The Best Beaches Near Charleston SC (and the Closest)

Charleston is one of our favorite Southern getaways. With the history, food, and architecture, there’s more than enough to do on a long weekend.

But what about the best beaches near Charleston SC? Just because it’s a Lowcountry coastal city doesn’t mean it’s actually a beach town.

The good news is you have options. A lot of them. The closest beaches to Charleston SC start just 20 minutes away and stretch all the way up and down the South Carolina coast.

Sullivan’s Island is quiet and residential. Folly Beach is a surf town. Kiawah is private gated luxury. Myrtle Beach is 60 miles of boardwalk energy. No matter what your beach style, there’s a beach near Charleston that has what you’re looking for.

This guide covers every beach worth knowing about, ranked by distance from Charleston, with honest takes on what each one is actually like. I’ll let you know who it’s right for, where to eat, and where to stay.

Quick Guide to Best Beaches Near Charleston SC

Beach	Distance from Charleston	Day Trip or Overnight	Vibe	Know Before You Go
Sullivan’s Island	20 min	Better Overnight	Quiet, residential, outstanding restaurants	No hotels, vacation rentals only
Isle of Palms	35 min	Both Work	Bigger, busier, more amenities	Public parking fills fast on weekends
Morris Island	20 min	Day Trip Only	Uninhabited, lighthouse, shelling	Boat access only
Folly Beach	20 min	Both Work	Surf town, laid-back, quirky	Download PassportParking app before you go
Capers Island	1 hour	Day Trip Only	Wild, undeveloped, pristine	Boat access only, no facilities
Kiawah Island	40 min	Better Overnight	Private, gated, Lowcountry luxury	Need a reservation or rental to enter
Bull Island	35 min	Day Trip Only	Remote wildlife refuge, Boneyard Beach	Ferry from Garris Landing, arrive early
Seabrook Island	40 min	Better Overnight	Quieter than Kiawah, nature-focused	Need a reservation or rental to enter
Edisto Beach	1 hour	Both Work	Old-school SC beach, no frills, no pretense	No traditional hotels
Pawleys Island	1.5 hours	Both Work	Arrogantly shabby, historic, unhurried	Two miles long, so rent a bike
Hilton Head Island	2 hours	Overnight	Resort island, 60 miles of trails, world-class golf	Traffic backs up on turnover Saturdays
Myrtle Beach	2 hours	Overnight	60 miles of coastline, loud, busy, unapologetic	Not the right beach if you want quiet

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Sullivan’s Island

Distance from Charleston: 9.5 miles / 20 minutes

🐾 Bringing a Dog? Sullivan’s Island is dog friendly, but all dogs need a permit, including visitors. May through September, beach hours for dogs are before 10am and after 6pm only. Check Sullivan’s Island Town Hall for current rules.

Isle of Palms

Distance from Charleston: 17 miles / 35 minutes

→ READ NEXT: Charleston Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Gems Only Locals Know ←

Morris Island

Distance from Charleston: 8 miles / 20 minutes

If you are staying in Charleston and looking for something unique to do Morris Island is uninhabited, accessible only by boat, and looks exactly like you’d hope an undeveloped barrier island would look. Empty beach, windswept dunes, and the Morris Island Lighthouse is just offshore.

The currents here are too strong for swimming, so stay on land. Come to Morris Island to walk, shell, birdwatch, and decompress. Remember there are no amenities, no facilities, and no food so pack accordingly or head back early and hit one of Charleston’s famous oyster houses.

Folly Beach

Distance from Charleston: 11.5 miles / 20 minutes

Folly Beach is 11 miles from Charleston, about 20 minutes down Folly Road. It’s the most accessible beach on this list for a day trip, and the most characterful. Locals call it “the Edge of America,”.

This is a surf town. It has always been a surf town. The Washout, a stretch of beach created when Hurricane Hugo washed out several homes, produces some of the best wave conditions on the East Coast. Even if you’re not surfing, watching the surfers ride it is a fun way to spend an afternoon in Charleston.

The rest of Folly Beach is exactly what you’d want from a barrier island that hasn’t tried to be fancy. Quirky shops, laid-back bars, and a pier that stretches far enough into the Atlantic to feel like you’re standing in the middle of the ocean.

