Charleston Area Beach Guide

A Day at the Beach

Your guide to Charleston’s beaches

byHolly Fisher

If you came to Charleston looking to unwind, look no further than one of our local beaches. The cares of the world melt away when your feet hit the sand and you hear the melodic sounds of ocean waves.

Soak up the laid-back vibe of Folly Beach, the family friendly feel of Isle of Palms or the unspoiled ocean views at Sullivan’s Island. Each beach has its own character and appeal, so review our guide and then decide which beach you want to visit – or visit them all!

FOLLY BEACH

This barrier island beach has a laid-back atmosphere and is frequented by locals and surfers. With plenty of restaurants, surf shops, hotels and beach rentals, Folly Beach is a great place to spend some time. Plus, Folly is a short drive from the heart of downtown Charleston with all its attractions and activities. Note, summertime traffic can be extra heavy. If you’re not staying on the beach, plan to arrive by 10 a.m.

Where to park: Limited parking is available at Folly Beach County Park (1100 W. Ashley Ave.), so plan to arrive early to secure a spot. Parking fees vary by season. The most you'll pay is $10 per vehicle Monday to Friday and $15 on Saturday and Sunday. You can easily access the beach via the park, where you'll be close to restrooms, outdoor showers, a snack bar and lifeguards.

Rules to know: Alcohol is not allowed on Folly Beach. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sept. 30. At other times, dogs much be leashed; pick up after your pet. Surfing without a leash is prohibited. Between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. May 15 to Sept. 15, surfing is not allowed from 2nd Street East to 3rd Street West (known as the swimming zone). More info and complete beach rules: cityoffollybeach.com Folly Beach fun fact: One of Folly’s famous visitors was composer and pianist George Gershwin. While staying at Folly, he composed the classic opera “Porgy and Bess.”

ISLE OF PALMS

Located just a few minutes from Mount Pleasant, the Isle of Palms has plenty of amenities and is a great family-friendly beach option. This stretch of public beach has a selection of shops, restaurants and bars, plus public restrooms. The area of Ocean Boulevard from 10th Avenue to 14th Avenue is set aside for beachgoers and is known as “Front Beach.” If you’re not staying on Isle of Palms, plan to arrive early. The Isle of Palms Connector backs up quickly with beach traffic.

Where to park: Parking is regulated along the public rights-of-way from May 15 through Sept. 15 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. In the on-street Beach Parking Zones, parking is free of charge. Adjacent residential areas are "resident parking only." Paid parking is available in the Municipal

Parking Lots on Pavilion Drive, at Isle of Palms County Park and on Ocean Boulevard between 10th and 14th avenues. For access to picnic tables, showers, restrooms, seasonal lifeguards and a playground, you might want to park at the Isle of Palms County Park. Parking fees vary by season. The most you'll pay is $10 per vehicle Monday to Friday and $15 on Saturday and Sunday.

Rules to know: Alcohol is not allowed on the beach. Dogs are allowed off leash on the beach from 5-9 a.m. April 1 to Sept. 14 and from 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. Sept. 15 to March 31. At all other times, dogs must be on a leash – even in the water. More info and complete beach rules: iop.net

IOP fun fact: Loggerhead sea turtles often lay their eggs at the Isle of Palms from May to mid-August. From July until October, the loggerhead hatchlings emerge from their nest at night and make their way to the ocean. Do not disturb any nests or any hatchlings and be sure to fill any holes you dig on the beach. If you’re staying on the beach, be sure to turn out your lights at night.

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND

The Town of Sullivan’s Island, a barrier island north of the Charleston harbor, has only about 2,000 residents. With its unspoiled views and terrific dining options, Sullivan’s is a favorite among Charleston area locals. The beach has few short-term rentals and no hotels, so plan a day trip to this beach, also located just a few minutes from Isle of Palms.

Where to park: Parking can be a problem if you arrive after 10 a.m. There are no public parking lots, and street parking is allowed only on one side of the street. Be sure to obey posted signs and don’t park in any private yards or driveways. Rules to know: Sullivan’s Island has no public restrooms or showers and there are no lifeguards on duty. Alcohol is not permitted on the beach. All dogs visiting the island must have a dog permit and should wear the town-issued collar while on Sullivan’s Island. Permits and collars are available at Town Hall, 2050-B Middle St.; 843-883-3198. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sept. 30. More info and complete beach rules: sullivansisland-sc.com

Sullivan’s Island fun fact: This Island has a long military history of protecting the Charleston harbor from invaders. Visit Fort Moultrie – originally built with palmetto logs in 1776 – to learn how it has been restored to reflect the story of American seacoast defense up through World War II.

KIAWAH ISLAND Another of Charleston’s beautiful beaches is Kiawah Island. Much of the island and its beaches are private, but you can access a portion of public beachfront via Kiawah Beachwalker Park on the west end of the island. It has restrooms, picnic areas with grills, and boardwalks. Parking fees vary by season. The most you'll pay is $10 per vehicle Monday to Friday and $15 on Saturday and Sunday.

Bulldog Tours

18 Anson St. • Charleston • (Map: H:7) 843-722-TOUR • bulldogtours.com As seen on the Travel Channel’s “America’s Most Haunted Places,” this walking tour company will have you exhilarated and entertained. Choose from four tours: Ghost & Graveyard, The Dark Side of Charleston, Ghost Dungeon and Haunted Jail Tour.

Charleston Strolls Walk With History

Mills House Hotel (corner of Meeting & Queen) 18 Anson St. • Charleston • (Map H:7) 843-722-8687 • charlestonstrolls.com charlestonstrolls.com • Featured in The New York Times, this two-hour tour is the best way to see Charleston’s Historic District. Famous landmarks, historic highlights, antebellum mansions, quaint alleys and hidden gardens. Everyday at 10 a.m. Requires reservation.

Haunted Yorktown Tour

40 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant 843-722-TOUR • bulldogtours.com | Come aboard the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier and hear stories of the American heroes who lived, died and are still rumored to be there today. Exclusive night-time access to area of the ship closed to the public.

The Spirits of Magnolia Cemetery Tour

70 Cunnington Ave. Charleston 843-722-TOUR • bulldogtours.com This 90-minute walking tour gives you exclusive access to Charleston’s most hauntingly beautiful Victorian burial grounds…at night! The 90-minute tour promises the best of Magnolia’s history, mystery, and spirits. Reservations Required.

Pose for a selfie in front of the Pineapple Fountain at Riley Waterfront Park or on the pier overlooking the Charleston harbor.

If you’re visiting Isle of Palms, stop off at My Favorite Things for beach souvenirs and a chance to chat with Bubba, the store’s resident talking parrot. Bubba is a popular IOP resident. The 22-year-old parrot loves sweet potatoes and sitting outside on sunny days to chat with beachgoers.