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If you are planning a visit to the South Carolina coast, whether it be on the sandy shores near Myrtle Beach or down in the Lowcountry region of the Palmetto State, you will quickly realize there is an abundance of beaches from which to select.
So, how do you pick the best beaches in South Carolina? Which are ideal for the whole family, and which are better just for the grown-ups? We sifted through the sand and selection of the culturally-rich shoreline and picked the best beach in South Carolina this year to help you narrow down your itinerary.
Roughly a 20 to 25-minute drive northeast from Charleston sits Sullivan’s Island. Isle of Palms is to the northeast, with Folly Beach and Kiawah Island to the southwest along the coast.
Taking 703 (Ben Sawyer Boulevard) from mainland South Carolina, you cross the bridge onto the island. Ferries are also available if you prefer to get there by boat.
Street parking is available, as long as you park on the correct side of the road. Tickets are handed out for those who park on restricted sides, so watch for signs.
Visiting the beach itself with the Sullivan’s Island lighthouse is a significant draw. Other activities worth checking out are Fort Moultrie, a drive over the Ben Sawyer Bridge, Sullivan Island Nature Trail, and Thompson Park.
Surfing: no
Swimming: yes
Fishing: yes
Snorkeling: yes
Kite surfing: yes
Paddleboarding: yes
Beach sports: yes
The peaceful “Lowcountry” area of Sullivan’s Island is ideal for tranquil nature walks, ferries, and visits to the various “stations” or beaches, such as Station 23, Station 24, and so forth.
Teens: no
Families: yes
Elderly: yes
All of the Above: yes
In the height of summer, average temperatures hover around 90° with a warm low of 74° and ample humidity. In January, expect averages of about 59° with lows around 39°. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November, with the rainiest months often being July and August (although you’ll still get a lot of sunshine).
Hotels are off of the actual island, so you’ll have to track down rentals on sites like Airbnb to stay on Sullivan’s Island. Isle of Palms, just minutes to the north, has several places only three to four miles away.
Kite surfing can be accessible when the wind is up. Ferries and charters are around the island. Generally, Sullivan’s Island is a tranquil place for visiting with a couple of historical sites and beaches.
Seafood is a staple, as is casual island cuisine. Eclectic restaurants mix with fish fry joints, and there’s even a literary-themed eatery (Poe’s Tavern). Most bistros are between Station 21 and Sullivan’s Island Beach.
Tranquil Lowcountry is the vibe on Sullivan’s Island. Gullah culture is prevalent in the area, and lots of beaches are available for variety. We consider the shoreline here some of the best beaches in South Carolina for the Southern charm.
Roughly 25 to 30 minutes (11 miles) south of Charleston, Folly Beach resides on Folly Island and is part of the Charleston-North/Charleston-Summerville metro area.
From Charleston, Hwy 171 will take you right to the beach. Buses take visitors to the island, as does the Charleston Water Taxi.
Parking lots are available for $7 a day, and parking can sometimes be available on the streets. Follow parking regulations, though. Taking a bus or Uber to the island can save you a headache during busy peak seasons.
A couple of hundred years ago, the island was popular with pirates. Now, Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales migrate along the coast here. The owners of Ocean Sports Surf Shop dubbed Folly Beach “the edge of America,” and the name stuck.
Surfing: yes
Swimming: yes
Fishing: yes
Snorkeling: yes
Kite surfing: yes
Paddleboarding: yes
Beach sports: yes
Folly Beach can get busy during peak seasons and has fishing, swimming, surfing, and shopping. Folly Beach is one of the best beaches in South Carolina for everyone, without the massive crowds of the most popular tourist destinations.
Teens: yes
Families: yes
Elderly: yes
All of the Above: yes
Hurricanes are a possibility most often between June 1 and November 30. Average temperatures in July linger around the mid-80s but can feel hotter thanks to the humidity. January and February get highs in the mid-50s.
Highly rated hotels mix alongside boutique inns and bed and breakfasts.
Surfing is popular on Folly Island now, fishing can be fantastic on the pier, and historic lighthouses are viewable on both Folly Island and Morris Island, a quick drive to the north.