On the Beach

Rent a kayak or paddleboard, fish from Folly Beach Pier, the second longest on the East Coast. Or just find a chair and fall asleep to the waves. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available if you don’t want to haul your own.

🐾 Bringing a Dog? Dogs are welcome on Folly Beach as long as your furry friend is on a leash. May through September, beach hours for dogs are before 10am and after 6pm only.

Getting There & Getting Around

You’ll definitely find crowds at Folly, so plan to get there early if you aren’t staying on the island. This is one of the most convenient island for day trippers because of the easy beach access, variety of restaurants, and lots of shopping.

Download the PassportParking app before you go. All parking fees on the island are paid through the app. Get there early on weekends. Full details at Park Folly Beach.

The island is small enough to walk or bike. Many vacation rentals offer free shuttles from Center Street to the beach.

Where to Stay on Folly Beach

Regatta Inn
Adults only B&B at Sunset Cay Marina with river views, individually decorated rooms with fireplaces and jetted tubs, complimentary hot breakfast, and a rooftop terrace. Named one of Southern Living’s Best New Hotels in the South. Ten minute walk to the beach.

Tides Folly Beach
The only full-service oceanfront hotel on Folly Beach, with private balconies, ocean views from every room, an outdoor pool, and two bars including BLU right on the sand. Best location on the island, walkable to everything.

Boutique Vera
A newly built boutique hotel steps from Center Street with modern rooms, private balconies, and free parking. Pet friendly. Best for couples or solo travelers who want to be in the middle of the action without paying oceanfront prices.

Breathtaking Waterfront Views with Pool 3 bed / 2 bath / Sleeps 8
A riverfront condo on the Folly River with panoramic water views from the patio, access to a pool, tennis courts, and marina, and a 15 minute walk to the pier and restaurants. Dolphins spotted from the patio. Good option for families who want space without oceanfront prices.

Water’s Edge Inn
Adults only B&B tucked away from the main strip with marsh views, individually decorated rooms, fireplaces, screened porches, a hot tub, complimentary homemade breakfast, and daily happy hour. Five minute walk to the beach. Rated #1 inn on Folly Beach.

Capers Island

Distance from Charleston: 21 miles / 1 hour

Capers Island is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands on the South Carolina coast. No roads, no facilities, and no people to speak of. Just miles of empty beach, bleached driftwood, and more birds and dolphins than you’ll know what to do with.

Come to walk, shell, and birdwatch. Keep your eyes open for dolphins, sea turtles, deer, and the occasional bobcat. Camping is allowed with a permit. Pack everything you need and bring it all back. There’s no running water, electricity, trash cans, or food on the island.

Getting to Capers Island

The only way to reach Capers Island is by a short boat ride from Sullivan’s Island or neighboring Isle of Palms. Outfitters like Barrier Island Eco Tours can get you to the island’s secluded beach and hiking trails.

→ READ NEXT: Where to Stay in Charleston SC: Best Areas & Hotels for Every Trip ←

Kiawah Island

Distance from Charleston: 27.5 miles / 40 minutes

Kiawah Island is a private gated community 27 miles from Charleston. The island has deliberately preserved over 2,000 acres of maritime forest, dunes, and marshes, which is why, despite being one of the most celebrated resort destinations on the East Coast, it still feels unhurried and uncrowded.

You’ll find ten miles of pristine Atlantic shoreline, seven championship golf courses, and Lowcountry luxury at every turn.

We were surprised at the amount of wildlife, even on the hotel grounds. A deer checked us out on the path to the pool one night before wandering off.

On the less charming end: shuffle your feet when you enter the water. Our son got stung by a stingray along the shore. Beach Patrol treated him immediately and he was fine, but he learned a hard lesson: shuffle your feet when you enter the water. It warns the stingrays you’re coming.

Getting There & Getting Around

Drive in via Kiawah Island Parkway. Public beach access is at Beachwalker Park, which has parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. If you’re staying at The Sanctuary, private car service from Charleston International Airport is available. Once on the island, rent a bike or golf cart.

Where to Stay on Kiawah Island

The Sanctuary and Andell Inn are the only hotels on Kiawah. Everything else is a private vacation rental.

The Sanctuary
Kiawah Island’s AAA Five Diamond resort and one of the finest on the East Coast. We’ve stayed here twice — once with the kids and once as a couple — and it delivered both times. Impeccable service, beautiful rooms, and a location that makes it hard to leave the property.

