11 Best Beaches Near Charleston SC (Things To Do)

Let’s check some of the best Beaches near Charleston SC, a perfect weekend getaway within 2 hours, with helpful information to plan your beach tour. In this article, read about charming beaches near Charleston SC, and the best beaches in Charleston, some of the best beaches in South Carolina. 

Also Read – Best Things To Do In Charleston SC This Weekend (Complete Charleston Travel Guide)

Beaches near Charleston SC (Charleston SC Beaches)

List of Beaches near Charleston, SC/Charleston SC Beaches with things to do, where to stay, how to reach options. 

Folly Beach 

Distance from Charleston, SC – 22 min (11.5 mi) via State Hwy 171

Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Folly Beach is famous for spectacular sunsets with six miles-long wide beaches. This beach has many beach vacation homes instead of hotels and is the closest beach to Charleston SC.

The Atlantic Ocean and the Folly River surround Folly Beach, a perfect laidback beach vacation option near Charleston, Sc.

• Entrance – Free and for cars/vehicles, metered paid parking
• Beach Activities – Surfing, fishing, biking, kayaking, boating, eco-tours, and sea wildlife. 
• Hotel Stay – Click here to check your stay on Folly Beach. 
• Swimming – Allowed 
• Pet-Friendly – Pets on the beach must be leashed at all times.

Things To Do – 

• Folly Beach Pier
• Morris Island Lighthouse
• Folly Beach County Park
• Folly River Park

Sullivan’s Island:

Distance from Charleston, SC – 21 min (9.5 mi) via SC-703 E

Sullivan Island has beautiful beaches and unique history, including a famous Revolutionary War battle. Fort Moultrie a 19th-century military fort located on the island. Therefore it is one of the best beaches near Charleston Sc for history and nature lovers. 

• Entrance – Free 
• Hotel Stay – As it is a laidback beach with few commercial activities, book your stay in Charleston Historic Downtown, just 15 to 20 minutes away.
• Swimming – Allowed 
• Pet Friendly – Dogs are not permitted from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Before and after this deadline, leashed dogs are allowed. 

Things To Do – 

• Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
• Fort Sumter National Monument
• Sullivan’s Island Beach
• Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse

Isle of Palms: 

Distance from Charleston, SC – 42 min (17.6 mi) via Hwy 17 N

The perfect location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, 12 miles from historic Charleston, the Isle of Palms features a beautiful beach vacation getaway from Charleston, SC, and thus one of the best beaches near Charleston SC. 

• Entrance – Free and for cars/vehicles, metered paid parking
• Beach Activities – It has beautiful championship golf & tennis, a marina, and endless recreational opportunities on and off the water.
• Swimming – Allowed 
• Pet Friendly – Dogs are allowed but with leashes. 

Things To Do – 

• Isle of Palms County Park
• Isle of Palms Beach
• Isle of Palms Marina
• Wild Dunes Harbor Golf Course

Kiawah Island: 

Distance from Charleston, SC – 26.4 mi via SC-700 W and State Rd S-10-20 – 50 min

Click here to book hotels on Kiawah Island.

The 10 miles of beautiful pristine beach of Kiawah Island is famous for beach fun and activities. Beachwalker County Park(West Beach) is the only public beach access on the island.

Bike riding on the flat hard sand beach is the most popular thing to do here. People also love surfing, kayaking, and plenty of wildlife viewing.

Its one of the golf courses is regarded as one of the finest Golf courses in the world.

• Entrance – Free and for cars/vehicles, metered paid Public parking
• Swimming – Allowed 
• Pet Friendly – Yes 

Things to do – 

• Kiawah Beachwalker Park 
• Freshfields Village 
• Night Heron Park 
• Wells Gallery

Seabrook Island: 

Distance from Charleston, SC – 46 min (24.5 mi) via SC-700 W and State Rd S-10-20

Seabrook Island has it all! Miles of pristine, family-friendly beaches, luxury beach resorts/beach houses, and oceanfront Pools.

