The coastal city of Charleston is well-known and loved for many reasons, but perhaps one of the most attractive things about it is the array of beautiful beaches. While all the coasts are worth visiting, different beaches offer a different charm and experience depending on the location or the shopping and dining offered in the area. Whether you’re looking for a exhilarating trip or a secluded retreat, one of these 5 beaches are sure to be your perfect fit, all of which are within an hour drive of the city!
Near the wealthy town of Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms is perhaps the most touristy beach near Charleston with just a short 12 mile drive from downtown. Its surrounding location makes it one of the best beaches for families to visit together in the area. The area offers championship golfing, tennis, unique restaurants, and even the famous marina.
A must visit spot for locals and vacationers is the beachfront music venue called The Windjammer. Enjoy an outdoor intimate concert with your feet in the sand and a backdrop of the Atlantic ocean!
Additionally, dogs are welcome at IOP without a license, so you can bring your furry friends along with you! Be sure to keep them leashed, look out for signs where pups are not permitted, and bring clean-up bags to avoid a potentially hefty fine.
Folly Beach is the second closest beach to the city of Charleston at just 11.5 miles away. Generally viewed as a more laid-back atmosphere, Folly attracts tourists with its quirky shops and restaurants. It isn’t only for tourists, though, as Folly Beach has been ranked as the best beach to surf at, attracting many local and traveling surfers.
Bar life and music is also big on Folly, with several lively bars that are booming nearly every day of the week. Some of the favorites include:
- Chico Feo for an outdoor, hippy vibe
- Washout for a spacious, more traditional bar food and drinks
- Lowlife for a beachy aesthetic and good eats
Folly welcomes dogs on their beaches without a license, but with time restrictions during the busy summer months. Be sure to bring a leash and clean-up bags!
Sullivan’s is quite close to its neighbor, Isle of Palms, and is a great family beach that has a little less hustle and bustle than other nearby beaches with its residential charm. While Sullivan’s Island is small, it is a perfect match for families or anyone looking to relax on the sand.
The island has great restaurants and calls Poe’s Tavern home, named after famous poet Edgar Allen Poe.
One of the best things to do on Sullivan’s Island (other than visiting the beach) is to drive the main road and check out the incredible homes on this island. A few big name celebrities are known for owning real estate on Sullivans and you’ll understand why when you see some of these beachfront properties.
Sullivan’s is also the only beach you are permitted to make a fire on! You’ll have to obtain a license and pay a deposit from the local fire department, however.
Dogs are allowed on Sullivan’s, but you must have a license and proof of your pets’ vaccinations to bring them along. Dogs must be leashed and are not allowed on the shore during certain times of the year, but they do host the occasional doggy-free-day, where your canine companion is welcome to room the beaches freely. As always, be sure to bring clean-up bags to avoid fines.
Kiawah Island is the perfect spot for those seeking a private, luxurious beach vacation. As the wealthiest city in the state of South Carolina, the island offers miles of pristine beaches and beautifully elegant homes and architecture. The seclusion of the island and beach makes it great for families or anyone looking for a quiet retreat.
The majority of Kiawah Island is gated from the general public, but there is one public access point at Beachwalker Park worth visiting. NOTE: The parking lot fills up quickly on weekends so be sure to get there early in the morning, late in the evening, or plan to visit during the week.
Kiawah is perhaps the most dog-inclusive beach in the Charleston area, as leashed pups are allowed during every month of the year. They can even visit unleashed during the winter months!
Edisto Beach offers a completely different vibe compared to the rest of the beaches near Charleston. It is one of the larger beaches and has the most beach access points, but its distance from Charleston makes it less popular and therefore more secluded than others in the area.
Edisto Beach is the perfect spot for nature-lovers who are seeking a less developed, slow-paced beach vacation. It’s beautiful and offers many outdoor activities including a public campground offering a few beachfront campsites, close proximity to Botany Bay Preerve, the Edisto Island Serpentarium & much more.
Dogs are welcomed all year round but must be leashed during the busy summer months. During the winter months, they are permitted to roam without a leash.
Whether you’re searching for a quiet escape at Edisto and Kiawah, the family friendliness of Sullivan’s and Isle of Palms, or the surfer vibe of Folly Beach, each beach is sure to offer both natural beauty and coastal charm. No matter which beach you choose, the proximity to the city ensures that a day on the sand is always within an easy reach.