Seafood/American restaurants are the main attraction, but Mexican is also popular, as well as places with live music. Casual is the vibe at most establishments.
Known to residents of Charleston as “the edge of America,” Folly Beach is pristine for spending a day at the water, walking the pier, eating Lowcountry seafood, and even surfing.
Between Sullivan’s Island to its south, and Dewee’s Island to its north, Isle of Palms is just outside Mount Pleasant and Charleston, South Carolina.
From Mount Pleasant, SC-517 will take you onto the island. Charleston Water Taxi can get you there by boat.
Street parking is free in specified areas. Front Beach and Pavilion Drive both have parking lots with lots of spots, but the tourist season can get busy.
Whether you enjoy golf, sand volleyball, paddleboarding, tennis, or fishing, you can find something to do in Isle of Palms.
Surfing: no
Swimming: yes
Fishing: yes
Snorkeling: yes
Kite surfing: no
Paddleboarding: yes
Beach sports: yes
Beaches and volleyball for teens, golf and tennis for the older crowd, and sandy shores for families make this a fantastic place for everyone.
Teens: yes
Families: yes
Elderly: yes
All of the Above: yes
Highs in the middle of summer soar to around 90° and keep an eye on potential hurricanes from the beginning of June through the end of November. Winter months average highs hang around the high 50s to low 60s. Humidity can be oppressive in warmer months.
Average
Beach volleyball, tennis, swimming, and golf can all available on the Isle of Palms. Nearby Boone Hall is the country’s oldest running crop plantation, a location where celebrity weddings took place here.
Seafood, Lowcountry cuisine, French, Italian, and Mexican eats are all available on the island.
Isle of Palms is a bit upscale but also is true to the Lowcountry culture of the area. Plenty of outdoor activities are available for people of all ages.
About two and a half hours north of Charleston, and one hour and 40 minutes south of Wilmington, North Carolina, Myrtle Beach sits on the South Carolina shore.
From Charleston, SC-17 takes you into the heart of Myrtle Beach. Many cities can take you directly to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) by air. Both SC-17 and Ocean Blvd are the main strips for activity.
Parking meters can get pricey, but several parking lots are available. Get to your location early during peak seasons, as this is a popular tourist destination.
You can do virtually a bit of everything at Myrtle Beach, but it is known for its expansive sandy beach, an abundance of resorts, family amusement parks, shows, and shopping. Follow fishing guidelines if you plan to cast a line.
Surfing: yes
Swimming: yes
Fishing: yes
Snorkeling: yes
Kite surfing: no
Paddleboarding: yes
Beach sports: yes
Myrtle Beach is a popular spring break location. It is also home to tons of activities for families and museums for those who want a slower pace.
Teens: yes
Families: yes
Elderly: yes
All of the Above: yes
The upper 80s are typical highs for summer months, with winter getting highs in the mid to upper 50s. Summer sees a lot of humidity, and hurricanes are a potential threat all through summer and autumn months.
There is no shortage of hotels in Myrtle Beach, and you can pick from very high-end, such as Ocean 22 by Hilton, all the way to much more affordable options.
Myrtle Beach is a popular tourist destination, and there is a little something for everyone. From theme parks to live shows, shopping to specialty museums, an abundance of attractions in the area.
Seafood is an obvious choice, but Italian, German, Japanese, and Southern cuisine are also available. Both upscale and casual dining are prevalent, and some fantastic breakfast options are worth checking out, too.
Myrtle Beach is famous thanks to its pristine shoreline, and the city built up several attractions to accommodate tourism. It’s undoubtedly not off-the-beaten-path, but there is plenty to do, both by day and night. We consider Myrtle Beach one of the best beaches in South Carolina for the fun energy of this shoreline city.
Three miles north of Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach is an unincorporated community in South Carolina’s famous Grand Strand on the Atlantic shore. Both Litchfield by the Sea and North Litchfield are part of the beach area.
Taking SC-17 north from the Charleston area and south from the Myrtle Beach area will get you to Litchfield. Beach access is at the end of 2nd Street east of Atlantic Avenue.
