South Carolina’s Best Family Beaches

Tell all ya friends and neighbors!

Being a lifelong South Carolinian, I have been to nearly every beach our state has to offer and here are the best family beaches in South Carolina

We have done the “white dress” tradition since Charlotte was little.

We take a picture of her on the beach in a white dress every year, with the last year we do it her being in a wedding dress (if she decides to marry!).

Of course, we had to add in buddy boy and Colli girl so they could join in on the fun.

Living in SC for over 30 years, I’ve been to about every beach there is on this coast and now that we have kids and are looking for family-friendly places, I thought I would share with you the 5 best beaches in South Carolina for families (AND WHY!)

5 Family-Friendly Beaches in South Carolina

If you’re looking for the perfect beach vacation this summer, look no further than the Palmetto State! South Carolina’s coastline offers something for everyone, from active adventurers to lazy loungers.

Personally, my family is a bit more of the lazy beach bums. We aren’t super active as far as excursions or wanting to do anything other than be on the beach or at the pool.

There are plenty of great beaches that are perfect for families. Here are five of our favorites.

Myrtle Beach

Hear me out – as a resident of South Carolina, I do NOT like Myrtle Beach. There’s a reason locals call it Dirty Myrtle.

However, if you’re looking for a beach that offers plenty of activities and amenities, then Myrtle Beach is an excellent choice.

There’s an abundance of shops, restaurants, and take-out places close by, making it easy to find something for everyone in the family. Plus, it’s super kitschy and our kids are a sucker for that.

Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular beach destinations on the East Coast, and for good reason! The beaches here are perfect for building sandcastles, flying kites, and playing beach volleyball.

When you need a break from the sun, check out some of the great family-friendly attractions in town, like Ripley’s Aquarium or Broadway at the Beach.

Isle of Palms

If you’re looking for a quieter beach experience, as in if your kids are older or just prefer the calmer side of a family beach trip, Isle of Palms is a great option.

This family-oriented island is just a short drive from Charleston, but it feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of city life. We had my bachelorette party here and it’s still to this day one of my favorite beaches to visit.

The beaches here are beautiful, and there’s also a great playground for younger kids at Front Beach Park, which is right off of the ocean so you still get the beach view, but with a bit of a scene change.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach is another great option for families who want to avoid the crowds.

This laid-back beach town is home to one of the best surfing beaches on the East Coast, so it’s perfect if your family enjoys spending time being active in the water.

And when you and the fam need a break from the waves, take a stroll down Center Street to check out some of the local shops and restaurants.

Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island is a 10-mile barrier island off the coast of Charleston that’s renowned for its luxury resorts and golf courses. So if that’s how you roll, this may be the beach for you!

But don’t let that fool you—this island is also a great place for families!

The beaches here are unique and absolutely gorgeous, and there are plenty of bike paths and nature trails to explore. Plus, there’s an excellent playground and splash pad at Night Heron Park which is the golf resort there.

Hilton Head Island

I added this to the list of best beaches in South Carolina for families because this is where our family goes every year.

However, every year that we go, we are finding it increasingly difficult to find things for the kids to do that’s fun aside from eating out (which is not always fun for them, let’s be honest) and walking around little shops (definitely not fun unless it involves candy or toys).

I would say HHI is a great option if you’re looking for a less crowded beach. The beaches here are usually very quiet and peaceful, making them perfect for relaxing with your family.

If you’re a bike riding family too, this is 100% the beach for you. Every year we go, I am always taken aback by the giant number of people on bikes I see. They’re everywhere!

South Carolina’s coastline offers something for everyone—including plenty of great options for families! Whether you’re looking for a bustling beach town or a quiet getaway, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Palmetto State.

So pack your sunscreen and your sense of adventure, and head to one of these spots for your best beach family vacay ever!