18 Best Beaches in South Carolina | Perfect vacation spot

South Carolina is a beautiful state with many beaches and ocean-side destinations. With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which ones are the best! We’ve done the research for you and compiled this list of 18 best beaches in South Carolina.

Read on to find out more about each beach and discover which one is your next vacation destination!

Exploring the Beaches of South Carolina

From the southern tip of Daufuskie Island to Folly Beach near Charleston, South Carolina has a little bit of everything for everyone. There are beaches for families, couples and individuals who enjoy a quiet time alone.

South Carolina’s coastline is a combination of the Atlantic Ocean and the Grand Strand, with some unique beaches in between.

Let’s start talking about the best beaches in South Carolina!

1. Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head Island

If you’re visiting South Carolina and looking for the perfect beach, look no further than Coligny Beach Park on Hilton Head Island. This is a family-friendly destination with enough amenities to keep everyone busy all day!

The Oceanside Park is a park with WiFi and beach equipment rentals. This beach offers more than just family fun though; it’s also great for couples looking to spend some time together on vacation. There are plenty of areas to go for a romantic walk or snag that perfect selfie.

While Coligny Beach Park is known as one of the best beaches in South Carolina, it’s also home to several local events throughout the year!

2. Pawleys Island

Pawleys Island is a small town in South Carolina with good beaches and sand dunes.

There are many historic houses in Pawleys Island, North Carolina. There are sculptures, gardens with native plants and a zoo north of Pawleys Island town.

Huntington Beach which is just nearby, is home to a mansion and beaches with wetlands nearby.

The beaches and the sand dunes of Pawleys Island, NC are natural attractions.

3. Cherry Grove Beach

Cherry Grove Beach is a beach in North Myrtle Beach. Cherry Grove Beach is a popular tourist destination and the Cherry Grove Pier is an iconic landmark built in the 1950s.

The Cherry Grove Pier is a tourist destination in North Myrtle Beach, SC near the Cherry Groove.

There are many historic homes built around Pawleys Island and Huntington Beach which are popular attractions for tourists who visit South Carolina.

4. Surfside Beach

There is a town in South Carolina that has the nickname “The Family Beach.” Surfside Beach is a small town in South Carolina, with a population of 3837.

Tourists visit South Carolina to experience the family-friendly atmosphere of Surfside Beach which has good beaches and clear water.

5. Garden City Beach

Garden City is a town in South Carolina and has good beaches and cool ocean breezes.

There are many tourists who visit Garden City Beach, SC for the water sports activities they offer such as surfing and jet skiing!

Tourists enjoy visiting Garden City Beach which offers beach-side restaurants with live music performances to give you that authentic beach vibe.

The water sports activities Garden City Beach offers are a favorite among tourists who visit South Carolina for the beaches and ocean breezes.

6. Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a popular tourist destination in South Carolina and famous for its beaches. Myrtle Beach, SC has many activities such as water sports, spas and casinos which tourists enjoy visiting while they are on vacation!

The beautiful beaches of Myrtle Beach attract thousands of tourists every day to the area. There’s no shortage of things to do in Myrtle Beach, from catching a Broadway show to gambling at one of the many casinos.

The Atlantic Ocean off the Myrtle Beach area coast is full of Vegas-style gambling and live entertainment. The food is great and the beaches are beautiful.

7. Ocean Drive Beach

Ocean Drive Beach is a popular beach in South Carolina and tourists love visiting the area. There are many entertainment venues, from casinos to restaurants and shopping–making Ocean Drive Beach a great place for tourists.

Ocean Drive Beach is an area in South Carolina that’s popular among tourists because of the beautiful beaches as well as the local attractions such as live music performances!

8. Edisto Beach State Park

Edisto Beach State Park is one of the longest accessible hiking and biking trails for handicapped people. Alligators can live on Edisto Island without being a threat to humans as long as they are properly respected. The island is home to many animals, including raccoons and deer.

The beautiful beaches and wildlife of the Edisto Beach State Park in South Carolina attracts tourists to come to the area.

