleston. The drive usually takes about 45 minutes (27.3 miles via State Rd S-10-20).

Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet is a historical little fishing town situated 10 miles from Myrtle Beach.

• Beloved by artists, solace-seekers, and outdoor enthusiasts, Murrells Inlet is fun to visit year-round.
• There are plenty of hotels in the area as well as restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and parks.
• Murrells Inlet holds exciting events throughout the year to celebrate holidays and to bring the community together for good causes. A calendar of upcoming events is available online.
• If you are staying overnight, be sure to check out Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark.

The drive from Myrtle Beach area hotels to Murrells Inlet takes 30 minutes (16.8 mi via US Highway 17 Bypass S).

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Known as one of South Carolina's best beaches, Myrtle Beach is the perfect spot for a family vacation.

• On the beach itself, you can enjoy an array of watersports, including parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, SCUBA diving, and surfing.
• There are also plenty of safe spots for swimming and wading.
• In the town of Myrtle Beach, guests will find all types of accommodation along with a range of restaurants, entertainment venues, parks, and day trips.
• Myrtle Beach is famous for its 50+ mini golf courses and Family Kingdom Amusement Park. For adventures outside the city limits, guests can join a local ATV or Jeep tour. Map
• Click here for parking meters and pay-station info.

Seabrook Island Beaches

Seabrook Island is home to a 4-mile stretch of white sand beach. The island itself is divided into two beaches, Pelican Beach and North Beach.

• Most people head to Pelican Beach to see some of the most spectacular sunset on the East Coast, while North Beach is equally popular for its dramatic sunrises and rolling sand dunes.
• You have to get a pass at the security gate before entering Seabrook Island.
• Other attractions on Seabrook Island include a large equestrian center, a tournament-style tennis court, and two championship golf courses.
• Despite being a short 45-minute drive from Charleston, Seabrook Island manages to maintain its beauty and quiet charm.
• A deep-water marina and shopping village are located just outside the gate.

Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach is celebrated as the top family destination in South Carolina. This lengthy white sand beach can be accessed from 36 different points around the city.

• Surfside Beach has a long pier lined with restaurants and fishing areas as well as a rental area where guests can pick up umbrellas and beach chairs for a small fee.
• Watersports, fishing, beachcombing, and sunbathing are favorite pastimes among weekend guests. Click here for fishing and other license info.
• There are hotels, resorts, inns, and vacation rentals surrounding the beach, and visitors can find all sorts of restaurants and entertainment venues in the town of Surfside. Map
• Click here for parking info and wheelchair access points.

If you are staying in Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach is 20 minutes by car (8.9 miles via US-17 BUS S).