South Carolina's Most Charming Beach Towns
South Carolina, known as the Palmetto State for the beautiful palmetto trees traditionally found in coastal areas, is home to southern hospitality, incredible wildlife, and pristine beaches. Although the state has five regions, many of the state’s charming beach towns are found in the Low Country Region, an area defined by its sandy beaches, natural waterways, and maritime forests. From popular Hilton Head Island to the nature preserve on Kiawah Island, we have rounded up a list of seven of the most charming beach towns in South Carolina. Each town offers great spots to surf in the Atlantic Ocean, lounge on white sand beaches, and search for treasures at local surf shops. Many of these towns also provide a glimpse at local history, including Sullivan’s Island, which is home to an American Revolutionary War fort. Whether you want to relax while learning about American history, view dolphins, or enjoy delicious seafood, these charming beach towns have something for everyone.
Hilton Head Island
Known for its pristine beaches and multiple golf courses, Hilton Head Island is the perfect place to relax along the Atlantic Ocean or on the green. If you want to enjoy the sea breeze and catch some waves, Coligny Beach Park offers public beach access, along with gazebos, biking trails, and outdoor showers. For a more secluded beach, Fish Haul Park is nestled in Bay Gall and is a relaxing place to bird watch and listen to the waves. Along with several beaches, the charming beach town is also home to several nature preserves, including Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Visitors can walk along scenic trails, view wildlife, and take a boat tour of the forest. For history buffs, the beachtown also offers a look at the Civil War and Mitchelville, the country’s first self-governed freedmen’s town, an African-American community of people who were formerly enslaved.
Pawleys Island
Known for its beautiful beaches and stunning sand dunes, Pawleys Island offers vacationers a relaxing beach experience. One of the oldest summer resorts on the East Coast, Pawleys Island has welcomed beach vacationers for generations. The pristine beach offers three miles of shoreline perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and building sandcastles. Although you can unwind on the beach, the tidal creek between the shore and the mainland is perfect for kayaking, fishing, and crabbing. You can also view incredible wildlife, boat, and canoe along the Waccamaw River. The town’s laid-back atmosphere also provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A trip to the mainland is the perfect excursion to shop at boutique stores and taste authentic low country seafood. Pawley’s Raw Bar offers a delicious raw seafood bar of raw oysters and low country boil, a local favorite of sausage, seafood, corn, and potatoes smothered in butter.
Folly Beach
Located just south of downtown Charleston, South Carolina is Folly Beach. The charming beach town offers a slower pace of life with six miles of relaxing shoreline and a 1,000-foot pier to explore. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Folly River is Folly Beach County Park. Beachgoers and bird watchers alike enjoy the park due to its beautiful beaches that are perfect for lounging and surfing, as well as the chance to see Skimmer Flats, a brown pelican. For those looking for great seafood or local shops, downtown is located just steps away from the beach. There are incredible seafood restaurants, casual cafes, surf shops, and live music for all to enjoy. At the northern tip of the town is the Lighthouse Inlet and Heritage Preserve, which offers incredible views of the historic Morris Island Lighthouse and wildlife.
Edisto Beach
If you are looking for a quiet beach that is perfect for families, look no further than Edisto Beach. The small, quiet beach town has not been largely developed which makes it a great place to lounge on the beach, take a walk along the stunning shoreline, or take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. For those looking to fish and crab, Bay Creek Park is the perfect spot. Plus, the park provides an open-air market on Wednesdays from April to October. For nature lovers, a trip to Edisto Beach State Park is a must. You can search for fossils and view breathtaking sunrises along the 1.5-mile beach or hike along several inland trails to view white-tailed deer, osprey, and possibly a bobcat. Since the park is located along the Wadmalaw River, it is also a great place for boating and fishing.
Isle of Palms
For those looking for a beachtown with pristine sandy beaches, restaurants with spectacular oceanfront views, and family-friendly activities, Isle of Palms is the perfect getaway. This charming beach town offers six miles of white sand beaches that are perfect for lounging, splashing in the water, surfing, and even bicycling. For families, the Isle of Palms County Park provides a playground, sand volleyball court, picnic tables and grills, and public beach access. For those looking to relax out of the sun, you can find local items at one of many surf shops and unwind at one of the town’s seafood restaurants. One of the best restaurants in the beach town is The Boathouse at Breach Inlet, which offers appetizing local seafood options and stunning views of the inlet.
Sullivan’s Island
Sullivan’s Island is the perfect beachtown for serenity, history, and experiencing nature. With only 3.3 miles of shoreline, the charming town makes up for its small beachfront area with southern hospitality, a slower pace of life, and water activities. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and water inlets, Sullivan’s Island is a great place to kayak, paddleboard, and kiteboard on windy days. If you are looking for incredible sunset views and the occasional dolphin sighting, you can grab a bench seat at Thomson Park. If you want to learn about local and national history, a visit to Fort Moultrie National Historical Park is a must. The fort was part of American Revolutionary War battles in 1776 and 1780. You can also view one of the most modern lighthouses in the country, Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, which is part of the United States Coast Guard Historic District.
Kiawah Island
Known for its natural beauty, golf courses, and serene setting, Kiawah Island is primarily a resort town with private beaches. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Kiawah River, this charming beach town offers the perfect beach vacation. Kiawah Beachwalker Park provides public beach access along with picnic tables and grills, outdoor showers, and a snack bar. The beach town is also home to incredible wildlife, such as loggerhead sea turtles, dolphins, American alligators, and white-tailed deer. The beachtown boasts several viewing spots, such as Grey Widgeon Tower located in the Kiawah Island Preserve. For bird watchers, you can see several species at Marsh Island Park, a natural habitat that is accessible only by foot or bike. Outdoor enthusiasts can also take a tour of the island via kayak, paddleboard, or power boat with Tidal Trails.
These South Carolina beach towns provide visitors with southern hospitality, delicious seafood, and pristine beaches that are perfect for lounging, splashing in the water, or surfing. The beach towns also provide visitors with an escape from modern life, as each town offers a slower pace of life. If you want to relax and unwind at the beach, view local wildlife, explore American history, and sunbathe on white sand beaches, look no further than one of these charming beach towns.
