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Charleston, South Carolina
The 6 Best Beaches Near Charleston, South Carolina

The 6 Best Beaches Near Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, is a coastal gem offering a variety of beach experiences. From the lively atmosphere of Folly Beach to the tranquil, natural beauty of Seabrook Island, each location has its unique charm. Whether you are a family seeking safe swimming and sandcastle building, a couple looking for a romantic sunset stroll, or a history buff drawn to the storied past of Sullivan’s Island, Charleston’s beaches promise a perfect blend of sun, sand, and Southern hospitality.

about matthew
Updated August 16, 2023
Hey there! I'm Matthew, I'm a passionate traveler who loves to explore the US with my family. I'm excited to share my experiences and tips on how to make the most of your trips while traveling in the US.
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Best Beaches Near Charleston South Carolina
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1. Folly Beach

12 Miles from Charleston

Folly Beach

Folly Beach, known as “The Edge of America,” is a vibrant and relaxed beach town with a lively fishing pier, surf shops, and casual cafes. The beach is spacious with soft sand, making it great for sunbathing, surfing, and beachcombing.

Why We Recommend

Folly Beach is a clean and well-maintained destination, offering visitors the opportunity to purchase a pass for a day of swimming and return later to watch breathtaking sunsets. Despite its popularity, Folly Beach maintains a charming small-town environment, complemented by a convenient rental system for beachgoers.

See what people are saying in their Google Reviews.

Amenities

Public restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas are available. Parking is provided in designated areas.

Safety

Lifeguards are stationed at various locations along the beach during the summer months.

2. Sullivan’s Island

9 Miles from Charleston

Sullivans Island

Sullivan’s Island offers a serene and upscale beach environment. Known for its historic charm and natural beauty, the beach is perfect for swimming, kite flying, and enjoying beautiful sunsets.

Why We Recommend

Sullivan’s Island Beach is a beautiful and clean beach with plenty of space, offering a serene and laid-back atmosphere primarily frequented by families, couples, and dog lovers. Despite limited parking, visitors can find spots in the surrounding area, and the beach itself features a long, picturesque walkway to reach the shore, as well as areas for setting up tents and calm water spots for safe swimming for children.

See what people are saying in their Google Reviews.

Amenities

Public restrooms are available, and parking can be found on the street near beach access points.

Safety

Lifeguards are not typically present, but beach patrol monitors the area regularly.

3. Isle of Palms

16 Miles from Charleston

Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is a family-friendly beach known for its clean and wide sandy shores. The area is residential and resort-like, providing a more relaxed and upscale beach experience.

Why We Recommend

Isle of Palms boasts a clean and relaxed beach with very fine sand, offering a more natural atmosphere compared to many other beaches, highlighted by actual shells and natural dunes. Despite its popularity and potentially challenging parking, the expansive length of the beach ensures ample space for visitors to spread out, and it is also a spectacular location for watching the sunrise, especially when visited early in the morning.

See what people are saying in their Google Reviews.

Amenities

Public restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas are available. Ample paid parking lots are situated close to beach access points.

Safety

Lifeguards are stationed at various points along the beach during peak season.

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4. Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park

25 Miles from Charleston

Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park

Beachwalker Park is the public beach access for Kiawah Island, and it is known for its natural, unspoiled beauty. The park offers a wide beach ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and shelling.

Why We Recommend


Kiawah Beachwalker Park is a serene and well-maintained beach that provides a perfect environment for relaxation, boasting clean and spacious facilities including restrooms and a changing area. It is an ideal location for families and pet owners, with a dog-friendly policy, as well as a lovely boardwalk and convenient amenities such as a rinse-off area and equipment rental options available throughout the day.

See what people are saying in their Google Reviews.

Amenities

Public restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas with grills are available. There is a sizable parking lot at the park entrance.

Safety

Lifeguard service is available seasonally at designated swimming areas.

5. Seabrook Island

24 Miles from Charleston

Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island offers stunning, less crowded beaches. Known for its scenic views and diverse wildlife, it is perfect for those seeking a tranquil and natural beach environment.

Why We Recommend

Seabrook Island Beach is a tranquil and family-friendly destination that offers shallow and calm waters, making it perfect for children. Visitors can enjoy the sight of dolphins swimming close to the shore, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and convenient amenities such as bike rentals, a playground near the clubhouse, and a variety of dining options. The beach is also dog-friendly and offers private access, enhancing its peaceful and pristine atmosphere.

See what people are saying in their Google Reviews.

Amenities

Public restrooms are available at the Seabrook Island Beach Club. Parking is limited and primarily available to Seabrook Island residents and guests.

Safety

Beach patrol monitors the area, but lifeguard service is typically not provided.

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6. Edisto Beach

48 Miles from Charleston

Edisto Beach

Edisto Beach is a family-oriented beach with a laid-back atmosphere. Known for its natural charm and lack of commercialization, it’s a great spot for traditional beach activities and relaxation.

Why We Recommend

Edisto Beach is a peaceful and well-maintained destination, offering visitors a sense of privacy and natural beauty. With two campgrounds, one on the beach and another featuring a nature center and fishing pier on the inlet, visitors can enjoy early morning walks on the uncrowded beach, explore short scenic trails, and find an abundance of shells along the shore.

See what people are saying in their Google Reviews.

Amenities

Public restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas are accessible. Parking is available at designated beach access points.

Safety

Lifeguard service is not typically provided, but beach patrol is present.

About the Author
about matthew
Matthew Mellinger
Hey there! I'm Matthew, and I'm a passionate traveler who loves to explore the US with my family of four. I'm excited to share my experiences and tips on how to make the most of your trips while traveling in the US.

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