With one thing for each kind of traveler, South Carolina seashores vary from luxurious, non-public island spots with five-star oceanfront resorts to family-friendly locations with actions each children and adults will love. I spent the primary 20-something years of my life in South Carolina, only a brief drive away from the state’s beautiful stretches of golden sand. Now that I’ve traveled to seashores everywhere in the world, I can say for sure that the Palmetto State’s many miles of shoreline are particular. Heat waters, pillowy-soft sands, and secluded spots lined in driftwood and seashells — these are the seashore reminiscences of my Lowcountry childhood.
We have rounded up the most effective seashores in South Carolina — from fan-favorite Hilton Head Island on the southern coast to laid-back Folly Seaside, situated only a brief drive from Charleston — so you can begin planning your subsequent seashore trip.
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Hilton Head Island
Constantly ranked among the many finest islands in the US in Journey + Leisure World’s Greatest Awards, Hilton Head has lots to supply guests. With greater than 23 championship golf programs within the space, this vacation spot is a golf lover’s dream, however it’s excellent for households, too, with dolphin excursions, water sports activities, and 12 miles of seashores. Decide to remain at one of many many beachfront resorts, just like the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, or guide a keep at a beloved boutique property, like The Inn & Membership at Harbour City. I grew up visiting Hilton Head Island on multigenerational summer time holidays with my grandparents, dad and mom, aunts, uncles, and a gaggle of cousins, so we sometimes stayed at a trip rental the place we may unfold out and prepare dinner a few of our personal meals. You will discover rental and residential leases on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and the Sea Pines Resort web site.
Kiawah Island
In the event you’re looking for a soothing seashore getaway, look no additional than Kiawah Island. Though it is solely 25 miles from close by Charleston, Kiawah feels completely remoted and secluded. With 5 gorgeous golf programs created by the most effective skilled gamers and designers, Kiawah Island has every little thing an avid golfer may need. E-book a keep at The Sanctuary, an expensive, 255-room beachfront resort with a spa, stunning swimming pools, and a wide range of eating venues, together with the acclaimed Ocean Room. I’ve had the pleasure of staying at The Sanctuary a few instances; I really like the resort’s serene swimming pools and complimentary seashore providers. And at the same time as a non-golfer, I loved grabbing a cocktail and a few crispy shrimp from The Ryder Cup Bar overlooking the Ocean Course.
Myrtle Seaside
Because the unofficial capital of the Grand Strand — the greater than 60-mile stretch on South Carolina’s coast from Little River to Winyah Bay — Myrtle Seaside is good for households in search of a seashore vacation spot with loads of actions on and off the shore. Like many different South Carolina seashores, Myrtle Seaside gives sandy shores and world-class {golfing}, however it additionally has sights the entire household will love, just like the SkyWheel Ferris wheel, the Myrtle Seaside Boardwalk and Promenade, and extra. Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes is one among many oceanfront resort choices within the space.
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Folly Seaside
Folly Seaside gives laid-back vibes simply minutes from downtown Charleston, making it a great vacation spot for guests who need to discover the Lowcountry throughout their seashore trip. The seashore is the primary attraction right here — spend time lounging within the solar or discover ways to surf with classes from one of many many surf faculties. Tides Folly Seaside gives oceanfront resort rooms, and there are a selection of small inns and home leases out there, too.
Huntington Seaside State Park
Positioned between Myrtle Seaside and Georgetown, Huntington Seaside State Park gives historic websites, fishing, bird-watching, mountain climbing, and, in fact, a three-mile seashore. There are greater than 300 hen species on the park, and guests are additionally recognized to identify pelicans, alligators, sea turtles, and extra. Atalaya Citadel, now a Nationwide Historic Landmark, was constructed right here within the Nineteen Thirties as a winter house for Archer and Anna Huntington. Plus, tenting is accessible at Huntington Seaside State Park for many who need to spend extra time having fun with its pure magnificence.
Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms is without doubt one of the Charleston space’s finest seashores, sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. Get pleasure from tennis, browsing, paddleboarding, and golf, or constitution a ship to discover this location from the water for a recent perspective. Whether or not you choose to remain on the Wild Dunes Resort or hire an oceanfront house, there’s loads of alternative to take in the solar on the gentle, sandy seashore. Isle of Palms County Park has lifeguards, outside showers, restrooms, a playground, chair and umbrella leases, and beach-accessible wheelchairs. The Windjammer is a well-liked beachfront bar with concert events and reveals all year long. After I was residing in Mount Nice, we might typically take the 20-minute drive to Isle of Palms on the weekend, however you need to get there early when you plan to go to throughout peak instances as parking spots replenish rapidly.