The parking can be limited, so research your spots ahead of time. Getting a driver to the beach might be your best bet to avoid tickets.
Litchfield is part of Pawleys Island region, and it is a quiet place for relaxing at the shore. Tourist attractions are limited. Surfing and paddleboarding can be done, depending on the waves or flat water for SUP.
Surfing: yes
Swimming: yes
Fishing: yes
Snorkeling: yes
Kite surfing: yes
Paddleboarding: yes
Beach sports: no
Peaceful strolls, visiting a zoo or a historic castle, and beachcombing are just some of the ideal activities in this area away from some of the more touristy beaches of South Carolina.
Teens: no
Families: yes
Elderly: yes
All of the Above: yes
Litchfield Beach gets highs in the upper 80s, even the low 90s, during summertime. Winter months average highs around 57° to 61°. Watch for hurricanes from June 1 through November 30 and be prepared for humid weather in warmer months.
A few chain hotels dot the area, along with some beach house rentals. Prices are generally reasonable as the hotels are mid-range.
Most of the attractions are up past Litchfield by the Sea and Murrells Inlet. Peaceful walks and family activities are most predominant.
Eclectic dining is the thing in this area, with global menu restaurants, sushi and hibachi, upscale Italian, and, of course, seafood..
Litchfield is ideal for quieter family getaways, with botanical gardens, historical sites, the zoo, and beautiful beach access.
In between Edisto Island and Hilton Head lies Harbor Island. Harbor Island nearly connects like a puzzle piece with Hunting Island and is in a cluster of several other isles, such as St. Helena and Pritchard’s Island.
Sea Island Pkwy will take you onto the island across a bridge. You can also contact Daufuskie Ferry Service about traveling via boat.
Parking lots are scarce, so finding accommodations near the beach and walking is sometimes the easiest. Checking with Uber drivers to transport you to the beach can help eliminate the headache of finding a spot.
Harbor Island is known for its tranquil vibe and slower pace. It misses some of the heavy tourist traffic, thanks to Edisto and Hilton Head being significant hubs nearby. Charters are a good bet if you want to fish.
Surfing: no
Swimming: yes
Fishing: yes
Snorkeling: no
Kite surfing: no
Paddleboarding: yes
Beach sports: no
Harbor Island is ideal for those who want to avoid overly touristy areas or spring break locations. Harbor Island is a peaceful setting for those who want to kick back and relax.
Teens: no
Families: no
Elderly: yes
All of the Above: no
Harbor Island, SC experiences highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s with a lot of humidity in summer. Hurricanes are possible in this region, especially between the beginning of June and through the end of November. Wintertime is mild, with highs in the mid to upper 50s.
Larger hotels are virtually non-existent on Harbor Island, so you will have to stay on one of the surrounding islands if you want a stay in a traditional inn. Searching for a rental vacation home or camping are options that will more likely keep you on Harbor Island itself.
Traveling out to Hunting Island and St. Helena Island will open up your options. Kayaking is popular. Harbor Island is an ideal place to sit on the shore with a book.
Casual is the vibe of the island, and restaurants are limited. You’ll have to travel to surrounding areas for some options, such as St. Helena Island directly to the west.
If you want a serene Lowcountry getaway without the massive crowds, Harbor Island is worth checking out.
Between Charleston and Savannah, in the mix of South Carolina’s barrier islands, is St. Helena Island.
From Beaufort, the Sea Island Pkwy will take you onto the island. Fort Fremont on the southern shore of the island is both a historic site and has a public beach.
Parking is available at Fort Fremont. Otherwise, you will need to navigate street parking or look into vacation houses with beach access.
St. Helena Island is another one of the quieter spots in the region, with fantastic fishing. Fishing information is here.
Surfing: no
Swimming: yes
Fishing: yes
Snorkeling: no
Kite surfing: no
Paddleboarding: yes
Beach sports: no
Historic sites, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are big draws to this quiet, Lowcountry location.
