South Carolina is well-known for its bustling beaches like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head. However, if you're in search of a more secluded and peaceful beach destination, you're in luck. South Carolina offers a variety of hidden gems where you can relax and unwind without the crowds. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, these least-crowded beaches in South Carolina are worth adding to your bucket list.
1. Daufuskie Island Beach
Located off the coast of South Carolina, Daufuskie Island Beach is an idyllic spot for those seeking serenity and natural beauty. This secluded beach offers stunning vistas and the opportunity for beachcombing without the crowds. To reach Daufuskie Island, visitors must take a water taxi or ferry from Hilton Head to the Freeport Marina and then drive a rented golf cart to the beach. Amenities on the beach include beach access points, restrooms, picnic areas, and beach rentals.
2. Capers Island
Capers Island, located about 15 miles north of Charleston, is another hidden gem in South Carolina. This secluded beach offers a serene setting for a romantic walk or a family outing. Visitors can take a ferry or a boat tour to the pier on Capers Inlet and then walk over the marsh to an unpaved trail that leads to the beach. Amenities on the beach include picnic areas, restrooms, a boardwalk, beach access points, nature trails, and primitive camping.
3. Isle of Palms Beach
If you're looking for a peaceful spot suitable for families and pet owners, Isle of Palms Beach is the perfect destination. Located just a 17-mile drive from Charleston, this beach offers a range of fun-filled activities such as parasailing, jet-skiing, swimming, and sunbathing. Surrounding the beach are beautiful hotels, golf courses, and parks. Amenities on the beach include public restrooms, picnic areas, beach access points, outdoor showers, lifeguard stations, and beach rentals.
4. Garden City Beach
Garden City Beach, located near Myrtle Beach, is a must-visit for those seeking a family-friendly atmosphere and breathtaking ocean views. This secluded beach offers a wide range of activities, including watersports, crabbing, and fishing. The beach is also home to a pier, which serves as a perfect fishing spot during the day and transforms into an entertainment and live music venue by night. Amenities on the beach include the Pier at Garden City Beach, the Garden City Pavilion Arcade, beachfront restaurants and bars, watersports rentals and activities, picnic areas, and BBQ grills.
5. Edisto Beach State Park
Situated on Edisto Island, Edisto Beach State Park is one of South Carolina's four oceanfront state parks. This beach offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, camping, biking, and more. After a day of exploring the park's unspoiled environment, visitors can relax on the wide-open beach and search for seashells. It's important to note that there are no lifeguards at Edisto Beach, so swimming should be done with caution, and small children should be supervised at all times. Amenities on the beach include beach access, a swimming area, a campground, nature trails, picnic shelters, a visitor center, and a boat ramp.
6. Fripp Island Beach
Fripp Island Beach is known for its pristine shores and its popularity as a destination for romantic getaways, weddings, and family vacations. This secluded beach offers a tranquil setting and is one of the least crowded in the state. Visitors can enjoy endless kayaking opportunities, and there is even a kiddie pool at the seaside waterpark on the island for children to enjoy. Other amenities on the beach include the Ocean Creek Golf Course, the Beach Club and Pools, and the Marina and Boat Rentals.
7. Folly Beach
Folly Beach, also known as "The Edge of America," is a dream come true for those seeking a relaxing beach destination near Charleston. Located just a 15-minute drive from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach offers stunning sunrises, sunsets, and a spectacular view of the Morris Island Lighthouse. Visitors can stroll along the beach, fish from the pier, explore the boardwalk, enjoy the splash pad, and have a picnic in the designated areas. Amenities on the beach include a park, a fishing pier, a boardwalk, a splash pad, picnic areas, and restrooms.
8. Huntington Beach State Park
Huntington Beach State Park is the perfect getaway for those looking to experience the wild side of South Carolina on a less-crowded beach. This state park is home to over 300 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Visitors can also spot alligators, pelicans, sea turtles, spoonbill, and more. The park features a wildlife education center and offers nature trails and fishing opportunities. Amenities on the beach include a lifeguard station, picnic areas, restrooms, beach access points, nature trails, and a fishing pier.
