The 6 Best Beaches in Charleston, South Carolina

Just a few miles outside of downtown Charleston is Bull Island, which is nothing short of an outdoors-man’s delight. Adventurers can rejoice in kayak tours, bird watching, or self-guided hikes through its many waterfront trails. The barrier island features a plentiful variety of wildlife creatures such as dolphins and sea turtles, all spectacular to behold as part of a memorable vacationing experience. The island is also home to wildlife such as deer, alligators, black fox squirrels, otters and bobcats. But it is the bird life that brings most visitors to the island, so be sure to keep an eye out for these. Visit its Martello Tower, an old Civil War relic, for an alternative to Fort Sumter in the event that the crowds are too thick.

For a day at the beach you won’t soon forget, pick Folly Beach. If not for its stark blue, cloudless skies and charming wooden piers, the beach bars and popular restaurants deliver excellent social complements to an already aesthetic experience. It is home to the East Coast’s second largest fishing pier which makes it a popular destination for those looking for a fresh catch whilst meeting likeminded travellers and locals. If you’re looking for water sports and adventure activities, visitors can paddle board through the Folly River and reward themselves with some fresh seafood after. Folly is also a desirable area when it comes to rental beach houses, which line its shores by the hundreds. Comprising South Carolina’s most buzzing crowds and family fun, the Folly Beach fishing pier or nearby County Park call out with pleasant social auras.

Kiawah is one of the best barrier islands in the country, offering a peaceful beach escape. Its sheer lack of commercialization, peaceful summertime breezes, and friendly locals each work in sync and contribute to the ideal island experience. This beach has not only assumed a ranking as one of America’s Top 10 Beaches on numerous occasions in the past, but Kiawah is also home to several incredibly respectable golf courses, contributing to the luxury feel of this holiday destinateion. Keep in mind that Kiawah is technically a gated beach with many private homes – but don’t forget, it’s this very privacy that makes the beach so perfectly serene.

Kayak rentals, boating tours, beach volleyball courts, and several beachfront bars occupy Isle of Palms, one of Charleston’s favorite beaches. Roughly six miles of seashell lined shores make up the beach at Isle of Palms; there’s no shortage of space for visitors. Grab a towel and lay out – Isle of Palms is overloaded with several beach-side showers and public restrooms, so there’s no need to rush your stay. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Sea Turtles that nest in the area and check out the Windjammer, a local beach bar known to draw celebrities and some of the best live music Charleston has to offer.

Sullivan’s Island is a vastly popular Charleston beach, but you’re likely to find more friendly locals than fumbling tourists here. A small but charming place, the scenic beach stretches across the horizon and provides breathtaking views of Fort Sumter, Morris Island Lighthouse, and Charleston’s pristine Battery Row. Sunsets on Sullivan’s Island are sublime, and the inward street blocks are relaxed and private. Sandbars penetrate the ocean surface for hundreds of yards out and are conducive to puddle-filled strolls. Before you start your day and bust out the morning mimosas, remember that Sullivan’s Island has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol. But feel free to dig into some of the delicious food that Sullivan’s Island has to offer, such as enjoying fresh seafood at Sullivan’s Fish Camp.

This beach is strictly non-commercialized and prominently family occupied. Residents seeking a getaway from their getaway should revel in its close-by location. Nonetheless, you won’t hear many loud sounds at this waterfront barrier beach. The gentle beach community is home to the Edisto River, a 206-mile free-flowing stream that pours out into the beautiful marshes of the Atlantic. Nature trails and long walks are the norm here, so grab a companion and be sure to see all Edisto has to offer with your very own feet.