10 Best Beaches in Charleston

The Isle of Palms Beach is one of the longest stretches of sand in Charleston. With over 7 miles of pristine shoreline, you can enjoy almost endless spots to relax under the sun. This beach is also renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor activities. From golfing, boat tours and volleyball, there are plenty of ways to help pass the time between sunbathing sessions.

Travelers to the Isle of Palms Beach are never far from a top-notch place to eat, with prominent restaurants like The Windjammer and Acme Lowcountry Kitchen offering laidback pub cuisine and cold beverages. The local community often comes out to experience the warm evening breeze, so you're bound to make some new friends along the Isle of Palms coast.

Folly Beach is a hugely popular destination for visitors and locals in Charleston. This picture-perfect barrier island promises some outstanding views and quality relaxation. Nicknamed 'the Edge of America’, the coast and its surrounding community are favored for its proximity to several stellar restaurants and bars.

After you’ve taken in the ocean views or gone for an exhilarating boat tour, leave behind the beachfront for delicious Mexican eateries like Chico Feo or low-key options like Loggerhead’s Beach Broil. Whether you’re looking for a night out along the waterfront or just a lazy day on the sand, Folly Beach is a standout choice for outdoor fun in Charleston.

Kiawah Beachwalker Park surrounds you with enchanting natural landscapes. Its headline feature is undoubtedly the 10-mile private beachfront, where you can rent sunbathing lounges and umbrellas to cool down after enjoying the sunshine.

The charming Kiawah River, which winds inland behind the sand dunes, is great for spotting local wildlife. Otters and oystercatchers create habitats in dense wetlands. Back toward town, there’s a host of opulent resorts and beachfront properties, ensuring you can find suitably lavish accommodations for your stay.

Sullivan’s Island Beach is just 10 miles from the center of Charleston, meaning it’s great for those looking to avoid spending too long in the automobile. Situated next to the Isle of Palms, the beach gets rather busy during peak season as vacationers arrive in droves to experience scenic vistas and wonderfully sunny days.

This particular beachfront is popular due to its closeness to great dining options. When it’s time for refreshment, simply wander off the sand and into town, with spots like Poe’s Tavern and The Obstinate Daughter offering creative cuisine and inventive interior design. These streets also feature great shopping, so Sullivan’s Island has just about everything you need.

Wadmalaw Island is where you can get up close with the roots of South Carolina. Home to sprawling tea plantations and wineries, this lush landscape is a popular day trip for those who want to experience the region’s wonderful nature alongside a series of age-old makers and producers.

The Charleston Tea Garden and the Deep Water Vineyard are some of the most respected institutions on Wadmalaw Island. The surrounding environment is just as rewarding, with countless spots along the Bohicket River and Stono River ensuring you get some much-needed peace and quiet.

Seabrook Island is approximately 25 miles southwest of Charleston, placing you among over 3 miles of unspoiled coastline. Here, you can focus on enjoying a peaceful getaway with relaxing kayaking and bathing opportunities in the ocean.

As Seabrook Island Beach has a sleepier reputation than most destinations in the area, you won’t find any beachfront resorts here. However, there’s an impressive collection of short-stay accommodations on private properties. You can be fully immersed in this much-loved stretch of Charleston shoreline.

Capers Island is excellent for those who truly want to leave behind the city lights. This untouched island offers a genuinely remote escape in Charleston. There are breathtaking, untamed landscapes to experience up and down the coastline. Head along to explore over 214 acres of sand, plus enduring salt marshes and protected nature refuges.

If you're looking to camp overnight, you must first obtain a free permit. However, this choice is hugely rewarding, with virtually boundless places to explore, including oceanfront caves and hiking trails. But with minimal facilities available on Capers Island, make sure to pack everything you need for the night.

Edisto Beach is a picturesque community about 50 miles from Charleston. It’s worth the journey, despite the distance – you’re presented with a serene beachfront that comes with plenty of small-town charm. Alongside great shelling locations, there’s also an outstanding collection of hiking trails that traverse the enveloping landscapes.

The region is overflowing with fascinating wildlife, and you can get a close glimpse of all kinds of reptiles at the Edisto Island Serpentarium. It’s home to a variety of creatures, ranging from venomous snakes to intimidating alligators. With daily feedings on the agenda, this experience might fascinate the little ones.

Boneyard Beach is one of South Carolina’s most fascinating coastal stretches. Tucked away on the remote Bulls Island, this beach appeals to travelers looking to experience rough-and-tumble landscapes during their vacation. The area is famous for its driftwood that washes ashore, so you’ll undoubtedly discover a host of intriguing formations.

As you wander along the secluded shoreline, there's a chance you'll hardly encounter anyone for hours. Yet you might just come across an alligator or 2 that have decided to sunbathe near the waterfront. With Bulls Island also well-known for its trailheads, experience its eerily quiet scenery for a story to tell back home.

Driftwood Beach on Edisto Island is one of the most storied spots along the South Carolina coastline. With the island named after its vast amounts of driftwood carried onto the shore, you will find an ever-evolving array of natural sculptures that make for great vacation snaps.

With this in mind, the best way to experience Driftwood Beach is to arrive at low tide. The receding waterline reveals curious seashells and intricate wooden structures typically hidden by the ocean. It's about an hour from Charleston, so depart early in the morning to stand a chance of having the entire beach to yourself.