• Entrance – Free and for cars/vehicles, metered paid parking
• Hotel Stay – Click here to book hotels at Seabrook Island.
• Swimming – Allowed 
• Pet Friendly – Yes

Edisto Beach: 

Distance from Charleston, SC – 44.7 mi via Hwy 17 S and SC-174 – 1 hr 

Edisto Island is a beautiful 68-square-mile island with a rich cultural heritage, magnificent plantations, lovely food, and excellent outdoor recreational opportunities. It has gorgeous Golf courses and cute beach houses. It is one of the most unique beaches near Charleston SC. 

• Entrance – Free and for cars/vehicles, metered paid parking
• Hotel Stay – Click here to book hotels on Edisto Island
• Swimming – Allowed 
• Pet Friendly – Yes, with a leash

Things to do –

• Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area 
• Edisto Beach State Park 
• Kings Farm Market
• Indian Mound Trail

Morris Island: 

Distance from Charleston, SC – 33 min (15.3 mi) via State Hwy 171

This beach is perfect for those looking for a quiet and peaceful getaway. Visitors can explore the nearby Morris Island Lighthouse, spot dolphins, or relax on the beach.

• Entrance – Free and for cars/vehicles, metered paid parking
• Swimming – Allowed 
• Pet Friendly – It is a pet-friendly beach with unleash and swim options.

Things To Do – 

• Morris Island Lighthouse
• Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
• Castle Pinckney
• Breach Inlet
• Shem Creek Park

Dewees Island: 

Distance from Charleston, SC – 1 hr 10 min (20.1 mi) via Hwy 17 N

This secluded and private island is accessible only by ferry. Visitors can go fishing, kayaking, or exploring the island’s many nature trails. An island is also an excellent place for wildlife viewing.

• Entrance – Can be reached by Ferry
• Swimming – Allowed 
• Pet Friendly – Allowed but leashed

Huntington Beach State Park: 

Distance from Charleston, SC – 1 hr 39 min (78.5 mi) via Hwy 17 N

This beach is located about an hour south of Charleston and is known for its natural beauty and wildlife. It is one of the protected Carolina beaches, and this park encompasses 3 Miles of the protected beach area.

• Entrance – Free and for cars/vehicles, metered paid parking
• Swimming – Allowed 
• Pet Friendly – Not Allowed. They are only allowed on the Parking Lot and Multi-Use Trail.

Things To Do – 

• Huntington State Beach
• Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
• Pacific City
• Bella Tera
• Huntington Central Park
• Downtown HB

Myrtle Beach: 

Distance from Charleston, SC – 94.8 mi via Hwy 17 N – 2 hr 

Myrtle Beach is a famous beach destination near Charleston, SC, with many upscale resorts, beach activities, and many fun-filled things to do in Charleston, SC. Not only is it a beach destination but a golfer’s paradise too.

• Entrance – Free and for cars/vehicles, metered paid parking
• Hotel Stay – Click here to book a beach resort at Myrtle Beach. 
• Swimming – Allowed 
• Pet Friendly – Yes

Things to do –

• Broadway at the Beach 
• Myrtle Beach 
• Myrtle Beach SkyWheel 
• Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

Pawleys Island: 

Distance from Charleston, SC – 1 hr 34 min (73.2 mi) via Hwy 17 N

This quiet and secluded beach is a great place to escape the crowds. Visitors can go fishing, kayaking, or relaxing on the beach. The beach is also known for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

• Entrance – Free and for cars/vehicles, metered paid parking
• Hotel Stay – Click here to book hotels at Pawleys Island
• Swimming – Allowed 
• Pet Friendly – Allowed under leash and voice under control

Things To Do – 

• Brookgreens Garden
• Atalaya Castle
• Pawleys Island Historic District
• Pawleys Island Chapel
• The Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk
• Hammock Shops Village

Now you know some of the best beaches near Charleston, SC, with various activities and attractions to suit diverse interests and preferences. Whether looking for a peaceful, relaxed getaway or an adventurous beach vacation, many options exist near Charleston.

Charleston Travel Resources – Read more on Charleston, SC

• 100+ Best Charleston Instagram Captions And Quotes (With Puns)
• Charleston vs Savannah – Which Best City To Visit In 2023
• Plan A Trip To Charleston SC – Epic Charleston Travel Guide
• 24 Hours In Charleston Tour – The Best Itinerary
• Perfect 3 Days in Charleston Itinerary (With Maps)

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