Best Beaches in Charleston, SC

There are lots of beautiful beaches along the South Carolina coast. In the Charleston, SC vicinity there are three beaches that locals and tourists alike love to while away hot sunny days; Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, and Folly Beach.

Isle of Palms, SC, is a beautiful, tropical island with streets lined with palm trees and multi-million dollar beach houses. The main boulevard along the ocean has hotels, shops, and lots of restaurants and bars. The Wild Dunes resort is the priciest, followed by The Seaside Inn and The Palms Hotel. Although Wild Dunes is expensive, it has many amenities including two miles of beach, a swimming pool, and two golf courses.

The beach is easy to access as there are lots of pathways that lead to the ocean; however parking can be a problem. There is a public parking lot but it generally fills up very early in the summer season. Generally you will have to drive around and look for an open spot on the road. Don't think you can get away with parking illegally because the roads are regularly patrolled. While Isle of Palms is a major summer destination it never feels overcrowded on the beach, although the restaurants and bars are always full. Check out their website on the link provided.

Sullivan's Island, SC, is just over the bridge from Isle of Palms. It's a smaller town with no hotels or motels but lots of beach rentals and several nice restaurants and bars. One of the most famous restaurant/bars is Poe's Tavern. Early in Edgar Allen Poe's life he was in the army and stationed on Sullivan's Island. He credits his time there for inspiring his story, "The Gold Bug." The restaurant serves excellent, casual beach food, and beer and wine.

The beach is quieter and more secluded than IOP and family friendly. There are no bathrooms available unless you park in the one small public parking lot at the end of the island. It's a great place to while away the day. However, like IOP parking can be difficult because you will most likely have to find a spot along the streets, sometimes several blocks back from the beach. Be prepared and pack fairly lightly.