South Carolina is one of the most popular vacation spots in the country for many reasons whether it’s the great golf that’s offered, Hilton Head Island or the amazing beaches that line the Atlantic Ocean. There is plenty of variety with beaches and beach towns in South Carolina whether you want a more populated vacation spot or a private and quaint vacation. Here are some of the best beaches that can be found in South Carolina.
Best Beach Destinations in South Carolina
1. Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach has been one of the most popular vacation spots on the east coast for many years. It consists of 60 miles of beautiful white sandy beach along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and it offers wonderful attractions and amusement parks along the beach as well as top notch hotels, vacation rental options, live entertainment, first class dining, shopping and outstanding golf. Myrtle Beach offers something for everyone and is especially family friendly making it one of the most visited vacation spots in the country.
Stay in Myrtle Beach!
2. Kiawah Island
Just a short drive from the beautiful, historical city of Charleston, SC you can find yourself on Kiawah Island, 10 miles of beautiful soft sand beaches. Along with that, you can find 10,000 acres of stunning natural forests. Kiawah Island definitely accommodates the nature lovers with its parks and 30 miles of hiking trails with plenty of scenic views. There are also beautiful resorts including Kiawah Island Golf Resort which is home to some of the most stunning golf courses in the country including The Ocean Course, one of the most highly rated courses you can play in America.
Stay in Kiawah Island!
3. Folly Beach
Known as the “Edge of America,” Folly Beach is one of the top vacation destinations in South Carolina. It’s just outside Charleston and is home to a great beach town that isn’t commercially over-run with wonderful food, shopping, fishing, surfing, swimming and events. If you love live music, Folly Beach is the place to be with live music nearly every night making your experience a lot of fun. It’s also known for its awesome 1,045-foot fishing pier.
Stay in Folly Beach!
4. Isle of Palms
Also located just outside of Charleston, the Isle of Palms is another beautiful beach community in South Carolina. It’s six miles of wonderful white sand beaches and is a little more commercialized than Folly Beach. It’s also a very large turtle nesting area, so there are a good amount of rules regarding that including lights off at night on oceanfront homes and commercial buildings. Isle of Palms has a public beach with Front Beach but there is also a private area where Wild Dunes resort sits, which is a beautiful gated resort community with both full-time residents and weekly options for vacationers. The large marina also offers kayak and boating rentals with plenty of fishing opportunities. The Isle of Palms also has plenty of rich history that dates back to pre-colonization.
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5. Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head is one of the most premier vacation spots in the country and one of the most well known. Hilton Head is a huge resort area with plenty of fun for families with 12 miles of beaches with amazing restaurants, shopping and local attractions. There’s also a plethora of biking, fishing, kayaking and boating opportunities. It’s also home to some of the best golf courses in the country with over 20 courses in the area.
Stay in Hilton Head Island!
6. Sullivan’s Island
Another short drive from Charleston is one of the most natural beach spots in Sullivan’s Island. It’s another town with very rich history and views of the historic Fort Sumter. It’s not very large, but it’s a great natural and more private experience for vacationers. If you love watching large ships including cargo and cruise ships pass by, Sullivan’s Island is a great place to do so. It’s quaint, but very appealing for many travelers.
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7. Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is proudly known as “The Family Beach” and is a great place for fun for all ages. It has two miles of beautiful beaches and has a laid-back, small beach town appeal for visitors. There’s a very popular water park located in the town as well as great restaurants and bars, mini golf and a large fishing pier on the beach making it a very popular tourist town.
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8. Pawley’s Island
Located just 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach is the beautiful and historic Pawley’s Island. Vacationers find a much more laid back experience here opposing the sometimes-crowded Myrtle Beach area. The beach at Pawley’s Island has a very natural, and spectacular private feel that pleases guests. There’s also great small beach town shopping with the local Hammock Shops. Travellers can find a lot of great seafood dining in the area as well. There are also golf courses that are very popular among locals and vacationers year-round.
Stay in Pawley’s Island!
This article was written by Cameron Lafontaine.