You’d think that with all the tourism the Palmetto State attracts annually, all of the best South Carolina beaches would be filled with people shoulder-to-shoulder all season long. But there are some beaches that are off the beaten path, or simply aren’t suitable for swimming due to strong currents. Those hidden beaches in South Carolina are less known – and less traveled.

Are you ready to discover some of the best hidden beaches in South Carolina? Gather up the gang, pack the sunscreen and let’s hit the highway for the ultimate hidden beaches road trip in the Palmetto State.

Google Maps
We've strung together six of these hidden gems for you to visit. Who knows? You must just discover your new secret hideaway along the coast. Here's the link to the Google Map that'll take you to all of them. We've also included individual beach links under their photos. So, "water" you waiting for? Let's go!
Folly Field Beach: Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Folly Field Beach, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA
Yelp/Rachel M
TripAdvisor/samanthamariescott
Get away from the hotels and developments on HHI at this secluded beach. You'll pay to park and there are few spots, so start your day early. The reward will be a quiet beach with plenty of ocean breezes and if you're lucky - a nap. That blue walkway in the photo above is an accessibility mat, but it also makes that sand less hot to walk on with bare feet.
Burkes Beach: Hilton Head Island, SC,
Burkes Beach, Hilton Head Island, SC, USA
TripAdvisor/SavantIII_11
TripAdvisor/Justin L
Google Maps [enhanced]
Locals and frequent visitors to Hilton Head Island have this one under wraps. But you'll want to make the short hike from the parking area to this stunning beach on the island. It has one of the best hidden beaches in South Carolina and swimming here definitely belongs on your bucket list.
Mitchelville Beach: Mitchelville Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926,
Mitchelville Road, Mitchelville Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA
TripAdvisor/SavantIII_11
TripAdvisor/SavantIII_11
Google Maps [enhanced]
There's no shortage of sand at this hidden beach - even after Hurricane Matthew. It's a perfect place to get away from the crowds. But if you want to go here, you'll need to know how to find it. Head to Mitchelville Park on Hilton Head Island and then take the path to the ocean to discover one of the best beaches in South Carolina.
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve: W Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, W Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439, USA
TripAdvisor/Laura A
TripAdvisor/StefRoh
Google Maps [enhanced]
Talk a short walk on a sandy path and end up on this beautiful remote beach overlooking the Morris Island Lighthouse. There's also a lot of "sea trees," a.k.a. driftwood, anchored in the sand. This beach is a fantastic place for a picnic and photo opportunities.
Station 12 Street: Station 12 St, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482
Station 12 Street, Station 12 St, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482, USA
©Robin Jarvis
TripAdvisor/perpetua3d
Google Maps [enhanced]
This little known beach on Sullivan's Island only has enough room to park approximately 15 cars. Also, you can't swim here due to strong currents in the shipping channel from the Charleston Harbor. But it's a gorgeous beach for watching the sunset!
Crescent Beach: North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Crescent Beach, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, USA
Flickr/Steve Walker
TripAdvisor/Seaman56
Anyone who's been to Myrtle Beach on a holiday weekend knows you just don't see this much open real estate on the sand over Memorial Day Weekend. Crescent Beach may not be "hidden" in the literal sense, but this neighborhood in North Myrtle Beach just may have the least crowded beach around.

Believe it or not, some of the best summer spots are the South Carolina beaches that are actually hiding in plain sight! So, are you ready to discover some hidden beaches that maybe you didn’t know about in the Palmetto State? We’d love to know in our comments! And don’t forget to check out our road-trip essentials packing guide before you hit the road.

If you love finding new and fun places in South Carolina, then you’ll love this roadside attraction in the Upstate.

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South Carolina beaches

Robin Jarvis | May 30, 2019

What are the prettiest beaches in South Carolina?

Some of the prettiest beaches in South Carolina include:

  • Hilton Head Island
  • Crescent Beach
  • Folly Field Beach
  • Litchfield Beach
  • Driessen Beach

 

We love all of South Carolina's beaches; however, the most beautiful beaches are those that have less development along the shoreline. Beaches without development are most accessible via South Carolina's four state parks that are located right on the beach. The first one, Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, showcases a beautiful beach with a historic castle upon the shore. Next, Myrtle Beach State Park features a long, wooden pier and a mile of undeveloped oceanfront real estate. Hunting Island State Park near Beaufort features a beach bordered by a gorgeous maritime forest, a historic lighthouse, and a campground for overnight visitors. And finally, Edisto Beach State Park offers a low-key atmosphere via Edisto Island that many beach enthusiasts prefer over the many more lively and busy beaches in the state.

What are the best beach towns in South Carolina?

South Carolina's beach towns are few and varied. From the busy towns of Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach and those in between along the Grand Strand, all the way south to the state's most laid-back beach town of Edisto Island, visitors can find just the sort of atmosphere that best fits their expectations. In the Charleston area, the best beach towns are Sullivans Island and Folly Beach.

What beaches have the clearest water in South Carolina?

The beach with the clearest water in South Carolina can be found on Edisto Island. The beach at Botany Bay, is one of the most pristine and remote beaches in the state.

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