Best Beaches In & Near Charleston

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Contents
  1. Kiawah Beachwalker Park
  2. Sullivan's Island Beach
  3. Folly Beach
  4. Isle of Palms Beach
  5. Seabrook Island Beach
  6. Edisto Beach
  7. Charleston beaches map
Map featuring Charleston beaches. Click on pins to view beach details

  • 1. Kiawah Beachwalker Park

    Kiawah Beachwalker Park
    OzarksRazorback

    Travel time from Charleston: approx 0.5 hrs

    Beachwalker Park is located on the west end of Kiawah Island not far from Charleston in South Carolina. The park is the only public access to the beautiful beaches of Kiawah Island, but with 11 miles of silky smooth sand, this should be enough to keep most beachgoers happy.

    Facing out over the Atlantic Ocean, the beach is backed by the Kiawah river. Beachwalker Park has a designated swimming area… read more »

  • 2. Sullivan's Island Beach

    Sullivan's Island Beach
    © Dsdugan

    Travel time from Charleston: approx 0.5 hrs

    Just minutes from charming Charleston and nestled at the mouth of the Charleston Harbour, Sullivan's Island is an inviting mix of local restaurants and shops, wide-open beaches and watersports, plus a whole load of history and folklore.

    At a relatively modest 3.3 miles, the area isn't huge, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty and charm. Fort Moultrie is just a 30-minute walk… read more »

  • 3. Folly Beach

    Folly Beach

    Travel time from Charleston: approx 0.5 hrs

    Folly Beach and County Park is beautifully located between the Atlantic and the Folly River on a 12-square-mile barrier island south of Charleston, South Carolina.

    There are six miles of sandy beaches for surfing, kayaking, swimming and walking and the sunsets are breathtaking. The family-friendly beaches are wild and unspoilt with access points on every block. This gorgeous sandy beach has lifeguards, a boardwalk and wheelchair-accessible ramp. Visitors can rent… read more »

  • 4. Isle of Palms Beach

    Isle of Palms Beach

    Travel time from Charleston: approx 0.5 hrs

    These stunning white sands and calm waters are nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, just 12 miles from the charms of Charleston. Lifeguards are on duty, there are changing areas, and a snack bar to satisfy rumbling tummies. 

    Alcohol, glass bottles, plastic bags and straws are all banned on the beach as well, to keep it as pristine as possible, while you'll find plenty of places to… read more »

  • 5. Seabrook Island Beach

    Seabrook Island Beach
    © Denton Harryman

    Travel time from Charleston: approx 1 hr

    Featuring two championship golf courses, a tournament-ready tennis centre, full service equestrian centre, and a fitness and aquatics complex, this seaside spot, 30 minutes' outside Charleston is primed for action-packed adventurers. 

    And of course, there are the unspoilt beaches too - this barrier island is home to two beautiful sweeps of sand - Pelican Beach and North Beach. Both of them offer sunshine, beautiful views, and hours of enjoyment. However,… read more »

  • 6. Edisto Beach

    Edisto Beach
    Meredith Harris

    Travel time from Charleston: approx 1 hr

    Edisto Beach is the name of both the beach and the surrounding town of around 400 residents, most of whom commute from here. A vacation spot since the 1920s, today Edisto Beach is one of just a handful of largely uncommercialised, family-friendly beaches located in the region.

    Although only stretching a few metres back, the beach runs uninterrupted for around four miles, from the mouth of Big Bay Creek to the… read more »

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