ISLAND HOPPING
Get the details on our four closest beach playgrounds—whether you want to roam, search for shells, build a castle, or catch a wave—and claim your preferred patch of sand
Isle of Palms
Just 12 miles from downtown, this nearly 3,000-acre island has a lot to offer—seven miles of beach fun, plus dining, shopping, and entertainment. Here you’ll find both family beach houses and rentals, ice cream shops, Wild Dunes Resort, and concerts at The Windjammer. Avoid Breach Inlet at the southwestern tip and its dangerous currents, unless you’re surf fishing. The nearby oceanfront county park has a designated swimming area with lifeguards (10 a.m.-6 p.m.), sand volleyball courts, and picnic areas with grills, as well as parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, and umbrella/chair rentals. Isle of Palms County Park: 1-14th Ave. Daily, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Parking: $10-$15, free for Gold Pass holders. ccprc.com (opens in a new tab)
Sullivan’s Island
Beach access paths and boardwalks across dunes lead to three miles of generally wide beaches, tidal sandbars, and old military bunkers on this mostly residential island. (The beachfront Fort Moultrie dates back to the Revolutionary War.) Closest to the mouth of the harbor is best for watching ships and dolphins. The streets are numbered “stations,” a leftover from trolley days. There are no lifeguards, and parking and amenities are limited on Sullivan’s. But there are a handful of great eateries and local shops on Middle Street.
Folly Beach
Known as “The Edge of America,” this fun and funky beach town has its own laid-back persona. It’s the local favorite for surf breaks, as well as home to hundreds of beach houses (many available for vacation rentals), and while the pier is under construction this season, there are surf shops, cafés, and beach bars aplenty. Past the Washout on the island’s eastern end is the best spot for looking out at the striped Morris Island Light (circa 1876). The county park on the western end has lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., as well as parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, and umbrella/chair rentals.
Folly Beach County Park: 1100 W. Ashley Ave. Daily, 8 a.m.–sunset. Parking: $10-$15, free for Gold Pass holders. ccprc.com (opens in a new tab)
Kiawah Island
Even at the height of summer, Kiawah Beachwalker Park on the west end of the private resort and residential island likely won’t be as packed as Folly or Sullivan’s. The public beach outside the gates of Kiawah is known for its quieter beauty. In summer, lifeguards are on duty, the snack bar is open, and umbrella/chair rentals are available. Kiawah Beachwalker Park: 8 Beachwalker Dr. Daily, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Parking: $10-$15, free for Gold Pass holders. ccprc.com (opens in a new tab)
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
Rules for our furry friends
- Isle of Palms: Dogs are allowed off-leash between 5 to 9 a.m.; otherwise be sure Fido is leashed (even in the water). And, of course, owners must clean up after their pets. There are dog bag receptacles at most of the public beach access paths.
- Sullivan’s Island: Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Off-leash hours are from 5 to 10 a.m. and on-leash from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. All dogs on the Sullivan’s Island streets, property, and beaches must have a license.
- Folly Beach: Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. At all other times they must be leashed and under control. Owners are asked to pick up their dog’s waste and remove it from the beach.
- Kiawah Island: Dogs are allowed on the beach, but they must be leashed at all times during the summer. Owners could be fined up to $465 if their pet is off-leash. Dogs are prohibited year-round in critical habitat areas located on each end of the island.
INSIDER TIPS
Before you head to the beach, make a plan
- Traffic: Roadways leading to any of the islands get jammed up, especially this season, so try to carpool, go early, and check the SC Department of Transportation cameras for real-time info (511sc.org (opens in a new tab)).
- Beach Rules & Parking: Each beach community has its own rules and regulations for everything from dogs on the beach (see the sidebar below) to what beverages are allowed. They also have tips on what to do if you come across a sea turtle nest or injured wildlife as well as finding a place to park and renting an umbrella. Follow the links below for more info that could save your day at the beach.
- Isle of Palms: iop.net/beach (opens in a new tab)
- Sullivan’s Island: sullivansisland.sc.gov/residents/beach/beach-rules-regulations (opens in a new tab)
- Folly Beach: cityoffollybeach.com/city-departments-services/public-safety/folly-rules (opens in a new tab)
- Kiawah Island: kiawahisland.org/beaches (opens in a new tab)