Beaches

South Carolina is known for Southern hospitality, soul food, historical cities and monuments, and, of course, breathtaking, beautiful beaches. These South Carolina beach towns are some of the best in the country to live in and the most affordable among beach communities on the East Coast. 

Although many dream of moving to Florida, South Carolina is actually a fantastic choice for most. While you will get a cooler winter than you can expect farther south, South Carolina’s weather tends to be more mild. The hardpacked sand is also better for long walks, bike riding, and building sandcastles than the powdery sand Florida is known for.

We’ll cover a variety of places from quiet islands to busy cities for you to choose which of these beaches in South Carolina would be best for you and your family.

Here are the best beaches to live in South Carolina. 

1. Beaufort

Best for families that want a slowpaced kind of life. 

Beaufort is both a small southern town and the name of a county that encompasses much of the southern tip of South Carolina. Here, I’m referring specifically to the charming town. Although not specifically on a beach, Beaufort is a port town located on the inlet so you’ll have great boat access and plenty of great beaches just a short drive away.

Beaufort has a rich history and stunning architecture. Known for their antebellum mansions, these homes were built before the Civil War and feature columns and wrap-around porches. Home to the Gullah culture, this vibrant African American culture includes a Creole language unique to their community and traditions like basketry and quilt making. 

Enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, cycling, walking, jogging, or running down the 10-mile paved Spanish Moss trail. It has museums, a theater, galleries, and delectable restaurants with some of the best seafood on the Eastern Seaboard. You’ll find plenty of things to do in Beaufort to keep you and your family entertained.

Known for its welcoming southern hospitality, this tight-knit community offers a relaxed place to live and grow a family. 

2. Myrtle Beach

Best for those that want an endless choice of restaurants, shopping, and things to do.

While a major tourist destination, locals love the resort-free section of the beach known as the Golden Mile. This community is much more than just beaches. It’s great for those who love to live an active lifestyle, whether golfing, water sports, biking, or hiking. There’s a community feel with a relaxed vibe. 

But head just a little bit north and you’ll be right in the heart of Myrtle Beach, complete with the mile-long promenade and buzzing boardwalk.

It’s a perfect place to live for singles, families, couples, or seniors with endless shopping, dining, live theatre, and nightlife. To get a better sense of the real estate market or to even find your dream home, we suggest Myrtle Beach Home Source.

For an even more balanced feel, try North Myrtle Beach, a more family-friendly alternative offering easy access to Cherry Grove Beach. It’s located away from most tourist attractions and hotels. 

3. Hilton Head Island

Best for families looking for great schools on even better beaches.

Looking for Southern charm with coastal living vibes? This barrier island offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with tons of golfing options, including the RBC Heritage PGA Tour Event. It also features the natural beauty of the Lowcountry, including its salt marshes where you can find fresh seafood. 

The Instracoastal is home to a variety of different mammals, including storks, blue herons, dolphins, and sea turtles. 

It’s family-friendly because it has good schools, many parks, including Coligny Beach Park, and many different family-oriented activities like go-karting, horseback riding, and miniature golf. There’s plenty of things to do in Hilton Head.

This makes Hilton Head Island great for those looking to live in an upscale coastal place that is more tranquil and focused on community. It’s a sustainable place to live, and while others see it as a place to vacation, many others live there year-round. 

4. Folly Beach

Best for laidback families that want to spend their time on quiet beaches.

A short drive from Charleston, this town features six miles of beach perfect for swimming, fishing, surfing, and boating. For many, it’s a surfer’s paradise as it offers a slow pace of life with endless opportunities to surf.

Folly Beach Pier features fishing rod rentals, a tackle shop, a snack shop, and oceanfront dining at Pier 101. It has a thriving music and art scene with a charming downtown with locally owned restaurants and live music. 

With highly rated public schools, it’s perfect for anyone looking for laid-back living yet with easy access to Charleston when you need city amenities. Plus, there’s a lot of things to do in Folly Beach, especially for those that prefer a laid-back lifestyle.

For added fun, Folly Beach is also one of the best beaches for shark teeth in South Carolina.

