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.

The Perfect Rainy Day in Charleston: What to Do for Fun

Charleston is one of those places that has so much to do and see that you can have fun even on a rainy day. From the South Carolina Aquarium to the Charleston City Market, here are our favorite dreary day activities.

South Carolina Aquarium

With a daily dive show and exhibits galore, the South Carolina Aquarium is the perfect rainy day activity for all ages. The exhibits take you from the mountains to the sea, and the first one you’ll see, the mountain forest exhibit, features majestic eagles and playful otters frolicking in the hilly forest. You’ll see the flora and fauna in the piedmont, coastal plain, and salt marsh areas before you hit the coast and ocean to have close encounters with sharks and pufferfish.

The Touch Tank allows you to see and touch water creatures such as stingrays and sea urchins. In February, the Aquarium will hold a birdhouse building workshop and a Love under the Sea Valentine’s Day dinner.

Tour the Yorktown

The focal point of the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum is the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. The museum is home to a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships and the Cold War Memorial. Patriots Point also houses the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and Medal of Honor Museum.

Aboard the Yorktown, you can tour the flight deck and bridge, living quarters, brig, and engine room. The Charleston Navy Shipyard Museum and Medal of Honor Museum are on board, and individual memorials are scattered around the ship. The hangar bay holds vintage aircraft, and if you’d like to try flying yourself, you’ll want to try the flight simulator.

Kiln Time

If you’re artistically inclined and would like to paint your own pottery—or your kids would—Kiln Time is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon. You’ll find a large collection of pottery that you can decorate or paint, and then Kiln Time will fire them and have them ready in just a few days. What a fun way to spend some family time!

Historical Charleston City Market

The Charleston City Market has been part of Charleston’s history for over two centuries. The majestic Market Hall building houses the Daughters of the Confederacy museum. Grab your umbrella and head to this amazing open-air market that sells everything from jewelry to food to sweetgrass baskets. With over 100 vendors, the market has something for everyone, and is the perfect place to have a coffee and watch people. Take a carriage ride, relax, and enjoy Charleston.

Do you have any suggestions for a perfect way to spend a rainy day in Charleston?