The Best South Carolina Beaches

Hilton Head Island

Coligny Beach Park in Hitlon Head Island, SC — Peter Frank Edwards

Hilton Head feels like a grown-up beach town, which isn't to say it doesn't still embrace what made it so beloved in the first place: tranquil beaches, real-deal seafood joints, excellent golfing, and Carolina marshes. You might even recognize it as having been awarded the honor of South's Best Beach Town more than once, which touted many of Hilton Head's best attributes, like how HHI has "matured into a collection of gated neighborhoods surrounded by live oaks, magnolias, and palmettos; linked by neon-free boulevards bordered by bike paths; and boasting clusters of markets, bars, boutiques, and more than 250 restaurants." Doesn't sound half-bad, huh?

Fripp Island

Only three and a half miles long and about a half-mile wide, Fripp Island is a sanctuary worth seeing. Located just 25 minutes from Beaufort, South Carolina (another favorite South's Best Small Town), here you'll find the perfect place to put your towel down on laidback beaches, only leaving to visit a handful of restaurants or do something sporty like tennis, golf, or boating. You'll also find a popular trail maintained by the Audubon Club that not only gives great views of land and water wildlife, but of more than 175 bird species.

Edisto Beach, South Carolina

Ella & Ollie's on Edisto Island, SC — Peter Frank Edwards

Edisto Beach sits on a pristine shoreline on Edisto Island, one of South Carolina's biggest barrier islands. While there's not much in terms of hotels (it's purposefully been left only gently developed), there are beach houses available for rent where you can cozy up and watch the sunset. Then, head to Ella & Ollie's for phenomenal Lowcountry seafood dishes.

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Murrells Inlet

This historic fishing village caters to those coming to the Grand Strand coastline with its waterfront Murrels Inlet MarshWalk, which boasts an impressive selection of restaurants and plenty of live music to keep everyone full and happy. Here's a tip: At Huntington Beach State Park, you'll find more than three miles of milk-white sands that make up the best-preserved stretch of the 60-mile Grand Strand.

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Pawleys Island

This South Carolina coastal town is known for its hand-woven hammocks, upon which we'd like to hang a while, but it makes sure to keep you interested with pristine beaches, surf-worthy waves, great seafood, Lowcountry marshland, and an easygoing attitude (hence, its affinity for hammocks). The lack of commercialism is something that draws people to the quiet town, especially considering it can be found between bustling neighbors, Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Enjoy an old-school island experience at the oceanfront Sea View Inn, established in 1937.

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Kiawah Island

Located only 21 miles from downtown Charleston, Kiawah Island is just far enough (and just quiet enough) to feel like it's worlds away from the bustling Southern city. Here, you'll want to indulge in the most relaxing of pursuits, such as renting a beach chair at Beachwalker Park, booking a room or spa day at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, or setting yourself up with an oyster roast at Mingo Point.

DeBordieu

One of the best-kept secrets along the South Carolina coast, DeBordieu is a tucked-away community that teases visitors with the ultimate natural escape, which can only be attributed to its committed preservation of South Carolina's stunning scenery and wildlife. It's also located just 10 miles from Georgetown, which has a historic district worth visiting on days when respite from the sandy shore is needed.

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Daufuskie Island

Accessible only by boat, Daufuskie is place where time just moves a little bit slower. You'll find this unassuming little island close to popular Southern towns Hilton Head Island and Savannah; but its history makes it one of the most interesting plots of land in the sea. On the remote island, you won't find any high-rise condos or big-box stores. Pass the time by frolicking on the deserted shores of Daufuskie's quiet beaches or learning about the island's history and Gullah ancestry on a tour with local historian Sallie Ann Robinson.

Sullivan's Island

At the mouth of famed Charleston Harbor, this tiny, primarily residential community sits along 3.3 miles of Atlantic shoreline. Sullivan's Island is a quiet, Lowcountry jewel with stunning beach houses in gracious lines along protected beaches. This hidden gem is a thoughtful mix of preserved nature and modern-day adventure. If you go, be sure to stop by Poe's Tavern on Middle Street for a killer burger before you head back toward town. Flip-flops and salty hair are always welcome on the restaurant's generous front porch.

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Surfside Beach

Another Myrtle Beach neighbor, Surfside Beach is known for being one of the most family friendly spots on the entire Grand Strand. In addition to be named as an Autism-friendly vacation town by Champion Autism Network, Surfside is also home to 36 access points across two miles of pristine coastline that are cleaned daily and monitored by lifeguards. Several of the access points are wheelchair friendly so everyone can enjoy the wonders of sand and surf all the same.

Isle of Palms

With the deep blue Atlantic on one side and marshy creeks of the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, Isle of Palms offers the best of the Lowcountry and the beach in one stunning setting that's begging to be added to your vacation calendar. The South Carolina barrier island that's just 15 minutes down the road from Charleston packs a lot of relaxation and big fun into a vacation destination that's just seven miles long and one mile wide.

Folly Beach

Known to locals as the Edge of America, Folly is everything a beach town should be. Surf shops line the main drag; cover-ups count as appropriate lunch attire; and nobody takes themselves too seriously. The island's six miles of beachfront are its main attraction, and it'd be easy to while away a week with no plans beyond putting your toes in the sand. Spend a day shelling, sunning, surfing, or searching for shark teeth. When you're ready to refuel, head to Chico Feo for colorful and creative bites.

St. Phillips Island

Situated in a cluster of sea islands off the coast of South Carolina, St. Phillips Island is a natural wonderland. The 4-mile-long, nearly 4,682-acre barrier island is undeveloped, home to an incredibly diverse array of ecosystems with abundant wildlife. Covered in salt marshes, sand dune ridges, and winding tidal creeks, the wild habitat is home to all kinds of native plants and animals. Coastal Expeditions Beaufort hosts a regular ferry service to the St. Phillips that includes an ecotour along the Story River, 3.5-mile tram tour on the island, and plenty of time to explore.

Myrtle Beach

We couldn't leave out this family-favorite spot. Anchoring a 60-mile stretch of Grand Strand waterfront communities, Myrtle Beach is for those who want something extra. With new resorts and hotels popping up, the iconic boardwalk getting bigger, and plenty of attractions, such as the beloved SkyWheel, that will cure even the rainiest day, it'll have you too worn out to shag dance. But, sorry, you still have to, for old time's sake.

Hunting Island State Park

Hunting Island's Lighthouse — Peter Frank Edwards

Not to be confused with Huntington Beach State Park near Murrells Inlet, Hunting Island is a barrier island off the coast of Beaufort and right next to Fripp Island. As the state's most visited state park, Hunting Island draws in thousands of visitors each year. If you go, be sure to set aside time to see the famous Hunting Island lighthouse, which was built in 1859 but destroyed during the American Civil War and rebuilt in 1875. At this state park, you're never far from the shore. Even when you're biking along the Lagoon Trail, you can still feel the salty ocean breeze and catch glimpses of the beach peaking in just beyond the palmetto-lined forest path.

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