Andell Inn
A boutique hotel near Freshfields Village with a saltwater pool, daily breakfast, craft cocktails at The Porch Bar, and a daily shuttle to Beachwalker Park. Rooms range from queen guestrooms to two-bedroom suites with full kitchens. Part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, so points apply. Two miles by bike to the beach.

2478 Shipwatch 2 bed / 2 bath / Sleeps 4
A fully renovated oceanfront villa in West Beach with three balconies, a gourmet kitchen, and a private boardwalk to the beach 150 steps away. Both bedrooms have private porches. Access to island dining, golf, and tennis included. No resort pool access with this property.

Tennis Club Villa 1 bed / 1 bath / Sleeps 2
A quiet villa in East Beach Village with a screened balcony overlooking the Roy Barth Tennis Courts and Turtle Point Golf Course just down the road. Five minute walk to the beach. Best for a couple who wants a low-key, well-located base. No resort amenities included.

Gorgeous Kiawah House 4 bed / 3.5 bath / Sleeps 10
A centrally located home with some of the best marsh and Kiawah River views on the island. Cathedral ceilings, screened porch, outdoor deck, bikes included, and the beach a mile away. Good fit for a large group that wants space, views, and easy access to everything on the island.

Lagoon View Villa 1 bed / 1 bath / Sleeps 2
A second floor villa in the heart of the island with 180 degree lagoon views from the sunroom. Steps from the bike path, five minutes to Turtle Point Golf Course and The Sanctuary, fifteen minute walk to the beach. Rated in the top 1% of properties on the island. Best for a couple who wants a quiet, well-located base.

Bull Island

Distance from Charleston: 23 miles / 35 minutes

Bull Island is 23 miles from Charleston but feels considerably further. This is a protected National Wildlife Refuge, so no roads, no development, no amenities of any kind. Just miles of remote coastline, dense maritime forest, and more wildlife than people on any given day.

Boneyard Beach is the reason most people make the trip. A stretch of shoreline covered in bleached, skeletal trees half-buried in the sand, it’s one of the more otherworldly landscapes on the East Coast.

Beyond the beach, the island is home to over 200 species of birds, loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, and vast salt marshes. Just remember that there are no amenities so bring water, snacks, and bug spray.

Getting There & Getting Around

The Bull Island Ferry departs from Garris Landing and runs two to three times daily. Parking at Garris Landing is limited, so arrive early. Check the current schedule at Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge before you go.

→ READ NEXT: The 10 Best Oyster Bars in Charleston SC ←

Seabrook Island

Distance from Charleston: 25.5 miles / 40 minutes

Seabrook Island is 25 miles from Charleston, about 40 minutes down the coast. Like Kiawah, it’s a private gated community. You’ll need a reservation to get through the gate.

Unlike Kiawah, Seabrook is quieter and less resort-forward. The focus here is the natural setting: 3.5 miles of uncrowded beach, maritime trails, and tidal creeks for exploring. It’s one of those places people come back to every year for decades.

The beach is the main draw, but Seabrook also has two championship golf courses, tennis, kayaking, and fishing. Wildlife is as present here as it is on Kiawah. Count on deer, shorebirds, and the occasional alligator are part of the deal.

Getting There & Getting Around

Seabrook is a private gated community, so you’ll need either a resort reservation or a vacation rental booking to get through the gate. Once on the island, rent a bike or golf cart. The island is small and easy to navigate. Shuttles run to key locations.

Where to Stay on Seabrook Island

Villa at Pelican Beach 1 bed / 2 bath / Sleeps 4
A beachfront first-floor villa on Pelican Beach with direct water views from the kitchen, living room, and deck. Beach chairs, umbrella, towels, cooler, and picnic basket all included. One of the most well-stocked rentals on the island. Everything down to the olive oil is provided. Dolphins and herons are regular sightings. Optional amenity cards available for pool, tennis, and golf access. Rated in the top 1% of properties in the area.

Blissful Luxury Beach Retreat 2 bed / 2 bath / Sleeps 6
A ground floor villa half a mile from the beach with amenity cards included — that’s beach club, golf, tennis, and pool access, a $50 per day value. Pet friendly. Note there is a $45 gate pass fee per vehicle, and amenity card forms need to be submitted at least two weeks before arrival.

