These 15 Beaches in South Carolina Are Truly Magical
Between the surf, sun, and sand, it’s no wonder that many of us find ourselves frequently dreaming about the beach. Whether you live in a landlocked locale or simply haven’t made it to the shore for a while, the beach is undoubtedly a restorative place to kick back and relax or have some family fun. And one state with some of the most amazing beaches around is South Carolina.
Flanking the Atlantic Ocean, South Carolina is famous for its idyllic coastline and shore towns along the way that contain notable beaches, such as Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island. The state has a vast collection of islands as well, all that hold sparkling shorelines just waiting to be discovered. And many state parks boast beautiful beaches, too.
If you’re planning a trip to the Palmetto State, or you’re a local who wants to get out and explore some uncharted territory, be sure to add these 15 beautiful South Carolina beaches to your list.
Folly Beach
It won’t be a “folly” when you visit this gorgeous South Carolina beach, aptly located on Folly Island, which is found in Charleston. This six mile-long beach and accompanying beach town is filled with oceanside delights, like the Folly Beach Pier which is perfect for a sun-soaked stroll, along with myriad hotels with water views and quaint seafood restaurants.
Kiawah Island
As one of South Carolina’s barrier islands, Kiawah Island is located just 25 miles from downtown Charleston and spotlights 10 miles of beaches to explore. When you’re not swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding, be sure to bike the 30 miles of island trails or sneak in a round at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
Pawleys Island
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Myrtle Beach, you’ll find Pawleys Island, showcasing three pristine miles of sand. As one of the oldest summer resorts on the East Coast, there’s no shortage of bygone ambiance here, like the historic district filled with antebellum homes. Also, be sure to visit Pawleys Island Pier for fishing or taking in the stunning panoramic views.
Seabrook Island
With four miles of beaches, you can bring your dog along to Seabrook Island for a pet-friendly beach excursion or head out from the marina for a cruise to truly appreciate the views.
Cherry Grove Beach
Located in North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove Beach spans nine miles and is also known for Cherry Grove Pier, extending 985 feet into the Atlantic Ocean with perfect views of the beach, and it provides a chance to get in some fishing. You should also discover Heritage Shores Nature Preserve, with seven acres primed for bird watching.
Edisto Beach State Park
Situated on Edisto Island, this South Carolina state park has a mile and a half-long beach that’s known for its peaceful vibes, and there are also plenty of nature trails (four miles total) and picnicking spots to boot.
Isle of Palms
Close to Charleston, the dreamy-sounding Isle of Palms contains seven miles of beachy shoreline and lots of things to do, from beach volleyball to a downtown filled with ice cream parlors and shops to Wild Dunes Resort, where you can get in a game of tennis or round of golf.
Hunting Island State Park
This state park located near Beaufort, South Carolina is found on a barrier island, where there’s over five miles of coastline to drink in. For other beachy experiences on the island, snap a picture of the charming Hunting Island Lighthouse or amble along the saltwater marsh boardwalk.
Bulls Island
Do you love spying wildlife? Then this is the South Carolina island to come to. Bulls Island is located within Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and holds seven miles of undeveloped, stunning beaches. Here, you’ll view alligators, shorebirds, and sea turtles, and you should also visit Boneyard Beach, with its fallen trees and dramatic driftwood acting as unique photo backdrops.
Sullivan's Island
Across from Charleston Harbor lies Sullivan’s Island. On over three miles of sandy stretches, you’ll get a front-seat view of the harbor while you also dine at restaurants and watch local wildlife.
Grand Strand
This is the granddaddy of South Carolina beaches. Actually, the Grand Strand, as it’s called, contains 60 uninterrupted miles of beaches, with adorable beach towns punctuating the coastline along the way. You can make an entire trip out of this beach experience (we’ve called out a few specific Grand Strand beaches on this list if you’re strapped for time), relaxing in places like Garden City Beach and Murrells Inlet.
Windy Hill Beach
As a portion of the Grand Strand, Windy Hill Beach conveniently contains many access points to the beach if you’re staying in an oceanside hotel or vacation rental. Here, you should also visit Barefoot Landing, an expansive dining, shopping, and live music destination.
Huntington Beach State Park
Residing near Murrells Inlet, this state park has three miles of beaches and other points of interest to add to your itinerary, like the trails, Atalaya Castle, a winter residence built back in the 1930s, and birdwatching opportunities.
Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach tends to be a little more quiet and relaxed than its bustling Myrtle Beach neighbor and is often called “The Family Beach.” Known for its kid-friendly amenities, it has two miles of shoreline and also boasts a waterpark, nearby restaurants that the kiddos will love, and is also the first town in the United States to become an “Autism Friendly” travel destination.
Daufuskie Island
As a barrier island found between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Georgia, Daufuskie Island has three miles of beaches that are totally tranquil, since it’s only accessible by ferry or a private boat. Brimming with natural beauty, the island is also dotted with art galleries and studios if you’d like to add a dash of creativity to your travels.
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