5. Surfside Beach

Best for those that want a quintessential beach house.

Residents love that it’s more affordable than other South Carolina beach towns. It gives a nostalgic, family vibe, hence why it’s called “The Family Beach.” 

This makes it feel like a throwback to older folks. 

Many call it the Grand Strand’s hidden gem, as this beachside community offers two miles of beach with a laid-back atmosphere with vintage arcades and ice cream shops. 

It’s a short drive south from Myrtle Beach but not nearly as popular with tourists. Many love it here because it’s close enough to the fun attractions of Myrtle Beach, but it offers the Lowcountry charm. 

6. Isle of Palms

Best for retirees who want tranquility and easy access to Charleston.

What is unique about this town is that it offers a suburban feel while still having seven miles of public beaches where locals can kayak, paddleboard, fish, play beach volleyball, surf, and beachcomb. It’s considered one of the best beaches near Charleston.

For golf enthusiasts, there are two world-class golf courses: the Wild Dune Links and the Wild Dunes Harbor courses. 

Many retirees choose to live here as it’s a slower pace of life with scenic views and close to Charleston. Since it’s considered one of the quietest beaches in South Carolina, it’s ideal for those looking for a laid-back lifestyle.

7. Kiawah Island

Best for those that have a large budget and want country club perks.

This resort-like atmosphere features 10 miles of quiet beaches. Many love this community as it feels private and exclusive. Great for those who love their privacy, it offers a relaxed lifestyle for those looking for an outdoor-focused and high-end lifestyle. Although a quieter beach than some of the others on this list, there are still ample things to do here.

The best perk of purchasing a home here is the full access to Kiawah Island Club, which offers golfing and the use of the golfing learning center, the clubhouse, the beach club, Sasanqua Spa, and the Two Meeting Street Inn. 

8. Pawleys Island

Best for those that want a no fuss lifestyle.

When you want a serene place to enjoy the beach and nature with a rich history, Pawleys Island is it. It’s one of the oldest summer resorts on the entire East Coast. Best of all, it has minimal traffic and very little commercial development, which keeps the cost of homes down. The Hammock Shops Village offers local shopping experiences with local boutiques. 

While it has become more popular in the last decade, it remains a peaceful place to live on the beachfront in South Carolina. 

9. Sullivan’s Island

Best for history buffs.

For those looking for a place to enjoy the natural habitat with small-town charm, Sullivan’s Island offers a great place to live. This close-knit community has historic homes dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries. 

It’s considered one of the best places for public schools throughout the state, making it a great place for families to enjoy. 

Many people love it because it is only a 20-minute drive from Charleston. This allows them to enjoy the history of the city and come home to the peaceful beaches of the Atlantic. 

History buffs enjoy it as it was settled in the late 17th century, where the famous Fort Moultrie was held, a historical landmark important for the American Revolutionary War and the American Civil War. Fort Sumpter is also here.

10. Edisto Beach

Best for those that prioritize nature above all else.

Edisto Island is full of culture and history alongside the Edisto Beach State Park, which has four miles of ADA-accessible trails for both biking and hiking. For those looking to move here, there are different real estate options available, including cottages, family homes, and beachfront properties. 

On top of the pristine beaches, there are wildlife habitats that you can enjoy and learn about local wildlife. It’s a great beach for shelling, which makes for a fun and peaceful way to start your day.

Unlike other towns and cities on this list, Edisto is pretty secluded and more about the nature and beaches than anything else. For some, that’s paradise, for others it might be too quiet.

Which Beach Will You Call Home?

When you’re looking for the best beaches to live in South Carolina, take time to learn about each of the communities mentioned. They all offer a different experience. Whether a single person, a recently married couple, a family with young kids, empty nesters, or retirees, the South Carolina beach town communities offer a great place to enjoy life and make memories.

Seabrook Island sits at the quiet end of the barrier island chain below Charleston, and it stays that way on purpose. There are no hotels, no boardwalk and no traffic lights here, just maritime forest, tidal creeks and a few miles of oceanfront that most visitors have largely to themselves.

One thing worth knowing prior to your trip: this is a private gated community, not a public beach town. Access runs through the gate on Seabrook Island Road, and you will need a pass arranged by whoever owns or manages your rental.