2925 Atrium Villa 2 bed / 2 bath / Sleeps 4
A first floor villa one block from the beach with ocean views from the balcony, covered garage parking, and full amenity card access included — Beach Club pools, Lake House pool, and the equestrian center. Both bedrooms have private baths. Pet friendly with approval. Note the $40 per vehicle gate fee applies to all rental guests.

Pelican Watch Sunset Condo — 1 bed / 2 bath / Sleeps 4
An end unit condo with ocean and inlet views where the North Edisto River meets the Atlantic, and some of the best sunset views on the island. Full Seabrook Island Club access included: Beach Club, golf, racquet sports, and club dining.

Golf Course View Villa 1 bed / 1.5 bath / Sleeps 4
A fully renovated townhouse on the golf course, 1.5 miles from the beach. Beach towels, chairs, and cooler all provided. No amenity card included, but optional at $55 per day per group for pool, golf, tennis, and restaurant access. Good budget-friendly option for a couple or small family who wants the Seabrook experience without the full amenity price tag.

Edisto Beach

Distance from Charleston: 50 miles / 1 hour

Edisto Beach is 50 miles from Charleston, about an hour south. It’s the furthest beach on this list that still qualifies as a day trip.

This is old-school South Carolina beach. Families have been coming back to the same cottages here for generations. There are no high-rise hotels, no chain restaurants, no resort infrastructure. Just oak-shaded streets, a state park with nearly four miles of coastline, and an easy pace.

Edisto Beach State Park has nearly four miles of coastline for swimming, shelling, and fishing. Kayak and boat rentals are available through Edisto Watersports for exploring the surrounding creeks. The island is one of the best spots on the East Coast for finding fossilized shark teeth.

Getting There & Getting Around

Take Highway 174 south from Charleston. Once you’re on the island, park the car. Rent bikes from Edisto Watersports and Tackle and use them for everything. Golf carts are also available to rent. For a more scenic arrival, a passenger ferry runs from Charleston to Edisto Marina.

Where to Stay on Edisto Beach

Edisto doesn’t do hotels. It does vacation rentals, and it does them well. The one exception is Club Wyndham Ocean Ridge, a timeshare resort with beach access and golf if that’s your thing.

The Toasted Oyster 3 bed / 2.5 bath / Sleeps 6
A classic Lowcountry cottage on the bayfront with a private dock for fishing and crabbing, sunset views over the Wadmalaw River, and a quarter mile walk to the beach. The back deck under the live oaks is the real selling point. Rated 10/10.

Gentleman Pirate 2 bed / 2 bath / Sleeps 6
A beach cottage 90 steps from beach access 4 with ocean views from the deck and four beach chairs included. Close to Edisto Beach State Park. Rated 10/10.

Seabreeze Par-a-dise 2 bed / 2 bath / Sleeps 6
A first floor villa inside Wyndham Ocean Ridge Resort overlooking the 4th green, with a screened porch, hardwood floors, and a wet bar. Minutes to the beach. Access to tennis, pickleball, mini golf, and The Plantation Course at Edisto golf for additional fees. Pool access is also available for an extra fee. No pets.

Blessed Rest 2 bed / 1 bath / Sleeps 4
A third floor condo inside Wyndham Ocean Ridge with a private balcony overlooking live oaks and palmettos, less than a mile to the beach. A good budget-friendly base for exploring Botany Bay, the golf course, and the island. Rated 10/10.

Seascape 2 bed / 1.5 bath / Sleeps 4
A laid-back Lowcountry bungalow, walk to the beach, with a firepit, garage parking, and a boat slip available. Dog friendly. Best for a couple or small family who wants the classic Edisto experience without the resort.

Pawleys Island

Distance from Charleston: 73 miles / 1 hour 25 minutes

Pawleys Island is 73 miles from Charleston, about an hour and a half up the coast. It calls itself “arrogantly shabby,” which is either the best or worst marketing tagline depending on who you ask. Either way, it’s accurate.

This is one of the oldest summer resort areas on the East Coast, and the island has stayed deliberately low-key about it. No high-rises, no chain restaurants on the beach. Just four miles of wide, quiet Atlantic shoreline, ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss, and a pace that makes everything feel slower than it actually is. The rope hammock was invented here, which tells you something about the local priorities.

The island is small and narrow, only two miles long and a few blocks wide. Rent a bike and use it for everything.

