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South Carolina beaches are perfect for family getaways. If you are looking for some of the best beaches in the local area, you might be thinking about white sand, warm water, and even a state park or two. You can rent a kayak, go for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean, and go for a stroll along the boardwalk! With plenty of beach access and access to water sports, it is easy to see why so many people looking for a beach town come and enjoy the beach access that South Carolina provides. If you are looking for the best beachfront in the Palmetto State, what are a few of the top options to consider? Take a look at a few of the top beach destination examples in South Carolina, and experience why this is one of the top family beach vacations along the East Coast!
Myrtle Beach
One of the top destinations families visit is Myrtle Beach. Not only is it a great relaxing place to take a beach vacation, but you would also be surprised at the number of activities available for the active members of your family. The light-colored sands are compacted to bike on, and the water is a cool and comforting temperature during the summer months.
If you are looking for a great vacation home, there are many to choose from – which means lots of space and privacy for your family and friends. Many families travel near and far to have their annual summer family reunion in one of the hundreds of gorgeous oceanfront properties available. With an abundance of rental homes, clear water for a little snorkeling or scuba diving, this South Carolina beach is the ultimate vacation spot.
There are countless other popular activities located in Myrtle Beach. There are more than 100 golf courses, amusement parks, putt-putt golf courses, located just a short drive from the beach. If you decide to venture out of your beach bungalow, check out the live evening entertainment like the Alabama Theatre or the Carolina Opry.
Many brides-to-be look at this particular beach when planning their wedding and/or honeymoon. The picturesque scenery and serene environment provide a perfect backdrop for memorable moments. For those considering extending their search to nearby locations for specific events, exploring wedding venues in Charlotte can offer additional stunning options. Not only is it a top destination for wonderful beach vacations, but it’s also extremely popular for ocean-side weddings, both big and small. If you choose to spend your honeymoon here, you can take part in intimate dinners for two at one of the many oceanfront cafés and romantic moonlit walks along the beach. The nearby convention centers provide easily accessible guides to the area’s popular South Carolina reception sites.
Folly Beach
Maybe you are looking for total relaxation on your beach vacation. This beautiful area can provide you with a more laid-back beach experience as well. You could try Folly Beach, which is known for its family-friendly options. There are lots of hiking trails in this area, and this part of the Lowcountry has something for everyone!
The sand dunes along Folly Beach certainly attract the attention of everyone who visits. Just a short drive from I-95, it is relatively easy to get to Folly Beach from the mainland, making this one of the most popular beach options in the region! This is the perfect location for those looking for small town USA as a part of their beach vacations!
Isle of Palms
The Isle of Palms is a less crowded getaway, so it makes a great location if you are looking for a place to spread out! Many people love to visit the Isle of Palms because of the numerous opportunities to spot aquatic life! You might be able to go for a swim with the dolphins, and you could spot a few sea turtles as well! If you keep your eyes up you might even see a pelican flying over the water! The Isle of Palms is also a great place to visit if you want to go fishing. There are plenty of fishing pier options, and you might even be able to schedule a fishing trip! You can even go jet-skiing during your visit! Enjoy the natural beauty of the Isle of Palms!
Hilton Head Island
Another spectacular area is Hilton Head. This beach is also perfect for your family and for individuals looking for a resort area with many activities to partake in. Divided into large quadrants called “plantations”, the area has an array of rental housing developments, services, and restaurants. There are plenty of vacation rentals available! Enjoy beaches that stretch 12 miles, but don’t forget to explore the bike trails! Hilton Head is also a great location for those who love golfing! The island is home to dozens of golf courses, including a few championship golf courses that host PGA events! Even if golf isn’t your speed, you might fall in love with the mini-golf options as well!
Even if you aren’t staying in Sea Pines, you can still take advantage of the public beach near Coligny State Park. Or, you could even take a day trip to Savannah, GA, or road trip to Florida! As you explore Hilton Head, don’t forget to bring umbrellas to protect yourself against the sun even if you fall in love with its pristine beaches!
The shopping in Hilton Head, South Carolina is outstanding as well – and you can also consider joining in on the wonderful cultural activities and historic sites as well.
With miles upon miles of soft-sandy beaches, beautiful rental homes, entertainment, and attractions, these beaches have something to offer for everyone. There’s a reason families spend every summer here, relaxing on wrap-around porches of rental homes and splashing in the waves of the gorgeous ocean.
