South Carolina is a state filled with beautiful places. Its ideal location along the Atlantic coastline offers many spectacular beaches and nearby cities to enjoy. These beach towns in South Carolina have been attracting visitors and staycationers for years. People return year after year for the beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and friendly hospitality. If you are trying to decide which beach city in SC is best for you, read on for my complete guide as a lifelong resident of South Carolina and Charleston.
1. Sullivan’s Island
Sullivan’s Island is a more residential island community so you will not find vacation rentals or hotels. However, this is definitely a Charleston area local’s favorite beach to enjoy and one of my personal favorites to explore. Stay in nearby Charleston or IOP and spend a day at this beach. Be sure you plan to have some lunch or dinners at Sullivan’s too because they have amazing restaurants. Check out Poe’s for burgers, Mex 1 for tacos, Sullivan’s Fish Camp for fresh seafood, Home Team for BBQ, and Obstinate Daughter for pizza and pastas!
Here you will also find Fort Moultrie, a series of fortifications meant to protect the city of Charleston, SC during the American Revolution and subsequent battles. Fun Fact: the first fort here was made from palmetto logs which inspired the state flag and our nickname as the Palmetto State!
2. Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms is located 20-25 minutes North of downtown Charleston. It’s known for amazing resorts, wonderful beaches, and family friendly vibes. It’s one of the larger beaches in the area so it has plenty of restaurants, shopping and of course, nightlife with large name acts playing frequently at the famous Windjammer.
You will find one of the best beach resorts in Charleston located here – Wild Dunes Resort with two hotels the Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn, plus rental homes and villas. There are two golf courses and tons of restaurants onsite. If looking for a family friendly or resort beach town, this is for you!
Isle of Palms is perfect for family vacations, bachelor and bachelorette parties, couples getaways, or even a solo trip. There is something for everyone no matter your age!
3. Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island is named for the Kiawah Indians who originally inhabited this part of the coast. It’s located only 21 miles from downtown Charleston, but will feel like you are much more remote as you make the beautiful drive under the massive oak trees on John’s Island to reach it.
It is its own community with plenty to see and do. Of course, you will find Kiawah Island Golf Resort, but also the Andell Inn and vacation rentals to accommodate your stay in the area. In addition, Freshfields Village is a great place to enjoy shopping and dining. You are close to some of the top attractions like Deep Water Vineyard, Charleston Tea Garden, Bohicket Marina, and the Angel Oak Tree.
4. Seabrook Island
Next, Seabrook Island is right past Kiawah and is a much more secluded, exclusive and quiet place to be. It is a private, gated island closed off to the general public. Seabrook is mostly residential, but there are some rental properties. I would try to find a rental property that allows access to the Seabrook Island Club if staying here.
There are two golf courses, an equestrian center, kids camp, tennis center and more so there’s plenty to do even though it’s secluded!
5. Folly Beach
Folly Beach is your laid back, surfer island with a great beach, boating, tons of good restaurants and salty beach bars! The Tides Hotel has been the premier hotel on the island, but there are several small bed and breakfast type properties popping up in the last few years. There are also tons of vacation homes to rent.
There’s plenty to do other than beach. Try a surf lesson, beach yoga, shop on Center Street, take a fishing charter from Sunset Cay Marina, and enjoy live music at the beach restaurants. Be sure to walk out on the Folly Beach Fishing Pier which recently reopened after a complete renovation!
6. Edisto Beach
Edisto Beach is one hour south of popular Charleston. It is super quiet, relaxed, and laid back compared to some of the busy beaches in and around Charleston. The drive to reach Edisto is beautiful as you wind through roads lined with oak trees and unspoiled views of the marshes. It is family oriented and not at all overdeveloped. You will find lifelong residents here, vacation rental homes, and a casual dining scene.
In terms of entertainment, slow days at the beach, an afternoon on the golf course, and dinner at a beachy restaurant is what you can expect here. You may find some fishing tournaments throughout the year and if visiting in December, they host an awesome Christmas parade and holiday market!
Vacation Rentals in Edisto:
7. Hilton Head
Hilton Head Island is located 2 hours south of Charleston, SC near Savannah GA. HH is a barrier island resort town within Beaufort County known for its pristine beaches, nature preserves, and iconic Harbour Town lighthouse. There is tons to do from golf, shopping, biking, hiking, and of course enjoying the coastline.
Best Hotels in Hilton Head:
- Montage Palmetto Bluff
- Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
- Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa Hilton Head Island
- The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
- Inn and Club at Harbour Town
8. Murrells Inlet
Lastly, Murrells Inlet is located north of Charleston, SC by about 1.5 hours drive close to popular Myrtle Beach. It is known as the seafood capital of SC for its historic fishing community. Murrells Inlet is a low key and quieter beach town perfect for a family vacation. You will want to enjoy nearby Huntington State Park, the Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk, and Brookgreen Gardens in addition to the beaches.
More Amazing Beach Towns in SC to check out:
- Pawley’s Island – stay at the all new hotel The George Hotel in nearby Georgetown.
- Litchfield
- Garden City
- Myrtle Beach
- Fripp Island
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