Visitors plan vacations to Charleston because of the history, excellent food options, family-friendly activities, and stunning beaches.
With many coastal accommodations, ranging from remote hideaways to luxurious resorts, Charleston’s shoreline is ideal regardless of your traveling goals.
Once you have finished exploring this port city’s historical past and lush gardens, plan a trip to one of the many beaches in the area.
Whether you’re looking to sunbathe for the day or stay for a week, there are plenty of options.
First, it’s important to understand the best beaches in Charleston.
Keep reading to learn more so you have an exceptional visit!
11 Best Beaches in Charleston
Eleven: Morris Island
Best known in the area for its lighthouse, Morris Island is a popular location for boat tours leaving out of downtown Charleston.
Many of these tours last three hours and include 90 minutes of walking around the island, learning more about the history while passing various beach treasures like interesting seashells, strange driftwood formations, and naturally polished rocks.
The Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve offers the best views of the Morris Island Lighthouse and surrounding lowlands.
Ten: Driftwood
First on this list is Driftwood Beach on Edisto Island, named after the vast amount of driftwood that rolls ashore.
The continuously evolving natural sculptures make for excellent photographs, paintings, and other timeless memories.
The best way to experience this beach is at low tide when the water has receded out to sea, revealing intricate wooden structures and curious seashells normally masked by the ocean.
At about an hour’s drive from Charleston, arriving at Driftwood Beach in the morning is best so you can enjoy the beach the entire day!
Nine: Boneyard Beach
Considered one of South Carolina‘s most intriguing coastlines, Boneyard Beach is tucked away on Bull’s Island.
This beach is most appealing to travelers seeking rugged landscapes during their stay.
The beach is filled with driftwood, which has created many interesting natural seaside sculptures and formations.
The shoreline is secluded, so you may spend an entire day at Boneyard Beach and not encounter a single person.
Given its seclusion, you could also see an alligator sunbathing near the shore.
With numerous hiking trails, you can experience eerily quiet scenery compared to other Charleston Beaches.
Eight: Edisto Beach
Fifty miles from Charleston, Edisto Beach is a simple day trip worth the journey.
Upon arrival, you are presented with a tranquil, picturesque beachfront full of small-town southern charm.
In addition to being an excellent shelling destination, plenty of hiking trails wind through the landscape for the more adventurous traveler.
During the hikes, you will encounter various fascinating wildlife and can visit the Edisto Island Serpentarium, which features intimidating alligators and venomous snakes.
The Serpentarium also highlights daily feedings, which could be an interesting experience for the young.
Seven: Capers Island
Capers Island is the ideal location for those looking to leave behind the hustle and bustle and bright city lights.
This undeveloped island is a remote escape from the city with untamed, breathtaking landscapes along the coast.
With over 214 acres of sand, protected nature refuges, and otherworldly salt marshes, Capers Island is a great choice to connect with nature.
If you want to camp, a free permit must be obtained, which grants access to hiking trails, oceanfront caves, and other boundless places to explore.
Keep in mind that minimal facilities are available due to the beach’s remoteness, so it’s important to pack everything needed.
Six: Seabrook Island Beach
Situated around twenty-five miles southwest of Charleston, Seabrook Island gives visitors three miles of untouched coastline to focus on a peaceful getaway with relaxing bathing and kayaking opportunities at sea.
Seabrook Island Beach has a sleepy reputation compared to other beaches in the area, so there won’t be any resorts dotting the coastline, only vacation rentals on private properties.
This is a great choice for families or couples looking to relax and have privacy along a loved stretch of Charleston coastline.
There are several restaurants in the area for the nights you don’t feel like cooking, but they aren’t as plentiful as other beach destinations.
Five: Wadmalaw Island
Wadmalaw Island is great for getting personal with South Carolina roots and history.
Home to multiple sprawling wineries and tea plantations, Wadmalaw Island boasts a lush landscape, which is a popular day trip for those who want to connect with nature and age-old producers.
