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Beach season is still in full swing and you don’t have to go to California or Florida or use your passport in Cancun to enjoy a great beach vacation.
Florida seems to steal most of the glory in the south, with Gulf Shores not far behind, but there are more southern coastal destinations that are definitely worth a visit.
One of them is South Carolina.
While the historic, charming city of Charleston has become one of the country’s trendiest getaways, it’s the state’s beaches that travelers are excited about this summer.
According to Southern life, these are the top 6 beaches in South Carolina. And stick around until the end for bonus #7, our editor’s top pick!
6) Edisto Island
Edisto Island is a barrier island nearly 40 miles from Charleston.
Definitely not a household name, locals are starting to highlight this beautiful beach for its raw, unspoiled appeal.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the more popular beaches, Edisto is perfect for a relaxing getaway for all ages and even boasts several golf courses.
Go camping, hiking, cycling or lounging in the summer sun, away from the crowds.
Many visitors like to spend an extended period of time in the island’s State Park booking a cozy cabin with rates starting at $185 in August.
5) Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head, one of the bigger names in South Carolina, sees its fair share of crowds, unlike Edisto.
With more of what you’d expect from a popular beach town, like trendy shops, restaurants and prime hotel real estate along the scenic beach, there’s never a dull moment on Hilton Head Island.
Not only does this beautiful island have 12 miles of beaches, the area is surrounded by waterways that are ideal for exploring.
Rent a kayak, take a boat trip or even go dolphin watching. View picturesque Port city to check off all these boxes.
Of course, the beaches are the draw at the end of the day. Most tourists agree Coligny Beach is the place to be with ‘beautiful sand dunes’ and ‘beautiful views’.
4) Isle of Palms
Perhaps not a recognized country, but the Isle of Palms is still the favorite getaway of locals despite being relatively popular since the 1970s, with classic resorts that stand the test of time Wild Dunes.
Adding to the allure is that it’s super easy to get to, as it’s only 30 minutes from Charleston.
Sandwiched between the vast Atlantic Ocean and the standard swamps of the south, the setting couldn’t be more beautiful.
If there’s one thing you need to know about visiting the Isle of Palms, it’s that you need to be prepared to stay put.
The barrier island is only 7 miles long and 1 mile wide, perfect for scenic walks along the beach.
3) North Myrtle Beach
There’s the famous Myrtle Beach… and then there’s North Myrtle Beach, a whole different world according to vacationers.
Technically they are 30 minutes apart. North Myrtle offers less razzmatazz for those who prefer similar amenities without the ‘touristy’ atmosphere.
You know, like a giant Ferris wheel on the beach and Ripley’s Believe It or Not “museums”. Myrtle Beach isn’t known for being outrageously expensive, but North Myrtle offers even more savings across the board.
View popular Barefoot landing for the best food, shopping and family-friendly fun like live music.
2) Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Nestled between the scenic Kiawah River and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, visitors have a choice of how to spend their time in nature.
Most choose to take to the sand Sandpiper Parkthe only public beach access here, but the area’s 30 miles of convenient biking and hiking trails are the next best as they weave through South Carolina’s beautiful ecosystems.
If you choose to leave the chic digs of the immaculate beachfront hotel, The refuge.
Best of all, Kiawah is secluded, unlike, say, Myrtle Beach, where there is virtually no privacy.
Tip: There are only 150 parking spaces which are usually full around 10:30 am in the summer months
1) Folly Beach
One of the closest beaches to Charleston is also the best! This beautiful beach is number 1, only 19 km away.
Locals have dubbed this beach “the edge of America,” which isn’t entirely accurate considering it borders Kiawah Island, but hey, we go with it.
The only daring about that could be the dive bars that offer cash only. No one takes themselves too seriously here, which is why locals love this place to escape the 9-5 grind with epic surf spots and cozy stays like Regatta Innlocated on the water with beautiful views of the coast.
Bonus #7: Fripp Island
Hello dear readers! Tyler hereManaging Editor and Travel Off Path’s #1 reader 😁.
I couldn’t get this list out without raving about another incredible beach in South Carolina because I literally just left!
The photo above was taken just three days ago at my favorite destination in South Carolina – Fripp Island. (And so did the first photo of the article)
I have been going to Fripp Island every year for about six years and will continue to go back for many years to come. I always recommend it to family and friends.
Here are some of the things I love most:
- Family friendly: Fripp is our family’s annual beach destination and is really well set up for families. Between the family-friendly pools, kids’ activities, and gentle waves and tide pools, we have yet to discover a better place for the nieces and nephews to run free.
- BIG beach: When the tide is low, you can watch (at least) 30 full-size football matches on Fripp beach. It’s huge! There’s plenty of room to spread out and the beaches never feel crowded.
- Relaxed: When we are in Fripp, time slows down. Cars are not really used and no one is in a hurry. Instead, you see everyone in golf carts or on bicycles.
Pro tip: Reserve your golf cart well in advance if you want one; they sell out quickly. You can rent them here directly on the island, or from my favorite place here (these are more luxurious), and they’ll deliver it to your home before you show up.
- Fun activities: Fripp has a weekly activity schedule that is a lot of fun, especially if you are there with children. Golf cart scavenger hunts, cornhole tournaments, movie nights by the pool…there’s plenty to keep busy!
- Pet friendly: This one isn’t for everyone, but I like to take my dog on trips when possible. Fripp is very dog friendly and my pup always makes about 50 friends at the beach. Morning and evening walks are really great with her. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight with a red light in the summer so you don’t disturb the nesting sea turtles!
I look forward to this trip every year and can’t recommend enjoying it enough! If you ever want some tips, you can always contact me here or on Instagram.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
