Charleston has five main area beaches: Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island. Each one has its own personality making it easy to pick which one best aligns with your style. I’m walking you through that while sharing all the best beach resorts in Charleston, SC and who should stay at each one!
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Read on to plan your perfect beach vacation to Charleston this year! If you are short on time these are the only beach hotels in Charleston that are beachfront:
- The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island (resort property)
- Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms (resort property)
- The Tides Hotel, Folly Beach
- The Palms Oceanfront Hotel
Best Luxury Beach Resort in Charleston
My favorite luxury 5-star property!
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
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.
The Sanctuary is my number one pick for the best luxury beach resort in Charleston (and best golf resort). This 5-star hotel is situated right along the beach in a gated resort property with multiple golf courses, restaurants, shopping, ocean front pools and a spa! In addition to the hotel, the resort features rental homes and villas perfect for groups and families.
All 225 suites feature balconies, luxurious bedding, and custom furnishings. You can expect all the luxury amenities and quality service one would from a Forbes Five-Star property!
The resort is well-known for its renowned golf course, The Ocean Course, which hosted the 2012 and 2021 PGA Championships.
The perfect place for luxury travelers, golfers, couples, honeymoons, special occasions, and families.
Best Family Friendly Beach Resort in Charleston SC
The top choice for family friendly beach resorts in Charleston – choose from two unique properties!
Wild Dunes Resort
Wild Dunes Resort is easily the best beach resort in Charleston for families with children. It has two hotels to choose from as well as villa and home rentals. You will have access to two golf courses, multiple pools, tennis courts, several dining outlets, and ample activities.
The Boardwalk Inn at Wild Dunes
The Boardwalk Inn is the original hotel that made the resort a top destination. It’s located on the front beach with a boardwalk leading you toward the beach, but not before running into the best lounge area and beachside restaurant.
You’ll love having poolside lunch or dinner at the main restaurant, Coastal Provisions, when you’ve had enough beach time for the day.
The rooms are fresh and modern with a calming, coastal design to them. Get a room with an ocean view.
Great for couples and those wanting a more intimate hotel at Wild Dunes – there’s an adults only pool!
The Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes
The Sweetgrass Inn is the newest hotel to open on property during 2020. The rooms are spacious with incredible views of the beach on one side of the hotel and the marsh on the other. The rooms are new and comfortable with ample space to relax in the living area.
My favorite part is their heavenly spa! It has a private outdoor garden with plunge pool, cabanas and lounge chairs. You could spend all day eating, drinking, and reading out here! It is the perfect spot for a girls trip or romantic getaway!
Great for families as it has a massive pool and kids pool area that includes a fun tiki bar and fire pits for roasting s’mores at night.
Budget Friendly Beach Hotels
There are really only two true “resort” style properties in Charleston. If those aren’t for you, check out these charming beach hotels in Charleston.
The Tides at Folly Beach
The Tides Hotel is the premier hotel on Folly Beach. It’s located at the center of everything making it walkable to all the restaurants and the pier. Plus, it’s beachfront with a great restaurant and tiki bar!
The rooms are fresh and modern with a peaceful coastal design. You’ll love waking up to the sound to the ocean. Plus, you will have great views overlooking the newly renovated Folly Beach Fishing pier if you book an ocean view room!
Perfect for couples, families, surfers, bachelorette parties, and more.
The Palms Oceanfront Hotel at Isle of Palms
The Palms Oceanfront Hotel is located on Isle of Palms in close walking distance to the town’s shopping and dining outlets. It is located beachfront with a pool deck making it super convenient for any traveler.
The hotel has recently been remodeled with a refreshed lobby and rooms featuring a whitewashed, coastal look. With only 68 rooms you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself. It’s a great budget friendly option with a complimentary breakfast included.
This hotel is great for anyone looking for a good deal and beach accessibility – young couples, groups, bachelorette, and families.
Andell Inn
Staying at the Andell Inn puts you steps from charming Freshfields Village and its boutiques, restaurants, and exercise studios. Enjoy access to Kiawah’s Beachwalker Park, nearby golf courses, biking trails, and take advantage of the Andell Inn’s saltwater pool.
The rooms feature luxury amenities, full kitchen options, and plenty of space to relax. Book a room using points if you are a Marriott Bonvoy member!
You will also love the onsite restaurant, bar, and this incredible porch for relaxing!
Best Beach Bed and Breakfast
Looking for a cozy bed and breakfast to feel like your home away from home?
The Regatta Inn
Regatta Inn is located on the Folly River with views of the marsh and sunset. It’s a short walk to Center Street and the beach, but allows a more quiet stay off the beaten path. If you need a ride, take advantage of the complimentary golf cart shuttle to get around town.
Each room features a king sized bed, private bathroom, and balcony. It’s a bed and breakfast so you’ll enjoy amenities like an evening reception and homestyle breakfast in the mornings.
Does Charleston Have Nice Beaches?
Yes, Charleston has some of the nicest beaches on the East Coast. Whether you are looking for luxury, family friendly, golf, surfing, or something budget friendly, you will find what you are looking for in Charleston.
What is the best beach in Charleston, SC?
Charleston has five main area beaches: Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island. Each one has their own special character that appeals to different types of travelers. Determining the best will be up to your preferences!
1. 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 premiere 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.
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!
It’s 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. 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 local’s favorite beach to enjoy. Be sure you plan to have some lunch or dinners at Sullivan’s because they have amazing restaurants. Check out Poe’s for burgers, Mex 1 for tacos, Home Team for BBQ, and Obstinate Daughter for pizza and pastas!
4. Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island is located about 21 miles from historic Charleston. 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. 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 and the Angel Oak Tree.
5. Seabrook Island
Seabrook Island is right past Kiawah and is a much more secluded 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.
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!
Enjoy staying at these beach resorts in Charleston!
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