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.
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.
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.
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Public restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas are available. Parking is provided in designated areas.
Lifeguards are stationed at various locations along the beach during the summer months.
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.
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.
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Public restrooms are available, and parking can be found on the street near beach access points.
Lifeguards are not typically present, but beach patrol monitors the area regularly.
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.
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.
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Public restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas are available. Ample paid parking lots are situated close to beach access points.
Lifeguards are stationed at various points along the beach during peak season.
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.
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.
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Public restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas with grills are available. There is a sizable parking lot at the park entrance.
Lifeguard service is available seasonally at designated swimming areas.
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.
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.
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Public restrooms are available at the Seabrook Island Beach Club. Parking is limited and primarily available to Seabrook Island residents and guests.
Beach patrol monitors the area, but lifeguard service is typically not provided.
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.
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.
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Public restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas are accessible. Parking is available at designated beach access points.
Lifeguard service is not typically provided, but beach patrol is present.