15 Best Beaches in South Carolina, According to Someone Who Lived in the State for 20 Years

From Hilton Head Island to Myrtle Beach, we've rounded up the best beaches in South Carolina for your next trip to the Palmetto State.

Fact checked by Elizabeth MacLennan

With something for every type of traveler, South Carolina beaches range from luxurious, private island spots with five-star oceanfront resorts to family-friendly destinations with activities both kids and adults will love. I spent the first 20-something years of my life in South Carolina, just a short drive away from the state's gorgeous stretches of golden sand. Now that I've traveled to beaches all over the world, I can say for certain that the Palmetto State's many miles of coastline are special. Warm waters, pillowy-soft sands, and secluded spots covered in driftwood and seashells — these are the beach memories of my Lowcountry childhood.

We've rounded up the best beaches in South Carolina — from fan-favorite Hilton Head Island on the southern coast to laid-back Folly Beach, located just a short drive from Charleston — so you can start planning your next beach vacation.

Related: 14 Best Things to Do in South Carolina, According to Locals

Hilton Head Island

Consistently ranked among the best islands in the United States in Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards, Hilton Head has plenty to offer visitors. With more than 23 championship golf courses in the area, this destination is a golf lover's dream, but it's perfect for families, too, with dolphin tours, water sports, and 12 miles of beaches. Opt to stay at one of the many beachfront hotels, like the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, or book a stay at a beloved boutique property, like The Inn & Club at Harbour Town. I grew up visiting Hilton Head Island on multigenerational summer vacations with my grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and a gaggle of cousins, so we typically stayed at a vacation rental where we could spread out and cook some of our own meals. You can find condo and home rentals on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and the Sea Pines Resort website.

Kiawah Island

If you're seeking a relaxing beach getaway, look no further than Kiawah Island. Even though it's only 25 miles from nearby Charleston, Kiawah feels totally isolated and secluded. With five stunning golf courses created by the best professional players and designers, Kiawah Island has everything an avid golfer could want. Book a stay at The Sanctuary, a luxurious, 255-room beachfront hotel with a spa, beautiful pools, and a variety of dining venues, including the acclaimed Ocean Room. I've had the pleasure of staying at The Sanctuary a couple of times; I love the hotel's serene pools and complimentary beach services. And even as a non-golfer, I enjoyed grabbing a cocktail and some crispy shrimp from The Ryder Cup Bar overlooking the Ocean Course.

Myrtle Beach

As the unofficial capital of the Grand Strand — the more than 60-mile stretch on South Carolina's coast from Little River to Winyah Bay — Myrtle Beach is ideal for families looking for a beach destination with plenty of activities on and off the shore. Like many other South Carolina beaches, Myrtle Beach offers sandy shores and world-class golfing, but it also has attractions the whole family will love, like the SkyWheel Ferris wheel, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, and more. Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes is one of many oceanfront hotel options in the area.

Related: The Best Golf Courses in South Carolina

Folly Beach

Folly Beach offers laid-back vibes just minutes from downtown Charleston, making it an ideal destination for visitors who want to explore the Lowcountry during their beach vacation. The beach is the main attraction here — spend time lounging in the sun or learn how to surf with lessons from one of the many surf schools. Tides Folly Beach offers oceanfront hotel rooms, and there are a number of small inns and house rentals available, too.

Huntington Beach State Park

Located between Myrtle Beach and Georgetown, Huntington Beach State Park offers historic sites, fishing, bird-watching, hiking, and, of course, a three-mile beach. There are more than 300 bird species at the park, and visitors are also known to spot pelicans, alligators, sea turtles, and more. Atalaya Castle, now a National Historic Landmark, was built here in the 1930s as a winter home for Archer and Anna Huntington. Plus, camping is available at Huntington Beach State Park for those who want to spend more time enjoying its natural beauty.

Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is one of the Charleston area's best beaches, sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. Enjoy tennis, surfing, paddleboarding, and golf, or charter a boat to explore this location from the water for a fresh perspective. Whether you opt to stay at the Wild Dunes Resort or rent an oceanfront home, there's plenty of opportunity to soak up the sun on the soft, sandy beach. Isle of Palms County Park has lifeguards, outdoor showers, restrooms, a playground, chair and umbrella rentals, and beach-accessible wheelchairs. The Windjammer is a popular beachfront bar with concerts and shows throughout the year. When I was living in Mount Pleasant, we'd often take the 20-minute drive to Isle of Palms on the weekend, but you have to get there early if you plan to visit during peak times as parking spots fill up quickly.