Teens: no
Families: no
Elderly: yes
All of the Above: no
Saint Helena Island is one of the slightly hotter areas on the South Carolina coast, with summertime highs in the low 90s and plenty of humidity. Winter gets averages of around 60° / 40°. Watch for hurricanes during both summer and autumn.
Unless you are looking for a private rental house on sites such as Airbnb, Beaufort (which is only minutes away) is the place to search for hotels. Many of the areas just over the bridge in Beaufort are gorgeous and highly-rated.
A few historical and cultural sites are the most prominent attractions, but kayaking, paddleboarding, and walking trails are fantastic options.
Again, a few of the better restaurants are over the bridge in Beaufort. Lowcountry cuisine, soul food, and seafood are the go-to establishments around St. Helena Island.
Harbor Island is fantastic for those who want a tranquil vacation with options for fishing, kayaking, and exploring historical/cultural sites. Fort Fremont is a beautiful beach for swimming, strolls, and even guided tours through the fort.
Pawleys Island sits between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, just south of Litchfield, South Carolina.
Highway 17 south from Myrtle Beach, or coming from Charleston, US-17 headed north will get you to Pawleys Island.
Pawley Island has a lot of beaches to enjoy, and roughly 141 parking spots. There are a few lots for parking and be sure to follow any street parking guidelines. Beach access points can be found here, at various places.
The fantastic for fishing, snorkeling tours, Pawleys Island has the most public and free beach access in South Carolina’s Georgetown County. Surfing is possible if you keep away from the pier, and historic sites dot the area.
Surfing: yes
Swimming: yes
Fishing: yes
Snorkeling: yes
Kite surfing: no
Paddleboarding: yes
Beach sports: yes
Those who want to experience the Lowcountry with fantastic beaches alongside historic sites will love Pawleys Island.
Teens: no
Families: yes
Elderly: yes
All of the Above: yes
July tends to be the rainiest month, but still gets lots of sunshine. Average highs hover around 90° in July, and winter highs are in the high 50s to low 60s. Hurricanes are possible, especially between June 1 and November 30, so consider travel insurance during this time.
Bed and breakfasts are accessible on the island, and many have fantastic ratings. To the north, near Litchfield, you can find a couple of traditional hotels.
History and culture are a significant part of the draw to this Lowcountry island. With various historic houses to tour, gardens to explore, and nature trails, this is a history and nature lover’s place.
Upscale and casual eats are available, with seafood, Italian, and eclectic being among the most popular.
Pawleys Island has a reputation for being, as they put it, “arrogantly shabby,” both proud of their Lowcountry culture and casual at the same time. Pawleys Island is a place for quieter getaways, without massive tourist attractions.
Directly between Charleston and Hilton Head, Edisto Beach is on the southern point of Edisto Island.
From Charleston, take Hwy 17 to 174 onto the island via the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway and continue on Hwy 174 to the beach at the south tip of the island.
Each intersection of Palmetto Blvd has beach access, and street parking is available. Peak seasons can get a little busy, but compared to some areas of South Carolina, tourism is relatively low on Edisto Island.
Edisto is not on many people’s radar for tourism, yet the natural beauty of the beaches here are fantastic. Edisto Beach is not a hot spot for nightlife, but instead for nature walks, swimming, fishing, paddleboarding, and charter tours on boats.
Surfing: no
Swimming: yes
Fishing: yes
Snorkeling: yes
Kite surfing: no
Paddleboarding: yes
Beach sports: no
Attractions are limited to enjoying beaches, nature trails, historic sites, and a worthwhile Serpentarium (with alligators and other reptiles). Edisto is a place for those who want to disconnect from the rest of the world for a bit and enjoy the Lowcountry.
Teens: no
Families: yes
Elderly: yes
All of the Above: yes
Edisto Beach has an average of a humid 90° in July, with very mild winters. Watch for hurricanes, particularly during both summer and autumn, which is the peak season.
Few options exist on Edisto Island itself unless you seek out vacation rental homes. Seabrook Island directly to the north opens up your possibilities, with a few mid-range hotels right near the shore.
Edisto is a hidden gem on the South Carolina coast. For a quieter shoreline, we consider this one of the best beaches in South Carolina for appreciating the Southern culture and coastline.