Once you’re through, here are the things you shouldn’t miss while on Seabrook Island.

1. Walk the Wide, Quiet Sands of Seabrook Beach

• Location: Seabrook Beach, Seabrook Island
• Best for: Shelling, long walks, sunrise
• Cost: Free

Visiting Seabrook Beach is a wonderful way to enjoy the Lowcountry’s natural beauty and peaceful charm. With wide stretches of soft sand, gentle ocean breezes, and beautiful Atlantic Ocean views, the beach is perfect for relaxing, taking a leisurely stroll, collecting seashells, or simply watching the waves roll onto the shore. 

Whether you spend the day sunbathing, enjoying a picnic, or watching a breathtaking sunset, Seabrook Beach offers a tranquil escape from everyday life and a memorable experience for couples, families, and nature lovers alike. You may also spot dolphins swimming offshore and a variety of coastal birds along the beach. 

For more oceanfront like this, our roundup of the best shelling beaches in South Carolina covers the wider coastal Lowcountry.

2. Watch Dolphins Strand Feed at Captain Sam’s Inlet

• Location: Captain Sam’s Inlet, Seabrook Island
• Best for: Wildlife watching
• Cost: Free

This is the single most remarkable thing on the island and the reason serious wildlife watchers make the journey. Bottlenose dolphins here herd mullet onto the mud bank and throw themselves halfway out of the water to catch them, a learned behavior found in only a handful of places on Earth.

Timing is everything. Aim for the two-hour window on either side of low tide, and go between late August and November when the mullet run peaks. The rules for watching are strict, and you should respect them. Stay at least fifteen yards back from the water’s edge on foot, and fifty yards out in a kayak or boat with your engine in neutral.

Those rules exist because disturbance discourages the dolphins from feeding near the island at all, and young calves never learn the behavior. Keep dogs well away from that end of the beach.

3. Ride a Horse Down the Shoreline at the Equestrian Center

• Location: Seabrook Island Equestrian Center, Seabrook Island
• Best for: First-time riders, bucket list mornings
• Cost: Fee per rider, by appointment

Seabrook is one of very few places on the East Coast where you can legally ride a horse on the beach, which makes the equestrian center one of the island’s best-known features. The facility covers 22 acres with roughly three miles of trails through the woods and out to the sand.

There are four ways to do it. The walking beach ride needs no prior experience and welcomes guests aged 12 and over; the advanced beach ride requires three or more years in the saddle; the scenic trail ride loops through marsh and tidal creek; and pony rides suit children ages seven and under. 

Book well ahead in spring and fall. Rides are by appointment only; the center is open to guests and non-residents alike, and lessons are available if you want more than a single outing.

4. Tee Off on Ocean Winds and Crooked Oaks

• Location: Seabrook Island Club, Seabrook Island
• Best for: Golfers
• Cost: Green fees apply for visitors

The island has two full golf courses, and they are genuinely different animals. Ocean Winds runs out toward the water and plays exactly as the name suggests, while Crooked Oaks turns inland through live oaks and lagoons and rewards a straighter, more patient round.

Play Ocean Winds early if a breeze is forecast, as the holes closest to the Atlantic get harder by the hour as the sea breeze builds through the afternoon. Fees apply for visitors, and there are some access rules in place. Check the official website to plan your visit.

5. Play Tennis or Pickleball at the Racquet Club

• Location: Seabrook Island Racquet Club, Seabrook Island
• Best for: Active mornings, clinics, and lessons
• Cost: Court fees apply

Seabrook Island’s racquet club has long been one of the island’s best amenities, with Har-Tru clay tennis courts and dedicated outdoor hard-court pickleball courts. 

Mornings are the best time to book, before the humidity settles in. Courts fill quickly in shoulder season when the weather is at its best. Ask about round robins and clinics if you’re traveling alone or without a fourth.

6. Hike the Island’s Five Nature Trails

• Location: Trailheads across Seabrook Island
• Best for: Birders, slow mornings, families with kids
• Cost: Free

Seabrook Island’s five nature trails offer a wonderful opportunity to explore the island’s diverse natural beauty, from maritime forests and peaceful marshes to scenic coastal landscapes. 

