Charleston’s Beaches: How To Choose for Your Vacation

If you’re planning a trip to Charleston, you may not realize that there are plenty of beaches to explore in addition to the city’s rich history and culture. Although Charleston is not traditionally known as a beach town, its reputation as a top vacation destination continues to grow, and its beaches are becoming increasingly popular.

There are six main beaches within a reasonable driving distance of downtown Charleston, and each offers something unique. Whether you’re looking for a lively atmosphere with bars and restaurants, a quiet getaway, or waves for surfing and swimming, there is a Charleston beach that will fit your needs. In this article, we’ll explore the top beaches in the area and provide you with all the information you need to plan your perfect Charleston beach vacation.

Charleston’s Beaches: What Do You Want Out of Your Beach Vacation?

If you’re planning a beach vacation in Charleston, you have a lot of options to choose from. Each beach has its own unique atmosphere and attractions. To help you decide which beach is right for you, here is an overview of Charleston’s main beaches, along with the reasons why you might want to consider each one.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach is the most popular of Charleston’s beaches, stretching the entire length of Folly Island for roughly six miles of uninterrupted coastline. There is one hotel at the beach, Tides Folly Beach, which is located on the ocean right next to the Folly Beach Pier, but most vacationers book short-term rentals. There are oceanfront rentals on the southern half of the island, but at most, you will be just a few blocks away from the water, and there are public access points along the entire coast.

Folly Beach has several restaurants, and if you book a hotel room or rent a house near Center Street, you’ll be able to walk to breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of your Charleston beach vacation. If you rent a house closer to either end of the island, you’ll need to drive, unless you rent a golf cart or bikes, both of which are available during the on-season.

The area around Center Street feels like a small beach town, and this is what attracts many vacationers to Folly Beach. The pier has a waterfront restaurant, and you can rent a surfboard or take a surfing lesson as well. If you want to try to get away from the crowds, you can drive down to Folly Beach County Park.

Folly Beach is a good choice for your Charleston beach vacation if:

• You want to go out to eat regularly but don’t want to have to drive too far (or at all)
• You enjoy the atmosphere of a busy beach town with several restaurants and bars
• You are looking for a wide open beach where you and your kids can play in the sand or surf

Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is located north of downtown Charleston and is the second most popular of Charleston’s beaches among vacationers. Isle of Palms also has a small beach town vibe, though it feels different from Folly Beach. Whereas Folly Beach feels a bit more casual, Isle of Palms feels more like a beach vacation destination. The main drag has pizza restaurants, seafood restaurants, ice cream, and beach shops, though you can find a few more upscale and local-feeling restaurants as well.

Isle of Palms has several hotels, so if you’re looking to rent a room rather than an entire house, it should be high on your list. If you rent a hotel room, everything you need will be within walking distance on Ocean Boulevard. But there are many vacation homes on Isle of Palms as well, including many high-end luxury vacation homes, and if you don’t want to be right in the middle of the action, you can rent an oceanfront or second-row home closer toward the northern end of the island.

If you’re interested in renting kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), a golf cart, or jet skis during your Charleston beach vacation, you can do so at the Isle of Palms Marina. Here you can launch directly into the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and either head south past the waterfront homes or head north toward the uninhabited sea islands, where you will feel much farther away than you actually are.

Isle of Palms is a good choice for your Charleston beach vacation if:

• You want to be close to everything, from the ocean to restaurants and shops
• You prefer to rent a hotel room rather than a vacation home (though there are vacation homes here as well)
• You are interested in renting a kayak, SUP, or jet ski during your vacation

Sullivan’s Island

Sullivan’s Island is located next to Isle of Palms, and it is connected to the southern tip of Isle of Palms by a short bridge. Sullivan’s Island doesn’t have a hotel, so if you stay here, you’ll be renting a vacation home. Many locals live on Sullivan’s Island, and it is definitely considered among the quieter beaches in the Charleston area.

Most of the action on Sullivan’s Island, of which there isn’t a whole lot, is centered around Middle Street. Here you’ll find a handful of restaurants, including well-known favorites like Poe’s Tavern and The Obstinate Daughter. There are several public beach access points on the island, but Sullivan’s Island’s beaches are not nearly as heavily trafficked or manicured as those on Folly Island or Isle of Palms.