Casual seafood and comfort food is the predominant vibe for establishments on Edisto Island, along with a little Mexican and ice cream. Check out Whaley’s Store, a quirky place that serves up seafood in an old gas station—people love it.
Edisto has a photogenically beautiful stretch of beaches and some intriguing history. For those looking for a quiet getaway, this is a spot to consider.
The 5,000-acre barrier island sits between Harbor Island and Fripp Island, east of Beaufort. This state park is nestled next to Harbor Island, close to St. Helena, and roughly a two-hour drive south of Charleston.
From Charleston, US-17 south will take you to US-21 south/Beaufort. Continue on the Sea Island Pkwy over the bridges onto the island. Hunting Island Drive will take you down to the beach area.
Parking at the lighthouse is available if you are only spending the day on the island. The campground is the most straightforward way to keep a parking spot if you plan to stay on the island and walk to the beach.
Hunting Island is a nature lover’s dream, with most of the island claimed as a state park, a campground for getting in touch with nature, fishing allowed from lagoons or right off the shore, waves for surfing, and little else to disturb the quiet.
Surfing: yes
Swimming: yes
Fishing: yes
Snorkeling: no
Kite surfing: yes
Paddleboarding: no
Beach sports: no
Tourist attractions are at a minimum here. Hunting Island is fantastic for those who love camping, beachcombing, fishing, and enjoying quiet.
Teens: no
Families: yes
Elderly: yes
All of the Above: yes
Like much of the South Carolina coast, Hunting Island gets summertime highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and mild winters in the upper 50s. Hurricanes are the most common during summer and fall. Travel insurance is worth considering, especially during July through October because of potential storms.
Hotels are non-existent on Hunting Island, as it is a state park. There is a fantastic campground with rental cabins right on the island near the beach. Beyond that, Fripp Island is exceptionally close to the south, and Beaufort, to the east, has excellent hotel options.
You want to be willing to connect with nature if you are going to stay on Hunting Island. The landmass is a state park and has nature trails, a gorgeous beach, and a lighthouse. Hunting Island is a place to fish, enjoy nature, and camp.
Unless you are cooking over your campfire, you will have to venture off to one of the neighboring islands to eat out. Nearby restaurants are all about seafood, Lowcountry cuisine, and casual dining.
Hunting Island Beach is best for genuine nature lovers who want to experience the Lowcountry but avoid too much tourist traffic and rows of boxy resort hotels. Hunting Island is one of the best beaches in South Carolina to unplug from it all and get back to nature.
Cherry Grove is part of the North Myrtle Beach area, roughly a 30-minute drive for the central Myrtle Beach area. Cherry Grove is about two and a half hours north of Charleston and approximately two hours and 40 minutes east of Columbia, South Carolina.
Taking SC-31 north from Myrtle Beach up to the Robert Edge Pkwy gets you into North Myrtle Beach, and N Ocean Blvd (65) going north drives right into the Cherry Grove Beach area.
Winter parking in some areas is free, but you will have to pay for some lots in the summer. Street parking is sometimes available if you watch for and avoid restricted areas, and public access parking is along the beach shore.
Beach activities mixed with nearby attractions make this tourist spot an often less-crowded alternative to Myrtle Beach. Pay attention to surfing and fishing restrictions if you plan to do so.
Surfing: yes
Swimming: yes
Fishing: yes
Snorkeling: yes
Kite surfing: yes
Paddleboarding: no
Beach sports: yes
With all of the nightlife of Myrtle Beach nearby, plenty of family attractions, pristine shoreline, and even wineries in the area, Cherry Grove Beach has something for everyone.
Teens: yes
Families: yes
Elderly: yes
All of the Above: yes
Like Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove has delightful highs in the upper 80s during summer, with humidity, but a breeze off the ocean can be pleasant. Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30. Winters are mild, often in the high 50s.
With Myrtle Beach nearby, there are plenty of hotel options in the Cherry Grove Beach area. You can stay at more pleasant, three-star hotels, or more affordable yet still well-rated motels on the beach.