Surfside Seaside
Nicknamed “The Household Seaside,” Surfside Seaside is situated on the Grand Strand south of Myrtle Seaside. Surfside’s dedication to households goes past its nickname — it has additionally been an autism-friendly journey vacation spot since January 2016. Guests can benefit from the sandy shores from 36 completely different factors (a few of which give wheelchair entry), and there is additionally mini golf and loads of eating places to select from. There are just a few resorts on Surfside Seaside, together with the Surfside Seaside Oceanfront Lodge, however it’s also possible to go for a house rental, so that you and your crew have room to unfold out.
Daufuskie Island
In the event you’ve ever wished to simply get away from all of it, Daufuskie Island, situated between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Georgia, is a strong alternative. This remoted island is barely accessible by boat, which suggests you are positive to get the peace and quiet you are in search of once you go to. Say goodbye to crowded seashores and hi there to quiet time with household with a top-ranked golf course and equestrian middle situated at Haig Level. Haig Level can also be house to a number of the solely lodging and eating places on this island, although there are different leases out there on Daufuskie, too.
Edisto Island
Edisto Island, one among South Carolina’s Sea Islands, is house to nearly 5 miles of peaceable seashore. Wildlife is ample on the island, with guests typically recognizing turtles, dolphins, egrets, pelicans, and extra. Chill out on the seashore, go for a sundown cruise, guide a fishing constitution, or play a spherical of golf. You may select from a wide range of house and rental leases, or decide to camp out at Edisto Seaside State Park.
Sullivan’s Island
For small-town attraction, head to Sullivan’s Island, the two-and-a-half-mile-long barrier island close to the doorway of the Charleston Harbor — and one among my very favourite seashores in South Carolina. With no business growth, this is without doubt one of the cleanest beachfronts you will discover within the space. If you’re not having fun with sundown walks down the well-kept seashore, attempt crusing, kayaking, or kiteboarding on the island’s waters. Sullivan’s Island stands out with its outsized eating scene; I really like grabbing burgers at Poe’s Tavern, barbecue nachos at House Crew BBQ, and to-go frosé from The Co-Op. There are many nice resorts in Charleston solely 20 minutes away, or contemplate one of many stunning seashore leases on the island.
Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island is house to 3 miles of pristine shoreline and lots to do and see. Have enjoyable gathering shells on the shore or browsing the waves within the Atlantic. Or, attempt fishing or crabbing within the close by scenic tidal creek. Seize a chew at Bistro 217, Chive Blossom, or Perrone’s after a day on one of many programs alongside the Hammock Coast Golf Path. There are a number of trip properties with ocean views for hire, plus two historic inns: Sea View Inn and The Pelican Inn.
Murrells Inlet
With a backstory involving the notorious pirate Blackbeard, this fashionable fishing village close to Myrtle Seaside is a good getaway with heaps of attraction and historical past. Fishing is without doubt one of the largest attracts, and there are a number of boat rental choices and deep-sea excursions out there. You will not need to miss the MarshWalk, which gives waterfront eating, dwell leisure, and particular occasions. And once you need to expertise much more pure magnificence, stroll the Lowcountry Path by Brookgreen Gardens. Select from Murrells Inlet resorts or head to Myrtle Seaside, lower than half-hour away, for extra lodging choices.
Fripp Island
Head to this small wildlife sanctuary for kayaking, {golfing}, and beautiful views. Look ahead to a number of the 175 hen species that dwell alongside the ocean and salt marsh, or different native animals like gators, dolphins, and turtles. You may need to have your cellphone in hand for the island’s ample picture alternatives made well-known in movies like “Forrest Gump,” “The Jungle E-book,” and “The Prince of Tides.”
Morris Island
What was as soon as the situation of a Civil Battle-era fort is now an uninhabited island within the Charleston Harbor marked by the state’s tallest lighthouse. Right now, this island is barely accessible by boat; after I was rising up within the Charleston space, we’d take our boat out and spend a weekend afternoon in search of shells and shark enamel alongside the seashore. Whereas boat leases can be found, I like to recommend guests guide one of many excursions that may take you to the island with a neighborhood skilled who can inform you all in regards to the space’s historical past and marine life.
Seabrook Island
Positioned between Edisto and Kiawah, Seabrook is one other South Carolina barrier island house to a non-public seashore neighborhood. Guests can guide one of many island’s many house leases and luxuriate in facilities on the Seabrook Island Membership just like the golf programs, seashore membership, equestrian middle, racquet membership, and extra. There are two seashores at this resort neighborhood: North Seaside, one of many solely sandy stretches in South Carolina the place you’ll be able to go horseback driving, and Pelican Seaside, which gives stunning sundown views.