9. Burkes Beach
Burkes Beach, located on Hilton Head Island, is a hidden gem that offers a relaxing atmosphere and easy access from Chaplin Community Park. Visitors can reach the beach on bikes via a sandy pathway or use other paved pathways. Burkes Beach is not usually crowded, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquil environment. The park adjacent to the beach features numerous basketball and tennis courts, as well as large fields to explore. Amenities on the beach include beach access points, restrooms, picnic areas, outdoor showers, and walking and biking paths.
10. Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island, located just off the coast of Charleston, is a favorite among golf enthusiasts and nature lovers. The island boasts five impressive golf courses and some of the quietest yet most exciting beaches in the state. With over 10 miles of pristine beaches, visitors can explore magnificent forests, sand dunes, and encounter incredible wildlife such as bobcats, sea turtles, alligators, and whitetail deer. Amenities on the beach include beach access points, beach rentals, showers, restrooms, boardwalks, and parking lots. It's important to note that Kiawah Island is a private community, and access to certain areas may require a guest or owner's pass.
11. Mitchelville Beach
Mitchelville Beach is one of the least crowded beaches in South Carolina, offering a tranquil setting and beautiful views. Lined with trees and surrounded by grass in the water, this beach provides a magnificent backdrop for morning and evening walks. Visitors can search for seashells and observe animal tracks in the sand. The beach features picnic tables, an outdoor sand shower, and a bathroom. Amenities on the beach include public restrooms, picnic areas, a parking lot, beach access points, outdoor shower facilities, boardwalks, and nature trails.
12. Litchfield Beach
Litchfield Beach is a hidden gem known for its quiet charm and beautiful golf and tennis courses. This secluded beach offers a range of amenities and public access areas for picnicking. Surrounded by Huntington Beach to the north, Litchfield features lavish resorts with fantastic amenities. It's the perfect spot to have a stylish beach vacation in a quiet environment. Amenities on the beach include beachfront access, a boardwalk, oceanfront pools, tennis courts, and bike rentals.
13. Sullivan's Island
Sullivan's Island is a quaint barrier island located just a short distance from Charleston. This quiet beach town is known for its tranquility and charm. The island has intentionally restricted short-term rentals to maintain its reputation as one of the most peaceful beach destinations in South Carolina. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls or bike rides along the wide, flat shores and visit historic Fort Moultrie. Sullivan's Island also offers a variety of dining options for al fresco dining. Amenities on the beach include the Station 18th Public Beach Access, the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse, restrooms, picnic areas, outdoor showers, and lifeguard services.
14. Seabrook Island
Seabrook Island is another barrier island located off the coast of Charleston. This charming island offers a serene beach environment, upscale accommodations, and a stunning natural landscape of ocean, marsh, and maritime forest. It is an ideal destination for birders, as it has been recognized as an Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community. Seabrook Island also appeals to equine enthusiasts with its full-service equestrian center offering beach and trail rides. Amenities on the beach include the Beach Club, the Equestrian Center, the Tennis Center, the Lake House, and dining and shopping options at Bohicket Marina Village. It's important to note that Seabrook Island is a private community, and public access may be limited.
15. Bulls Island
Bulls Island, located within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, is a unique beach experience for nature lovers. This uninhabited island is known for its secluded beaches and abundant wildlife. Bulls Island is a paradise for birdwatchers, with close to 300 different species found on or near the island. One of the highlights of Bulls Island is Boneyard Beach, where bleached oak, pine, and cedar trees create an otherworldly landscape. Access to Bulls Island requires boat transportation, either through a ferry or tour company. Amenities on the beach include public restrooms, picnic areas, beach access points, nature trails, wildlife viewing areas, and a visitor center.
16. Morris Island
Morris Island is a tiny sand island in the Charleston Harbor, famous for its iconic lighthouse. This beach is a popular destination for boating, kayaking, fishing, and photography. Visitors can enjoy undisturbed strolls along the shoreline and take in the beauty of the surrounding natural landscape. It's important to note that swimming across from Folly Beach to Morris Island is not recommended due to strong currents. Amenities on the beach include a parking area, public restrooms, picnic tables, boardwalk access, and an observation deck.
In conclusion, South Carolina offers a wide range of secluded and peaceful beaches for those seeking a relaxing getaway. Whether you're looking for a romantic spot, a family-friendly beach, or a nature lover's paradise, these least-crowded beaches in South Carolina have something to offer everyone. Plan your next vacation to one of these hidden gems and experience the serenity and natural beauty that South Carolina has to offer.