Four miles of uncrowded beach is the main draw. Beyond that, kayaking and paddleboarding on the Intracoastal Waterway, fishing charters out of Murrells Inlet, and The Heritage Golf Course for a round when you want something off the sand.

Pawleys Island is also known for its artisan shops and galleries along Highway 17, especially the Original Pawleys Island Rope Hammock. They’re still made by hand on the island the same way they have been since 1889.

Getting Here & Getting Around

Take Highway 17 north from Charleston and cross the Waccamaw River Bridge onto the island. Once you’re there, leave the car. Rent bikes, beach cruisers, or a golf cart. The island is two miles long and you won’t need anything else.

Where to Stay on Pawleys Island

Fordham 308 3 bed / 3 bath / Sleeps 6
An oceanfront condo inside the gated Litchfield By the Sea community with private balcony, ocean views, elevator access, and covered parking. Each bedroom has its own attached bath. Linens and towels included. No pets.

Pelican Nichee 2 bed / 3 bath / Sleeps 4
An oceanfront Lowcountry condo with two pools, a hot tub, and a large balcony with direct ocean views. The owner says the early mornings on the balcony are the whole point and it’s hard to argue with 97 reviews at 10/10.

True Blue Golf Course Condo 2 bed / 2 bath / Sleeps 4
A third floor condo overlooking the 4th hole at True Blue with vaulted ceilings, a screened porch, pool and hot tub on site, and a beach parking pass included. Six minutes to the beach, three minutes to restaurants and shops. Dog friendly. Rated 10/10 across 194 reviews.

The Seabatical Suite 1 bed / 1 bath / Sleeps 4
An oceanfront condo inside Litchfield By the Sea with direct beach access via boardwalk, indoor and outdoor pools, lazy river, fitness center, tennis, and seven miles of walking paths. Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park are both under ten minutes away. No pets.

The LiTTLe House in the Inlet 1 bed + adjoining twin room / 2 bath / Sleeps 4
A cozy cabin in Murrells Inlet less than half a mile from the MarshWalk, with a screened porch, gas grill, and Huntington Beach State Park pass included. Best for a couple or small family who wants the seafood and live music scene right outside the door.

→ READ NEXT: Things to Do in Charleston SC for Couples (Beyond the Obvious Tourist Trail)←

Hilton Head Island

Distance from Charleston: 98 miles / 2 hours

Hilton Head Island is 98 miles from Charleston, about two hours down the coast. It’s the largest sea island on the East Coast with 12 miles of Atlantic shoreline, more than 20 championship golf courses, and so much to do you’ll never get bored.

We’ve been coming to Hilton Head for years. When Jason and I got married, we eloped here with all five kids in tow, a family honeymoon week in a Sea Pines house that remains one of our favorite trips. We were married at Old Sheldon Church, a set of hauntingly beautiful ruins about an hour north of Hilton Head.

The island is shaped like a foot, which sounds strange until you’re actually trying to navigate it and suddenly it makes perfect sense. Port Royal is up in the heel to the north.

Coligny Beach Park is mid-island and the easiest public beach access. Shelter Cove Marina is where you go for waterfront dining and dolphin tours.

Sea Pines Resort sits at the toe. That’s where the Harbour Town Lighthouse is, the candy-cane striped one you’ve seen in every Hilton Head photo ever taken.

All told, you find twelve miles of beach, world-class golf, over 300 tennis courts, kayaking, fishing charters, dolphin tours, and the Sea Pines Forest Preserve for wildlife and trail walking. The Coastal Discovery Museum is worth a few hours if history is your thing.

Getting There & Getting Around

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is 20 minutes away. If you’re driving, most vacation rentals run Saturday to Saturday and traffic backing up on and off the island on turnover days is real, so plan around it.

Once you’re on the island, rent a bike. Hilton Head has over 60 miles of paved trails connecting the beach, neighborhoods, and most major attractions. Free shuttle buses also run regularly.

Where to Stay on Hilton Head Island

Sea Pines Home with Private Pool 3 bed / 2.5 bath / Sleeps 8
A private Sea Pines home with a heated pool, bike path access right across the lagoon, and a short ride to Harbour Town. Beach chairs, umbrella, Cool Cabana canopy, and beach towels all included. Community tennis and playground nearby. Note: Sea Pines gate pass is $30 per week per car, and no boats, trailers, or RVs are permitted entry. Rated 10/10 across 112 reviews.

