Charleston SC Beaches 

Folly Beach is an eclectic beach community popular with surfers, college students, and vacationers. It is the closest beach to downtown Charleston and boasts about six miles of shoreline. Take a relaxing walk along the beach, hunt for seashells, or watch a beautiful sunset from the fishing pier. 

Sullivan’s Island is a 3 mile long barrier island north of the Charleston harbor. The beach on the island is the least commercialized of the area's beaches and home to the unique looking Sullivan's Island Lighthouse. Free parking is available along the streets leading up to the bridge. 

Isle of Palms, located just 12 miles from downtown Charleston, is a relaxing beach community with 6 miles of pristine coastline. Isle of Palms has public restrooms, available parking, restaurants, bars, and shops. The island also has a county park and fishing pier. 

Kiawah Island, located about 45 minutes from downtown Charleston, boasts 10 miles of white sand beaches. The island is one of the least developed and natural in the area, featuring preserved maritime forests and marshes. The only public beach access is located at the county park. 

Seabrook Island is a private beachfront community just thirty minutes from downtown Charleston. The island, located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Edisto River, boasts nearly four miles of the widest beaches in South Carolina.

Edisto Beach, located about an hour from downtown Charleston, is one of the few non-commercialized beaches left in South Carolina. The 4.5 miles of pristine beach are normally less crowded than other beaches in the area.