11 Best Beaches in South Carolina for 2025

Sand, Sea, and Surf in South Carolina

South Carolina packs an incredible variety of coastal experiences into its 187-mile Atlantic shoreline.

We’ve tracked down the best spots you should visit this year, including some local gems. Whether you’re after Instagram-worthy sunsets or just want to plant yourself under an umbrella for a week, you’ll find the perfect sandy shore among.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand region make up one of America’s most popular beach spots, stretching an impressive 60 miles along South Carolina’s northeastern coast.

This busy beach paradise includes 14 different beach towns and welcomes over 17 million visitors each year. The area stays warm and humid throughout the year, making it perfect for vacations in any season.

From the lively Myrtle Beach Boardwalk to the family-friendly Surfside Beach, you can enjoy many different coastal experiences.

Pawleys Island

Recently picked as ‘Best Beach in South Carolina’ by USA Today/10 Best, this narrow paradise is less than four miles long and has only 200 year-round residents.

Beyond its clean beaches that are great for surfing and finding shells, Pawleys Island is rich in history, with 12 historic plantation homes and famous hammocks made right on the island.

The weather stays warm year-round, so you can enjoy the beach in any season. You can explore tidal creeks by kayak, bike on quiet streets, or play golf at nearby courses, all while enjoying the real charm that has made the island win many national awards.

Within 5 miles of the island, you’ll find ten golf courses designed by famous golfers like Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach is a charming barrier island that covers 12 square miles of beautiful Atlantic coastline.

With six miles of wide beaches, surfers love it here because it has the best waves in South Carolina. Fishing fans gather at the East Coast’s second-largest fishing pier. Center Street offers a relaxed atmosphere without big crowds, where you can check out local shops and restaurants, including the popular Pier 101 Restaurant.

You can take a kayak trip to Morris Island Lighthouse, watch birds at Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, or simply enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

Edisto Beach

Going south along South Carolina’s coast, you’ll find Edisto Beach, a peaceful haven where nature remains mostly untouched by big businesses.

Located 50 miles from Charleston, this barrier island has 4.5 miles of clean beaches where you can hunt for shells and fossils.

With only 414 full-time residents and no big hotels or tall buildings, the island keeps its charm through beach house rentals. You can go kayaking, take eco-tours, and play golf while experiencing real coastal living.

Cherry Grove Beach

At the very top of North Myrtle Beach sits Cherry Grove Beach, where you’ll find clean shores and a peaceful, family-friendly setting.

The famous 985-foot Cherry Grove Pier is perfect for fishing, while Heritage Shores Nature Preserve lets you watch wildlife in peace.

If you like adventure, you can try kayaking, jet skiing, or parasailing. You can also ride horses along the beach at Inlet Point Plantation Stables.

Fripp Island

At South Carolina’s southern tip, Fripp Island spreads across 3,000 beautiful acres, offering 3.5 miles of white-sand beaches and interesting tide changes.

You can only get to this coastal treasure by one bridge, and its packed sand is perfect for biking and jogging along the shore.

You can swim, surf, and paddleboard here, and with two championship golf courses and spots like Beach Hut and Club 15.5, you’ll get a complete beach experience.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is one of America’s top beach spots, drawing 2.5 million visitors each year to its 12 miles of perfect white-sand beaches.

The calm waters are great for swimming and watching dolphins, and you can explore 50+ miles of paths around the island. The island keeps its natural beauty by not allowing neon signs, and offers great amenities including 24 golf courses and 250 restaurants.

In 2025, the island will add 2.2 million cubic yards of sand across several beaches, costing $16.5 million to keep them in good shape.

Isle of Palms

Just 15 miles from Charleston, Isle of Palms welcomes visitors with 7 miles of wide, clean Atlantic beaches.

This barrier island mixes upscale living with classic beach charm, and up to 20,000 people visit each summer day to enjoy its shores.

The beach is always busy with activities, from swimming and sunbathing to playing volleyball at the famous Windjammer. Beyond the beach, you’ll find beachfront resorts, golf courses, and the fancy Wild Dunes community.

Sullivan’s Island

Near Charleston Harbor, Sullivan’s Island offers 2.5 miles of beautiful Atlantic beach just 20 minutes from downtown.

This natural getaway has smooth sandy shores and lots of wildlife, with clear ocean views because there are no buildings right on the beach.

You might see loggerhead turtles, dolphins, and more than 175 kinds of birds here. There are tons of things to do here, like fishing in the surf, kiteboarding at Station 28 1/2, and catching ghost crabs under the stars.

Hunting Island State Park

South Carolina’s most-visited state park covers 5,000 acres of pristine barrier island just 15 miles east of historic Beaufort.

Named one of America’s Top Ten Beaches by TripAdvisor, Hunting Island welcomes over a million visitors each year to its five miles of natural shoreline and lush forest.

Nature lovers enjoy visiting the historic lighthouse, 1,120-foot fishing pier, and many trails. The Nature Center shows live animals, and everyone can get to the beach easily thanks to wheelchair-friendly Mobi-Mats at several spots.

Seabrook Island

Near Charleston, Seabrook Island offers 3.5 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches and 2,200 acres of protected lowland landscape.

This exclusive barrier island has two main beaches: Pelican Beach with its gentle waves that families love, and North Beach, which has the widest shoreline on the Carolina coast.

The island’s Beach Club has oceanfront pools and places to eat, and you can go horseback riding, biking, and wildlife watching along the white sand beaches all year round.