9. Sullivan’s Island Beach

Sullivan’s beach is an open and wide beach with no lifeguards, so you will be swimming at your own risk. The beaches on Sullivan’s Island are like other Charleston beaches: alcohol is not allowed.

Sullivan’s Island is a small island that gets crowded quickly due to its narrow roads. Sullivan’s Island is a popular destination for people looking to have fun at the beach.

10. Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park is a coastal park in South Carolina, with an Atlantic beach and animal inhabitants. The Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail and the Kerrigan Nature Trail both contain a viewing deck, attracting egrets and herons.

Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina is a great destination for all ages to enjoy the beautiful beaches and animals.

11. Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island

Kiawah Beachwalker Park features oceanfront and river views, as well as the only beach open for public access on beautiful Kiawah Island. Kiawah Beachwalker Park is a nature reserve located at the west end of Kiawah Island.

Kiawah Beachwalker Park offers a boardwalk, chair and umbrella rentals, lifeguards, restrooms (first come first served), dressing areas (first-come first-served), picnic area with grills and a concession stand.

12. North Beach, Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island is a private gated community where only property owners, members of the club, and their guests are allowed.

Seabrook Island’s North Beach rentals are 4 bedrooms with 3.5 baths, situated between a sea marsh and the changing Atlantic Ocean The beach house is built to accommodate a large family or group of friends.

13. Pelican Beach, Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island is a barrier island in Charleston County, South Carolina. It was known before as Simmons Island.

Seabrook Island is a suburban area with many retirees and conservative residents. The beach on Seabrook Island is called Pelican Beach and it’s perfect for swimming, sun bathing or just relaxing.

14. Brighton Beach, Bluffton

Alljoy Beach is a small beach in Bluffton, with a public boat launch and parking area. The beaches are mostly on Hilton Head, because Bluffton is not directly next to the ocean.

Many people in Bluffton, South Carolina who live a 10 minute drive away from Hilton Head enjoy the sights and sounds of this destination.

15. Litchfield Beach

Litchfield Beach is an unincorporated community in South Carolina, 3 miles north of Pawleys Island. The two communities Litchfield-By-The-Sea and North Litchfield are within the beach called “Litchfield Beach.”

North Litchfield Beach is a beautiful community with many public walkways to the beach. This community offers fifteen public walkways to the beach.

16. Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach is a town that is part of Carteret County, North Carolina. Atlantic Beach offers many attractions for the people who enjoy the ocean. The Atlantic Beach is popular for their water quality. Some people who visit the beach leave behind trash which usually could affect the water quality.

17. Front Beach, Isle of Palms

The City of Isle of Palms has a lot to offer, and their beaches are no exception. The City of Isle Palms’ Front Beach commercial district offers public restrooms and parking in addition to restaurants and shops.

The Isle of Palms has a clean-up crew that does their best to keep the beach clean, but people who visit this attraction need to be respectful of the attractions.

18. Folly Beach

Folly Beach is a city on Folly Island, in South Carolina that has surf shops and pier. The most popular attraction on Folly Beach is the pier.

Folly Beach County Park has picnic areas and a pelican rookery. Folly Beach County Park and Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve have beaches and wildlife-rich habitats.

Why are the Beaches in South Carolina Famous?

There are many reasons why beaches in South Carolina are famous, but the main reason is their great weather. Beaches in South Carolina offer the perfect climate all year round for visitors to enjoy them at any time of day or night.

• This pristine beach destination has no shortage of activities and excitement for visitors who come either on vacation or just passing through.
• Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities from sailing to kayaking, golfing, enjoying the many historic sites and museums, taking scenic drives through the area’s beautiful countryside or exploring one of its famous plantations.
• And if you want to try something that is sure to be a highlight of your trip you will want to visit the fishing town of Beaufort, also nicknamed the ‘Port City’, and its world famous Shrimper’s Festival.
• Beaches in South Carolina are a great family destination as well, with something for everyone from salt marshes to tidal pools. The beauty of these beaches will make them an unforgettable experience.
• One of the most popular locations is Hilton Head Island which is a beautiful island off the coast of South Carolina. It is famous for its beautiful beaches and resorts, golf courses, private villas and low country cuisine.

