South Carolina is best known for its rich cultures, history, and sandy mesmerizing beaches. The state proudly boasts 2,876 miles of long tidal coastline and has some of the best beaches on the east coast, which is filled with travelers from far and wide. Whether you are permanently moving to South Carolina or going to the state for vacation purposes, the peaceful beach destinations will not disappoint you.
The beaches here are filled with natural beauty, various amenities and are pretty clean, which makes them worth visiting. You can also enjoy a beautiful surrounding area with amazing views, small secluded beaches, beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, and little civilization settled around.
You might be confused for sure about the best South Carolina beaches for families to visit in the state. Isn’t? Well, do not worry, we have done this grueling task for you. Thus, presenting to you a comprehensive guide stating the prettiest beaches in South Carolina, which you can visit and enjoy with your family.
What is the prettiest beach in South Carolina?
Some of the prettiest beaches in South Carolina are:-
- Folly Beach
- Isle of Palms
- Huntington Beach State Park
- Edisto Beach
- Myrtle Beach
What is the safest beach in South Carolina?
Beaches are a place of peace and tranquility. They are the best places for boating and other water activities. Thus beaches and their nearby towns should be safe so that you can enjoy them to the fullest. Here is a list of some of the safest beaches and the best beach towns in South Carolina:-
- Sullivan’s Island
- Folly Beach County Park, Folly Beach
- Myrtle Beach State Park, Myrtle Beach
- Hunting Island State Park, Hunting Island
- Isle of Palms County Park, Isle of Palms
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1. Huntington Beach State Park
Huntington Beach State Park is the 5th best South Carolina beach for families, according to the US News. This beach is an ideal place to enjoy for people who are nature & wildlife lovers, and history buffs. It offers you a beautiful 3-mile long stretch, more than 300 species of mesmerizing bird species, and a historic landmark of the Atalaya Castle made in the 1930s.
The place also has 2-mile long hiking trails, campgrounds & picnic spots, and a fishing spot. Beaches here are sandy with shallow waters which are perfect for small children to play in and best for adults who love surfing.
Near Best Hotels For Stay
After spending quality time with your loved ones, by the beach, you might love to stay in a nearby hotel for a day or two. Thus, some of the best hotels to stay in are:-
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
- The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn
- Hampton Inn Murrells Inlet
- Hampton Inn Pawley’s Island
How much does it cost to get into Huntington State Park?
For adults the fee is $8, senior citizens have to pay $5, children from 6-15 are charged at $4 and admission for children of 5 & below is free.
Are there alligators in Huntington Beach State Park?
Yes, in the marsh area, near the entrance of Atalaya you’ll see lots of alligators & birds.
2. Edisto Beach
US News has ranked it as the 7th best beach for families, as it has minimal development and very less visitors. It is located in one of the non-commercialized spots of Charleston, which is one of the best places to live in South Carolina.
If you are on a South Carolina beach vacation with your partner then Edisto beach will be the best option. Here, you will be able to find fun attractions, luscious restaurants & bars, cute rental places, and dignified spots for camping, fishing & golfing.
You can also take a tour of the beach through the boat and enjoy the breathtaking views of the coastline. Other fun activities that you can enjoy are a fishing excursion, guided tour to kayak, and hiking at Swamp Moss Nature Trail.
Near Best Hotels For Stay
Some of the best hotels present around the Ediston beach, that gives you all the amenities and facilities to spend a peaceful night are:-
- Charleston Kiawah Island
- The Beaufort Inn
- Best Western Sea Island Inn
- City Loft Hotel
Is Edisto Beach nice?
It is an extremely beautiful place to visit with lots of wildlife and natural serene to enjoy.
Can you swim at Edisto Beach?
As there are no lifeguards or safety equipment available at the beach, thus we advise you not to swim in beach waters.
What is the difference between Edisto Island and Edisto Beach?
Between Charleston and Beaufront, on the coast, there is an island by the name Edisto Island. Whereas Edisto Beach is a south beach in South Carolina, that is a part of Edisto Island.
3. Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head Island
This is one of the prettiest beaches on South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island. It is a big and beautiful beach with 12 miles long sandy coastline and attractive facilities. This is indeed the best family beach where you can find a beautiful garden, comfy swinging seats, well-maintained changing rooms, and free Wi-Fi services.
The best part about this beach is it has special paths for visitors on wheelchairs and other assistive devices. You can also rent out a beach chair and an umbrella to relax and can enjoy yourself around the Coligny Plaza. Here you can get some snacks, purchase clothing, accessories, or souvenir items. The plaza also hosts live performances and movies for entertainment purposes.
Near Best Hotels For Stay
Some of the best beach hotels near the Coligny Beach, where you can comfortably spend a night are:-
- Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa
- Beach House Resort
- Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
- Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
Is Coligny Beach Safe?
