Charleston Beaches Guide

May 15, 2023

Charleston, South Carolina boasts several beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm and attractions, ranging from fishing to water sports to sunbathing. Folly Beach, known as “The Edge of America,” is a popular destination for surfers and beach-goers alike. Sullivan’s Island, just a short drive from Downtown Charleston, is a quieter beach with a relaxed atmosphere. Isle of Palms is a popular family-friendly beach with a wide range of amenities, including beachfront restaurants, shops, and rentals for water sports equipment. Lastly, Kiawah Island, a barrier island about 25 miles southwest of Charleston, is home to miles of pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and luxury resorts. Scroll down to learn more about each of Charleston’s best beaches. 


Sullivan’s Island

On Sullivan’s Island, you can enjoy the beach, beautiful wildflowers, palm trees, and the island’s tasty restaurants. The stores, restaurants, and bars are all located on the main road, Middle Street, just off the Ben Sawyer Bridge (the connector between Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s). It is a great area to bike and see classic and modern Charleston beach homes. And if you want an adventure, you can take kiteboarding lessons or rent paddle boards or surfboards from Sealand Adventures. See Charleston Guru’s recommendations below for where to eat and drink, get beach rentals, and shop!

Where to Eat and Drink

Poe’s Tavern

Poe’s Tavern is a Sullivan’s Island staple. Poe’s sunny patio and bar are located right off Middle Street across from Home Team BBQ. Poe’s serves some of the best burgers in town, has a great draft beer menu, and offers tasty fish tacos and salads.

What to Order: The Tell-Tale Heart Burger & The Yellowfin Tuna Tacos

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The Co-Op

If you are searching for a tasty grab-and-go option to enjoy at the beach, The Co-Op serves sandwiches, salads, coffee, and their famous frosé. And if you are heading to the beach early, stop by for some of their great breakfast options, like smoothies, bagel sandwiches, burritos, and famous $1 cups of coffee.

What to Order: The California Turkey & The Italian

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Post-Beach Drinks

For post-beach cocktails on Sullivan’s, here’s where to go and what to order:

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Equipment Rentals & Lessons

Sealand Adventure Sports

Rental Options: Bikes, E-Bikes, Beach Chairs, Umbrellas, Paddle Boards, Surfboards, LSV Golf Carts, One Wheels, Wetsuits

Lessons: Kitesurfing Lessons

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Beachwear Stores

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Beach Regulations and Information

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Isle of Palms

Right next to Sullivan’s Island is Isle of Palms, South Carolina. Isle of Palms is home to Wild Dunes Resort, The Citadel Beach Club, Wild Dunes Links and Harbor Golf Course, and Isle of Palms Marina. Even if you aren’t staying at the Wild Dunes Resort, you can still have a resort-style experience by scheduling an onsite spa treatment, booking a golf or tennis lesson, or dining at one of the resort’s restaurants. Isle of Palms also has a long stretch of public beach access.

Where to Eat & Drink

Sea Biscuit Cafe

Sea Biscuit Cafe is a local favorite and has served customers on Isle of Palms for the past 37 years. Sea Biscuit Cafe serves Southern-style breakfast and lunch with menu items like biscuits, shrimp and grits, tomato pie, and French toast. And the lunch options include a variety of soups and salads. Note: Sea Biscuit is a cash-only restaurant.

What to Order: Blueberry Walnut Bread French Toast

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Islander 71

Enjoy a beautiful intercostal view as you sip on cocktails and enjoy fresh seafood at Islander 71. This restaurant is located at the Isle of Palms Marina and is a perfect post-beach spot to hang out. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and games for the whole family on the lawn.

What to Order: Crab Cake Sandwich & Sesame Seared Tuna

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Post-Beach Drinks

For post-beach cocktails on IOP, here’s where to go and what to order:

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Equipment Rentals & Lessons

Carolina Salt Surf Lessons

Rental Options: Surf Boards, Paddle Boards, Skim and Boogie Boards, Kayak Rentals, Bikes, Baby Gear, Beach Chairs, Beach Games 

Lessons: Private Surf Lessons and Surf Camp

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Isle of Palms Beach Chairs

Rental Options: Surf Boards, Paddle Boards, Body Board, Bikes, Beach Chairs, Beach Umbrellas, Wheelchairs, Beach Carts

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Beachwear Stores

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Beach Regulations and Info
  • Smoking and vaping are prohibited
  • All alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all streets, boardwalks, and beaches
  • Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach at certain hours throughout the year and can be on a leash at all hours

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Folly Beach

Folly Beach is a surfer’s paradise just 20 minutes from Downtown Charleston. South Carolina prides itself on having small waves but good waves, making it an ideal place to attempt surfing for the first time. The surfing spots to check out on Folly Beach are The Washout and The Folly Beach Pier. And be sure to stop by the swell before you head out. Post-surf, or after a day at the beach, eat and drink at one of the many bars and restaurants around town. Taco Boy, BLU Bech Bar, The Washout, and Lost Dog Cafe are some top picks. 

