If you’re looking for a great beach to relax on in South Carolina, you’ll want to check out the top 7 beaches based on ratings and reviews. These beaches offer stunning views, plenty of activities, and ample opportunities to soak up the sun. So whether you’re looking for a secluded spot or a busy beach with something for everyone, you’ll find what you need here. Check out these world-class beaches today!
Best Beach in South Carolina
Coligny Beach Park
- Address: 1 Coligny Circle, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (8418)
- Phone: +1 843-342-4580
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
5 Replies to 7 Best Beaches in South Carolina (Ratings plus Reviews)
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Top 7 Most Beautiful Beaches in South Carolina
Huntington Beach State Park
- Address: 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (6561)
- Phone: +1 843-237-4440
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Reviews:
In my opinion, much better than Myrtle Beach or Seaside Beach. So much less crowded and a lot less things touching your legs and feet as you swim. It’s a very beautiful place to go for walks on as well. Its also a really great place to dig a hole in the sand, everyone favorite beach activity. It’s probably one of my favorite beaches I’ve been to.By ACT Plays Stuff (6 months ago)Great beach and much more. The walk to the jetty however was a long one even for somebody in prime physical condition like myself 😄. It took a while so we didn’t get to check out the other spots at the park. See my photos for some of the spectacular views and empty beaches. Very cool beach that is natural with dunes and no houses or condos.By Eddie Gebhard (7 months ago)This park was great and family friendly. The beach access was close enough to walk and the views were incredible.
There are many large open green spaces for the children to run and play together. The oak trees are beautiful. Shore fishing was a huge perk for the family. The whole family enjoyed the self guided tour of the castle too!
The only downfall was how early the park store closed when looking to purchase some fire wood.
By Tiffany Semerano (10 months ago)This is a heavenly oasis for nature lovers!! Oh the birds and peaceful solitude!! The jetty is a memorable walk at the right tide level and the beach feels so private because after sunset it’s only resident campers who can go there. Some campsites can hear the ocean. It’s beautiful! The nature center offers great activities for kids! This park is a fantastic place to ride your bike! We have made many happy memories here and can’t wait to go back! Well worth the daily price of admission! One of the most wonderful special gems on the east coast.By K G (9 months ago)Another favorite state park of mine Huntington Beach has the best views and picture spots to choose from. Atalaya castle sits near the beach and is fun to tour the grounds of. At Halloween they will often do ghost stories at the castle or even fun haunted tours. There is also a jetty walk that is magical to walk at sunset. Take a significant other and journey down the coast until you reach the rocks! I’ve seen sea turtles, dolphins and more. Then of course there’s the alligator trail where you can see alligators in their natural habitat. All in all a very fun place to come and spend a day in the sun.By Brittany Ficklin (6 months ago)
Myrtle Beach State Park
- Address: 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (5792)
- Phone: +1 843-238-5325
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Reviews:
A great state park. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. The park is well kept. My wife and I camped in site 001 for president’s day weekend. We liked how there is plenty of tree coverage but a short walk and you’re on the beach.
The facilities are nice and clean. While there were many visitors and campers it didn’t feel crowded at all. It’s away from all the hustle and bustle of the main strip but it’s only a short drive if you want to visit all that. The Myrtle airport is literally right next to the park so there are the planes coming and going but it’s not that bad and much of the time we didn’t even notice them.
If you can, visit the Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar. There are 2 of them at Myrtle but one is only a few minutes from the park. Some horse owners were there and you could ride the horses on the beach, for a few we assume, we didn’t ride them. Not sure if they’re there everyday or only certain times. They showed up in the morning.
Overall a great experience and we would definitely visit again.