It is a safe beach as you can swim and surf here freely as they have lifeguards on duty.
What is the least crowded beach in Hilton Head?
Burkes Beach is a less crowded beach than Coligny Beach in Hilton Head.
4. Litchfield Beach
Litchfield Beach is the 9th best beach in South Carolina for families, with a long stretch of sand. This beach is peaceful and has fewer visitors. It has a laid-back atmosphere with various golf courses, pathways for cycling, hiking, biking, and walkers. You can also enjoy activities such as fishing, kayaking, surfing, and swimming.
If you are finding a private beach to spend some time with your loved one, then Litchfield beach will be the best option for you. It is quite different from the other beaches as there is no fancy resort near the beach just some beautiful cottages and 1.5 miles long stretch of coastline to enjoy.
Near Best Hotels For Stay
The best beach hotels to stay in the Litchfield beach are:-
- The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn
- Hampton Inn Murrells Inlet
- Surfside Side Beach Oceanfront Hotel
- Hampton Inn Pawley’s Island
Is there public access to Litchfield Beach?
Yes, of course, you can access the location through Norris Drive between Sundial drive, Albert lane, Chesterfield Lane, Mason lane, and Layman Lines.
Is Litchfield Beach a private beach?
It is an unincorporated community in the state that is watched by the beach patrol. But through gated communities, people can get private access.
5. Sullivan’s Island Beach
This is indeed the 3rd best South Carolina beach for families, despite being small in size when compared to others on the list. It is one of the best go-to vacation places for the residents of Charleston, whose cost of living in South Carolina is a little higher than the state average.
Sullivan’s Island Beach has glistening white sandy beaches with calm waters where you can enjoy water activities such as; kayaking and paddleboarding. It is one of the best places to enjoy during weekends away from the hustle-bustle of Charleston. There is a pleasant community feel out there. But, the only drawback of this beach is it is not completely developed as it lacks various amenities and restrooms are also not available here.
Near Best Hotels For Stay
Some of the best hotels and resorts to stay and enjoy around Sullivan’s Beach are:-
- Cambria Hotel Mount Pleasent
- Shem Creek Inn
- The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
- Hampton Inn Charleston
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Can you swim at Sullivans Island?
No swimming is allowed on Sullivan’s Island, as, the water current is quite strong.
Is Sullivans Island or Folly Beach better?
Beach at Sullivan’s Island is protected, unspoiled, more clean & tranquil, uncrowded, as compared to Folly Beach.
6. Family Beach, Surfside
This beach is located not much far away from Myrtle Beach and is ranked as the 10th best South Carolina Beach for families by the US News. It is a white-sandy pristine beach that can be accessed through 30 different points. They also have broadwalk paths that will help you in reaching fishing areas, restaurants, and bars.
They also have certain rental shops, from where you can get beach chairs and umbrellas for rent. The 2-mile stretch of coastline is completely safe if you want to swim here, as the water is shallow and lifeguards are on duty. Children can also enjoy activities such as; building castles & flying kites. Whereas, adults can enjoy music concerts, water parks, and shop & eat in fancy shops & restaurants.
Near Best Hotels For Stay
If you want to spend a night in the hotels available around Family Beach, then you could check out the below-mentioned options:-
- Surfside Beach Oceanfront Hotel
- Holiday Inn Oceanfront @ Surfside Beach, an IHG Hotel
- Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort
- Garden City Inn
Is Surfside Beach good for families?
This beach in South Carolina is perfect for families to spend some quality time together, as it has laid-back vibes and a chilled-out & friendly environment.
Is Surfside Beach better than Myrtle Beach?
Surfside Beach is much more friendly, safe, clean, and quiet than Myrtle Beach.
Can you drink alcohol on Surfside Beach?
No, not at all. You are not allowed to consume alcoholic beverages by the beach.
7. Front Beach, Isle of Palms
The Front Beach, in Isle of Palms, is the 8rth best South Carolina beach for families. It is located just about 15-20 minutes away from the town of Charleston, which has the best hospitals in South Carolina. This is a long beach where you can have lots of fun under the sun.
They have golf courses, various water activities such as; fishing, windsurfing, kayaking, sunset cruising, swimming, and paddleboarding. It is an upscale and developed beach area where you can find various hotels and rental homes around the beach. They also have facilities of restrooms and showers at the beach which can be used by the public.
Near Best Hotels For Stay
If you are searching for some viable options to spend a few days in a hotel nearby Front Beach, go through the list mentioned below.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Charleston
- Comfort Suites at Isle of Palms Connector
- Residence Inn Charleston
- Hampton Inn & Suites Charleston
Is Isle of Palms a nice beach?
