Where are the best sunsets in Charleston, SC? Don't trust some generic list created by a writer in New York. We live here and play here every day.
The usual lists for Charleston Sunsets include Memorial Waterfront Park, Shem Creek, Mt. Pleasant, and the Battery in downtown Charleston. Yeah, the sunsets and views of the Charleston Harbor are incredible at these places. But, we want to share some local recommendations with wide-open views and colorful skies.
We strive to end every day on a magical note with sunsets in Charleston SC and on Charleston’s sea islands.
Are you new to the area or considering a visit? Check out our complimentary Sea Islands Vacation Guide for more of the Lowcountry’s best-kept secrets!
The Best Places to Watch The Sunset in Charleston, SC
1. Bohicket Marina | Johns Island, SC
Head out to Johns Island's Bohicket Marina for sunset. Popular for boating and fishing, the marina offers epic sunsets. We recommend enjoying some fresh shrimp and a cold one on the deck at the Salty Dog.
If you walk along the boardwalk you might catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the water too!
For some real adventure book a sunset cruise and watch the sunset from the water. Being on the water with dolphins while the sky turns purple and orange is a truly magical experience.
2. James Island County Park | James Island
James Island County Park is a local favorite. The bike trails, tidal creeks, dog park, and Festival of Lights draw visitors all year long. There are lots of places to relax with a picnic and watch the sunset. Camping is available at the park too. Visit the county park website for more info.
3. Folly Beach Pier | Folly Beach, SC
We call Folly Beach "the Edge of America". Growing up in Charleston our folks always took us to Folly Beach for the best sunsets in Charleston, SC.
Lots of people fish off the pier. It's not unusual to see someone land a huge tarpon right off the pier! We love ice cream from the Pineapple Hut and a great sunset.
4. Pelican Beach | Seabrook Island, SC
If you are lucky enough to be on Seabrook Island Pelican Beach offers one of the best sunsets in Charleston SC. Pelican Beach is a private beach where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Edisto River.
This Seabrook Island beach is pet-friendly. It's a great place to stroll with your pup as the sun fades on the horizon. Better yet, it is the ideal place to watch dolphins play in the surf as the sun sets on the island.
5. Beachwalker Park | Kiawah Island, SC
Voted one of the best public beaches in the U.S., Beachwalker Park offers one of the best sunsets in Charleston, SC. This is the only public beach access on Johns Island.
If you live on Johns Island this is the beach to visit. Remember, the park closes at sunset, so be prepared to go home when the sun dips below the horizon.
6. Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge | Charleston, SC
Sometimes we like to combine an epic sunset over the Holy City with some exercise.
Park on the Mount Pleasant side and enjoy a sunset walk over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. It offers a top sunset in Charleston, SC. A bonus is the view of the city as it lights up at twilight.
Hidden Gems for Sunsets in Charleston SC
1. Plymouth Park | James Island, SC
Never heard of Plymouth Park? It's a hidden gem in Riverland Terrace. It offers views of the setting sun overlooking Wappoo Cut on James Island. If you are lucky enough to live in Riverland Terrace hop on your bike and head to Plymouth Park tonight!
2. Bowens Island Seafood | Folly Beach, SC
Bowens Island on the Folly River might be our favorite place to see a sunset in Charleston, SC.
The fried shrimp and buckets of oysters from Bowens Island Restaurant are a bonus!
Watch the leisure boaters and fishermen bringing in the catch of the day.
3. Mepkin Abbey | Moncks Corner, SC
Okay, this one is a little outside the city limits. But in late fall and winter, Mepkin Abbey is a tranquil, zen place to watch the sunset over the Cooper River. Combine your visit with the annual Creche Festival for an afternoon of delight.
4. Pitt Street Bridge | Mt. Pleasant, SC
Our final recommendation for the best sunsets in Charleston is the Pitt Street Bridge. Thanks to Trip Advisor it's not really a hidden gem anymore. There aren't any parking spaces so it really is a locals retreat for magical sunsets.
This used to be a trolly bridge connecting Mt. Pleasant to Sullivans Island. My friends got married here at sunset. It will always be a local favorite.
Watch the Sunset from Your Charleston Beach Home
Great news for interested home buyers! You can enjoy a beautiful sunset in Charleston, SC, from a beachfront home on Kiawah or Seabrook Island.
If your life plan includes living at the beach Pam Harrington Exclusives Real Estate can make that happen.
With a legacy of 45 years serving clients on Kiawah and Seabrook Island we are sunset experts. Some of the best island sunsets overlook tidal creeks and lagoons, in addition to the oceanfront.
Get early access to upcoming waterfront property listings in Charleston, SC through our Exclusive Buyers Program.