By Thomas Hastings (11 months ago)Totally worth it! I’m sure we only had them to explore a small portion of the park, but man was it worth it!!!! They also allow you to come back same days once you’d paid. I love that they allow dogs (we took her to beach after 5pm) and omg it was so much fun. This beach is a lot quieter than most down by the hotels. It feels cleaner too. We loved the pier and little boardwalks. Took a quick trail too which was super scenic. Overall, beautiful experience.By Valarie Winkleman (7 months ago)The beach, pier, and picnic facilities are unmatched! Better than at any resort I have stayed. If I scored it based on the campsites, it would be 3 stars. Small, close sites…. but the rest of the park more than made up for that. 3-5 minute walk to the beach from any site. AMAZING picnic shelters and walkways between beach access points. We will return.By Rebecca Hammitt (5 months ago)This park is fabulous! Clean and well maintained! Everyone that worked there was very friendly. You will not be disappointed! tucked away in the woods with a very short walk to the beach right from your campsite. We walked to the beach every morning to watch the sunrise & look for sea shells, our boys and my dad fished the pier everyday, They had a blast! I have teen boys so they loved the pier fishing & they love disc golfing, They really enjoyed playing the course that is located right by the state park. We are already planning our next trip! ❤️By Donna Forro (a year ago)My mom and I wanted a place to lay on white sand and do on shore fishing. By far the best beach I’ve been to. Not an overly touristy spot and it wasn’t too crowded. Nice secluded area from the main boardwalk/myrtle beach area. Lots of shells and supposedly shark teeth around the beach, super fun for kids (or adults) to look for. Has a nice fishing pier and it’s right off the beach so it was perfect for both things we wanted to do. There is also a small gift shop/tackle area, fishing pass for the day was cheap, only 8 dollars for an adult. They even had fresh scooped ice cream. The women and man that seemed to by operation the gift shop were nice and accommodating. We will definitely be back, and hopefully for more than one day as they had some other activities during the week (crabbing, sieve netting ext) that we would have loved to do. Can’t wait to come here again.By Olivia P (Livsociallyawkward) (5 months ago)
Folly Beach Pier
- Address: 101 E Arctic Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (4292)
- Phone: +1 843-795-4386
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
After a long awaited 2 years! The time is here! Fully rebuilt and ready for all the years and seasons to come! Brand new beautiful blue picnic benches. Large shaded patio areas to protect from wind and sun 🌞. The restaurant bar is open as well and half the parking lot is open but not accessible with a gold parking pass anymore. If your looking to have a nice walk and watch a beautiful sunset this is the place! If your looking for a great place to fish with friendly local fishermen! This place is it! They have 4 electric outlets only on the end of pier and multiple new fish cleaning stations. I’ve missed this place and so has everyone else! Welcome back!By Allen Garcia (2 weeks ago)Great view for Sunrises. New covered observation areas. Fish cleaning stations. Places to sit all the way around. Really niceBy BrOHiLL (3 months ago)As an avid traveler I came to Charleston on a work trip, during the holidays last year. Solo I explored Folly Beach, walked the pier and picked up some sea shells to take home to my two little boys.
The ocean was so strong and SO calming. I have to say this was one of my favorite trips I have ever taken to the ocean. There was something SO rejuvenating and magical about my time there, not a soul around to bother me while my personal human battery was recharged by the ocean and the sunshine.
I am attaching the few photos I took on this trip. I am sure it wont always be this empty, but if you can go in the off season when all the tourists stay home, do it! It was SO nice to have the beach to yourself mid day. The big gazebo on the dock was empty and clean and the sea gulls were just sitting on the dock and enjoying the sunshine.
Safe travels!
