South Carolina is enriched with thousands of miles of coastline and home to some of the most gorgeous beaches and resorts on the East Coast.
Among the best beach resorts in South Carolina are Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms; The Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island; and Inn & Club at Harbour Town – Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head.
Are there white sand beaches in South Carolina? The short answer is yes. The white, silky smooth white sand beaches stretch for miles. Choosing your next vacation destination can be difficult with the extensive research involved.
To save you time, we compiled 18 of the best beaches, so you don’t have to:
- Myrtle Beach
- Huntington Beach State Park
- Folly Beach
- Front Beach, Isle of Palms
- Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head Island
- Surfside Beach
- Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island
- Sullivan’s Island Beach
- Cherry Grove Beach
- Litchfield Beach
- Pawleys Island
- Edisto Beach State Park
- Ocean Drive Beach
- Garden City Beach
- Atlantic Beach
- Brighton Beach, Bluffton
- Pelican Beach, Seabrook Island
- North Beach, Seabrook Island
18 Best Beaches in South Carolina
1. Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach’s southern charm has warmed the hearts of so many vacationers from around the world. It offers flavorful cuisines, fun and exciting adventures for the whole family, quaint shops, and world-class accommodations.
Hotel rates are steep, but there are many other options for you to choose from to make your stay a memorable one. The biggest attraction of its 60-mile-long Atlantic coastline is its well-maintained and cherished beach. Its soft white sand and soothing waves turn an ordinary stroll into a magical experience.
Is North Myrtle Beach or South Myrtle Beach better?
It depends on your preference. North and South Myrtle Beach are only about 15 miles away from each other.
The North is known for its laid-back lifestyle. It’s much quieter with lesser commercial buildings. Clean and pristine beaches offer solace to those looking to spend an intimate time with their families or even with just themselves.
If you want to be in the company of fun-loving and thrill-seeking people, the boardwalk at south Myrtle Beach is the place to be.
It’s where you want to go for beach shelling, to relax and sit back while you catch up on your reading, or to sunbathe, away from all the crowds.
2. Huntington Beach State Park
South of Myrtle Beach lies Huntington Beach State Park, known for its diverse species of birds, making it a birders’ paradise along the East Coast.
Among the many enjoyable activities include boating, camping, and wildlife exploration. If you want to experience nature and encounter up close the various animal inhabitants, there are bike trails you can take for a self-guided tour.
They staff lifeguards at South Beach, so you may want to go there if swimming is part of your itinerary. The beaches there are wide, not crowded, and perfect for a day out with the family.
Its most famous landmark is the Atalaya Castle, of Moorish architecture and the former winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington.
3. Folly Beach
Nine miles south of Charleston lies Folly Beach, aka the “Edge of America,” and the vacation hub for surfers, anglers, and lovers of a free and easy life.
With 2,500 feet of ocean frontage, you’ll never run out of things to do. For those looking to get away from the crowds, you can find quiet areas for you to spread out and relax. For adventurers, you can try their water activities like paddleboarding, surfing, and kayaking.
The beach has good access points, parking lots, shower rooms, clean bathrooms, and other amenities to make your stay comfortable!
Stretching more than 1,045 feet into the ocean, the Folly Beach Pier is alive with shops selling souvenirs, surfing needs, and a lot more. It’s the perfect place to take pictures of the magnificent beauty of the beach.
Folly Beach’s main attraction is fishing. You can do all sorts of fishing like pier fishing, deep-sea fishing, and surf fishing.
4. Front Beach, Isle of Palms
Is this the best beach in South Carolina? Recognized as one of the top 10 North American Islands by Conde Nast Traveler, the Isle of Palms offers a ton of activities to keep your vacation busy.
With 7 miles of natural and gorgeous white sand beaches, make sure to add kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, surfing, and swimming to your itinerary.
Front Beach has more than 50 access points. It’s complete with amenities to make your stay convenient. They offer restrooms, shower rooms, public parking, and nearby shops.
5. Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head Island
Coligny Beach Park is your ultimate beach hub. It’s complete with amenities to make sure your vacation is an enjoyable one!