Sullivan’s Island is a good choice for your Charleston beach vacation if:

• You are looking for a quieter Charleston beach vacation experience and want to get away from the crowds as much as possible
• You are interested in renting a vacation home for your stay
• You want to be close to downtown Charleston (Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach are the closest options)

Kiawah Beach

Kiawah Beach is located south of downtown Charleston, and while it is the next beach along the coast after Folly Beach, driving to Kiawah takes significantly longer (about an hour from the airport) because the only access point is toward the southern end of the island.

If you are interested in golfing during your Charleston beach vacation, Kiawah Island is definitely the place to go. Kiawah’s Ocean Course has hosted the PGA Championship and is widely considered one of the best courses in the area, if not in the country. Kiawah Island is a good option for renting a kayak or SUP as well, as you can paddle for miles on the calm Kiawah River on the inland side of the island.

Kiawah Island has multiple resorts with luxury amenities, and it has many luxury vacation rentals as well. But there are more affordable options too. If you aren’t staying oceanfront or within walking distance to the beach, you can visit Kiawah Beachwalker Park on the southern end of the island. This public park has restrooms, showers, and a small shop. Just be mindful that you’ll

You Can’t Go Wrong with Any of Charleston’s Beaches

Charleston is home to some of the best beaches in the country. Whether you are looking for a lively atmosphere or a peaceful retreat, you are sure to find it here. All of the beaches in Charleston offer something unique, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Some of the beaches have public facilities, while others are more secluded. Isle of Palms is perfect for those who want the best public facilities, while Sullivan’s Island is ideal for those who want a quiet and less crowded beach. Folly Beach is a great option for families, with its fishing pier, restaurants, and shops. No matter which beach you choose, you are sure to enjoy the beautiful ocean views and Southern hospitality that Charleston is known for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated beaches in Charleston, SC for a family vacation?

Charleston, SC has several beaches that are perfect for a family vacation. Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Sullivan’s Island are some of the top-rated beaches in Charleston, SC. Folly Beach is the closest beach to Charleston and offers a variety of activities for families such as surfing, fishing, and beach volleyball. Isle of Palms is another popular family-friendly beach with amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Sullivan’s Island is known for its calm waters and is a great spot for families with young children.

How do I choose between Folly Beach and Isle of Palms for a relaxing getaway?

Both Folly Beach and Isle of Palms offer a relaxing getaway, but the choice ultimately depends on your preferences. Folly Beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere and is perfect for those looking for a bohemian vibe. It’s also a great spot for surfing and fishing. Isle of Palms, on the other hand, is a more upscale beach with luxurious amenities. It’s perfect for those looking for a more refined getaway.

What public beach amenities can I expect when visiting Charleston’s beaches?

Charleston’s beaches offer a variety of public beach amenities such as restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and picnic areas. Some beaches also have rental equipment available for activities such as surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Lifeguards are also present at some beaches during peak season for added safety.

Which Charleston beach resorts offer the best amenities for a luxury stay?

Charleston has several beach resorts that offer luxurious amenities for a comfortable stay. Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms is a top-rated resort with amenities such as golf courses, community pools, private beach access, and more. Kiawah Island Golf Resort is another popular resort with amenities such as a spa, tennis courts, and a variety of dining options.

Can you compare the atmosphere of Sullivan’s Island to that of Folly Beach?

Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach have different atmospheres. Sullivan’s Island is known for its calm and relaxing atmosphere, while Folly Beach is known for its bohemian and laid-back vibe. Sullivan’s Island is quieter and less crowded than Folly Beach, making it a great spot for those looking for a peaceful getaway. Folly Beach, on the other hand, is more lively and has a variety of activities for visitors.

Where can I find a map of Charleston beaches to plan my vacation itinerary?

You can find a map of Charleston beaches on the official Charleston tourism website or by doing a quick online search. The map will show you the location of each beach and provide information on beach amenities and nearby attractions. It’s a great tool to use when planning your vacation itinerary.