Charleston
Next on the list, you might want to visit Charleston. Charleston is not nearly as far south as Hilton Head, but it has a tremendous amount of history that people absolutely love. You can spend your days relaxing on the sandy beaches, soaking up the rays. There will also be plenty of lifeguards around to make sure that everyone stays safe. Then, when you have had your fill of the ocean, you can return to the city and explore Downtown Charleston.
Even though Charleston is a great place to relax on the beach, it is also filled with a tremendous amount of history. Some of the restaurants in Charleston have been open for more than 100 years, which has given them plenty of time to craft their menus. You may also enjoy some of the historic shopping strips and farmers’ markets in the area. If you really want to take advantage of everything that Charleston has to offer, you may want to sign up for a historic carriage tour as well! Do not forget to explore Charleston if you want to go on a beach trip this summer!
Kiawah Island
If you are looking for something family-friendly, you may want to check out Kiawah Island. This is a great place for people who love the outdoors. If you have children, they should fall in love with Beachwalker Park, which is known for its warm water, soft sand, and dolphin spotting opportunities. In addition, if you are a runner, you may to check out the Kiawah Island Marathon. As one of the top island beach options in the area, there are plenty of recreational activities that take place throughout the year.
If you love to play golf, you will have your choice of dozens of golf courses from which to choose. During the summer, the sun rises early and sets late, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to test your game on some of the most enjoyable courses in the region! Be sure to explore Kiawah Island during your next trip!
Edisto Beach
Edisto Island is home to Edisto Beach, which is one of the top beaches in South Carolina. Located in the Lowcountry, there are plenty of recreational opportunities to explore. If you enjoy hiking and camping, you may want to check out Edisto Beach State Park. It isn’t often you get to go camping with an ocean view, but this is one of the things that sets Edisto Beach apart from some of the other options in the area.
If you enjoy history, you may want to check out Botany Bay Plantation. This is an opportunity for you to learn more about what life was like hundreds of years ago. Then, when you have had your fill of history, you can always return to the beach, go for a swim in the ocean, and sign up for a dolphin-watching trip! If you spend a few days on Edisto Beach, you will quickly realize why this is one of the most popular beaches South Carolina has to offer.
Huntington Beach State Park
Another one of the top beach options to consider is Huntington Beach State Park, located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. This beach is known for its amazing white sand, which draws people from all over the country. The beaches appear to stretch on for miles, giving everyone the opportunity to bask in the sun, swim in the warm water, and take advantage of everything this area has to offer.
When you explore this beach, don’t forget to bring a few chairs, some sand toys, and umbrellas to protect yourself against the song. You might even want to bring a music box to help people relax and enjoy the trip! There are plenty of campsite reservations as well. This is a great way to get in touch with the outdoors while also saving some money on your trip. Of course, there are plenty of vacation rentals in the area as well. Consider exploring Huntington Beach State Park during your next trip.
Sullivan’s Island
Sullivan’s Island is not that far away from Charleston, but it remains one of the most popular vacation destinations in the region. There are lots of fun activities to take advantage of in the local area. You can certainly relax on Sullivan’s Island beach, which has a quieter feel than some of the other options in the area. If you are feeling adventurous, you may want to explore Fort Moultrie, one of the top historic attractions in the area.
There are amazing shopping and dining opportunities on Sullivan’s Island as well. Some people live here throughout the year, while others venture in from all over the country to explore everything this island holds. You have to keep your eyes on the ground for sand dollars, as they are a common sight in this area. You may want to get a low country boil while you are here, as this is one of the dietary staples!
Pawleys Island
Finally, you may want to explore Pawleys Island, which is a Barrier Island off the coast of South Carolina. This area is known for its rolling sand dunes, which appear to stretch on for miles. Some of the houses in this area date to the 1700’s. Just north of the beach, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the local zoo. Of course, the beach and wetlands are the true highlights of the area. There are plenty of golfing opportunities for those who love to play golf. You may also want to check out Atalaya Castle, which is one of the top historic attractions in the area.
Of course, you have plenty of opportunities to go swimming as well. Therefore, don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, and be sure to reapply sunscreen every few hours as well! This is a great place to go with the family, and there are plenty of tour opportunities available. You may want to check out the Brookgreen Gardens, and you might want to sign up for a whale-watching tour as well.
These are just a few of the many amazing beaches that South Carolina has to offer. Click here to search for some great vacation rentals in any of these sought-after areas! Get started planning your next beach vacation today! The area has something for everyone!
