12 of the Best Beaches in South Carolina You’ll Want To Explore This Summer
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South Carolina is famous for its white sand beaches that stretch for miles. When you visit the best beaches in South Carolina, you’ll enjoy some of the country’s most beautiful stretches of coastline.
The state of South Carolina has almost 200 miles of pristine coastline. You’ll find beautiful beaches, coastal towns, and some of the best vacation destinations for sun, surf, and endless fun.
On these stunning beaches, you’ll escape into a subtropical dream made for a postcard. From Myrtle Beach to Hilton Head Island, these are the 12 best beaches in South Carolina.
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Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head Island
Coligny Beach Park is one of Hilton Head’s most popular beaches and deservingly so. It has endless stretches of sand and plenty to offer swimmers and people looking to relax.
On the shore, you can enjoy warm water and typically small waves. It’s the perfect place to relax or try ocean sports like stand-up paddle boarding.
After soaking in the rays, you can walk in barefoot to the Tiki Hut for an expertly crafted cocktail. Or, rent a bike and ride along Forest Beach Drive to see historical homes and explore other hidden beaches.
Read also: Top White Sand Beaches to Visit in the US
Isle of Palms Beach, Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms Beach is a huge stretch of popular white sand along rows of homes. It is a popular place for surfing, swimming, and fishing. During the summer, lifeguards watch the shore, and in winter, windsurfers take on the blustery conditions far out to sea.
If you come in summer, don’t forget your beach chairs and coolers. You may even get to join in with locals celebrating life on the sand.
In town, you’ll find everything you need, from boutique shops to amazing restaurants. Rent a bike and explore the island via Ocean Boulevard. Along the way, you’ll find several beach access points to pull up and discover your own section of beach far away from the crowds.
Read also: America’s Secret Beaches
North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach is located right near the border of North Carolina. It has tons of bustling restaurants and beachside resorts with pools and incredible views.
During the summer, the long stretch of sand becomes a popular beach with locals and visitors. You can enjoy many activities, from beach volleyball to windsurfing, even during the offseason.
You’ll have plenty of restaurants, bars, and small stores to explore in town. If you play golf, you can visit the Surf Golf & Beach Club or Beachwood Golf Club for epic views while you play.
Read also: Most Dangerous U.S. Beaches
Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island
Kiawah Beachwalker Park is an epic stretch of sand on Kiawah Island. It ends at the mouth of the Kiawah River.
You’ll enjoy tons of beach activities, such as surfing, bodyboarding, or simply wading in the shore. Lifeguards patrol the beach in summer, and in spring and fall, you’ll still enjoy warm weather but with few crowds.
Another great thing about this beach is its access to the Kiawah River. You can rent kayaks or go fishing in the estuaries along the shore.
Read also: U.S. Beach Locations You Need to Visit
Burkes Beach, Hilton Head Island
Burkes Beach, located on the northern side of Hilton Head Island, is a more secluded beach one of the best places on the island for sunrises. You’ll walk down a forested trail to an often secluded stretch of sand.
In the morning or evening, you can walk down the beach under the colorful sky. You’ll find seashells and occasionally see dolphins jumping along the horizon.
After walking the beach, you can walk around the Chaplin Community Park and see tons of wildlife and birds. Or, head down to Archer’s Cove to enjoy an even quieter section of sand.
Read also: Wallet-Friendly Beach Spots in the United States
Folly Beach, Folly Island
Folly Beach is a tiny beach town with beautiful sand stretching down a small island. It is a popular fishing spot and has a pier where you can stand and watch the anglers.
Afterward, you’ll have several miles of beach to choose from. At the south end of the beach are dunes and lifeguards in the summer.
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In town, you can enjoy all the comforts and delicious cuisine you’d expect from a beach town in South Carolina. From crab shacks to oyster bars and traditional southern cooking, you’ll have plenty to explore before getting back to the sand.
Read also: Iconic Beach Towns of the East Coast
Seabrook Island Beach, Seabrook Island
Seabrook Island Beach has everything you need on a beach, with calm water and long stretches of sand. The beach sits at the mouth of the North Edisto River. Two sandbanks offshore are popular places for kayakers to venture to.
In the summer, the beach becomes a popular hangout for locals looking to relax. You’ll see people playing sports on the sand or wading offshore.
There are tons of other activities nearby, including world-class golfing and hiking at Hidden Oaks Nature Trail. For food, you’ll be close to some of Seabrook Island’s best restaurants, where you can try homemade local cuisine.
Read also: Best Coastal Gems in the U.S
Huntington Beach State Park, Litchfield by the Sea
Huntington Beach State Park is the top destination if you love beach camping. The state park is full of fun sights and landmarks to explore, plus endless stretches of white sand and pristine water.
After setting up your campsite, stroll down the beach or lay in the sun. You can also walk along the preserve’s trails to see wildlife and meet other campers.
The state park has a popular sculpture garden and the Atalaya Castle, a Moorish-style mansion. It was the winter home of the famous architect Archer M. Huntington. It is an amazing destination to enjoy between hiking and soaking in the sun next to the ocean.
Read also: October Beach Getaways Across the U.S.
Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is known as a fun family beach with fewer crowds than its neighboring stretches of sand. You can find a secluded section to spend your day enjoying the sea.
You can rent paddle boards, kayaks, or other ocean sports gear. Sometimes, you can catch surfers and windsurfers surfing the waves. If you time your visit, you may even see whales and dolphins breathing.
One of the best activities on Surfside Beach is simply walking at sunrise. The colorful sky glitters off the water. When you’re done, head into town to experience a homemade meal before heading out for more activities.
Read also: Must-See Coastal Cities Across the United States
Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island is a secluded beach town perfect for a less crowded beach getaway. It has dunes, forest trails, and tons of open sand.
In the summer, people come to the town for a quiet retreat. You can enjoy many activities, such as fishing off of Pawleys Island Pier or hitting the waves surfing or bodyboarding.
You can also explore dunes and even rent kayaks to enjoy the calm waters of the inlets. If you visit during the Fourth of July, Pawleys Island is the perfect place to celebrate in a laid-back corner of the beach.
Read also: America’s Best Harbor Towns
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is a famous beach town known for its luxurious coastal resorts and endless fun. During the summer, the beach becomes packed with people lounging in the sand and enjoying water sports.
It’s one of the best beaches for swimmers, with lifeguards and typically calm water. If you visit with a family, you’ll have many amusement parks and beach events, especially around the holidays.
For a quieter experience, head south to Myrtle Beach State Park. Here, you can walk along the quiet shoreline, check out the popular pier to see anglers, and even spot some impressive wildlife.
Read also: Best Coastal Towns To Explore on the West Coast
Hunting Island State Park
Hunting Island State Park is a historical beach destination far away from civilization. The beach runs along five miles of empty shoreline. It’s also one of South Carolina’s best places for beach camping.
From biking along the trails to hiking along the Marsh Boardwalk Trail, there are plenty of activities to enjoy when you’re not lounging on the beach. Many also kayak through the estuaries and marshes to fish and see incredible wildlife. The island also has an iconic lighthouse built in the 19th century.
You can sit next to your campfire at night and listen to the crashing waves. Or, walk the beach to see unparalleled views of the starry sky above.
Read also: America’s Most Instagram-Worthy Places
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