Burkes Beach
Burkes Beach is located on Hilton Head and you will find parking at the end of Burkes Beach Road.
Isle of Palms Beach
Like Kiawah Island, the beach on South Carolina’s Isle of Palms is known for its family-friendly vibe and lively beach community. You can even play a round of golf before cooling off on the shore. People often enjoy the beautiful trip to the Isle of Palms and stay a full day.
When the sun goes down, you’ll love the live music at Windjammer, a local waterfront restaurant and bar.
Morris Island Beach
Morris Island is north of Folly Island and south of historic Fort Sumter in Charleston. All of the islands surrounding Charleston have historical and cultural significance to the United States, but Morris Island may be home to one of Charleston’s most sheltered and desirable beaches. Morris Island has a history that includes major events in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and even events involving pirates. Morris Island had its first settlers in 1673 and the first lighthouse was erected in 1762 by order of Kiang George III and was twenty-two feet high. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the Revolutionary War. In 1838 a replacement was built 60 feet taller than the original, but that too was destroyed, this time during the Civil War. Today you can see the lighthouse that replaced those that once stood on Morris Island. It towers 161 feet! It was once about 2700 feet from the water in the 1880’s, then at the water’s edge in the 1930’s. You will see today that thanks to erosion you are less than 500 meters from the shore of Morris Island. The lighthouse is an impressive feature off the island’s coast, its presence adding to the beauty and historical importance of this island of Charleston. Morris Island’s beach is undisturbed, marred by shops, real estate and other modern normals. The island is only accessible by boat. This can be done via one of the commercial boat tours that operate from Charleston. You can find departures from Folly Beach, Mount Pleasant and other popular areas around Charleston. This is the perfect beach to visit during your stay in Charleston if you love getting off the beaten path.
East Beach caters to all your beach-loving needs. With a snack bar, restrooms, lounge chair and umbrella rentals, and outdoor showers, East Beach caters to all needs. If you are looking for barrier-free wheelchairs for the beach, you can also rent them there! There’s also an aspect of unspoiled nature on Kiawah Island that will add a little tranquility to your time on East Beach. Kiawah Island has a total of ten miles of sandy beaches and has won numerous awards each year, including landing on Dr. Beachs Top Ten Beaches in America. If you’re looking forward to spending some time on the water, this is a great place to do it! Rent a paddle board, take a tour, take surfing lessons, go boogey boarding and more. It is also common to see bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead turtles on the beach. The breeding season is from May to October, so keep an eye out for baby sea turtles while you’re on the beach!
Sullivan’s Island
Although the smallest of Charleston’s beaches, Sullivan’s Island Beach is one of the most pristine. Less crowded than Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island Beach remains pristine and often uncrowded, ideal for locals’ morning walks on the beach or picnics on the sand. With nearly a dozen local restaurants right next to the beach, whether it’s the Mex 1 Coastal Cantina for tacos and margs or dining at the eclectic Poe’s Tavern, it’s no wonder Sullivan’s is a Charleston local favorite.
Visible for miles on the horizon, Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse (commonly referred to as the “Charleston Light”) is considered one of the most modern lighthouses in the country. Fully functional, it serves not only to guide ships safely ashore, but also as a reminder of Charleston’s role as a busy seaport, bringing in and shipping groceries, goods and tourists every day.
Why we recommend this beach
Do you like cycling?
Burkes Beach is adjacent to Chaplin Community Park and its sand path is perfect for biking.