Amenities include wheelchair access, outdoor showers, restrooms, changing rooms, gazebos, swinging benches, chairs and umbrellas rentals, and free wifi!
They have seasonal lifeguards patrolling the beach so you can focus on enjoying your day out with your family. The parking is convenient. They offer free parking for cars and bike racks.
The beach has plenty of space for both humans and animals to enjoy! Its white sand beach is solid, perfect for sandcastle building, strolling, and riding your bike. If you get lucky, you can spot dolphins playing not far offshore.
6. Surfside Beach
Being one of the best beaches in South Carolina, Surfside Beach is widely recognized for its other name -“Family Beach.” And it’s for good reason. They’re family-oriented and child-friendly, making them the favorite destination for families seeking to have endless fun while strengthening their family bond.
They’re the first community in the United States to be hailed as an “Autism-Friendly” vacation destination. Their shops, restaurants, and all establishments were trained on the behavioral challenges of people on the autism spectrum.
Its pristine beach is perfect for every family who wants to spend a day out under the sun.
7. Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island
Which beach has the clearest water in South Carolina? Kiawah Island is home to a 10-mile long unspoiled beach with clear and deepest blue water in SC. The Beach Walker Park on the west end of the Island is the only beach open for public access.
Among the year-round amenities are a picnic area with grills, restrooms, boardwalk, and handicap-accessible ramp. Their seasonal amenities include lifeguards, rentals, outdoor showers, and snack bars.
It’s rarely crowded for a public beach. And because the beach is a considerable distance from hotels and restaurants, you’ll relish the peaceful atmosphere.
8. Sullivan’s Island Beach
The beaches at Sullivan’s Island are pristine, unspoiled, and oh so natural! Although small, at only 3.3 miles, it’s covered in white sand beaches that seemingly stretch endlessly.
There are plenty of activities to make your visit worthwhile. Among these are fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, kiteboarding, and swimming. Their seafood cuisine received rave reviews and a definite must-try.
As for amenities, when we say natural, we mean natural. They don’t have public restrooms, the parking can be a challenge, and showers to rinse off the sand are not available. The beach does have multiple access points.
9. Cherry Grove Beach
Cherry Grove Beach is at least a 25-minute drive from Myrtle Beach. It has a more laid-back feel than the former but still offers fun activities for you and your family.
The beach is beautiful, a quiet and serene sanctuary for those looking for the best beach getaway. During low tide, the beach reveals shells and other treasures that will keep beachcombers busy.
Its popular attraction is the Cherry Grove Pier. Beachgoers go there to take a stroll and take pictures of the gorgeous coastline and the breathtaking Atlantic Ocean. There are shops there for you to visit. Pier fishing is a favorite for fishers.
10. Litchfield Beach
Litchfield Beach is a quaint beach town that makes every vacationers’ stay memorable. Its gorgeous beach is perfect for family-friendly activities that will keep you all entertained.
With its natural beautiful setting, clean and soft white sand, you’ll love to comb the beach and look for shells. Take a stroll and take all the time that you need to take in the magnificent view. The beach is never crowded, so there’s a perfect space for everyone to spread out.
When you finally give in to the call of the water, watch out for the waves that seem to change their mind constantly. It could be calm and quiet one minute, moderate the next, and without warning, it could transform into large waves crashing on the shore.h
11. Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island is the south’s best-kept secret. Near Myrtle Beach and Huntington Beach State Park, the island is known for its carefree lifestyle and pristine beaches. It has the largest public beach access and offers free parking for beachgoers.
The beach is so wide that it never really gets crowded. It’s kept clean all year round, and its peaceful atmosphere makes it your perfect place of zen.
There are lots of activities that you can do like pier fishing, surf fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. You can even swim across the land!
12. Edisto Beach State Park
Edisto Beach is a quiet and isolated beach famous for its fishing and clean camping ground site.
Settle in campsites along the beachfront and go to sleep, lulled by the soothing sounds of the waves. The site has electricity and water. The restrooms are clean for your comfort. The beach is closed during the night, so your security and privacy are well cared for.