Palmetto Dunes Villa 2 bed / 2 bath / Sleeps 7
A 1,450 sq ft villa in the quietest corner of St. Andrews Common inside Palmetto Dunes Resort, with wraparound deck, golf course views, two cruiser bikes included, and a free shuttle (the “Dunes Buggy”) that runs April through September. Full resort access — three golf courses, tennis, pickleball, kayaking on the 11-mile lagoon, and beach access. Rated 10/10 across 275 reviews.

Sea Pines Home with Heated Pool 3 bed / 3 bath / Sleeps 8
A single-level Sea Pines home with a private heated pool with waterfall feature, firepit, outdoor dining area, and wooded views. Pet friendly, which is rare in Sea Pines. Bunk room makes it a good fit for families. Near Sea Pines Forest Preserve.

Sea Pines Oceanside Home with Private Pool 4 bed / 3 bath / Sleeps 10
A Sea Pines home seven rows from the beach with a direct beach path from the side yard. Private pool and heated spa on a sunny back patio with gas grill and outdoor lounging. Beach wagon, chairs, umbrella, cooler, and pool toys all included. Note: pool heat available for an additional weekly fee; spa heats separately at no extra charge. Rated 10/10 across 123 reviews.

Myrtle Beach

Distance from Charleston: 95 miles / 2 hours

Myrtle Beach is 95 miles from Charleston, about two hours up the coast. Sixty miles of Atlantic shoreline, beach bars, amusement parks, waterslides, and a boardwalk that keeps going. It’s loud, it’s busy, and it’s completely unapologetic about both.

This is the right beach if you want maximum activity and maximum options. It’s not the right beach if you want quiet. Crowds are real, especially in summer. Shoulder season is worth considering.

Getting There & Getting Around

Myrtle Beach International Airport makes flying in easy. If you’re driving, Highway 17 runs straight through. Trolleys, shuttles, and taxis run constantly once you’re there, and bikes and golf carts are easy to rent.

Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach

Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes
The nicest full-service resort in Myrtle Beach. Oceanfront rooms with private balconies, indoor and outdoor pools, waterslide, Hibiscus Spa, three on-site restaurants, private beach access, and championship golf next door. Marriott Bonvoy points apply.

North Beach Resort & Villas
A 7.5-acre oceanfront resort in North Myrtle Beach with accommodations ranging from hotel rooms to five-bedroom condos and cottages. The 2.5-acre pool complex with South Carolina’s largest swim-up bar is the centerpiece. Add Cinzia Spa, steakhouse dining at 21 Main, lazy river, and free attraction tickets with every stay. Best for families or large groups who want everything in one place.

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave
A 27-story all-suites tower two blocks from the Boardwalk and four blocks from the SkyWheel. One, two, and three bedroom suites with full kitchens, private balconies, washer/dryer, and ocean or resort views. Two outdoor pools, hot tubs, kids activity center, poolside bar, and direct beach access. Hilton Honors points apply. Best for families who want condo-style space with hotel amenities in the middle of everything.

Marina Inn at Grande Dunes
An AAA Four Diamond resort on the Intracoastal Waterway, a quieter alternative to the oceanfront chaos. Studios through three-bedroom suites with full kitchens and waterway views, two pools, on-site golf, tennis, spa, and two restaurants. Seasonal beach shuttle runs June through August.

FAQ About Best Beaches near Charleston SC

Planning Your Charleston Beach Trip

Which Charleston beach is right for you? That depends on the trip you’re taking. Folly if you want a laid-back day with the surfers, Sullivan’s Island if you want quiet, Kiawah or Isle of Palms if you want a real resort stay with the sand right there. We’ve spent time on all of them, and we’ve never once regretted trading a downtown afternoon for a few hours on the water.

Once you’ve picked your beach, the next question is usually where to sleep. If you want to split your trip between the city and the sand, Mount Pleasant puts you closest to the water. We broke down every neighborhood and the hotels worth booking in our guide to where to stay near Charleston’s beaches. And if this is a couples trip, a beach day pairs perfectly with a sunset sail or a Shem Creek dinner, all of which we cover in our roundup of romantic things to do in Charleston.

Where to Stay In Charleston

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