By Elma Imamovic (4 months ago)Beautiful, super clean beach with many gorgeous shells and pretty starfish in the tide pools and cheap all-day parking ($10)By Melinda Arzola (3 months ago)Currently doing necessary repairs on the pier but you’re still able to enjoy a short walk and overlook the coast. Great gift shop/food joint just atop the main staircase.By Alexs Lyfe (4 months ago)
Folly Beach County Park
- Address: 1100 W Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (3232)
- Phone: +1 843-762-9960
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
The whole park is very nice. We went a little early so there were not many people on the beach. The facilities are very clean and well up kept. There was also an elevated pavilion that had a nice place to take food and eat. Access was only 5 dollars. There are some other things to do that kids would love, like looking for sea shells or finding a starfish. The nature is very pretty here.By Alberto Martinez (a year ago)If your visiting Foley Beach, this is the best place to park and to enjoy the beach. You will find all the amenities that will make your trip a special one. At the Dunes House, there are clean restrooms, showers, beach rentals, patio picnic area, a snack bar, and best of all easy access (including wheelchair accessible walkway) to the beach. Easy place to find shells and shark tooth’s. There is even a seasonal lifeguard during the days. If you get hungry, or just want to enjoy a stroll, just walk north toward the Foley Beach Pier and there are beach bars/restaurants.By Dr Parag Dalsania (5 months ago)Should have gone here a long time ago.
The place is huge and lots of parking. Changing stations at every beach access and wheelchair access as well.
Didn’t get to try the food as a big storm came in so we left.
Bathrooms are nice and has plenty of room.
Lifeguard stations at every access also.
You can rent chairs and umbrella for the day.
Has a small store if beach items are needed.By Grant Bell (6 months ago)Really enjoyed our time on this beach. Very easy to rent umbrellas and chairs without heavy lifting. Their snack bar is convenient and bathrooms kept clean. Lifeguards are plentiful. Wash areas and changing rooms are so nice to avoid tracking lots of sand into your vehicle. We had a blast here, will definitely be back!By Shelly Fagin (6 months ago)It was awesome place,we been to a state beach with a convenient place and cheap parking a just 12$ with shower, bathroom and room for change is available too ,very nice view overlooking ocean.The saw was black powdery but in the photo looks like white and relaxing and we enjoy the flying birds gave them some chips. Place is a bit crowded but peaceful. 3 hrs and 32 minutes from Greenville.By Shay Espinosa (9 months ago)
Edisto Beach State Park
- Address: 8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (2527)
Folly Field Beach Park
- Address: 55 Starfish Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1541)
Fish Haul Beach Park
- Address: 120 Mitchelville Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1360)
That’s it for our list of the best beaches in South Carolina! If you have any arguments or additional information, please leave a comment. We love to hear from our readers. And don’t forget to check out some of the other posts on our blog for more travel inspiration. Happy beachcombing!
I love this beach park. The trees are so beautiful and the water was so clear. They have lots of pine trees and the bright green leave plants. I also love that parking was easy, at least when we went in December. They also have bathrooms and showers.
Free public access to the Atlantic Ocean in a Hilton Head Island, SC! Beautiful boardwalk bringing you into the heart of the park. Clean restrooms, rinse off area, changing rooms and lots of shaded seating stops. Wheel chair and scooter accessible mat also available. Beach with lifeguards is very clean with several umbrella chairs and prime seating for families enjoying the day at the beach. Would definitely return!
Great beach. Beautiful sunrise views. Smooth, gradual water entry for high and low tide making it easy to play in — not always the best for boogie boarding or finding shells. Lots of free parking, showers, bathrooms, changing rooms, seats, etc. and nearby shopping and eating (live bands) make it easy to take the whole family. Blue umbrellas with 2 chairs are available for rent from the “beach patrol” (not to be confused with the lifeguards also wearing red) for ~$40/day 9:00 – 5:00. Almost stepped on a stingray – pay attention!
Cool beach, gets busy during hot days for swimming.
Many people around so it’s mostly safe.
Nice sunrises over the Atlantic and decent sunsets.
Oceans can be flat as pancake or have 4-5 foot choppers in the same day. High and low tides add about 20 yards to beach area.
Fun place to people watch
For a public (free) beach park, Coligny is extremely nice. Even in late October there were a lot of people walking and biking the beach. Loads of families and couples enjoying the beach and the local birds. I’m sure this spot in the summer is a popular one. They have plenty of amenities like outdoor showers and feet washing stations. If you’re in HHI this is a great spot for an afternoon walk or adventure.