With its white sand beaches, mouthwatering sea-to-table eateries, and more than 2,876 miles of tidal coastline, South Carolina is a seaside paradise! It’s time to find out all about the best beach towns in South Carolina.
Are you dreaming of your next holiday? Then consider visiting beautiful South Carolina! With its serene shores and pristine, sandy beaches, there is no better place for an exciting, warm-weather getaway.
From surfer’s paradise Folly Beach, to the vibrant culinary scene and world-class shopping of Charleston, this is a state that has SO much to offer!
I’m going to run you through the best beach towns in South Carolina. It’s been hard narrowing it down as there are lots to pick from.
There are also lots of tips for the best places to visit in South Carolina, as well as recommendations for hotels, restaurants and activities. By the end of this guide you’ll be ready to plan the ultimate beach getaway!
Weather in South Carolina
Summers are hot and humid in South Carolina. The best time to visit for warm weather activities is from May till August when daily temperatures average 28°C. You might want to avoid July which is the hottest and wettest month.
Winters in South Carolina are cold and windy. The weather is more unpredictable during the winter months. Temperatures generally average between 5°C to 7°C. From December to February, you can even expect snow.
The Most Amazing Beach Towns in South Carolina
Pawleys Island
The South Carolina beach town of Pawleys Island is considered to be one of the east coast’s oldest summer resorts. This picturesque town features plenty of historic landmarks, well-preserved natural areas and sandy beaches.
Treat yourself to a luxurious stay at any of the exquisite beachside hotels and cottage rentals. Also, make sure you visit the beautiful Brookgreen Gardens. During the summer, the gardens are lit up at night in an amazing light show!
Bluffton
Bluffton is a charming small town located minutes from Hilton Head Island. It’s the perfect place to book a holiday if you want to experience the small town Southern lifestyle, while still being close to the ocean.
There are countless fun things to do and see in Bluffton. Spend time exploring the historic churches, unique artisan shops and locally-owned restaurants. Also, don’t miss local favourite, the Burnt Church Distillery for speciality cocktails and delicious cooking in a historic building.
Hilton Head Island
Lovingly nicknamed “America’s Favourite Island”, Hilton Head is one of the best places to visit In South Carolina if you’re looking for a holiday that combines modern comfort with fun outdoor activities. Visit Hilton Head and you can experience for yourself the beautiful, white-sand beaches, luxurious hotels and resorts and world-class golf courses.
Hilton Head is also one of the best coastal towns in South Carolina to spot dolphins. They’re best seen from the water, so I’d suggest booking onto a guided dolphin tour. You’ll get to watch the playful bottlenose dolphins in their own environment, while learning all about the fascinating history of Hilton Head from a local guide.
Murrells Inlet
Are you hoping to indulge in some of South Carolina’s famous lowcountry cuisine? Then you simply must visit Murrells Inlet. This is one of the best coastal towns in South Carolina for seafood!
Edisto Beach
Edisto Beach is one of the best coastal towns in South Carolina for families. It’s a great place to visit if you have kids in tow thanks to its clean, well-tended beach and gentle waters.
There are countless fun activities to enjoy here too. You could visit secluded beaches, take a dolphin and whale watching tour or visit one of the historic plantation houses.
Folly Beach
Folly Beach is one of the best places to visit in South Carolina for surfing. It also happens to be the closest beach to Charleston.
Folly Beach is a family-friendly beach town with some of the best surfing along the South Carolina coast. There’s also excellent pier and surf fishing, along with a broad variety of dining options. You’ll find everything from tiny crab shacks serving up fresh seafood to fine-dining restaurants along the water.
Fancy an adventure? Try stand-up paddle boarding! On this fun guided tour, you’ll learn the basics of SUPing while paddling alongside bottlenose dolphins and other South Carolina wildlife!
Myrtle Beach
No list of the best beach towns in South Carolina would be complete without Myrtle Beach. Well, officially this one is actually a city! Thanks to its sprawling bays, lush natural wonders and exciting attractions, Myrtle Beach is the perfect place to plan your next seaside holiday.
If you’re looking for something a little different, how about checking out the award-winning show, Carolina Opry. This award-winning show features 35 of the nation’s most talented performers! It’s a high-energy music, comedy and dance extravaganza, located in a charming theatre in downtown Myrtle Beach.
Isle of Palms
The Isle of Palms is one of the best coastal towns to visit in South Carolina if you want to be near historic Charleston. With a beautiful beach, championship golf and tennis clubs and a marina, Isle of Palms offers a wide variety of fun activities.
Sullivan’s Island
This scenic two-and-a-half mile long barrier island is located in the Charleston Harbour area. Come for a visit and you can enjoy that charming, small-town feel while still being close to all the fantastic restaurants, shops and entertainment of Downtown Charleston!
On top of its picture-perfect beaches, Sullivan’s Island has a surprisingly rich culinary scene. Be sure to visit the eclectic Obstinate Daughter, lovingly nicknamed “the Food Fort” by locals. It’s famed for its excellent seafood and wood-fired pizzas.
Kiawah Island
One of the best beach towns in South Carolina is Kiawah Island. In fact, it’s been voted one of the top 10 beaches in the whole of the United States. Wander its spectacular sandy beaches and you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the surf!
With miles of unspoiled beaches, nature walks, a wide variety of dining options and world-class golf courses (over 5 to choose from!) Kiawah Island offers endless activities for both couples and families.
Where to stay on the beach in South Carolina
The Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa
Located right on the sandy shores of Hilton Head, the 5-star Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa is ideal for a luxurious holiday. With 3 pools, 4 restaurants and an outside bar, there will be plenty to keep you busy on your holiday!
All the guest rooms are spacious and modern, with floor to ceiling windows. Plus, many of them boast beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Anderson Ocean Club and Spa
Anderson Ocean Club and Spa is a luxurious seaside hotel just a 10 minute walk from famous Myrtle Beach. At this upscale resort, you’ll enjoy top-class amenities including beach-front access, an indoor and outdoor pool, a full-service spa and unlimited mini golf just across the street.
If you’re looking for fun, family-friendly activities you’ll find both Myrtle Waves Water Park and the Ripley’s Aquarium just a short drive from the hotel.
Sweetgrass Inn – A Wild Dunes Resort
Sweetgrass Inn is a charming resort located just a 5-minute walk from the beach, close to the beautiful Isle of Palms. This upscale, 4-star hotel features 5 amazing outdoor swimming pools, elegantly furnished guest rooms, a fitness centre and several tennis courts.
Downtown historic Charleston is just a 15-minute drive away with its buzzing restaurants and bars and boutique shops.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best beach towns in South Carolina.
Visit any of these South Carolina beaches and coastal towns and you’re sure to enjoy an amazing holiday filled with sand, surf and sunshine!