Charleston Beaches

While Charleston is known for its historic district, the city also has pristine beaches nearby perfect for escaping the crowds. From Isle of Palms to Folly Beach, see the city’s best beaches.

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Sullivan’s Island

History lovers won’t want to miss touring Fort Moultrie, the series of citadels on Sullivan’s Island where the victory over the British Navy took place on June 28, 1776. Edgar Allan Poe was also stationed here as a US Army private in 1827. History aside, there’s plenty of beachy things to do here, like stand up paddleboarding and embarking on a fishing charter.

Bulls Island

If you’re a nature lover -- or just looking for a bit of solitude -- this 7-mile-long undeveloped barrier island and wilderness habitat is the perfect beach to explore. And it’s a particular draw for bird watchers, with its nearly 300 species of birds, making it home to one of the largest bird populations on South Carolina’s coast.

Edisto Beach

An hour’s drive from Charleston, this unspoiled beach is ideal for eco-tourists, fishing fanatics and families. There is always some lowcountry fun to take part in here, like July’s Billfish Tournament, September’s Shrimp Fest and October’s Bluegrass Festival.

Edisto Beach

This family-friendly beach is a fisherman’s dream, with surf fishing, river fishing, pier fishing and deep-sea fishing. And nature lovers will enjoy Edisto Beach State Park’s oceanfront campground, known for its palmetto-lined beaches, historic fossils and shelling.

Seabrook Island

Looking to get away from it all? You’ll feel like you are on your own private beach at Seabrook Island. This 2,200-acre coastal barrier island lures beach lovers with its peaceful beaches and miles of untouched marshland.

Seabrook Island

This coastal barrier island’s pristine beaches aren’t its only draw. Seabook Island is a private oceanfront residential community with 2 championship golf courses, an equestrian center and hearty seafood restaurants.

Isle of Palms

Perfect for families, Isle of Palms is known for its tight-knit community of local businesses and charming beach homes. For an excursion into luxury, Wild Dunes Resort features golf courses, a spa and oceanfront pools.

Kiawah Beach

This 10,000-acre barrier island has 10 miles of pristine beaches to explore and 30 miles of marshland. Just 21 miles outside of downtown Charleston, Kiawah Beach offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the sunshine among wildlife like turtles, white deer and seabirds that inhabit the area.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort

What’s another draw of Kiawah Beach, beyond its miles of untouched beaches? World-class golfing! Ranked the No. 1 golf resort in the US by Golf World magazine, Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers 5 championship courses for teeing off, as well as luxurious oceanfront lodging.

Folly Beach

Nicknamed “Edge of America,” Folly Beach is a 7-mile-long natural barrier island on the Atlantic Coast known for its laid-back beach culture. There’s something for everyone here, from great surf breaks to beachfront cottages, as well as locally owned restaurants and eclectic shops.

Folly Beach

Just 15 minutes outside of downtown Charleston, Folly Beach provides a convenient seaside escape for locals and tourists alike. This outdoor lover’s escape offers some of the best surfing on the East Coast, dolphin kayak tours, deep-sea fishing and plenty of sand to play in.

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Charleston

Charleston Beaches

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Shop This Look

Sullivan’s Island

Bulls Island

Edisto Beach

Edisto Beach

Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island

Isle of Palms

Kiawah Beach

Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Folly Beach

Folly Beach

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