South Carolina is the perfect location for a day, short getaway, or week-long beach vacation. With their pristine beaches, dunes, golf courses, historic sites, and natural beauty, these coastal towns have it all.
South Carolina is home to some of the best beaches in America. With more than 2,000 miles of coastline, you are bound to find the perfect sandy beach.
I always enjoy planning a vacation to beach towns and enjoying the laid back lifestyle for a few days.
Below you will find the ultimate list of the best beach towns on the East Coast.
Best South Carolina Beach Towns
Barrier Island
Located outside Charleston, is this adorable town. Enjoy the unspoiled beaches, and hike to the historic lighthouses. Or play a round of golf at one of the many courses on the island.
Beaufort
Visitors can choose from a living and often crowded Hunting Island Beach to spend the day in the sun. Or for a more relaxing and secluded beach, can enjoy the day at Land’s End Beach.
After a day in the sand, head over to the historic district to visit a local microbrewery or a wine tasting at Wren Bistro & Bar.
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Bluffton
Bluffton is the heart of the Lowcountry and is a wonderful place to launch a kayak, fish on the banks of the May river, bike through town, or find a hiking trail to explore.
Take a guided tour through Old Town to learn about the rich culture and heritage of the town.
Besides the fun in the sun, visitors also enjoy visiting the local art galleries, shopping, and dining at local restaurants.
Charleston
With its old-school charm and laid-back vibes, this is a wonderful southern coastal town.
Kayak at Shem Creek to get a peak of the dolphins or sunbathe on any of the beautiful beaches.
Be sure to explore the town by walking around Hampton Park, rent a bike to explore, and visit the Gibbes Museum of Art or the South Carolina Aquarium.
Daufuskie Island
If you are wanting a beautiful beach destination, but without the crowds, then Daufuskie Island is the place to go.
Spend days playing in the sand and surfing. Then at night stroll through the shops, and restaurants and end at an open-air bar for live music.
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Edisto Island
This is a dog-friendly island and is welcome on the beach. Here, visitors can of deep-sea fishing, hiking, kayaking, biking on the paths, and camping on the beach.
Folly Beach
If you are looking for a beach town with a slower pace then Folly Beach is the place to go.
The white sand beaches will have you wanting to make sandcastles with the kids, take surfing lessons, kayak or paddleboard on the calm waters.
Hilton Head Island
It’s no wonder this is a popular beach destination. The island features more than 23 world-class golf courses and has several high-end resorts.
Visitors can spend their time kayaking through the salt marshes, parasailing on the ocean, taking a chartered fishing excursion, or biking around the island.
Isle of Palms
Located about 30 minutes from downtown Charleston, has over 50 beach access points and several golf courses in the area.
Along with typical beach activities and water sports, visitors can also enjoy cooking on grills available on the beach.
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Kiawah Island
This island has gorgeous views of both the ocean and rivers. Or if you looking for something other than water activities, enjoy playing a round of gold at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
The island features over 10 miles of sandy beaches. Guests can pick between splashing in the waves or wading through the marshes and forests.
Visitors often are greeted by incredible wildlife such as alligators and sea turtles. Rent a kayak or canoe to paddle out and explore the marine wildlife.
Mount Pleasant
This is a fun beach town if you want to learn about the history of the area. Spend an afternoon at the USS Yorktown or the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.
The Waterfront District at Shem Creek is a wonderful place to dine while enjoying wonderful views of the Charleston harbor.
Then head over to the Memorial Waterfront Park to relax, grab an ice cream cone and let the kids burn off energy at the playground.
Murrells Inlet
A small fishing village, visitors can enjoy kayaking in the creeks or spend a day on a deep-sea fishing excursion.
Murrells Inlet is known as the seafood capital of South Carolina. This is a popular place to enjoy waterfront dining. The Murrells Inlet Marshwalk is a half-mile wooden boardwalk that features live music and numerous restaurants.
Myrtle Beach
This popular tourist destination has it all. Everything from amazing dining, plenty of shopping, an aquarium, an amusement park, a trampoline park, the Alabama Theater, and of course a sandy beach.
What’s great about this beach location, is all the waterfront dining. Whether you are looking for seafood, steakhouses, casual dining on the go, or ice cream shops you will find it in Myrtle Beach.
There is more to do than hang out on the shore. The Grand Strand offers miles of sandy beaches, the Oceanfront Boardwalk, the Promenade, fishing piers, and the SkyWheel.
Pawleys Island
This is a destination designed for a long weekend or a week at the beach. There are numerous homes available to rent.
Guests can enjoy everything from fishing, kayaking, boat tours, and dolphin tours.
Downtown offers shopping, great dining, live performances at the Strand Theater in Georgetown, and learn some local history at the South Carolina Maritime Museum.
Seabrook Island
This gated coastal barrier island is home to miles of pristine beaches, serene marshes, and a lush maritime forest.
Rent a home and enjoy this slow beach community and uncrowded beaches. The island features dining, shopping, golf, and a marina that can be accessed from both the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.
Parking is plentiful and visitors can find free lots located along the boardwalk with beach access.
Sullivan’s Island
Located 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, this public beach only spans 3.3 miles long.
Here you’ll find lots of dining options and boutique shops along the strip. History buffs will want to take a break from the beach activities and explore Fort Moultrie, which was built during the Revolutionary War.
Surfside Beach
Cast a line at Huntington Beach State Park, or find the perfect spot on one of the many sandy beaches in the area.
This is a family-friendly area with everything from a waterpark, Brookgreen Gardens, mini-golf, and go-karting that the entire family will enjoy.
These are the best beach towns in South Carolina that are worth visiting.
No matter if you are wanting to relax on the beach, play a round of golf, watch a sunset, or enjoy a delicious dinner overlooking the ocean, there are plenty of great places to visit in South Carolina.
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