South Carolina blends antebellum grandeur with pristine Atlantic coastline, Lowcountry marsh landscapes, and vibrant culinary traditions. From the cobblestone streets of historic Charleston to the sprawling Grand Strand beaches of Myrtle Beach, the lush Blue Ridge foothills of the Upstate, and the primeval cypress swamps of Congaree National Park, the Palmetto State offers an extraordinary range of experiences anchored by legendary Southern hospitality.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in South Carolina.
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- lifeguards (seasonal)
- restrooms
- outdoor showers
- restaurants on Center Street
- surfboard rentals
- fishing pier
Folly Beach
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- no lifeguards
- beach access points every few blocks
- restaurants and bars on Middle Street
- historic Fort Moultrie nearby
Sullivan's Island
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- lifeguards (seasonal)
- restrooms
- beach shops
- restaurants
- volleyball
- kayak rentals
Isle of Palms
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- lifeguards (seasonal)
- boardwalk
- restaurants and bars
- amusement parks
- miniature golf
- bike rentals
Myrtle Beach (Grand Strand)
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- lifeguards at Coligny Beach (seasonal)
- beach chair and umbrella rentals
- bike paths to beach
- restaurants nearby
- water sports rentals
Hilton Head Island Beaches
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- historic lighthouse (climbable)
- campground
- nature center
- fishing
- picnic areas
- no lifeguards
Hunting Island State Park Beach
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- Edisto Beach State Park
- shell collecting (ancient middens)
- fishing pier
- beach shops
- restaurants on Palmetto Blvd
- no lifeguards on most stretches
Edisto Beach
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- historic beach cottage architecture
- fishing
- shell collecting
- hammock shops
- no public restrooms on island itself
Pawleys Island Beach
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- lifeguards (seasonal)
- restrooms
- outdoor showers
- picnic areas
- pristine undeveloped barrier island
- loggerhead sea turtle nesting (summer)
Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park
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- fishing pier
- restaurants and bars
- beach volleyball
- bingo pavilion
- restrooms
- quieter than main Myrtle Beach
Garden City Beach
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- lifeguards (seasonal)
- nature center
- hiking trails
- picnic areas
- campground
- fishing pier
Myrtle Beach State Park Beach
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- fishing pier
- restaurants
- beach shops
- lifeguards (seasonal)
- family atmosphere
Cherry Grove Beach
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.