What are the best beaches in Charleston, SC? Vacationing in a coastal city is never complete without a day or two at the beach. If you are sojourning in Charleston, SC, spending some time at the beach can be quite liberating; not to mention fun. The city of Charleston is known to have some of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast.
Whether you are looking for a solitary beach with lots of space and peace to relax your mind, or a public beach crawling with like-minded revelers, Charleston has exactly what you need. Below is a list of the most popular and best beaches in Charleston, South Carolina.
Charleston, SC Beaches
1. Folly Beach
Arguably the most popular in Charleston, Folly beach – or “The Edge of America” – offers you an all-in-one beach day package. It has a stunning coastline, surfing and training area, funky food restaurants/bars and a pier where you can comfortably fish. That’s not all!
This fun-filled beach also has rental beachfront homes and rentals for anyone planning to be there for a while.
Other cool features of folly beach include dolphin watching, enjoying various tasty meals, watering holes, outdoor bars, sunset and midnight tours just to mention a few. In fact, if you’ve always wanted to learn surfing, you can enroll in one of the beaches’ reputable surfing schools.
2. Isle of Palms Beach
Are you searching for a family-friendly beach in Charleston, SC? If so, then the Isle of Palms beach is the place to go to. This beach boasts of up to seven miles of serene white-sand coastline.
Unlike other beaches in South Carolina, the Isle of Palms is one of the few beaches that truly bring out the beauty and charm of Charleston coastlines. But, why should you visit this beach?
Well, it is a non-commercial beach with so much to offer. From water sports to fishing charters, having a great time in the Isle of Palms is always easy. What’s more, you can enjoy a golf game, volleyball, and surfing with access to critical amenities like showers and bathrooms.
Also, this beach has lots of rental beachfront properties offering you more space and convenience for your family vacation.
3. Sullivan’s Island Beach
Yet another popular shoreline to visit in Charleston, SC, is located in the marvelous Sullivan’s Island barrier. The key features that make this island unique include chic island homes superbly maintained lawns and a famous lighthouse.
Sullivan’s Island comprises of an upscale community and sees the highest number of visitors during spring and summer seasons.
Unlike the adjacent folly beach, Sullivan’s Island beach offers a tranquil, comfortable, and less crowded environment for beachgoers. It’s also prudent to note that alcohol and dogs are prohibited on this beach.
And among the many fun activities to do, paddle boarding (SUP), beach games, and so much more make the list.
4. Kiawah Island Beach
Located a few miles south of Charleston, Kiawah Island offers the most breathtaking sceneries in South Carolina. Aside from having well over 10 miles of crystalline coastline, the island is also considered a nature lover’s paradise.
Despite the fact that most of the shoreline is under private ownership, the southwest part is open to the public – but, at a small fee.
Depending on the season, you should prepare to pay a $5–$10 entry fee into the beach – it’s always worth it. While you are there, take advantage of the island’s superb trails by renting a bike to explore these trails.
The best part about this beach is that it’s one of the few that are dog-friendly year-round. Other cool activities to do include golfing, hiking, shopping, dining, and so much more.
5. Bull Island Beach
There are so many reasons why the Bull Island beach should be on your must-visit list. For starters, the Island has a seven-mile long coastline that’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
The beach is littered with beautiful shells and fallen trees with dry and faded branches protruding off the ground. Despite there being lots of life on the Island – about 300 bird species – it presents a haunted and deserted feel.
Perfect for hiking, kayaking, adventure, expeditions, and shell collection – the Island offers more than meets the eye. What’s more, is that you can visit the famous Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge while you’re there.
Other Popular Beaches in Charleston, SC
The beaches mentioned above are just a few of the best in this picturesque port city. Other beaches include:
- Folly Beach County Park
- Edisto Beach
- Morris Island Beach
- Seabrook Island Beach
- Capers Island Beach
With that, you have all the information you need to make your beach day in Charleston, South Carolina, pretty memorable. Whether you want to surf, swim, mingle, explore, hike, take a stroll, or simply get some solitary time to think, there’s an ideal beach for you.
