Planning for an excellent beach vacation?? South Carolina is one of the best beach destinations in the United States. Well, here’s the list of the best beaches in South Carolina.
Its pristine subtropical beaches, dense maritime forests, marshlike sea islands, towering sand dunes, and fantastic beach resorts will make your vacation perfect.
Spreading for over 2,876 miles of tidal coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, South Carolina offers you unlimited picturesque nature views, adventurous water sports, relaxing beach activities, and many other fun things.
Some of the most popular South Carolina beaches are Isle of Palms, Hilton Head, Kiawah Island, and Myrtle Beach.
Are you still thinking? Just pack your bag and fly to South Carolina to grab amazing beach experiences.
Beaches in South Carolina
1. Beaches in South Carolina: Kiawah Island Beach, Charleston County
Kiawah Island is a stunning barrier island located 25 miles southwest of downtown Charleston.
Kiawah Island’s attractive natural features are pristine beaches, rolling sand dunes, Maritime forests, and preserved marshes. Its natural beauty attracts many beach lovers, families, couples, and solo travelers.
Also, the island has the famous Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Of course, it is interesting to play golf in a premier golf course in the country while enjoying spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Aside from that, there are four other golf courses in Kiawah Island too. So, the island attracts plenty of golf players from all over the world.
For those looking for a relaxing beach vacation, Kiawah Island boasts 10 miles of impressive sandy beaches.
And its Kiawah Beachwalker Park is connected to the mainland via a bridge. So, it is easily accessible for couples and families. Also, the park contains all the amenities, including picnic areas, washrooms, outdoor showers, change rooms, a boardwalk, an easy-access ramp, rental shops, restaurants, and public parking space.
Are you ready to have fun with your family?
Address: 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Kiawah Island, SC 29455, United States Phone (843) 768-9166
Recommended hotel to stay near Kiawah Island: Andell Inn
2. Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Isle of Palms is a slender barrier island near South Carolina. It features a small beach town with one long beach to have fun in the sun.
When you drive for a 40-minute drive east of downtown Charleston (12 miles), you will find this wonderful beach destination.
As it offers safe waves, anyone can enjoy windsurfing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, surfing, paddleboarding, and any other watersports. So, Isle of Palms Beach is perfect for families with kids.
Since surfboarding, motorized watercraft, and boating are not allowed, swimmers can enjoy themselves without any disturbance.
Aside from water sports, the Isle of Palms is known as a sea turtles stopover. They visit calm sand dunes for nesting and laying eggs. So, watch out for the warning signs.
Also, Isle of Palms features a large golf course for golfers too.
There are several attractive beaches in the Isle of Palms. For example, Front Beach has all the amenities, easy access, and public parking.
All of these fantastic Isle of Palms attract thousands of beach lovers annually. And also, it features entertaining events and festivals throughout the year.
There is no need to worry about accommodation as there are a handful of classy hotels and inns in the Isle of Palms.
Address: 1 14th Avenue, Isle of Palms, SC 29451 Phone: (843) 795-4386
Recommended hotel to stay near Isle of Palms: Wild Dunes Resort
3. Beaches in South Carolina: Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular beaches in South Carolina. It is the hub of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stunning of beaches.
Of course, Myrtle Beach is filled with family-friendly tourist attractions, various entertaining spots, and excellent beachfront resorts.
For example, this beach city is mostly known for its celebrity-designed golf courses, beachfront boardwalk, Family Kingdom amusement park, and the SkyWheel (one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the USA).
More than that, Myrtle’s magnificent white-sand beaches are the reason for attracting thousands of visitors annually.
For families looking for fun beach experiences, Myrtle Beach offers beach festivals, theme-park events, scuba diving, surfing, building sandcastle, collecting shells, sunbathing, and many others.
And if you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation, just head towards North Myrtle Beach. It is quieter than other beach areas. So, you can take a relaxing walk, sunbathe, swim, sea kayak, parasail, enjoy stunning views and the sunshine.
Address: 1200 North Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States Phone: (843) 626-7444
Recommended hotel to stay near Myrtle Beach: South Bay Inn & Suites
4. Hilton Head Island, SC
Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is famous for its stunning Atlantic Ocean beaches, world-class golf courses, and attractive lighthouse.
Being one of the best beaches on the east coast, Hilton Head Island features over 12 miles of tranquil coastline. And these beaches are perfect for fishing, swimming, sunbathing, surfing, paddleboarding, and playing on sand dunes.
Since Hilton Head Island was developed, targeting tourists, it contains all the amenities, easy access, restaurants, family-friendly entertainment chances, and nightlife fun.