Where to Eat and Drink

Lost Dog Cafe

Lost Dog Cafe is the perfect laid-back cafe to enjoy a slow morning with coffee and pancakes or to stop by for a post-surf lunch. Lost Dog Cafe offers locally-roasted coffee, breakfast, and lunch options. Lost Dog Cafe has become a Folly Beach go-to thanks to its chill atmosphere, Southern hospitality, and flavorful food options. 

What to Order: Best in Show Caesar Wrap & Awesome Cinnamon Roll

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The Washout

If you are hoping to enjoy fresh seafood while your visiting Folly Beach be sure to visit The Washout. The Washout is a casual beach restaurant and bar right off of Center Street. The Washouts menu includes, Crab Cake Sandwiches, Lobster Rolls, Seafood Baskets, and Key Lime Pie for dessert! See The Washout’s event calendar to know when there is live music at the restaurant.

What to Order: Seafood Basket & Grilled Shrimp Tacos

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Post-Beach Drinks

For post-beach cocktails on Folly Beach, here’s where to go and what to order:

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Equipment Rentals & Lessons

McKevlin’s Surf Shop

Rental Options: Surf Boards and Body Boards

Lessons: Private and Group Surf Lessons

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Ocean Surf Shop

Rental Options: Surf Boards, Paddle Boards, Body Board

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Folly Beach Chair Company

Rental Options: Beach Chairs and Beach Umbrellas 

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Beachwear Stores

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Beach Regulations and Info
  • No possession or consumption of alcohol on the beach
  • No plastic or litter is allowed on the beach
  • No fireworks or fire allowed on the beach
  • Dogs are prohibited from the beach from 10:00am to 6:00pm from May 1 to September 30 and are allowed on a leash during other dates
  • No pets are ever allowed on the pier

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Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island is home to some beautiful resorts like the Kiawah Island Golf Resort and The Sanctuary, which have incredible spas, restaurants, and multiple golf courses, making it an excellent vacation destination or just a simple day trip getaway. Kiawah Island is only 30 to 40 minutes from Downtown Charleston and is right across the bridge from Johns Island. Be sure to stop by Freshfields Village for all your shopping and eating needs. And if you aren’t staying at one of the resorts or at a rental property with private beach access, there is a public beach access on Kiawah called Kiawah Beachwalker Path. Guru Tip: It is just $10 to park in the parking lot right in front of the beach access. Enjoy your trip to this beautiful part of the Lowcountry.

Where to Eat & Drink

Café Eugenia

As you drive into Kiawah, stop by Cafe Eugenia in Freshfields Village for fresh menu items made with locally-sourced ingredients. Menu items include frozen lemonade, sandwiches, salads, charcuterie boards, biscuits, local market items, and dips.

What to Order: Charcuterie Sandwich and Salad and Coffee Cake

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The Ocean Room

If you are coming into town to celebrate something special, be sure to reserve dinner at The Ocean Room. The views, service, and experience are unmatched. The Ocean Room is a Forbes 5-star restaurant in The Sanctuary Resort.

What to Order: Hand-Cut Steaks and Scallops

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Post-Beach Drinks

For post-beach cocktails on Kiawah, here’s where to go and what to order:

Equipment Rentals & Lessons

Seacoast Sports and Outfitters

Rental Options: Bikes and Watersport Rentals

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Tidal Trails

Rental Options: Kayak, Paddle Board, Surf Boards, Kayaks

Lessons: Surf, Paddle Board, Kayaking, Boating Lessons and Outings

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Beachwear Stores
Beach Regulations and Info for Beachwalker Park
  • No consumption of alcohol except in designated areas
  • No fireworks or firearms are allowed on the beach
  • Dogs must be on a leash
  • Fires are allowed in approved grilling areas only

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