Before you pop open that can of beer at the beach, you might want to make sure that consumption of alcohol is actually allowed. In South Carolina, alcohol is prohibited on public beaches, but allowed on private beaches, according to state law. Here are a few places in South Carolina where you won’t be breaking the law by having a cold one on the beach.
Yes, You Can Have Alcohol On These 6 South Carolina Beaches
1. Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park
Kiawah Island off the coast of South Carolina has 10 miles of stunning beachfront and five championship golf courses. The private island is about 21 miles from downtown Charleston. Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park near the west end offers the only public beach access on the island. There are no rules against the consumption of alcohol on the beach, but glass containers are not allowed.
Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park
Photo: chucka_nc/Flickr
2. Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park
This barrier island in Charleston County is just miles from the historic city of Charleston. Seabrook is a private island, but visitors can still arrange visits to town. The consumption of alcohol is allowed on the island’s beaches.
Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park
Photo: Jim Pater/Flickr
3. Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park
A barrier island located on the southeastern tip of the state, Fripp Island is mostly a private vacation resort area, with clusters of vacation rentals nearby. While South Carolina state law prohibits open containers of beer, wine or liquor in vehicles and public places including beach areas, some of Fripp Island’s private beach areas are exempt from that rule.
Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park
Photo: Matt/Flickr
4. Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park
Daufuskie Island is part resort, part private residential community that is only accessible by ferry or boat. The island has no explicit laws prohibiting alcohol on the beaches. The private beach access areas should not fall under the state rule prohibiting alcohol.
Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park
Photo: masako.ito1211/Flickr
5. Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park
Pawleys Island is on a barrier island that’s part of Georgetown County, South Carolina. It’s known as one of the oldest summer resorts on the east coast, with families traveling to the seashore as early as the 1700s. Pawleys Island private beaches areas do not have specific laws banning alcohol from the beach.
Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park
6. Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park
Located on Folly Island in Charleston County, Folly Beach is a popular destination for surfers, fishermen and water recreation enthusiasts. Though alcohol is not allowed on the beach itself, visitors who have a beachfront rental can drink on their rental property. A number of beachside restaurants sell alcoholic beverages that guests can drink on site, as well.
Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park
This article was written by Hanna Choi.