Yes, of course, this is one of the best family-friendly beaches in the state that has a 7-mile long coastline.
Which is better Kiawah Beach or Isle of Palms?
Kiawah Beach is a little isolated as it is far from Charleston, whereas Isle of Palms is situated very close to the town. Kiawah does not have an extensive vibe and is quite peaceful if compared to the Isle of Palms Beach.
Which beach is better Folly Beach or Isle of Palms?
Isle of Palms is a modern well-developed beach that is clean and uncrowded. Whereas, Folly Beach is an old-style beach with a large-sized crowd.
8. Folly Beach, Charleston
Folly Beach is situated 10 miles south of Charleston, one of the best beach towns in South Carolina. This beach is perfect for a day’s trip if the weather is suitable. It is a great spot that offers various outdoor activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, and boating.
You can also enjoy ocean surfing, dolphin watching, and other marine creatures such as bonnethead sharks & stingrays. They have a vibrant local scene going on around the beach which you can enjoy and can also visit the Morris Island Lighthouse. You can also head out to Center Beach to shop some local stuff and eat at the local bars & restaurants.
Near Best Hotels For Stay
Some of the best hotels to stay in Charleston around Folly Beach are:-
- Tides Folly Beach
- Holiday Inn Folly Beach
- Riverside Inn and Cottages
- Water’s Edge Inn
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Is Folly Beach considered Charleston?
Folly Beach is a part of Folly Island situated in Charleston County.
Is Folly Beach open to the public?
It is the most publicly accessible beach in South Carolina. There are 49 different access points to reach this beach.
9. Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is considered the 12th best and the prettiest beach in South Carolina, where families can visit. Around 60 miles of the area is part of the beach, where there are various activities to cater to the needs of the whole family. Kids can enjoy and have a gala time at the Ripley’s Aquarium and the Family Kingdom Amusement Park. Older kids who do not want to enjoy the aquarium or amusement park can take part in the minor league baseball game.
It is a pretty long beach that is packed with tourists most of the year. Adults here can enjoy some cool water activities such as; jet skiing, paddle boarding, swimming, scuba diving, parasailing, and surfing.
Near Best Hotels For Stay
The hotels available around Myrtle Beach are well-equipped and spacious, where you can happily stay. Some of the hotels are:-
- Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at the Grande Dunes
- Dunes Village Resort
- South Bay Inn & Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront
- Homewood Suites
What is the best month to go to Myrtle Beach?
To visit Myrtle Beach, the weather is perfect from June to August.
What is so special about Myrtle Beach?
This beach is also known as the world’s mini Golf capital. It is a major tourist destination due to excellent seafood restaurants and outlet-style shopping activities.
10. Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Kiawah Island is the best South Carolina Beach for families, which is filled with lush marshes, sand, maritime forestry. Its 10-mile long beach coastline has magnificently beautiful scenery.
Most of the portions of this beach come under a privately owned property which is only available to its owners, renters, or their guests. However, the public area of the beach can be accessed through the mainland bridge and has amenities such as public restrooms, changing rooms, washrooms, shower areas, and picnic spots with barbeques. You can also find beach gear, umbrellas, beach chairs on rent, and a ramp walk side for people who have certain mobility issues.
Near Best Hotels For Stay
If you want to spend your night in of the hotels around the Kiawah Beachwalker Park, some of the viable options are:-
- Charleston Kiawah Island
- Home 2 Suites Charleston West Ashley
- Comfort Suites West of Ashley
- Town & Country Inn and Suites
Can you drink on Kiawah Beach? Yes, sure, this island beach does not prohibit you from drinking alcohol on the beach publically.
Are dogs allowed on the beach in Kiawah? Yes, of course, you can take in your furry friend along with you on your vacation to this beach.
South Carolina Beaches FAQs
What is the least crowded beach in South Carolina?
There are certain hidden and prettiest beaches in South Carolina, where you can visit if you want to be away from public eyes and crowded places. These beaches are:-
- Waites Island
- Bulls Island
- Morris Island
- Capers island
- Daufuskie Island
Which beach has the clearest water in SC?
If you are looking for a beach with the clearest and most pristine water, then Kiawah Island is your destination.
Conclusion
So, that was all about the comprehensive guide about the best South Carolina beaches for families, where you can visit and enjoy with your loved ones. When compared to North Carolina vs South Carolina, the latter has 2,876 miles of tidal seashore and thus has several beautiful beaches.
The beaches here have a calm and tranquil vibe with lots of boating, swimming, entertainment options, and several water activities. The coastline of the state is quite inviting and welcomes people of all age groups and they have something to cater to the needs of all.
Thus, if you are in South Carolina, grab your swimming suit, towel, and sand shovel and head towards any of the above-mentioned beaches according to your convenience.
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