Perfect for walking, birdwatching, and spotting local wildlife, these tranquil trails allow visitors to experience the island’s rich ecosystems and enjoy a relaxing escape surrounded by nature.

Bobcat Dune Nature Walk

A half-mile boardwalk from the community center parking lot, running through sweetgrass, sea oats, palmetto, and yucca before opening onto beach access. This is the easiest one to do with small children.

Hidden Oaks Nature Trail

A semicircular loop off Hidden Oak Drive, best known for the Kissing Tree, a live oak grown into a distinctly mouth-shaped arch. Deer are common along the lagoon edge here in the early evening.

Six Ladies Nature Trail

The most rugged of the set at roughly a third of a mile, climbing over old dunes off Oyster Catcher Court. It ends at a lookout point over the salt marsh and creek, offering the island’s best free view.

Old Drake Nature Trail

This T-shaped path is the shortest walk, guiding you around the marshland from the pumping station on Old Drake Drive. You’ll sometimes pass riders from the equestrian center on the adjoining trails.

Lake House Nature Trail

A short maritime forest walk starting at the Lake House on Seabrook Island Road and ending at a bench overlooking Palmetto Lake. It’s great as a quick loop before dinner.

7. Bike from the Maritime Forest to the Sand

• Location: Island-wide paths
• Best for: Families, riders of any age
• Cost: Free with your own bike; rental fees apply

Residents use biking to get around, and the paths connect nearly everything worth reaching. Recommended routes run past Golf Oak Park, out toward Privateer Creek and through the St. Christopher Oaks area to Pelican Beach and North Beach.

Ride the hard-packed sand at low tide, when the beach itself becomes the best bike path on the island. For about two hours on either side of dead low, you can roll from Pelican Watch all the way up to the inlet for a unique biking experience.

Nearby outfitters deliver rentals straight to your door, so you don’t have to haul bikes down. If the riding here hooks you, we have a wider guide to fun biking spots in South Carolina.

8. Get on the Water at Bohicket Marina

• Location: 1880 Andell Bluff Blvd, Johns Island
• Best for: Fishing, dolphin tours, sunset drinks
• Cost: Varies by charter

Bohicket Marina sits less than half a mile outside the gate, making it a practical base for anything involving a boat. Inshore fishing charters, dolphin tours, sailing trips, and half- or full-day boat rentals all leave from here.

Captain Jack’s is a reputable boat trip operator located at the marina. Ask about booking an inshore charter rather than an offshore run if you have a mixed group. The creeks behind the island stay calm, the redfish are close, and nobody spends the afternoon regretting it.

Shops and waterfront dining are here too, and the market is an easy stop on the way back in.

9. Shop and Eat at Freshfields Village

• Location: 165 Village Green Dr, Kiawah Island
• Best for: Rainy afternoons, groceries, casual dining
• Cost: Free to browse

Freshfields Village is the first right at the traffic circle as you leave the island, and it functions as the shared downtown for Seabrook and Kiawah. Expect a grocery store, coffee, ice cream, restaurants, a handful of independent shops, and a pharmacy.

Time your visit around the outdoor events. The village runs a farmers market and live music through the warmer months, which turns an ordinary shopping errand into the closest thing to a village night out. 

10. Spread Out at Kiawah Beachwalker Park

• Location: 8 Beachwalker Dr, Kiawah Island
• Best for: Public beach access, a change of scenery
• Cost: Parking fee, seasonal hours 

About ten minutes away and run by Charleston County, Beachwalker Park is Kiawah’s only fully public beach access. It has restrooms, showers, a seasonal snack bar, and lifeguards in summer, making it an easy day out for groups and families.

Come here when friends without a gate pass want to meet you at the beach. Our guide to the best things to do in Kiawah Island covers the rest of the neighboring island.

11. Drive Inland to the Angel Oak and Charleston Tea Garden

• Location: Johns Island and Wadmalaw Island
• Best for: A half-day inland adventure
• Cost: Free at the Angel Oak, guided tour fees apply at the tea garden

Save one afternoon for the drive up Bohicket Road, where two of the Lowcountry’s better attractions sit within about half an hour of the gate.

