South Carolina is a charming state to visit because of its rich history and attractions, and it also boasts fantastic beaches. South Carolina's coastline is home to some of the USA's most beautiful and unspoiled beaches, stretched along the Atlantic. Some of the best South Carolina beaches that attract many tourists are located on the Grand Strand, a stretch of beautiful sandy shores between Georgetown and the Little River area. However, there are also plenty of underrated beaches in South Carolina (that are especially perfect for summer) if people want to escape the crowds.

People head to this excellent state to enjoy some of the most transparent and pristine waters on beaches like Litchfield, Murrells Inlet, Surfside, and Myrtle Beach, where people find plenty of fun things to do. Hilton Head Island is also a very popular destination among tourists, home to plenty of experiences and activities, and voted one of the best vacation destinations in the world. Here are the best beaches with the clearest water in South Carolina, ideal for a vacation or a day trip.

UPDATE: 2023/07/06 17:43 EST BY REENA JAIN

More Beaches That Have The Clearest Water In South Carolina

This list has been updated with two more South Carolina beaches with crystal-clear water and beautiful scenery, where travelers can unwind or enjoy exciting activities.

17 Cherry Grove

Whether one is looking for a relaxing outing or an action-packed day, this beach has it all! Cherry Grove is a charming beach town in South Carolina with an array of fun activities that one can enjoy with friends or family. Both locals and visitors visit this beach to take a break from their daily lives and unwind amid the gorgeous scenery. Activities like swimming, fishing, surfing, and many more can satisfy the thirst for adrenaline even in discerning adventure seekers. Nature lovers also like being there to simply sit back and enjoy the natural surroundings. Shopping, dining, and live shows are other exciting activities that add to the buzz of the beach.

• Things to do on Cherry Grove Beach: Fishing, kayaking, dining, live music, golfing

16 Ocean Drive Beach

Ocean Drive Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in South Carolina, with clean water and captivating scenery. Visitors like to go to this beach to unwind amid the gorgeous surroundings and spend some beautiful moments with family or friends. From witnessing sunset views to riding the waves and watching dolphins, there are many exciting activities visitors can indulge in at the beach. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards and it’s safe for swimming, even for kids. There are many shallow tide pools where kids can enjoy their time. There are very limited food options, so carrying own food and refreshments is always recommended.

• Things to do on Ocean Drive Beach: Shopping, dining, live performances, see wildlife, kayaking, paddleboarding, surfboarding

15 North Myrtle Beach

One fun spot to see in South Carolina with clear water beaches is North Myrtle Beach. This coastal town/beach is packed with fun restaurants, hotels, and experiences in and out of the water. Here, visitors can check out 60 miles of beaches, as well as clear waters to swim, boat, kayak, and fish in.

Like Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach is more tourist-filled, often becoming crowded on the weekend. Therefore, it may be a good idea to plan ahead, arrive at the beaches throughout North Myrtle Beach early, or go during the "work" week. Although calmer than Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach is calmer: but can still become busy.

• Things to do on North Myrtle Beach: Shopping, dining, live performances, see wildlife, kayaking, paddleboarding, surfboarding

14 Daufuskie Island

Another great spot to check out while in South Carolina is Daufuskie Island. Known for its clear waters and calm, laid-back beaches, Daufuskie Island is the perfect escape from busy South Carolina towns and cities nearby. Because this state features various islands boasting beaches with the clearest water in South Carolina, there are quite a few choices for eager travelers.

This spot is one of the most beautiful islands in South Carolina and is located between Hilton Head Island and Savannah. It's also the southernmost inhabited sea island in South Carolina. For those wanting a relaxing, water-filled vacation adventure, this tiny island is the perfect choice. The size of this island is five miles long and 2.5 miles wide, making it very small and walkable. As of recently, this island has a population of only 533 people, so there aren't many people in the area.

• Things to do on Daufuskie Island: Robert Kennedy Historic Trail, kayaking, cycling, paddleboarding, horseback riding, golfing

Daufuskie Island is very small, only spanning five miles long and 2.5 miles wide. For people wanting a more laid-back, remote vacation to a clear-water beach, this island is the perfect destination. However, it is not heavily populated, and there aren't many things to do outside of viewing nature and enjoying the water.

13 Sullivan’s Island

Located just a 20-minute ride from Charleston, Sullivan’s Island is an excellent South Carolina beach destination for families who wish to spend a nice summer day on the beaches. Most of the coastline is preserved in its natural state and offers simple activities such as swimming or building sand castles. Luckily, there are plenty of top beach towns in South Carolina to soak up the sun.

• Things to do on Sullivan's Island: Edgar Allan Poe LIbrary, Sullivan's Island Lighthouse, Fort Moultrie

Related: South Carolina's Best Beaches, Ranked By Popularity

12 Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach has long been known throughout the Grand Stand as a top beach for fun family activities. Travelers stroll on the famous boardwalk that runs along the gorgeous coastline of Surfside Beach and soaks the view as they dine, shop, and engage in vibrant festivals. Kite flying and building castles may be wonderful bonding activities for kids. Several beaches offer facilities like showers, bathrooms, and ramps for persons with disabilities.

• Things to do at Surfside Beach: Hudson's Surfside Flea Market, Surfside Beach Pier, Celebration Music Theatre

11 Pawleys Island

Pawleys Island is home to some of the most pristine beaches in South Carolina and is recognized for its peaceful waters that are perfect for enjoying shelling, canoeing, biking, and kayaking with loved ones. Featuring white powdery sand, it is the best location for zoos, sculptures, and gardens with native plants.

Pawleys Island offers a panoramic sight of the renowned creek in the area, not to be missed on someone's trip.

