Top Beaches in Charleston

The beach might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a trip to historic Charleston, but the shores of South Carolina’s Lowcountry are dotted with beautiful stretches of sand. Here are some of the best options for a day of sun, sand, and sea.
Kiawah Island
Situated about an hour outside of Charleston, Kiawah Island ranks among South Carolina’s top beach resorts. Visitors will find a public beach—considered one of the best in the country—at the southern end of this beautiful barrier island, as well as plenty of bike paths.
Folly Beach
Perhaps the most iconic beach in Lowcountry, Folly Beach has a little bit of everything: waves for surfing, lifeguards for safe swimming, a fishing pier, food vendors, and even a historic lighthouse (Morris Island) at the mouth of Charleston Harbor. Folly Beach is also a popular jumping off point for stand-up paddleboarding trips along the Carolina coast.
Sullivan’s Island
This largely residential barrier island north of downtown Charleston was once the stomping ground of poet Edgar Allan Poe. Today, visitors come for its broad beach where an offshore sandbar creates excellent conditions for swimming and kiteboarding.
Isle of Palms
Located just across an inlet from Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms attracts families with its lively beaches and collection of shops and oceanfront restaurants.Those with an interest in angling can head out to fish in the creeks of Charleston Harbor or out to sea to catch flounder and red fish trout.
155 Tours and Activities | All Charleston Tours

Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour

Downtown Charleston Culinary Walking Food Tour

Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour with Unitarian Church Graveyard

Charleston's Hidden Alleys & History Guided Small-Group Walking Tour

Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise

Charleston's Tidal Creeks Eco Boat Cruise with Stop at Morris Island Lighthouse

Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston

Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class

Charleston in a Nutshell Private Tours

2-Hour Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

Middleton Place Tour & Lunch with Transportation from Charleston

Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston

Boone Hall Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston

Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour

Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Night-Time Guided Walking Tour

Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour

Charleston See-It-All Sightseeing Bus Tour

Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour

Charleston's Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour

Charleston History Sightseeing Bus Tour with Joseph Manigault House

Historic Charleston Walking Tour: Rainbow Row, Churches, and More

Charleston's Upper King Street Culinary Tour

Historic Colonial Charles Towne Evening Carriage Tour
