Charleston Beaches

  

Lowcountry beaches: A user’s guide

There’s hot fun in the summertime at local beaches, and each one has its own vibe. Whether you want to swim, surf, people-watch, entertain a passel of visiting grandkids or all of the above, there’s a “perfect” beach for you, and we spell out the particulars in this guide. Why not stash it in your glove compartment for handy reference?

Front Beach, Isle of Palms

With more than 21 restaurants, a ballpark and good parking all within walking distance, Front Beach at the Isle of Palms provides the community with a family-friendly spot to enjoy the ocean.

During certain times of the year, it is not uncommon to happen upon a member of the Turtle Team, a group looking out for the protection of loggerhead sea turtles. The turtles use IOP beaches to lay their eggs.

Parking: Along the roads, unless posted otherwise. Two city parking lots and metered spaces are also available.

Lifeguard: Only in the Isle of Palms County Park area.

Alcohol: Not allowed.

Pets: Must be kept on a leash or within voice command of owner at all times. Dogs allowed off-leash 5-10 p.m.

Fireworks: Not allowed.

Fishing: Allowed.

Amenities: Public restrooms and beach showers are available. Personal watercraft rentals are available at the marina.

Quotes

“IOP is more touristy and it’s a bigger beach. It’s gorgeous out there because there’s a bunch of houses.”

Sarah Goose

Mt. Pleasant

“I used to live there many years ago before there was a connector. It offers a good variety of other things to do, with all the restaurants.”

Laurie Martin

Charleston

 

Sullivan’s Island

Sullivan’s Island boasts beautiful beaches and historic sites that are sure to impress. The beaches are more reserved than those of its neighbor, the Isle of Palms, but the quiet atmosphere helps Sullivan’s keep its charm.

The island is largely residential and includes homes that range from sprawling Old South mansions to modern, minimalist designs. The island has few restaurants, and parking can be difficult, but if you can get to the beach, it’s a good bet that it will be clean and comfortable.

One noteworthy spot on the island is Fort Moultrie, where writer Edgar Allan Poe was stationed during his time in the military.

Parking: No lots, but parking is allowed along the streets unless a posting prohibits it. Parking tickets run around $25.

Lifeguard: No.

Alcohol: Not allowed.

Pets: From April 1 to Oct. 31, no dogs are allowed on the beach 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Other rules are posted.

Fireworks: Not allowed.

Fishing: Allowed.

Amenities: Tours of Fort Moultrie are available. There are no public facilities on the island.

Quotes

“I think it’s definitely family-friendly. It’s not as crowded, and I think it’s more relaxed.”

Katie Heath

Charleston

“Sullivan’s, if you want to relax, you go there. It is beautiful, it’s the best, it’s like a hidden gem.”

Ellen Schmedinghoff

Charleston

 

Folly Beach

Folly Beach has a reputation around town as the best beach for catching some waves. The Washout draws surfers from around the Lowcountry and beyond.

Known locally as “the Edge of America,” Folly Beach offers plenty of entertainment options, including places to eat and drink, and it’s popular for vacation rentals.

Parking: Your best bet is a spot with an honor box close to the beach, but parking also is allowed in designated spots farther away.

Lifeguard: Only at Folly Beach County Park at the west end of the island.

ALCOHOL: Yes, but no cans or bottles.

Pets: Must be kept on a leash at all times; not allowed on beaches 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 1-Sept. 30.

FIREWORKS: Not allowed.

Fishing: Allowed farther down the beach from the pier.

Amenities: Public restrooms and showers are along the ramps on the beach. Kayaking, parasailing and bike rentals are some of the activities offered at the beach. Fishing is allowed at the pier.

Quotes

“It’s less pretentious. No gates and better waves than any part of Charleston.”

Ryan Amick

North

Charleston

“It seems more young and open to the public.”

Megan

Crockford

Atlanta

 

Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island

Recently ranked No. 10 on the list of America’s 2008 Best Beaches, compiled annually by a Florida International University professor known as “Dr. Beach,” Beachwalker Park at Kiawah Island provides family enjoyment and relaxation. Visitors describe it as a nice beach with rule and order.

Beachwalker is ideal for people searching for a beach with some seclusion. Though sites farther down the beach belong to private owners and residents of Kiawah Island, the beachfront area of the park is open to the public.

Beachwalker is part of Charleston County Park and Recreation’s park system. Admission to the park is $7 for standard vehicles; $10 for RVs or campers; $25 for buses/large vehicles; and free for walk-ins or bicycles.

Parking: Beachwalker provides a designated parking lot leading to a boardwalk, giving easy access out to the beach.

Lifeguard: Yes.

ALCOHOL: Not allowed.

Pets: Must be kept on a leash at all times.

Fireworks: Not allowed.

Fishing: Not allowed in designated swimming areas; no boats, surfboards or motorized watercraft.

Amenities: The boardwalk is where visitors will find restrooms, showers and a snack bar. Bike riding is accessible along the boardwalk as well. There are camping lodges and vacation rentals within the surrounding area. Fires are allowed only if using a grill for cooking.

Quotes

“It’s just a nice beach. It’s free of trash and debris and it’s a family beach.”

Steve Paterniti

West Ashley

“We’re camping, but it’s nicer. It’s not crowded.”

Lisa West

Summerville

 

Edisto Beach

Edisto Beach is one of the most uncommercialized beaches in South Carolina. Though there aren’t many recreational activities apart from the beach itself, the area is hard to beat when it comes to just relaxing and enjoying the rays of the sun.

The beach is very popular for its seashells. There are few places on the beach where a seashell is not in sight.

Parking: Nearly every street perpendicular to the beach provides parking access. There are designated beach-access areas for parking; follow the signs.

LIFEGUARD: No.

ALCOHOL: Allowed; no glass containers.

Pets: Must be kept on a leash or within voice command of the owner at all times.

Fireworks: Not allowed.

Fishing: Allowed anywhere along the shoreline.

Amenities: Visitors can find showers down the ramps leading from the beach. Motorized watercraft must remain at least 50 feet from the shore. Restaurants and grocery items are nearby.

Quotes

“It’s not commercialized. There’s no emphasis on any waterslides — just emphasis on coming to the beach.”

Jenny Galooway

Spartanburg

“We live in Walterboro, so it’s the closest beach.”

Bennie Rowe

Walterboro