Folly Beach, Kiawah, Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island: Which is the Best Beach to Visit in Charleston?
Summer in Charleston is in full swing. The beaches are open with good social distancing being practiced. Hotels and short-term rentals are accepting reservations. Most restaurants and bars are back open for business. We are all learning to adapt to the “new normal”. After weeks, and some of us months, in quarantine we are all overdue for a vacation. If you are thinking of heading to Charleston this summer, you may be wondering what is the best beach to visit while you are in town or best beach to stay at while vacationing? Look no further. Here is our guide to Charleston beaches.
Folly Beach
Obviously, we are impartial and love Folly Beach. It’s where we call home. Folly Beach is located 12 miles from downtown Charleston. Folly Beach is full of character. From the large, sandy beaches, to the best waves you’ll find in Charleston, Folly is the place to visit if you enjoy a lively beach town.
There are tons of vacation rentals for those looking to stay on Folly and one hotel (The Tides). A few things to note about Folly: alcohol isn’t allowed on beaches (this goes for all Charleston beaches, but you can enjoy a nice beverage overlooking the beach at Blu on Folly), no glass is allowed on the beach, and dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 am to 6 pm (May 1- September 30). If you aren’t staying on Folly, try to visit during the weekdays versus the weekends. Traffic can back up early on the weekends, making the 20-minute commute from downtown significantly longer. Also, parking is very limited during the weekends, so Uber if possible.
If you are looking to surf, Folly Beach is your go-to beach. Folly’s varied coastline and jetties make it a great spot for surfers of every skill level. If you really want the true local’s experience, check out the Washout. The Washout is the most notable surfing spot on Folly, but it is not a place for beginners due to its crowded nature.
Kiawah
If you are looking to truly escape and unwind, then Kiawah is for you. Located 26 miles from downtown Charleston (or about a 45-minute drive), Kiawah is truly an escape from the city. While the island itself is private, there is one public beach, Beachwalker Park. If you are looking to visit the public beach, carpool and leave early. Again, parking lots fill up very early and access is restricted after they are filled.
The private island of Kiawah has five championship golf courses, including the Ocean Course (home to the 1991 Ryder Cup, 2012 PGA Championship, and upcoming 2021 PGA Championship). It is also home to a world-class resort and spa, as well as, many renowned restaurants. Kiawah is the go-to beach if you are looking for an upscale, relaxing getaway.
Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms is a family-friendly beach located 18 miles (or about 30 minutes) from downtown Charleston. For many people visiting the area, this is their go-to beach just due to the abundance of vacation rentals on the island. The beach can get crowded mostly because of the sheer volume of people staying on the island. If you aren’t staying on the Isle of Palms, it may not be the best beach just to visit. Parking is very limited and lots fill up very early.
There are some great restaurants and bars on the Isle of Palms worth visiting including the famous Windjammer, where you can listen to some tunes and enjoy a beverage by the beach. The County Park has lifeguards, changing areas, a snack bar, a sand volleyball court, and grills to grill out with family and friends, making it an overall family-friendly beach worth visiting.
Sullivan’s Island
If you are looking for the classic Lowcountry beach town, then Sullivan’s Island is a great option. Located just 10 miles from downtown Charleston, it’s an easy day trip for those staying downtown or in Mount Pleasant.
The beaches on Sullivan’s are wide and open. However, unlike the other beaches, there are no lifeguards on Sullivan’s, so you will be swimming at your own risk. Also, like other beaches in Charleston, alcohol on the beach is strictly prohibited.
Sullivan’s Island doesn’t have a ton of restaurants, but the restaurants that are on the island are some of the best in the Charleston area including the Obstinate Daughter, the iconic Poe’s Tavern, and Home Team BBQ among others. If you are looking for a classic Lowcountry escape, with some good eats mixed in, then Sullivan’s may be the beach for you.