Surfside Beach

Nicknamed "The Family Beach," Surfside Beach is located on the Grand Strand south of Myrtle Beach. Surfside's commitment to families goes beyond its nickname — it has also been an autism-friendly travel destination since January 2016. Visitors can enjoy the sandy shores from 36 different points (some of which provide wheelchair access), and there's also mini golf and plenty of restaurants to choose from. There are only a few hotels on Surfside Beach, including the Surfside Beach Oceanfront Hotel, but you can also opt for a home rental, so you and your crew have room to spread out.

Daufuskie Island

If you've ever wanted to just get away from it all, Daufuskie Island, located between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Georgia, is a solid choice. This isolated island is only accessible by boat, which means you're sure to get the peace and quiet you're looking for when you visit. Say goodbye to crowded beaches and hello to quiet time with family with a top-ranked golf course and equestrian center located at Haig Point. Haig Point is also home to some of the only accommodations and restaurants on this island, though there are other rentals available on Daufuskie, too.

Edisto Island

Edisto Island, one of South Carolina's Sea Islands, is home to almost five miles of peaceful beach. Wildlife is abundant on the island, with visitors often spotting turtles, dolphins, egrets, pelicans, and more. Relax on the beach, go for a sunset cruise, book a fishing charter, or play a round of golf. You can choose from a variety of home and condo rentals, or opt to camp out at Edisto Beach State Park.

Sullivan's Island

For small-town charm, head to Sullivan's Island, the two-and-a-half-mile-long barrier island near the entrance of the Charleston Harbor — and one of my very favorite beaches in South Carolina. With no commercial development, this is one of the cleanest beachfronts you'll find in the area. When you're not enjoying sunset walks down the well-kept beach, try sailing, kayaking, or kiteboarding on the island's waters. Sullivan's Island stands out with its outsized dining scene; I love grabbing burgers at Poe's Tavern, barbecue nachos at Home Team BBQ, and to-go frosé from The Co-Op. There are plenty of great hotels in Charleston only 20 minutes away, or consider one of the beautiful beach rentals on the island.

Pawleys Island

Pawleys Island is home to three miles of pristine coastline and plenty to do and see. Have fun collecting shells on the shore or surfing the waves in the Atlantic. Or, try fishing or crabbing in the nearby scenic tidal creek. Grab a bite at Bistro 217, Chive Blossom, or Perrone's after a day on one of the courses along the Hammock Coast Golf Trail. There are several vacation homes with ocean views for rent, plus two historic inns: Sea View Inn and The Pelican Inn.

Murrells Inlet

With a backstory involving the infamous pirate Blackbeard, this popular fishing village near Myrtle Beach is a great getaway with heaps of charm and history. Fishing is one of the biggest draws, and there are several boat rental options and deep-sea excursions available. You won't want to miss the MarshWalk, which offers waterfront dining, live entertainment, and special events. And when you want to experience even more natural beauty, walk the Lowcountry Trail through Brookgreen Gardens. Choose from Murrells Inlet hotels or head to Myrtle Beach, less than 30 minutes away, for more lodging options.

Fripp Island

Head to this small wildlife sanctuary for kayaking, golfing, and gorgeous views. Watch for some of the 175 bird species that live along the ocean and salt marsh, or other local animals like gators, dolphins, and turtles. You'll want to have your phone in hand for the island's ample photo opportunities made famous in films like "Forrest Gump," "The Jungle Book," and "The Prince of Tides."

Morris Island

What was once the location of a Civil War-era fort is now an uninhabited island in the Charleston Harbor marked by the state's tallest lighthouse. Today, this island is only accessible by boat; when I was growing up in the Charleston area, we would take our boat out and spend a weekend afternoon looking for shells and shark teeth along the beach. While boat rentals are available, I recommend visitors book one of the tours that will take you to the island with a local expert who can tell you all about the area's history and marine life.

Seabrook Island

Located between Edisto and Kiawah, Seabrook is another South Carolina barrier island home to a private beach community. Visitors can book one of the island's many home rentals and enjoy amenities at the Seabrook Island Club like the golf courses, beach club, equestrian center, racquet club, and more. There are two beaches at this resort community: North Beach, one of the only sandy stretches in South Carolina where you can go horseback riding, and Pelican Beach, which offers beautiful sunset views.

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