Private resort island featuring 3.5 miles of beaches, two championship golf courses, and a marina. Known for abundant wildlife including deer and alligators, and as a filming location for “Forrest Gump” and “The Prince of Tides.”
South Carolina Beaches
Beachwalker Park
The only public beach access on private Kiawah Island, offering boardwalks through maritime forests and dunes. Features picnic areas, restrooms, and chair/umbrella rentals. Consistently ranked among America’s best beaches.
Burkes Beach
Less crowded Hilton Head beach with a wider shoreline and limited facilities. Popular with locals, dog walkers (seasonal restrictions apply), and visitors seeking a quieter beach experience. Features a small parking area and bike rack.
Myrtle Beach State Park
One-mile stretch of natural beach with a maritime forest, providing a contrast to the developed areas of Myrtle Beach. Features camping, a fishing pier, nature trails, and educational programs. Popular with families and nature enthusiasts.
Pawleys Island
“Arrogantly shabby” historic beach town known for its handwoven hammocks and laid-back atmosphere. Features historic homes, traditional beach houses, and minimal commercial development. Perfect for those seeking a quieter beach experience.
Daufuskie Island
Remote, car-free island accessible only by ferry, featuring pristine beaches, Gullah heritage, and a rustic atmosphere. Known for its artisan crafts, historic buildings, and as the setting for Pat Conroy’s “The Water Is Wide.”
Edisto Beach
One of South Carolina’s least commercialized beach towns with a focus on natural beauty. Features Edisto Beach State Park, the ACE Basin nature preserve, and excellent shelling opportunities. Known for its family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Sullivan’s Island
Upscale beach community near Charleston with historic significance. Features Fort Moultrie, wide beaches with maritime forests, excellent dining options, and literary connections to Edgar Allan Poe. Known for its preservation of natural landscapes.
Hunting Island
South Carolina’s most popular state park featuring a historic lighthouse, maritime forest, and a naturally eroding beach that creates a stunning “boneyard” of fallen trees. Offers camping, nature trails, and excellent wildlife viewing.
North Myrtle Beach
Known as the birthplace of the “Shag” dance, this family-friendly alternative to Myrtle Beach offers wide beaches, the Cherry Grove Pier, and Barefoot Landing shopping complex. Features a more relaxed atmosphere with plenty of accommodation options.