The Deep Water Vineyard and Charleston Tea Garden are two of the island’s best-known and most respected destinations.
The local environment is also rewarded with numerous locations along the Stono and Bohicket Rivers to catch some rays, go for a dip, and enjoy some peace.
Wadmalaw Island is the only location on this list with riverfront beaches to give visitors a different experience.
Four: Sullivan’s Island Beach
Located only ten miles from Charleston is Sullivan’s Island Beach, a sunbather, foodie’s, and shopper’s paradise.
Nestled next to the Isle of Palms, this beachfront gets busy during the peak travel season as vacations descend on the beach in droves to experience wonderful sunny days and scenic vistas.
One of the reasons for its popularity is its proximity to exceptional dining options.
When it’s time to cool off, heading into town to great local spots like The Obstinate Daughter or Poe’s Tavern is a short walk.
The streets also offer unique local artisan shopping opportunities, so Sullivan’s Island has something for everyone.
Three: Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Kiawah Beachwalker Park surrounds visitors with charming and picturesque natural landscapes.
The highlight of this beach is the 10-mile private coastline, where you can rent umbrellas, beach chairs, and sunbathing lounges to cool down in the shade after a day in the sun.
The enchanting Kiawah River winds behind the dunes and is a great destination for viewing local wildlife, including oystercatchers and otters.
When heading back to town, there are countless beachfront properties and opulent eateries so that you can find lavish accommodations and dining options at every corner of Kiawah Beachwalker Park.
Two: Folly Beach
Folly Beach is another one of Charleston’s most popular and best beaches for visitors and locals.
As a stunning barrier island, Folly Beach offers visitors quality relaxation and exceptional views.
Dubbed “the Edge of America,” the coastline and local community are favored due to their proximity to numerous excellent bars and restaurants.
Once you have gone on an exhilarating boat tour or taken in the beautiful ocean views, check out fabulous low-key options like Loggerhead’s Beach Broil or authentic Mexican establishments like Chico Feo.
Whether searching for a lazy day in the sun, sand, surfing, or a night out on the waterfront, Folly Beach has it all!
One: Isle of Palms Beach
Coming in at the top spot is the Isle of Palms Beach.
Boasting one of the longest stretches of shoreline in Charleston with over seven miles of golden sand, the Isle of Palms Beach allows visitors to enjoy endless sun-soaked locations.
This destination is best known for having a family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of outdoor activities to satisfy all tastes.
From beach volleyball and boat tours to golfing, there are plenty of ways to relax and enjoy Charleston.
Best of all, visitors to the Isle of Palms Beach are always close to high-end places to eat, including Acme Low Country Kitchen and the Windjammer.
Charleston Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Charleston Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest beach town to Charleston?
Only six miles from downtown, Folly Beach is the closest to Charleston and is one of the most popular beaches in the region.
This eclectic beach community is popular with vacationers, college students, couples, surfers, and families, due to the diversity of available activities beyond sunbathing.
Which beach is the easiest to access from Charleston?
Although Folly Beach is the closest, the Isle of Palms is the easiest to access due to easy parking, excellent on-site amenities, nearby rentals and food, great waves, and a pedestrian pier.
In addition, visitors can purchase a Charleston County Park Pass each year at the Isle of Palms, making beach access and parking even easier.
Is there a shuttle from downtown Charleston to Folly Beach?
While there is not a beach shuttle per se, travelers can take the CARTA Route 31 bus, which navigates out to James Island, thus reaching the entire peninsula from Charleston.
The nearest stop to the beach is Battery Island Drive and Folly Island Road, which is a great walk for those seeking exercise.
Which Charleston beach is the least crowded?
The least crowded beach close to Charleston is Edisto Beach, in Edisto Beach State Park.
Other less crowded beaches include Caper Island Beach, Bull’s Island, and Kiawah Island, which also feature charming small towns to explore
Does Wadalaw have a beach called Bone Beach? And is that where Blackbeard had his kettle? Both are mentioned in Scones and Bones by Laura Child’s.