The Best Low Country Beaches

<alt="woman at the beach"/>Did you know: Charleston was the winner of the 2013 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award for “Top City in the United States.”

We love our city. It has great shopping, a fun nightlife scene, plenty of delicious restaurant options—and we especially love catching rays on our beautiful beaches!

Summertime is in full swing, so why not spend this weekend enjoying the sand and ocean breezes on one of Charleston’s award-winning beaches? Here are the most popular spots for having some fun in the sun around Charleston:

Sullivan’s Island

Sullivan’s Island is known for its family-friendly and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. If you’re looking for a place to take your family and loved ones for a weekend of sunshine, South Carolina history, and Low Country dining. Tourists and locals love Sullivan’s Island for its beautiful scenery, friendly environment, and spacious beaches.

Isle of Palms

If you’re looking for a place that’s one-of-a-kind and full of activities the entire family will enjoy, look no further than Isle of Palms. You’ll find virtually every activity you can think of to enjoy on your vacation or day off on Isle of Palms—and it’s only 12 miles away from downtown Charleston! The Isle of Palms beaches are clean, safe, and even feature a designated swimming area and family park that you and your kids can enjoy throughout the entire summer.

Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island is a private beach community with undisturbed scenic views, natural beauty, and forests rich with pine trees, magnolias, and oaks. This Island is only accessible to owners and guests of the resort or rental properties, but it also features a publicly accessible beach area at Beachwalker County Park. Travel to Kiawah and you’ll enjoy the 10 miles of stunning beach that Travel Channel has named one of the country’s “Top Ten” beaches to visit.

Seabrook Island 

Seabrook Island is another private destination located nearly 22 miles south of downtown Charleston. Residents and rental guests enjoy Seabrook’s gorgeous, pristine Atlantic beaches. The laid-back atmosphere and stunning shorelines make for an unforgettable South Carolina experience for all who visit and reside on this special island.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach is truly one of South Carolina’s hidden treasures. Conveniently located just 15 minutes away from historic Charleston, this barrier island is the home of surfing, rich Low Country history, the Morris Island Lighthouse, and delicious South Carolina fare. Guests can visit the Folly Beach County Park and enjoy amenities like outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic areas, and much more. Bring the entire family to Folly Beach for a wonderful weekend of sun and fun on “The Edge of America.”

Ready to plan your next beach getaway in Charleston? Click here to get more information about our favorite local vacation spots.

3 Charleston Itineraries for 3 Different People

<img src="image.gif" alt="An historic building in Charleston" />Charleston is a place anyone can visit, no matter what they enjoy doing. Here are three sample 3-day itineraries for the adventurer, the history buff, and the beach lover.

Adventurer or Thrill Seeker

Day 1

Morning: Awendaw Passage Hike—The northernmost “tropical trail” in the country.

Afternoon: Charleston Sailing School—Learn to command your own boat. 

Evening: Overnight Blackwater Expedition—Enjoy the adventure and the calm.

Day 2

Morning: Marsh View Fishing Charter—Fish for sharks, cobia, and trout 

Afternoon: Mullet Hall Equestrian Center—Trail riding for everyone [Link to

Evening: Pavilion Bar—Al fresco dining [Link to

Day 3

Morning: Kayak Tour—Ultimate in water adventure.

Afternoon: Climbing Wall and Challenge Course at James Island—Scale the 50-foot wall and more. 

Evening: Overnight Saltwater Expedition—Explore the sea. 

 

History Buff

Day 1

Morning: Fort Sumter—Where the Civil War began.

Afternoon: Middleton Equestrian Center—History and horses.

Evening: Ghosts and Legends of Charleston Tour—Spooky stories.

Day 2

Morning: Hunley Tour—Explore the famous submarine.

Afternoon: Civil War Walk—Charleston 150 years ago. 

Evening: Haunted Jail Tour—Where infamous criminals spent their last days. 

Day 3

Morning: Patriots of Charleston—Step into their shoes. 

Afternoon: Charleston Museum—America’s First. 

Evening: Carriage Tour of the Commercial District—See what life was like years ago. 

 

Beach Lover or Water Baby

Day 1

Morning: Seabrook Island Beach—Serene and private. 

Afternoon: Isle of Palms Beach—Endless sand and water. 

Evening: Sunset Cruise—Blues and BBQ Harbor Cruise with plenty of food and drink [Link to

Day 2

Morning: Folly Beach—Friendly and laid back. 

Afternoon: Kiawah Island Beach—10 miles of pristine beach, dunes, and marshes. 

Evening: Kiawah Resort for dinner—Breathtaking views. 

Day 3

Morning: Sullivan’s Island—Go shopping and sailing.

Afternoon: Tidal Wave Water Sports—Parasailing and more

Evening: Live and Local Spiritline Dinner Cruise—Languish among the stars