Top 5 Beaches in South Carolina – Exploring the Low Country
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Beach descriptions courtesy of The Crazy Tourist. Read more: Top 5 Georgia Beaches., Top 5 North Carolina Beaches.
South Carolina
South Carolina’s Atlantic coastline is a popular playground for travelers from all over the United States. Whether you are searching for a peaceful beach or a destination with a variety of entertainment options, the beaches in South Carolina will not disappoint.
You can head out to some of the most well-known beach destinations such as Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head or explore the surrounding area and find secluded beaches with amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Some vacationers like pristine family-friendly beaches with lifeguards and facilities, while others prefer unexplored destinations with little civilization around.
- Folly Beach (Folly River)
One of the most famous beaches in the state of South Carolina, Folly Beach is a popular destination for watersports including surfing, kayaking, and boating. There are even several boat tours available for those who wish to explore the picturesque area.
Must-see sights include the Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier that features a vibrant local scene and the Morris Island Lighthouse. One of the most popular activities among locals here at Folly Beach is definitely fishing, the whole area is perfect for river fishing, deep-sea fishing, and pier fishing.
After a day spent on the beach, head out to Center Street in this small beach town that features dozens of local restaurants, shops, and bars. For accommodation options, vacationers usually stay in rental homes or privately owned villas.
A perfect spot for a family vacation, Myrtle Beach actually consists of several long beaches which are packed with many tourists throughout the year. It is probably one of the most visited beaches in the state and the water is welcomingly warm during the summer months.
Water activities such as jet skiing, paddle boarding, scuba diving, surfing, and parasailing are quite popular here. You will also find several spots along the beach that are perfect for swimming.
Families with kids will love the nearby family Kingdom Amusement Park and Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. In case you are planning to do some shopping in the area, Tanger Outlets and Barefoot Landing are easily reachable.
Along Kings Highway you will find a variety of seafood buffet restaurants, but delicious local food can also be found on the 1.4-mile long Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Myrtle Beach is well-known for its 50 mini golf courses!
Located just a short drive from downtown Charleston, Isle of Palms can be best described as an upscale resort area which was originally a recreational playground for the rich and famous.
This perfect gateway houses nearly 3,000 acres of beaches, parks, and homes. Expect to find dozens of luxurious hotels, a large golf course, and a community of rental homes and condos which are located directly on the beach.
Front Beach is one of the most popular destinations in the area. It is ideal for activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and building sand castles. Head to the County Park and you’ll find a nice family beach with facilities such as restrooms and showers.
If you wish to explore the island, it’s best to use a golf cart, but you can also rent a moped or bicycle. There are many amazing festivals throughout the year, so visitors have plenty of entertainment opportunities at the Isle of Palms.
Full of pristine beaches and spacious parks, Hilton Head is one of the best vacation spots on the East Coast, with a total of 12 miles of coastline. The whole island was built to accommodate vacationers, so it’s quite easy to get from one place to another.
It’s easy to find many restaurants, bars, and family-friendly entertainment, while water lovers can enjoy activities on the beach such as swimming, paddle boarding, boating, sunbathing, fishing, and surfing.
Besides chilling on the beach, you can also play a few rounds of golf at Hilton Head’s dozens of amazing golf courses. Shopaholics will be happy to hear that there are several shopping centers on the island where you can find locally owned stores.
If you are looking for a place to stay, the options are endless. You can stay in a rental home with a swimming pool or book a room at a luxurious 5-star hotel. Keep in mind that you won’t find many hostels and other budget-friendly accommodation option here in Hilton Head.
Situated in one of the most peaceful beach towns in the state, Edisto Beach is probably one of the last non-commercialized spots in the region. It’s a perfect destination for single travelers, families, and romantic couples on their honeymoon.
Expect to find cute vacation rentals, super-fun attractions, and nice restaurants. There is also plenty of space for camping, fishing, and playing golf. Swimming is permitted at Edisto Beach, but you enter at your own risk as there are no lifeguards here.
When it comes to fine dining, head out to Fins Restaurant & Bar that is located on the former pier or check out the lovely Whaley’s Store, a place that is popular among locals.
Vacationers can also take a boat tour and enjoy spectacular views of the coastline, while adventurous travelers can go on a guided kayak tour or join a fishing excursion. If you are into hiking, Edisto Beach State Park is home to the Swamp Moss Nature Trail.
The descriptions are reused with permission from the Crazy Tourist’s Top 15 South Carolina Beaches article.
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