Visitors come to this part of South Carolina for many different reasons but one thing they all agree on is that it offers something special for everyone. These beaches are just waiting to offer you a vacation experience you will never forget.

Why Explore South Carolina Beaches?

South Carolina beaches are some of the best in the world. There are so many things to do on South Carolina beaches, it would be nearly impossible to list them all.

From hiking, boating and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, to biking along riverside trails, here is your guide to explore South Carolina Beaches like a pro!

You can surf. You can sunbathe. You can swim, fish, boat, scuba dive and snorkel.

In South Carolina, our beaches are a place to get away from it all – to enjoy the pristine beauty of the Atlantic Ocean without the clamor of crowds that you find elsewhere on the coast. The best part – you don’t need to travel far or spend a lot of money. Our beaches are free, clean and open year-round.

Why not make a trip to South Carolina beaches part of your next vacation? Here are some ideas for planning your trip.

Before you head out to the beach, pack up sunscreen, towels or chairs, bottled water and lunch. You’ll also need insect repellent if mosquitos are bothersome in your area. Read on for more tips on what to bring.

Beach Safety Tips When Visiting South Carolina Beaches

Beaches are a wonderful place to relax, soak up some sun and enjoy the beauty of nature. With spring break in full force, many people are enjoying the sand and surf in South Carolina this week. If you are planning to travel to one of our beautiful beaches, consider the following safety tips from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Sun Safety

Sunburn is a fact of life on sunny summer days. But it’s also very serious business. Sunburn is your skin’s way of telling you that it’s in trouble. If you get too much sun, the damage can be permanent and even deadly.

1. Sunscreen – Sunscreen may just be the best invention ever. While it can’t completely prevent sunburn, it does provide powerful protection. To get the full benefit of sunscreen, apply it 30 minutes before going outside and reapply at least every two hours to all exposed areas – face, ears, nose, shoulders and arms. Look for sunscreens with an SPF 15 or higher. Put on enough sunscreen to make your skin look white before you go outside.
2. Wear Sun Protective Clothing – On days when the sun is really intense, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants or skirts made of tightly woven fabric that covers your arms and legs. Make sure the clothes are loose, so that they don’t cling to your body after getting wet in the water.
3. Use at least a 30 SPF Sunblock on Kids – If you will be taking children to the beach, make sure they wear sunblock every time they go out in the sun and reapply it often. At their young ages, kids’ skin is especially sensitive to the sun’s rays and can burn easily. While adults need at least an SPF 15 to get the full protection, kids need a sunscreen with at least an SPF 30. You can also look for sunscreens that are specifically formulated for use on kids’ skin.

Beach Sand Safety

The beach sand can be hot! For very young children, hold hands when walking through the sand at the beach. The sand can also hold heat from the sun all day long, so when planning to sit down in the sand for a while, bring something you can sit on that won’t burn or melt.

1. Watch for Currents – When swimming at the beach, it’s important to watch out for riptides and strong currents. If conditions are rough, stay out of the water. If you get caught up in a riptide, swim parallel to the shoreline until it stops pulling you out. Then swim back towards the beach with the waves.
2. Watch Your Kids – It’s very important to keep a close eye on children when they are in or near any body of saltwater, including the ocean, rivers and creeks. If children are not watched closely, they may wander into the water and get swept away by currents or overpowered by waves. Always hold your child’s hand in or near the water.
3. When You Are Ready to Leave the Beach – When leaving the beach for any reason, take time to dry off with a towel, change out of wet swimsuits and apply sunscreen. Make sure everyone has time to dry off completely before getting into the car or driving home.
4. Be Ready for the Weather – Be prepared for severe weather by keeping your vehicle’s gas tank full, packing emergency supplies in an accessible place and placing sandals in the trunk of your car so you can take them with you when it’s time to leave the beach. If you get caught in a thunderstorm at the beach, go indoors or find shelter. If you are driving, avoid bridge spans and other tall structures that might be struck by lightning.

Conclusion: Beaches are a wonderful place to spend time, but safety is always first. Having your days spent at the beaches of South Carolina is not complete without having fun and being safe.

If you plan to check out any of the beaches listed above, make sure you are prepared to have a great time!