The best beaches in Charleston SC offer smooth sand, blue skies, and great year-round weather. So, combine these great beaches with the best city in the US and you get the ideal coastal vacation destination, Charleston SC. Our Atlantic Ocean coastline offers miles of the best Charleston SC beaches. It's never boring with an abundance of family-friendly activities. Here is a map of the best beaches in Charleston!
A South Carolina beach vacation includes fun in the sun and making memories with your closest loved ones. You’re sure to have the trip of a lifetime visiting the best beaches near Charleston, SC!
For your best Charleston beach vacation use our free Sea Islands guide to help plan out your itinerary. You will want something to eat after a day at the beach. Our Pam Harrington Foodie Guide guide breaks down some of the tastiest grub in Charleston. Our Sea Island guide includes the best outdoor adventures, shopping, dining, and more. Unlock your guide now to start planning.
The Best Beaches in Charleston SC
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Kiawah Island Beach
When you live on Kiawah Island or in the Charleston area you have access to an award-winning beach that’s among the 15 Happiest Places to Live on the Coast and the Conde Nast's Best U.S. Islands for 2020.
Kiawah Island homeowners, residents, and Charleston beachgoers enjoy 10 miles of unspoiled private beach on Kiawah. Johns Island residents and Charleston area beach seekers enjoy adventurous water sports and pristine shores at Beachwalker County Park.
This Charleston County park was voted a top ten public beach in the United States! We think it is the best beach in Charleston SC. Beachwalker County Park has everything you need for a stellar day at the beach. Sun seekers find convenient beach equipment rentals, a large swimming area, and onsite amenities like a dressing area, showers, restrooms, grills, and a seasonal snack bar with tasty treats!
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Seabrook Island Beach a Private Charleston Beach
Seabrook Island Beach is a hidden gem just 30 minutes south of Downtown Charleston. This tranquil and timeless place is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the Carolinas, as well as stunning marshland areas. Seabrook Island is only accessible to residents and guests of Seabrook Island
Seabrook Island offers an extensive array of private country club amenities, including sportswear shopping, oceanfront dining, championship golf, and racquet sports including tennis and pickleball. Seabrook Island is one of the only places on the east coast of the US where you can horseback ride on the beach.
The abundance of tidal creeks surrounding the island offer opportunities for boating, kayaking, and fishing, Seabrook Island is a special Charleston beach island and one of the most special areas in the Lowcountry.
Purveyors of the good life will also love discovering Seabrook Island’s maritime forests and plentiful wildlife, all of which are living harmoniously on the island. The Town of Seabrook Island works hard to preserve the ecological balance on the island and maintain a quality of life for all residents and wildlife.
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Folly Beach
Folly Beach in Charleston, SC, is widely treasured by surfers and beach enthusiasts. Nicknamed “The Edge of America,” the town of Folly Beach exemplifies South Carolina’s Lowcountry lifestyle. If you’re hungry or thirsty, try one of the locally owned restaurants just a few steps from the shore. After that, we recommend parking at Folly Beach County Park, and exploring the area’s wetlands and saltwater rivers.
If you like to surf, you’ll enjoy hanging out on the waviest part of the beach, called the Washout, and just past there, you can catch glimpses of the iconic Morris Island Lighthouse.
The laidback atmosphere on Folly makes it one of the most popular Charleston beaches for locals and visitors alike!
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Sullivan’s Island Beach
Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, is a wonderful place to rent a bike, go paddle boarding, or simply unwind. Like the town of Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island is full of local shops, restaurants, and bars that are all just a short walk from the water.
For a delicious lunch, we recommend trying a juicy burger from one of the most interesting spots on the island, Poe’s Tavern. It’s named after famed poet Edgar Allan Poe!
If you’re looking to add a bit of Charleston history to your beach trip, Fort Moultrie is just a 5-minute drive from the main beach. Here, you can wander the free museum and take a scenic walk past cannons and dunes to the fort itself. There’s something for everyone on Sullivan’s!
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Isle of Palms Beach
Like Kiawah and Seabrook Island, the Isle of Palms, South Carolina beach is celebrated for its family-oriented atmosphere and vibrant seaside community. You can even enjoy a game of golf before cooling off on the shore. People often savor the beautiful drive to Isle of Palms and stay for an entire day.
When the sun starts to set, you’ll love the live music at the Windjammer, a local restaurant and bar that’s right on the water.
You may even see nesting sea turtles and other creatures when night falls. Whether you choose to explore on foot or aboard an Isle of Palms rental boat, you’ll love this Charleston beach!
Seabrook Island or Isle of Palms? Read on for comparisons!
Live Near the Best Beaches in Charleston, SC
When you are ready to live near the beach, contact Pam Harrington Exclusives or begin your search below. Our company brings over 45 years of local service to the Charleston area.
Whether you are a first-time homeowner or buying a luxury vacation home on the islands you will benefit from our highly personalized service and top negotiating skills.
Your journey to living at the beach begins now. Start your search here.
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