In addition to its fascinating history and other attractions, South Carolina is a wonderful state to visit because of its stunning beaches. The 187-mile Atlantic coastline of South Carolina is home to some of the country’s most stunning and undeveloped beaches.
The Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of flawless sandy beaches between Georgetown and the Little River region that includes the beaches at Litchfield, Murrells Inlet, Surfside, and Myrtle Beach, is home to some of the most well-known beaches for tourists (the latter alone attracts some 10 million tourist visits a year). It is simple to understand the fuss when Hilton Head Island’s beaches are included.
Read our list of the top 10 beaches in South Carolina to make the most of your visit to this stunning state.
1. Beaches In South Carolina: Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is by far the most well-liked beach resort in South Carolina in terms of the number of visitors. The area’s numerous family-friendly tourist attractions, beachfront resorts, and a wide range of entertainment options are a big draw, but what keeps visitors coming back are the area’s breathtaking white-sand beaches.
Myrtle Beach appears to go on forever, as do the opportunities for fun, stretching 60 miles to the north and south of the main beachfront area with its fun fairs and theme park-style attractions. You can stroll along the beach (or its very long boardwalk) and observe people engaging in a variety of activities, such as surfing and scuba diving, as well as more straightforward hobbies like shell collecting and sandcastle building or simply relaxing on a sun lounger.
2. Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head Island
Although Hilton Head Island has 12 miles of gorgeous sandy shoreline, it is really just one very large beach in essence. Nevertheless, there are a few noteworthy locations. Visit Coligny Beach Park if you want a wonderful family beach experience. A lovely public garden with excellent amenities, such as change rooms and spacious swing seats big enough to hold a family, leads to the beach.
From here, take the path to the matting, which allows access for people in wheelchairs or other assistive devices and extends all the way to the water. It’s time to enjoy the water after renting a beach chair and umbrella (or bringing your own), safe in the knowledge that lifeguards are present to keep children safe.
3. Beaches In South Carolina: Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Kiawah Island, which is only a short drive from the lovely city of Charleston, has an impressive 10 miles of undeveloped sandy beaches. Kiawah Beachwalker Park, which can be reached from the mainland by bridge and is bordered on one side by the Atlantic and the other by a sizable 10,000-acre tract of woodlands, is a wonderful location for both families and couples. There are restrooms and changing areas, outdoor showers, barbecues, picnic areas, a pleasant boardwalk, an accessible ramp for people with mobility issues, and public parking available.
Rentable beach supplies like chairs and umbrellas are also offered. If you’re traveling with children, head for the clearly marked swim areas because they have lifeguards on duty during the busiest months.
4. Beaches In South Carolina: Folly Beach, Charleston
Easily accessible from Charleston is Folly Beach, another fantastic beach destination. You can reach Folly Island in 20 minutes by car from the city center. The island is home to Folly Beach, a fantastic fishing pier (don’t forget your rod), and the ideal setting for a romantic selfie.
Outdoor activities like sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing (lessons are offered), and dolphin spotting cruises are just a few of the entertaining activities available at Folly Beach. It’s also a nice beach to stroll along and take in the views of the ocean.
5. Beaches In South Carolina: Edisto Beach
Edisto Beach, one of South Carolina’s last remaining undeveloped beach communities, has a special charm that appeals to beachgoers who prefer a more sedate atmosphere. The town of Edisto Beach is worth the hour-long drive from Charleston because it has a variety of eateries, as well as shops, galleries, charming bed-and-breakfasts, and a relaxed atmosphere.
In addition to offering excellent swimming (there are no lifeguards on duty, so keep an eye on the kids), Edisto Beach State Park’s undeveloped northern portion of the beach can be explored on a kayak or paddleboard. Camping by the beach, fishing, and a romantic sunset or dolphin cruise are additional enjoyable activities.
6. Family Beach, Surfside
Surfside, located just south of Myrtle Beach, is a pleasant getaway for those looking for a great beach vacation. This two-mile stretch of sandy beach, known simply as Family Beach (at least among locals and those in the know), is unsurprisingly popular with those traveling with children. The beach is not only patrolled by lifeguards, but the swimming is also safe, with a very gentle slope providing plenty of shallow water for the little ones to splash around in.
In addition to fun do-it-yourself activities like kite flying and sandcastle building, the community provides a variety of beachside activities for people of all ages to enjoy, such as music concerts and a water park, as well as excellent dining and shopping.
7. Sullivan’s Island Beach
On the city’s harbor mouth, Sullivan’s Island is only 20 minutes from the heart of Charleston. The natural setting of this largely undeveloped, resort-free area attracts day visitors.
The beach may not be ideal for families with young children due to the lack of public amenities, but couples and those traveling with teens will appreciate the space to spread out on this lovely beach. The availability of water sport rental services, which include everything from Jet Skis to surfboards, also adds to the fun factor.
8. Seabrook Island
Seabrook Island, which is accessible from Charleston along the same parkway as Kiawah Island, is actually made up of a number of lovely beaches. The two main beaches, Pelican Beach and North Beach, which together make up the four miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, are frequently referred to as hidden gems because of how quiet and uncrowded they feel.
If you’re traveling with children, you should concentrate on Pelican Beach, also known as “Sunset Beach,” due to its spectacular sunsets. It’s perfect for swimming here because of the calmer current. North Beach is also a great place for nature lovers because of its abundant birdlife and pods of dolphins that feed off the coast. It is great for early risers because of its magnificent sunrises.
9. Litchfield Beach
Litchfield Beach is another fantastic location close to Myrtle Beach. You’ll think you’re on another planet after a short 30-minute drive south; there aren’t any tourists and there aren’t any large resorts flanking the beach; instead, there are plenty of charming cottages and a lovely 1.5-mile stretch of beach to enjoy.
In addition to excellent swimming and tanning, those looking for water sports can enjoy everything from sea kayaking to Jet Skis. Local marinas also offer fishing charters. Since there are only two beach access points and parking is limited, arriving early almost guarantees a quiet beach experience.
10. Huntington Beach State Park
Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina is a beach that draws visitors who enjoy the sun as well as those who enjoy the outdoors and birdwatching. In contrast to many of the Palmetto State’s much busier city and big town beaches, Huntington Beach, which is only 30 minutes south of Myrtle Beach along the coast, is a tranquil oasis.
The park, which has a three-mile stretch of immaculate beach, is part of a 2,500-acre nature preserve and is equally enjoyable for teens and young adults as it is for families with young children. Small children can safely play in the sandy, shallow waters right next to the shore, and those looking for more adventure only need to venture a short distance out to sea to enjoy excellent surfing. Along with camping and picnics, fishing is another popular activity there.