It’s the perfect place to watch the magnificent sunrise and the glorious sunset. Take a stroll or look for shells with your family. And since you’re there, make sure to try your hand at surf or pier fishing. It’s the best fishing location in South Carolina.
13. Ocean Drive Beach
Ocean Drive Beach is a district in North Myrtle Beach. It’s a clean, well-maintained beach with a family-friendly vibe. It’s an excellent place to rest and take in the gorgeous view and enjoy each other’s company.
Find a perfect place for you and your family to pitch an umbrella and settle down. Soak up the sun if you must. Or ride with the waves if you like. There are sightings of dolphins which you can enjoy watching from the shore. Lifeguards patrol the area, so it’s safe for you and your kids to go swimming. There are also tide pools shallow enough for your kids to enjoy.
It’s busy in the Summer season, so if you want to avoid large crowds, best to visit off-season. They have limited food options, so bring your own food and refreshments.
14. Garden City Beach
Located south of Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach sits peacefully and quietly in the Grand Strand, stretching 5 miles along the Atlantic Coastline. Some even name it the best beach in South Carolina.
There is something for everyone here. Kayaking and parasailing will satisfy the adventurous spirit in you. If you’re in no rush, try surf or pier fishing and celebrate your catch later.
Garden City Beach is not crowded. There’s plenty of room to build sandcastles, collect treasures, or just be still, lounge out and sunbathe.
Take a walk on its 668-foot long pier to get a great vantage view of the ocean, watch sea creatures frolicking in the sea, and celebrate fishers’ catch of the day.
15. Atlantic Beach
South Carolina is home to pristine beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and the “Black Pearl,” widely known as Atlantic Beach. During the segregation, African-Americans escaped to Atlantic Beach for a relaxing day. Over the years, they built shops, restaurants, and other businesses, transforming it into a thriving beach town.
The white sand beach, sparkling blue water, invites you to slow down, stay, and immerse yourself in its rich history. If you’re planning a busy itinerary, visit its lively neighboring towns for fun and entertainment.
16. Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach is a small beach community located in Bluffton, a Lowcountry town in South Carolina. The beach is not facing the ocean directly. Hence you’ll be serenaded by those peaceful and calm waters. It’s made of solid white sand and home to beach grass.
17. Pelican Beach, Seabrook Island
Seabrook Island is a secluded island with beaches accessible only by its private residents. It’s one of the best beach towns in South Carolina. They have villas, condos, and homes available for rent. They boast two golf courses and other recreational centers that will make your stay worthwhile.
Enjoy the sunset at Pelican Beach, a short stretch of soft white sand perfect for a time alone or sharing a bonfire with a loved one. The tranquil waters are ideal for swimming.
18. North Beach, Seabrook Island
If you’re looking for a festive atmosphere, North Beach is the place to be. The beach is not only perfect for strolling, sunbathing, and sandcastle building; beachgoers can go horseback riding on it!
Capture the magnificent sunrise at the beach, immerse in the island’s wildlife sanctuary, explore the island armed with your camera. There’s so much to do to keep you busy!
Final Thoughts
What is the nicest beach in South Carolina?
With this list, we have our work cut out for us. Each beach has its own charm and its own features that make it unique. If you love fishing, Edisto Beach is a great place to make a good catch. Love the peace and quiet? Garden City Beach is your piece of paradise. There’s a beach for everyone. You’ll just have to look for the best beach in South Carolina from this list:
- Myrtle Beach
- Huntington Beach State Park
- Folly Beach
- Front Beach, Isle of Palms
- Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head Island
- Surfside Beach
- Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island
- Sullivan’s Island Beach
- Cherry Grove Beach
- Litchfield Beach
- Pawleys Island
- Edisto Beach State Park
- Ocean Drive Beach
- Garden City Beach
- Atlantic Beach
- Brighton Beach, Bluffton
- Pelican Beach, Seabrook Island
- North Beach, Seabrook Island