With nearly 200 miles of oceanfront beaches, South Carolina certainly has something charming for anyone. You could visit some of the more tourism-focused communities, but when you want to skip the boardwalks and crowds, there’s good news.
The best quiet beaches in South Carolina are enchanting, stunning (especially for sunrises) and open to the public.
As you explore the best quiet beaches in South Carolina on this list, imagine the relaxation that comes with the experience. It’s easy enough to book your stay within walking distance of many of these locations.
1. Morris Island
- Location: Charleston Harbor, South Carolina
- Best for remote getaways accessible only by boat
The beaches along the 840-acre uninhabited island of Morris Island, tucked into Charleston Harbor, are perfectly suited for leaving the busy world behind. Thanks to the 19th-century Morris Island lighthouse on the shoreline and the sand dunes flank the surrounding area, you’ll see it in the distance. If you want a beach vacation with a bit of historical charm, this area is certainly the ideal choice for it.
Take a boat over or kayak your way to the beach. It’s a 20-minute ride from the harbor. You can choose one of the numerous private boat charters there to help you make your way to the island. Once there, collect sand dollars, dig in the sand, and climb the rocky, uneven shoreline. It’s peaceful beyond measure. You’ll feel like you are miles from the Grand Strand and crowds.
You can also explore nearby Folly Beach, a South Carolina beach town. It’s not too tourism-prone, but it does offer a nearly 1,000-foot pier that extends into the Atlantic Ocean. With sandy beaches and some beachfront accommodations, Folly Beach is the perfect place for dinner.
2. Boneyard Beach
- Location: Bulls Island, SC
- Best for a wildlife and nature retreat
With over 275 species of birds on or near the island, along with 5,000 acres of maritime forest, Bulls Island is a treasure. Bulls Island is the largest of four barrier islands in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, and Boneyard Beach is a sliver of waterfront to explore. The white sand beaches here are hard to beat.
There’s a 30-minute ecotour you can book to get a better idea of what the natural preserve has to offer the community. Take a ferry to the beach to explore the area’s remote landscape.
There are no restaurants here, but you will find a tranquil experience. Spend some time kayaking along the water or book a sunrise tour from a local ferry company to see the area when the sun is just rising and cresting over the trees. It’s pristine and sparse but very much an example of nature’s beauty just a few miles from a busy urban lifestyle.
3. Isle of Palms
- Location: A short drive from Downtown Charleston
- Best for families who want to splash in the water.
With seven full miles of pristine beaches to explore, Isle of Palms is perfect for biking, fishing, and swimming. It’s just 15 minutes from Charleston, making it the perfect destination for the day if you’re looking for a short getaway. There’s plenty to explore and keep you busy for a week or more if you’re hoping for a longer getaway.
Bring along the sandcastle-building tools or towels to lay out and bake in the sun. Many also bring a kayak to explore the waterline. Dogs can be off leash at various times of the year, generally early in the morning, making it one of the most dog-friendly beaches in the state, too.
The beautiful beaches here are just about 30 minutes from the golf courses and other activities, but they are far enough away to be some of the best beaches for privacy.
4. Daufuskie Island
- Location: Just south of Hilton Head
- Best for paddleboarding and golf court tours
If you’re in the Hilton Head Island or Savannah area, take a boat trip to Daufuskie Island. It’s certainly a fraction of the crowds you’ll find in Myrtle Beach, but there’s still plenty to do here.
Many come to take one of the numerous tours of the island, such as the history and artisan tours through the Billie Burn Historical Museum & Gullah Learning Center or the self-guided golf cart tours around the city.
A number of artisans call the area home, including those who use time-tested methods for making wine, crafting beautiful fabrics with indigo dye, and carrying on the tradition of American-made rum.
Many people spend the entire day walking the beaches, taking in the beauty of the live oaks, and navigating the sunset by boat. There are historic cottages on the island, and you can book right along the waterfront as well. You’ll need to bring your sand-digging gear with you, but you can check out one of the smaller restaurants along the waterfront after a day of the waves.
5. Edisto Beach
- Location: In between Charleston and Hilton Head
- Best for a river beach excursion for the whole family
Edisto Beach, the small town, is a small, low-lying community along 4.5 miles of pristine beaches. A sure secret thanks to their location along the Edisto River, one of the longest free-flowing blackwater rivers on the continent, Edisto Beach is far different than any coastal town.
It’s a quiet area in a natural setting. You’ll likely notice the area’s sea turtle population. More of a laidback lifestyle, it’s the perfect place for a few days away from urban life. Edisto Beach State Park is a fantastic location for hiking and biking trails. One of the best is the Scott Creek Trial. Also notable, there are about four miles of ADA-accessible trails to explore.
You’ll be able to learn more about the location through the Environmental Learning Center. That’s a good place to start, especially if you want to see the live animals here, including the alligators. If you plan to stay, a handful of furnished cabins are nearby, and campsites are available as well.
6. Fripp Island
- Location: Beaufort, SC
- Best for those who want an intimate getaway, secluded beaches, and golfing
Fripp Island is a beach destination perfect for active visitors who want to play tennis, kayak, or golf. It is also noted for its more remote and secluded beaches, ideal for romantic weddings and small gatherings. Fripp Island is a barrier island with several resorts, making it more luxurious than other destinations. It’s quite stunning for a coastal getaway.
Notably busier than some of the other more remote destinations on this list, Fripp Island isn’t typically crowded. Many come to go crabbing or to enjoy the live entertainment at one of the resorts. There are also about 3,000 acres of natural beauty to take in on hikes and golf cart tours. You may also find the fishing to be ideal, especially if you enjoy flounder, bass, and trout fishing.
The sand beaches are clean and welcoming, making them ideal for swimming. The marina is a great place to watch the sunset and charter a boat for deep-sea fishing. It’s quite a welcoming destination. As one of the best sea islands on the East Coast, you may find it far more private and enjoyable than the surrounding areas of the Grand Strand.
Which Quiet Beach in South Carolina Will You Explore First?
We’ve explored some of the best private and quiet beaches in South Carolina, but there are so many more. From North Myrtle Beach and the Pawleys Island area to the Lowcountry areas of the state, it’s fun to explore each and every one of these fabulous locations.