Coligny Beach Park is surely the most suitable place if you plan to visit Hilton Head with your family. It features an attractive public garden with all the facilities, including comfortable swing seats, free Wi-Fi, easy access even for wheelchairs, rental shops, and lifeguards.
If your kids love swimming, Coligny Beach Park has a safe beach.
After doing water activities, you can take a bike ride or visit Coligny Plaza with your family. Coligny Plaza offers food stalls, souvenir shops, a theater, beach accessory shops, and many other fun things for you.
Address: 1N Forest Beach, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Phone: (843) 342-4580
Recommended hotel to stay near Hilton Head Island: Hampton Inn Hilton Head
5. Beaches in South Carolina: Folly Beach Country Park, Charleston
Folly Beach, or “the Edge of America,” is a famous beach city for watersports. Therefore thousands of watersports lovers attract to Folly Beach for surfing, kayaking, boating, paddleboarding, and swimming.
While you are boating, you may surely spot plenty of marine lives including, dolphins, bonnethead sharks, and stingrays.
Aside from that, Folly Beach features many picturesque picnic areas, a pelican rookery, and a 1,000 feet long Folly Beach Pier.
Folly Beach Pier is ideal for pier fishing. If you are more into fishing, Folly Beach is perfect for deep-sea fishing and river fishing too.
Also, for the visitors who like outdoor activities, Folly Beach offers exciting campgrounds and bike tracks.
Just drive for 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, and reach this wonderful beach destination with your family.
Address: 1100 W Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439, United States Phone: (843) 762-9960
Recommended hotel to stay near Folly Beach: Tides Folly Beach
6. Beaches in South Carolina: Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island is a barrier island which is known for pristine beaches and sand dunes. Aside from that, Pawleys Island has several impressive tourist attractions as well. That’s why this beach town attracts many beach lovers, couples, and families.
Its pure white powdery sand beach is perfect for a romantic walk, sunbathing, and watching the sunset. On the other hand, it features gentle waters, making it perfect for kayaking, shelling, biking, canoeing, and swimming with friends and family.
After soaking in water, you can visit Pawleys Island Historic District, which contains attractive houses that date to the 18th century.
And also, Brookgreen Gardens on the island contains a zoo, native plants, and sculptures. Ultimately, do not miss its famous creek too.
Address: 323 Myrtle Avenue, Pawleys Island, SC 29585 Phone: (843) 237-1698
Recommended hotel to stay near Pawleys Island: Hampton Inn Pawleys Island
7. Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet
Are you a wildlife lover? Then, here’s the perfect beach for you.
Many animal species inhabit Huntington Beach State Park on the South Carolina coastline. Especially sea turtles, over 300 bird species, and alligators.
There are several exciting trails to discover these species. For example, the Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail offers you a chance to spot diverse bird species, including egrets and herons. And the Kerrigan Nature Trail runs as a boardwalk over a lagoon, making it possible to spot huge alligators.
Also, Huntington Beach State Park is a fun family destination for boating, swimming, hiking, fishing, camping, and catching scenic views of 3 miles of pristine beaches.
On the other hand, the park features all the facilities for visitors. Ex: WiFi, picnic areas, restrooms, a beachside gift shop, etc. So, anyone can travel there even with toddlers.
Aside from that, you can see a vast 1930s Moorish-style castle named Atalaya in Huntington Beach State Park. The historical records say that it was the home of the landowner named Huntington.
Address: 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, United States Phone: +1 843-237-4440
Recommended hotel to stay near Huntington Beach State Park: The Inlet Sports Lodge
8. Beaches in South Carolina: Edisto Beach State Park, Edisto Island
Located 50 miles south of Charleston, Edisto Beach State Park is like heaven for hikers and bikers because it features the longest system of handicapped-accessible hiking and biking trails.
Being one of the few non-commercialized family beach destinations in South Carolina, it is a peaceful beach getaway option for families, couples, honeymooners, and solo travelers.
Edisto Beach is lined with all the facilities, including cozy vacation rentals and delicious restaurants. Also, it features excellent golf courses, fishing spots, campgrounds, and many hiking/biking trails.
This scenic beach is perfect for family and wedding photography too. Yeah, there are plenty of scenic spots along the coastline.
Also, visitors can swim, kayak, paddleboard, and surf at their own risk since there are no lifeguards on Edisto Beach. If you are into cruising, there are plenty of delightful sunset cruise plans and dolphin-watching cruise plans.
Address: 8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, United States Phone: +1 843-869-2156
Recommended hotel to stay near Edisto Beach State Park: Club Wyndham Ocean Ridge
9. Surfside Beach, Horry County
Surfside Beach is an attractive beach town in Horry County, South Carolina. Located just a few minutes away from Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach stretches for two-mile with soft sands.
