Charleston Beach Guide

A Day at the Beach

Your guide to Charleston’s beaches

by Holly Fisher

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. 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. Parking fees vary by season. 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: No alcohol or smoking on the 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. through Sept. 15, surfing is not allowed from 2nd Street East to 3rd Street West (known as the swimming zone). Complete beach rules: cityoffollybeach.com

ISLE OF PALMS

Located just a few minutes from Mount Pleasant, the Isle of Palms is a great familyfriendly beach option. This stretch of public beach has a selection of shops, restaurants and bars, plus public restrooms. 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: Visitors can park their vehicles for free on any road right-of-way within the Beach Parking District unless it is marked with a “no parking” sign. No permit is required to park along the public rightsof-way of Palm Boulevard between 21st and 40th avenues. Pay close attention to all parking signage. Paid parking is available in the Municipal Parking Lots on Pavilion Drive 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.

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.; 843-8833198. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sept. 30. Complete beach rules: sullivansisland-sc.com

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. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally, and, at the park, dogs must be leashed at all times.