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Charleston Beach Houses for Sale! Charleston, SC is an amazing city surrounded by waterways, and is near multiple beaches. The Charleston area has many possibilities to own waterfront property with barrier islands, Rivers, Tidal Creeks, the Intracoastal Waterway, Charleston Harbor, and the Atlantic Ocean. Popular beaches near Charleston include: Folly Beach, Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, Isle of Palms, Edisto Beach, and Sullivan’s Island. Search Houses for Sale on the Beach in South Carolina by City below.
Beachfront Homes for Sale near Charleston, SC
Folly Beach, SC – Homes for Sale
Isle of Palms, SC Real Estate
Wild Dunes Properties
Kiawah Island, SC Homes for Sale
Seabrook Island Homes for Sale
Sullivan’s Island Real Estate
Edisto Beach Homes for Sale
Beaches near Charleston, SC
Nestled along the southeastern coastline of the United States, Charleston, South Carolina, stands as a beacon of Southern charm, rich history, and captivating beauty. While the city itself exudes an undeniable allure with its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and culinary delights, it’s the nearby beaches that truly showcase the region’s natural splendor. From the laid-back shores of Isle of Palms to the bohemian vibes of Folly Beach, each coastal destination near Charleston offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and coastal charm. Join us on a journey as we explore the enchanting beaches that beckon just a stone’s throw away from Charleston’s bustling streets.
Isle of Palms: Where Serenity Meets Luxury
A mere 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston, Isle of Palms welcomes visitors with its pristine sandy beaches, crystalline waters, and upscale amenities. Here, relaxation takes center stage as visitors lounge beneath the warm Carolina sun, the gentle lull of ocean waves providing the soundtrack to their day. For those seeking a touch of luxury, the renowned Wild Dunes Resort offers an exclusive retreat with world-class accommodations, championship golf courses, and a host of recreational activities. Whether you’re indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment, perfecting your swing on the greens, or simply unwinding on the beachfront, Isle of Palms invites you to immerse yourself in serenity and sophistication.
Isle of Palms County Park
Isle of Palms is a barrier island near Charleston, neighboring Sullivan’s Island. Island of Palms County Park is another beach in the area and a popular tourist destination. There is a fee to enter the county park; you may pay a 1 day fee, or buy a Gold Pass that will allow you access for 1 year.
Pets: Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash at all times. Residents of Isle of Palms are required to purchase a $5 Pet Permit.
Folly Beach: Bohemian Charm and Endless Adventure
Affectionately known as “The Edge of America,” Folly Beach exudes a laid-back, bohemian vibe that sets it apart from its neighboring coastal destinations. Just a short drive from Charleston, this eclectic island retreat offers a myriad of activities for outdoor enthusiasts and beachgoers alike. Spend your days soaking up the sun on the expansive shoreline of Folly Beach County Park, where picnicking, swimming, and beachcombing are the order of the day. Adventure seekers can paddle out into the surf for a thrilling day of kayaking or try their hand at stand-up paddleboarding along the tranquil waters of the Folly River. And for those craving a taste of local flavor, a stroll down Center Street reveals a vibrant mix of surf shops, seafood shacks, and beach bars, each beckoning with its own unique charm and laid-back atmosphere.
Folly Beach things to do
Folly Beach is a popular tourist destination and offers a large pier where you can fish (for a fee.) The beach and city offer surfing, volley ball, many surf shops, restaurants, and shopping destinations. If you are looking for a spot on he beach with less people than Folly Beach, you’ll can drive to the west side off the island, and enter Folly Beach County Park (there is a fee to enter the County park), or you can drive to the east side of the island and view the Morris Island Light House. There is no fee to enter Folly Beach, but there are some locations where you may need to pay for parking.
Pets: Dogs are not allowed on the Folly Beach Pier. Dogs are allowed on the beach year round, but are not allowed on the beach from 10am-6pm May 1st-Dec. 30th.
Sullivan’s Island: Where History and Natural Beauty Collide
Steeped in history and natural beauty, Sullivan’s Island offers a tranquil retreat just minutes from downtown Charleston. This idyllic barrier island boasts pristine beaches, swaying palmetto trees, and a rich heritage that beckons visitors to explore its storied past. History buffs will delight in a visit to Fort Moultrie, a historic landmark dating back to the American Revolution, where interactive exhibits and scenic overlooks provide a glimpse into the island’s military history and strategic significance. Meanwhile, nature lovers can wander along the tranquil shores of Station 22 Street Beach Access, where expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean and sightings of dolphins and shorebirds await. And no visit to Sullivan’s Island would be complete without a stop at Poe’s Tavern, a beloved local eatery named in honor of literary icon Edgar Allan Poe, where gourmet burgers, craft beers, and a laid-back atmosphere are always on the menu.