Actually, its nickname is “The Family Beach,” as it is perfect for families with kids. It has safe swimming waves, shallow waters, and lifeguards on duty. So, obviously, this is one of the safest beaches in South Carolina for kids.
Also, Surfside Beach is suitable for any kind of fun activity. For example, you may frequently see kite flyers, surf boarders, beachcombers, sandcastles, beach parties, music concerts, and more.
Surfside Beach has a 1.2-mile boardwalk that runs along its scenic coastline if you like to take a relaxing beach walk.
Just plan your tour to Surfside Beach with your family.
Address: 11 S Ocean Blvd, Surfside Beach, SC 29575-3633 Phone: (843) 238-0121
Recommended hotel to stay near Surfside Beach: Surfside Beach Oceanfront Hotel
10. Sullivan’s Island Beach, Charleston
Are you in downtown Charleston now? If you drive just for 20 minutes, you will meet Sullivan’s Island and its stunning beach.
Located on the city’s harbor mouth, Sullivan’s Island Beach is one of the most untouched, resort-free beaches in South Carolina. Therefore, it may not be perfect for families with toddlers and younger kids.
But, its unique natural setting attracts many nature lovers, couples, and watersports lovers. Jet skis, surfboards, paddleboards, and boat rentals are available for your need.
Being one of the least populated islands on the South Carolina coast, you can also get an authentic local community feeling. Its local restaurants, B&Bs, and other shops will help you to get that experience.
So, just plan your romantic beach getaway to Sullivan’s Island Beach.
Recommended hotel to stay near Sullivan’s Island Beach: Charleston Grand Hotel
11. Litchfield Beach, South Carolina
Litchfield Beach is an unincorporated community in South Carolina. Located three miles north of Pawleys Island, this beach is also very close to Myrtle Beach.
The special feature of Litchfield Beach is its secludedness. Since there’s no crowd, big resorts, and many shops visiting this beach may feel like visiting another world.
Litchfield Beach is such a lovely beach that stretches for 1.5-miles. And it is perfect for beach walking, water sports, swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Especially if you are more into watersports, you can experience kayaking, Jet Ski, boating, and during.
More than that, Litchfield Beach guarantees a quiet beach experience. And there are plenty of small cottages to stay in as well.
Recommended hotel to stay near Litchfield Beach: Holiday Inn Oceanfront at Surfside Beach, an IHG Hotel
12. Beaches in South Carolina: Seabrook Island
Seabrook Island is a paradise for swimmers. It is undoubtedly the best beach for swimming.
Although it is located near Charleston, the island still has its authentic natural beauty and calmness. Stretching for 4-miles of soft, white sands, its beach is the most highlighted feature for sure.
Seabrook Island has been divided into two beach areas; they are North Beach and Pelican Beach.
If you like to see the best sunset views of the East Coast, just head towards Pelican Beach. Therefore, it is known as “Sunset Beach.” And also, Pelican Beach offers safe, gentle waves for swimmers.
North Beach is perfect for playing on rolling sand dunes and capturing spectacular sunrise views. You may also spot abundant birdlife, pods of dolphins, and wonderful natural sceneries. So, if you are looking for a scenic morning walk, consider North Beach on Seabrook Island.
On the other hand, Seabrook Island features a tournament-style tennis court, a large equestrian center, and two championship golf courses for outdoor activity seekers.
Address: 3772 Seabrook Island Road, Seabrook Island, SC 29455 Phone: (843) 768-2506
Recommended hotel to stay near Seabrook Island: Seabrook Island Beach Resort Condo with Golf View!
13. Beaches in South Carolina: Hunting Island State Park, Beaufort
Hunting Island is located 15 miles east of Beaufort, South Carolina, a secluded semitropical barrier island.
Especially, Hunting Island State Park is a popular beach destination that contains 5 miles of stunning beach, the iconic Hunting Island Lighthouse, a saltwater marsh, and excellent campsites.
Hunting Island State Park’s white sand beach is unspoiled and scenic. So, you can camp near the beach and spot diverse wildlife, do watersports, and capture beautiful nature views.
That’s why it attracts thousands of visitors annually. You should try it too.
Address: 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, United States Phone: +18438382011
Recommended hotel to stay near Hunting Island State Park: 607 Bay Luxurious Guest Rooms
Beaches in South Carolina
- Kiawah Island Beach
- Isle of Palms
- Myrtle Beach
- Hilton Head Island, Bluffton
- Folly Beach, Charleston
- Pawleys Island
- Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet
- Edisto Beach, Colleton County
- Surfside Beach, Horry County
- Sullivan’s Island Beach, Charleston
- Litchfield Beach
- Seabrook Island
- Hunting Island State Park, Beaufort
