BeachMapThe Best Beaches in South Carolina
South Carolina’s coast runs from the boardwalk energy of the Grand Strand down to the quiet barrier islands of the Lowcountry — Myrtle Beach and Folly draw the crowds, while Kiawah and Hunting Island keep it wild. Parking depends on the beach: towns lean on metered lots, while state and county parks charge by the car and close the gate when they fill.
69 beaches mapped · Summer 2026 · updated June 19, 2026
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Top beaches & swimming spots
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Grand Strand
The heart of the Grand Strand — a long, wide beach behind the boardwalk and SkyWheel, with metered streets and paid lots that fill fast near the pier in season.
Public beachTicketedView on the live map → -
Charleston area
Charleston’s laid-back surf town — “The Washout” is the area’s best-known break, and parking is the real challenge, with metered streets and a paid pier lot that go early.
Surf spotTicketedView on the live map → -
Charleston area
A family-friendly barrier island near Charleston with a county park, playground, and gentle surf — the county lot is paid by the car and the metered side streets fill on hot weekends.
Family beachTicketedView on the live map → -
Coligny Beach
Twelve miles of hard-packed Lowcountry sand good for biking and families — public access is via beach parks like Coligny and Driessen, whose paid lots fill first on summer days.
Family beachTicketedView on the live map → -
Grand Strand
The self-styled “Family Beach” just south of Myrtle — calmer and lower-key, with metered spots near the pier and free residential side streets a short walk away.
Family beachTicketedView on the live map →
Hidden gems & dog beaches
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Charleston area
A quiet, upscale island beside Isle of Palms with no boardwalk and few facilities — free street parking is the only option and it’s scarce, so most walk in from the neighborhood.
Hidden gemFreeView on the live map → -
Kiawah Island
The only public access on otherwise-private Kiawah Island — a pristine county-park beach whose small paid lot is the gatekeeper and sells out early on summer weekends.
Hidden gemTicketedView on the live map → -
Beaufort area
A wild, maritime-forest barrier island near Beaufort with a historic lighthouse and driftwood-strewn sand — a state park that charges per person and closes the gate when it hits capacity.
Hidden gemTicketedView on the live map →
More beaches
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Myrtle Beach
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Myrtle Beach
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Little River
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Hilton Head Island
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Little River
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St. Helena Island
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Hilton Head Island
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St. Helena Island
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Waccamaw Neck
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McClellanville
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Little River
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Hilton Head Island
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Myrtle Beach
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Little River
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Charleston
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Waccamaw Neck
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Myrtle Beach
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Myrtle Beach
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Green Pond
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Green Pond
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Hilton Head Island
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St. Helena Island
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Little River
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Waccamaw Neck
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Charleston
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Charleston
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Waccamaw Neck
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Little River
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Kiawah Island-Seabrook Island
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Myrtle Beach
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Myrtle Beach
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Waccamaw Neck
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Myrtle Beach
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Myrtle Beach
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Little River
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Hilton Head Island
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Waccamaw Neck
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Waccamaw Neck
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Little River
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Little River
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Little River
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Myrtle Beach
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Waccamaw Neck
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Myrtle Beach
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Myrtle Beach
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Waccamaw Neck
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Summerton
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McClellanville
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Kiawah Island-Seabrook Island
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Hilton Head Island
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Myrtle Beach
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Hilton Head Island
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Myrtle Beach
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Myrtle Beach
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Charleston
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Beaufort-Port Royal
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Myrtle Beach
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Little River
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Bonneau
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Little River
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Myrtle Beach
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South Carolina beaches: FAQ
- Which South Carolina beach has the best surf?
- Folly Beach is the state’s main surf scene — “The Washout” is the best-known break. Parking there is tight, with metered streets and a paid pier lot that empty fast on a good swell, so check the live map first.
- Which SC beach is best for families?
- Isle of Palms and Surfside Beach (the “Family Beach”) have gentle surf, lifeguards, and full facilities, while Hilton Head’s hard-packed sand is great for biking with kids. All charge for parking in season, so arrive early.
- How do I get to the beach on Kiawah Island?
- Kiawah is largely private, so Beachwalker Park (a county park) is the only public access. Its small lot is paid by the car and sells out early on summer weekends — the live map shows whether it’s still open.
More United States
- Beaches in Alabama →
- Beaches in Boston's North Shore →
- Beaches in Boston's South Shore →
- Beaches in California →
- Beaches in Cape Cod & the Islands →
- Beaches in Connecticut →
- Beaches in Delaware →
- Beaches in Florida (Atlantic Coast) →
- Beaches in Georgia →
- Beaches in Hawaii →
- Beaches in Illinois →
- Beaches in Indiana →
- Beaches in Long Island →
- Beaches in Louisiana →
- Beaches in Maine →
- Beaches in Maryland →