The Angel Oak

A live oak on Johns Island carries centuries of Lowcountry history, with limbs so long they rest on the ground and grow back up. It’s free to visit, takes twenty minutes, and is a rare natural landmark genuinely worth the detour.

Charleston Tea Garden

Ten miles farther out on Wadmalaw Island, Charleston Tea Garden is one of North America’s only commercial tea farms. A trolley tour runs through the fields, and the factory tour explains how the leaf becomes what ends up in the glass.

Know Before You Go: Getting Through the Seabrook Island Gate

Seabrook is managed by a property owners association, and every guest must be registered in the pass system before entering. Typically, your host sends you a Fast Access QR code. You stop at the gate pass facility on Seabrook Island Road, have it scanned, watch a short educational program, and receive a physical pass for your dashboard.

Amenity access varies from one vacation rental to the next, so confirm in advance whether the booking policy includes the club, the beach club pools, and the racquet courts, because not every property carries the same privileges.

Building Your Own Seabrook Island Itinerary

The best version of this island isn’t a packed schedule; it’s a laid-back vacation to be savored. Between the two golf courses, the nature trails, the horses, and the water, most people find a rhythm in a day: a long walk at low tide, something on the boat, and an afternoon that goes nowhere in particular.

If you’re still choosing between beaches, our overview of Seabrook Island and our roundup of the best private beaches in South Carolina are good places to compare. 

Looking for the best Charleston beaches? The Charleston area is home to some of the best beaches in the entire state, from lively Folly Beach to the serene shores of Seabrook Island.

This guide covers the top spots around Charleston, so keep reading to discover which beach suits your vibe, whether it’s for family fun, peaceful retreats, or outdoor adventures.

1. Folly Beach: A Laid-Back Paradise

Folly Beach epitomizes a laid-back paradise with its relaxed vibe and surf-friendly waves that attract both novice and seasoned surfers. The iconic Folly Beach Pier stretches out into the Atlantic, offering breathtaking views and a perfect spot for fishing or simply taking in the ocean breeze.

Amenities such as outdoor showers, picnic areas, and seasonal lifeguards can all be found here, making it ideal for families seeking a hassle-free beach day. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are also available, even if you’re not staying at a beachfront resort. 

This beloved destination is known for its vibrant beachside community, which welcomes visitors with open arms and a promise of endless fun in the sun. The annual Folly Beach Wahine Classic is a highlight, drawing female surfers from across the country to compete and celebrate surf culture and camaraderie, adding to the beach’s unique charm and showcasing its strong surfing heritage. 

A visit to the Morris Island Lighthouse offers a tranquil experience. This historic sentinel at the island’s edge provides a picturesque backdrop for photos and a serene escape from crowded beach areas, perfect for quiet reflection.

2. Sullivan’s Island: A Historic Retreat

Sullivan’s Island is a treasure trove of history and natural beauty, providing a peaceful retreat just a short drive from Charleston.

Its significant role in early American history and the slave trade adds a profound layer of historical significance. Walking through its serene streets and expansive beaches, you can almost feel the echoes of the past intertwined with the island’s tranquil present.

Known for its tranquil tide pools and stunning sandbars, especially noticeable during low tide, the island offers a unique and serene environment perfect for exploring and relaxing. The Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse is a striking landmark offering picturesque views, making it a must-see for history buffs and view enthusiasts alike.

Sullivan’s Island stands out for its commitment to a less commercial atmosphere. With minimal short-term rentals and no hotels, it offers a peaceful and authentic beach experience, ideal for those seeking to escape crowded beaches. 

The natural sand dunes of Sullivan’s Island enhance its scenic beauty and play a crucial role in the ecosystem by protecting inland areas from storm surges and providing a habitat for local wildlife.

3. Isle of Palms: Family Fun Destination

The Isle of Palms is a family-friendly destination promising fun and excitement for all ages. Packed with amenities, shops, and restaurants, it’s perfect for day trips or longer vacations. From sandy shores to bustling local businesses, the island offers something for everyone.