The beach is beautiful, but there are also lots of attractions nearby for both families and adults-sans-kids. A couple of wineries are in the area, along with amusement type adventures. Be sure to walk the historic pier!
Casual eating places are the primary selection, with lots of pizza nearby, as well as seafood and Southern cooking.
Cherry Grove Beach has the beach, pier, and attractions that lure in visitors, much like Myrtle Beach, but with a bit less tourism traffic.
Hilton Head Beach is on Hilton Head Island, close to the southern tip of South Carolina, near the Georgia border. Daufuskie Island sits to its south. Hilton Head Beach is on the eastern (ocean) side of the island.
Driving, 278 gets you on Hilton Head Island. You can also take a ferry Savannah or from Wilmington Island to get there by boat. It is about one hour from the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.
Hilton Head has a lot of beaches, but Hilton Head Beach (official) is at 560 William Hilton Pkwy. Parking information is here. There are several areas, including lots and street spaces, but specific areas are restricted to season pass holders. Fish Haul Beach Park and Coligny Beach Park offer free spots.
Umbrellas and sunbathers frequently dot the expansive sand. The waves here can be fantastic for body surfing. Lots of restaurants are nearby.
Surfing: yes
Swimming: yes
Fishing: yes
Snorkeling: no
Kite surfing: yes
Paddleboarding: yes
Beach sports: yes
Hilton Head is not the cheapest place to stay on the Carolina coast. Hotels and restaurants are on the posh side. Lots of amenities are available for families, such as a Disney Hotel and Sandbox, an interactive kid’s museum.
Teens: yes
Families: yes
Elderly: yes
All of the Above: yes
Summertime is balmy, with highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s, and humid. The end of summer tends to be rainiest, with around ten days per month, but still offers a lot of sunshine. Winters are mild in the low 60s. Keep an eye on potential hurricanes, especially between June and November.
High-end hotels are typical on Hilton Head, including a Disney resort and one by the Omni. Most places are a little pricey, but some affordable chain hotels are dotted around the island, too.
Several beaches line the coast of the island. All of the shorelines are public, although you need to locate public access to get onto the beaches. The lighthouse is famous and an icon of the island. Various offshore excursions are worth checking out.
Upscale and fine dining is commonplace on Hilton Head. Italian and French are popular on the island, along with Southern fair and seafood.
If you want to experience the Lowcountry of South Carolina in high style, Hilton Head is the place to go. With parasailing, charters, zip-lining, museums, and plenty of pristine beaches, there is a little bit of something for almost everyone.
Garden City Beach sits directly between Myrtle Beach to its north, and Litchfield by the Sea to its south. It’s only about 25 minutes from Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) and lies 85 miles north of Charleston.
From Charleston, US-17 north will take you directly along the coast to Garden City Beach. If you are flying, landing at Myrtle Beach International Airport is closest to Garden City Beach.
Public parking is available at 110 S Waccamaw Drive and 115 S Waccamaw Drive.
Village Surf Shoppe opened its doors in 1968 and still runs to this day. Waves can get sizeable, so know your limits. Crabbing and fishing are also popular in the area.
Surfing: yes
Swimming: yes
Fishing: yes
Snorkeling: yes
Kite surfing: yes
Paddleboarding: no
Beach sports: yes
Teens can enjoy surf lessons, escape room games, and mini-golf and the whole family can try out some of the offshore excursions, walking the pier, or a water park and go-kart track.
Teens: yes
Families: yes
Elderly: yes
All of the Above: yes
Garden City Beach is slightly cooler on average (by a few degrees) than many of South Carolina’s beaches. Summertime highs hover around the mid-80s, and winter highs are in the mid-50s. July and August tend to see a little more rain than other times of the year, and hurricanes are a small but severe risk between June and November.
Accommodations are available in a variety of price points right along the beach overlooking the ocean. Well-rated, three-star establishments are among the most prevalent.
Lots of family attractions dot the area, four golf courses are nearby as well as mini-golf, Murrells Inlet marsh walk is ideal for those who want a stroll in nature, and surfing is popular.