Sullivan’s Island things to do
Kiawah is my favorite beach to visit near Charleston, but Sullivan’s Island is a close 2nd. There are multiple locations to access the beach in Sullivan’s Island, but my favorite location is near Fort Moultrie, which played a part in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World War II. The beach on Sullivan’s Island seems to attract less people than Folly Beach and Kiawah, and is a great location to visit for a relaxing day on the beach. There is no fee to enter the beach on Sullivan’s Island.
Pets: A Pet Permit is required (as of June 2019, Permits are $25 for residents of Sullivan’s Island, and $50 for all others) to bring your dog to the beach on Sullivan’s Island, which you can purchase at Town Hall. To get the permit, you will also need to provide proof of rabies vaccination (collar tag is not valid proof). Dogs Are Not allowed on the beach May 1st- October 31st from 10am-6pm, but are allowed on a leash from 6pm-5am during these dates. You may also let your dog run off-leash at certain times.
Kiawah Island: A Secluded Sanctuary of Natural Splendor
Just a short drive from Charleston lies Kiawah Island, a secluded sanctuary renowned for its unspoiled beauty and world-class amenities. Here, visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of pristine beaches, lush maritime forests, and scenic marshlands. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at one of the island’s championship golf courses, while nature lovers can explore miles of winding trails and pristine nature reserves teeming with native wildlife. And with an array of luxury accommodations, fine dining establishments, and upscale boutiques to choose from, Kiawah Island invites visitors to experience coastal living at its most refined.
Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park is my favorite beach near Charleston. Dr. Beach has ranked Kiawah as 1 of the top 10 Beaches in America, and if you visit Kiawah you will see why. The Park offers Showers, Bathrooms, a Picnic area, cooking grills, and a snack bar. Kiawah’s Beachwalker park is approximately 11 miles long, and is a great place to bring the family. If you walk about 1.5 miles to the South, there is a good location to watch for dolphins during low tide. There is a fee to enter the park; you may pay for 1 day, or purchase a Gold pass that will give you access for 1 year.
Pets: You are permitted to bring your dogs to Kiawah beachwalker Park year round, but there are some restrictions, including critical habitat areas where they are not allowed (Click Here for a pet restraint map). There are certain times/locations where a dog is permitted to run off-leash.
Seabrook Island: A Hidden Gem Waiting to be Discovered
Tucked away just south of Kiawah Island lies Seabrook Island, a hidden gem that offers a secluded haven for beachgoers seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Here, visitors can escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the serenity of two and a half miles of pristine shoreline, framed by swaying palmetto trees and dunes. Spend your days lounging on the sun-drenched sands, exploring tidal pools teeming with marine life, or teeing off at one of the island’s championship golf courses. With its tranquil ambiance and breathtaking vistas, Seabrook Island offers a true retreat from the stresses of everyday life, inviting visitors to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature.
Edisto Beach
Edisto Beach, located along the South Carolina coast, is a serene and unspoiled destination that offers a relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty. Nestled between Charleston and Hilton Head Island, Edisto Beach is known for its pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and lush maritime forests. Visitors to Edisto can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. The island also boasts a rich history, with attractions such as the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area, which showcases historic ruins and scenic landscapes. With its tranquil ambiance and charming coastal community, Edisto Beach is the perfect retreat for those seeking a peaceful getaway amidst the beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Edisto Beach is about 48 miles away from downtown Charleston, and is another great beach to visit. Edisto Beach State Park offers a good place to bring the family, and for camping. Close to Edisto Beach, SC is Botonay Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management area.
Conclusion: Discover the Coastal Charms of Charleston, SC
From the laid-back shores of Isle of Palms to the bohemian vibes of Folly Beach, the beaches near Charleston offer a diverse tapestry of coastal experiences just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a taste of history, each coastal destination invites you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and Southern hospitality that define this enchanting region. So pack your sunscreen, grab your beach towel, and embark on a coastal journey to discover the captivating beauty of Charleston’s shores.