A visit to the Isle of Palms isn’t complete without experiencing live music at The Windjammer’s Sunset Stage, where families can enjoy outdoor tunes as the sun sets. The top deck of The Windjammer is a popular spot for memorable family selfies, with stunning ocean views serving as the perfect backdrop, creating lasting memories. This is easily one of the best things to do in Isle of Palms!

The island’s culinary scene mixes casual eats and fine dining, satisfying every palate. Food lovers will delight in Isle of Palms’ offerings, notably Papi’s Taqueria, where mouthwatering tacos meet beachside ambiance.

Kayaking is also a popular pursuit, thanks to this area being the most diverse Coastal Ecosystem on the Eastern seaboard. Read more about how to explore the Isle of Palms by kayak here.

4. Kiawah Island: Nature Lover’s Haven

Kiawah Island is a nature lover’s paradise, offering a pristine environment for connecting with the natural world. Renowned for its unspoiled beauty and diverse ecosystems, it’s a top destination for tranquility and outdoor adventure seekers. While it’s pretty lowkey, there are still plenty of things to do on Kiawah Island.

Kiawah Beachwalker Park serves as a gateway to this natural haven and is designed to provide a seamless beach experience for visitors. The park features a boardwalk and accessible ramp that ensures easy access for everyone, facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas, and seasonal lifeguards. It also offers beach rentals and parking, so you can comfortably enjoy your day by the ocean.

One enchanting aspect of Kiawah Island is observing bottlenose dolphins fishing along the water’s edge. This unique strand-feeding behavior, where dolphins cooperate to catch fish, is a mesmerizing sight and a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts.

The park features numerous trails winding through diverse ecosystems, from maritime forests to salt marshes, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich biodiversity. Whether kayaking through serene waters or hiking lush landscapes, Kiawah Island provides endless opportunities to immerse oneself in nature.

5. Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island is a private paradise offering an exclusive beach experience. With access primarily for residents and guests, its beaches remain pristine and uncrowded, allowing for a peaceful and serene beach day.

Seabrook Island is dedicated to wildlife conservation, with initiatives like the Turtle Patrol protecting local loggerhead turtles during nesting season. This conservation effort adds an educational element, allowing visitors to learn about and appreciate the island’s wildlife. Bird watching is also popular, with numerous species inhabiting the island’s varied habitats.

Whether swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying the natural beauty, Seabrook Island offers a versatile and enriching beach experience.

Looking for more peaceful beaches in South Carolina? Read our comprehensive travel guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best beach in Charleston for surfing?

Folly Beach is the ultimate spot for surfing in Charleston, boasting awesome waves that are perfect for surfers of all levels! Get ready to catch some great swells!

Are there any historic landmarks on Charleston’s beaches?

Absolutely! Sullivan’s Island features a historic lighthouse, adding charm and breathtaking views to your beach experience!

Which Charleston beach is best for families?

The Isle of Palms is the best family-friendly beach in Charleston, offering tons of amenities, shops, and activities to keep everyone entertained! You’ll love the vibrant atmosphere and fun options for all ages!

Can I see wildlife on Kiawah Island?

Absolutely, Kiawah Island is a wildlife paradise! You can spot bottlenose dolphins, a variety of bird species, and witness their fascinating strand-feeding behavior!

Is Seabrook Island accessible to the public?

Seabrook Island is primarily reserved for residents and their guests, giving it an exclusive beach vibe! So, while it’s a beautiful spot, public access is quite limited!

Which Charleston Beach Will You Explore Next?

Charleston’s beaches offer diverse experiences catering to all types of visitors. Whether you’re looking to surf, explore history, enjoy family activities, connect with nature, or simply relax in a more exclusive setting, Charleston’s coastal gems have you covered.

Each beach, from Folly to Seabrook, brings its own unique charm and attractions, making Charleston a premier destination for beach vacations. Pack your bags and get ready to explore these sun-soaked paradises!

If you’d like to move to Charleston and have one of these incredible beaches nearby, contact the friendly team at NV Realty to purchase your very own slice of paradise.