Casual dining is most popular, with lots of family restaurants, burger joints, and beachy seafood. Italian is also available, as well as Southern-style BBQ.
Garden City Beach is a fantastic option is you want to experience the South Carolina shore, but are interested in a choice of which most visitors from outside the Palmetto State are unaware.
Kiawah is one of South Carolina’s barrier islands and sits between Folly, James, and Johns Islands to its north, and Edisto Island to its south. It is 26 miles south of Charleston.
The Kiawah Island Pkwy crosses the Kiawah River to take you directly onto the island. The public beach is at 8 Beachwalker Drive, Kiawah Island, SC 29455. Other parts of the shoreline are private.
Beachwalker County Park is the only public beach access on the island. Most of the shoreline has private beach access for property owners only, and they are stringent about this rule.
Kiawah Island has some beautiful beaches, but golfing is the big draw here. If you aren’t a golfer or into tennis, you might want to look into staying on a different barrier island. If you’re a fan, you’ll love the place, though.
Surfing: yes
Swimming: yes
Fishing: yes
Snorkeling: yes
Kite surfing: yes
Paddleboarding: yes
Beach sports: yes
High-end dining and resorts are significant players on the island, and golf and tennis are some of the most popular activities. Boat excursions are also fantastic outings.
Teens: no
Families: no
Elderly: yes
All of the Above: no
Kiawah Island gets pretty typical Carolina coast weather, with humid summertime highs in the upper 80s to low 90s, and winter highs in the low 60s. July and August can get around ten days of rain per month, and watch for hurricanes, especially between June 1 and November 30.
Kiawah Island has lots of vacation homes for rent, but hotel choices are very few. A couple of resorts are on the island. Beyond that, you can come from Folly Island to Kiawah’s north, which has several hotels.
Kiawah Island has a few stunning beaches and lots of golfing. Golf courses here are lovely, and you can choose between a handful of them. Tennis is also available on the island.
Most of the restaurants on the island are in the golf resorts or at golf courses, and these tend to be upscale dining. A couple of American restaurants featuring Southern BBQ are available, and a well-rated pub on Seabrook Island just over the bridge is worth checking out.
With several golf courses and tennis courts, Kiawah Island is fantastic for those who like to practice their swing. Quiet sandy beaches are tranquil and don’t have some of the crowding other areas of the Carolina coast experience.
Burkes Beach is on the northeastern shoreline of South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island. It is roughly one hour from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.
After taking the William Hilton Pkwy onto Hilton Head Island, follow it across the island until you get to Burkes Beach Road, which takes you directly to the shore.
Metered parking is available at Burkes Beach. During peak seasons, get there early, as it is a popular spot.
Enjoying the sprawling sandy beach and swimming is the focal point of this beach. Skimboarding and surfing are possible when the conditions are right. A fishing guide and restrictions are here.
Surfing: yes
Swimming: yes
Fishing: yes
Snorkeling: no
Kite surfing: yes
Paddleboarding: no
Beach sports: yes
Hilton Head is a bit more upscale than some parts of the coast, but there is lots of room on this beach, and families frequent the spot.
Teens: yes
Families: yes
Elderly: yes
All of the Above: yes
Watch for hurricanes during the summer and autumn in particular. Hotter months can be humid, and summertime sees highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Winter gets highs in the upper 50s to lower 60s. The rainiest time tends to be July and August, with about ten days of rainfall per month, but still lots of sunshine.
Plenty of homes and apartments are available to rent on the island, as well as upscale hotels and resorts. There are a few different inns by Marriott in the vicinity of Burkes Beach, and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is only 2.6 miles from the beach.
Hilton Head Island provides a significant variety of activities. Other beaches are worth checking out, as are some of the island parks and chartered boat adventures if you like being on the water.
Hilton Head Island offers a ton of restaurants to choose from, but right in the vicinity of Burkes Beach, you’ll find mostly casual dining, seafood, and American eats with a Southern flair.
Burkes Beach is an expansive sandy shore with plenty of restaurants nearby, as well as other beaches to try out during your stay.
