Best Family Beaches in South Carolina

Aerial view of peninsula with beach and buildings in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
Aerial view of peninsula with beach and buildings in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

The stunning Atlantic coastline of South Carolina offers families of all kinds a variety of beaches for days filled with sun, sand, and surf. Whether you’re in search of a peaceful place to connect with your loved ones or lively activities for kids of all ages – look no further than the beaches of South Carolina. 

If you’re looking for the perfect beach escape to enjoy sun-kissed days with your family this summer, check out our list of the best family beaches in South Carolina. 

Folly Beach County Park, Folly Beach 

Sunset at Folly Beach County Park in South Carolina.
Sunset at Folly Beach County Park in South Carolina.

For stretches of pristine sandy beaches and calm waters, Folly Beach County Park is an excellent choice. With long stretches of beach, it’s easy to find a quiet spot of your own to set up for a day of building sandcastles and swimming in the sea. 

This stretch of beach is particularly popular among families because of its location between the Atlantic and the Folly River. It isn’t as commercialized as some other parts of the coast, which makes it great for sightseeing and viewing wildlife. 

For families interested in a great educational outing there are tours available around the park’s marshlands and estuaries so that children can learn about the 70,000 species of wildlife that call the area home. 

The location ensures that the area almost always has calm waters, perfect for kids and families who would rather not struggle with rough surf. Even with the gentle water, parents and families can rest easy knowing lifeguards are on duty all summer long. 

Amenities at Folly Beach County Park include beach chair and umbrella rentals, restrooms, showers, snack bars, and plenty of picnic areas. 

Sullivan’s Island Beach, Sullivan’s Island 

Sunrise on the beach in Sullivan's Island
Sunrise on the beach in Sullivan’s Island

Just outside of Charleston is the picturesque beach town of Sullivan’s Island. The area is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the state. 

The beaches of Sullivan’s Island are non-commercialized, so your family can relax and play on the long stretches of pristine coasts. 

For adventurous families, the area offers a variety of opportunities for recreation. Older children may enjoy trying out ocean kayaking, sailing, or even catching some waves kiteboarding. 

When younger children tire of splashing in the waves and making sandcastles, families can head to any of the area’s many indoor playgrounds or head to Monkey Joe’s for rides on a Viking Ship. Another popular location for families with little ones, Little Palm’s Play Garden offers crafts and tree planting as well as games.

Burkes Beach, Hilton Head 

Sunrise on Hilton Head Island (Burke Beach).
Sunrise on Hilton Head Island (Burke Beach).

Families have flocked to the resort town of Hilton Head for decades. It’s repeatedly voted one of the best tourist destinations in the United States. Outside of the glamor outs resorts and golf courses, there are a variety of exciting natural places and educational opportunities for families. 

It is undoubtedly one of the most popular vacation destinations in South Carolina and Burkes Beach is a favorite amongst families with kids of all ages. 

In addition to the beautiful beach, there are boardwalks for biking and walking. For an unforgettable excursion, your family can take a guided tour on horseback along the beach. 

For athletic families, the area has plenty of outdoor courts for tennis and basketball. Other amenities include expansive green spaces and picnic areas at Chaplin Community Park. 

After sunny days at the beach, families can visit the Sandbox Children’s Museum to learn about ocean life at the aquarium or play a game of mini-golf at Adventure Cove. For even more educational fun, check out the Sea Pines Forest Preserve to examine plants and nature up close. 

Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island 

Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Kiawah Beachwalker Park

South of Charleston families will find a perfect escape at Kiawah Beachwalker Park. The waves are calm in this area, making it perfect for small kids. 

Trails wind through forests of oak and palmetto for nearly 11 miles so that families can round out their beach days with some nature and exercise. 

Kiawah Island has bike rentals to help your family explore the entire island. Plenty of restaurants and opportunities to enjoy fishing and other activities make this one of South Carolina’s best family beaches. 

Murrells Inlet, Georgetown County 

Aerial view of peninsula with beach and buildings in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
Aerial view of peninsula with beach and buildings in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

For families who enjoy a touch of history Murrells inlet makes for a great vacation destination. It was once a fishing village and none of its charms has been lost. 

One of the main attractions of the area is the marshes which are rich in wildlife and educational opportunities for kids. Leave from the harbor one of the area’s many adventures including deep-sea fishing and boat tours. 

For a break from the saltwater, head over to Brookgreen Gardens for the freshwater lake in Huntington State Park or visit the garden Memorial Gardens with trails through natural habitats and maybe even view some wildlife. 

Pelican Beach, Seabrook Island 

Pelican Beach, Seabrook Island 
Pelican Beach, Seabrook Island

For unforgettable sunrises and sunsets head to Pelican Beach with your loved ones. It’s also known as Sunset Beach and for good reason! This beach offers some of the best views of South Carolina. 

The water is gentle and perfect for kids to swim and play in the calm waves. 

Surfside Beach, Horry County 

Surfside Beach, Horry County 
Surfside Beach, Horry County

Surfside beach is nicknamed The Family Beach because it is one of the most popular destinations for people with kids. 

Outside of the beach, the area has plenty of activities like water parks with lazy rivers, waterfalls, and bumper boats. Amusement parks like Family Kingdom offer even more fun with roller coasters and water slides. 

Myrtle Beach State Park, Myrtle Beach 

Myrtle Beach South Carolina Drone Skyline Aerial.
Myrtle Beach South Carolina Drone Skyline Aerial.

Each spring and summer, families from around the country flock to Myrtle Beach. The state park is slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of the town center and offers a quiet retreat for families vacationing in the area. If you’re lucky you might even see sea turtles! 

Activities include kayaking, fishing, and hiking along the coast. Another benefit for families is the lifeguards on duty in the summer and umbrellas and beach chair rentals. Your family might even enjoy camping right on the beach at the state park campground. 

Other amenities at Myrtle Beach State Park include outdoor showers, restrooms, and changing areas. 

With so many wonderful options to enjoy the beautiful beaches of South Carolina, all that’s left to do is pack your bags! 

See Also

US Beaches

Best Family Beaches in South Carolina

Hi and welcome to my travel blog! Based in London, I work in investment banking in a quantitative field and although I am not part of the travel industry, I have a ton of passion for travel. My blog is a reference guide for my fellow travelers with the same passion as me. Hopefully the blog is easy to navigate and my aim is to bring the most relevant and interesting information before you begin your journey!