• Things to do on Pawleys Island: Brookgreen Gardens, Hammock Shops Village, Huntington Beach State Park

10 Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is the most popular beach destination and largest resort in South Carolina. This family-friendly tourist location features magnificent white-sand beaches and plenty of opportunities, keeping guests fully entertained. People will enjoy peace of mind while walking the long boardwalk and experiencing water activities such as surfing and scuba diving, collecting shells, and building sandcastle.

For those looking for something calmer, they should head to North Myrtle Beach, where they can swim in the clear water, enjoy parasailing and kayaking, or pull up a sun lounger and relax.

• Things to do at Myrtle Beach: Atalaya Castle, Mel Sole Golf School, Steve Dresser Golf Academy

Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular spots in South Carolina. Therefore, it might be helpful to book a stay here during off-peak seasons. Major holidays bring droves of tourists to this area, so that's something to remember.

9 Huntington Beach State Park

Only 30 minutes drive south of Myrtle Beach (quite possibly the best beach in South Carolina), Huntington Beach is a calmer oasis covering an area of natural preserves and boasting a park with an untouched beach spread. Huntington Beach State Park is the ultimate retreat away from the crowds, perfect for sun-seekers, nature lovers, and bird-watchers. It's also a popular spot for camping and picnics. There are also numerous tours available for incredible deep-sea fishing.

• Things to do in Huntington Beach State Park: Bookgreen Gardens, Atalaya Castle, Litchfield Beach

8 Hilton Head Island

While Hilton Head Island is one large beach boasting 12 miles of beautiful sandy shoreline, Coligny Beach Park, reached through an attractive public garden, is an ideal destination for those looking for a lovely family beach experience. Following the path extending to the water, people will enjoy excellent facilities, including comfortable swing seats, beach chairs, and umbrellas.

After enjoying the pristine water, visitors take time to stroll around Coligny Plaza, just steps from the beach, where they savor a meal or a snack, get in some shopping, or rent a bike and enjoy a ride directly on the beach. The island also provides a shuttle bus service for those willing to park far away.

• Things to do on Hilton Head Island: Sea pines forest preserve, Coligny Beach Park, Harbour Town Lighthouse

7 Kiawah Beachwalker Park

Only a short drive from the beautiful city of Charleston, Kiawah Island is home to impressive and unspoiled sandy beaches. Located between the Atlantic and vast woods, Kiawah Beachwalker Park is accessible from the mainland by a bridge. Public amenities such as washrooms, outdoor showers, picnic areas, a lovely boardwalk, umbrellas, and chairs are available.

Kiawah is an excellent spot for couples and families. There are many amazing things to do on Kiawah Island that will keep the group busy, aside from visiting what may just be some of the best beaches in South Carolina here.

• Things to do: Freshfields Village, Night Heron Park, Charleston Tea Garden

6 Edisto Beach

The charming town of Edisto Beach is itself worth the journey from Charleston and is as famous for its restaurants, shops, galleries, accommodations, and vibe. Edisto Beach's unique charm makes it attractive for those looking for a quiet beach experience since it is known as one of the last uncommercial beach areas in South Carolina.

The adventurous types will go kayaking, camping, fishing, and dolphin-watching or sunset cruising. This place also offers some of the best beachside hiking trails in South Carolina, so visitors can enjoy exploring the area on foot, which can lead to stunning, more quiet places to stop and relax at the beach.

• Things to do at Edisto Beach: Edisto Island Serpentarium, Kings Farm Market.

5 Seabrook Island

Located south of Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island boasts many charming beaches. Stretching four miles of pristine shoreline, the two main beaches, Pelican Beach and North Beach, are mysterious hidden gems famous for their peaceful and uncrowded feel. Sunset lovers should head to Pelican Beach, also known as "Sunset Beach," for amazing sunsets.

And early risers and nature lovers will enjoy visiting North Beach due to its magnificent sunrises and abundant bird life, as well as pods of dolphins that feed offshore.

• Things to do on Seabrook Island: Seabrook Island Equestrian Center, Freshfields Village, Bohicket Marina & Market

4 Folly Beach, Charleston

Charleston is famous for many things, and one of them is stunning beaches. Another excellent sun spot just 20 minutes from Charleston is Folly Island, home to the beautiful Folly Beach. The charming Folly Beach boasts a fantastic fishing pier with a perfect view, ideal for a romantic selfie. It is also home to many adventures, such as kayaking, surfing, and paddleboarding.

People enjoy strolling along the beach shores and admiring the ocean views. For a unique experience, it is suggested to rent a kayak around the inland shore of Folly Beach Country Park or go on marine wildlife spotting cruise, where one will see dolphins, stingrays, and even sharks.

• Things to do at Folly Beach: Morris Island Lighthouse, Folly Beach Pier, Folly Beach County Park

Folly Beach is a great place to visit for families. Not only are the waters clear, but this town also boasts a pier, county park, lighthouse, and various outdoor adventures for the whole group.

3 Hunting Island State Park, Beaufort

Attracting a million visitors each year, Hunting Island State Park is a popular destination offering breathtaking and unspoiled beach experiences, five miles of white sand, and spectacular views from its hunting island lighthouse, which is a significant landmark. It is also home to diverse wildlife, some of which can be explored at the informative nature center, an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy a camping experience, choosing from numerous campsites, most with easy beach access.

• Things to do in Hunting Island State Park: Fripp Island, Harbor Island

Related: You Might See These Animals When Visiting South Carolina's Beaches

2 Front Beach, Isle Of Palms

The Isle of Palms is a beautiful beach destination in South Carolina, located 40 minutes east of Charleston, and is as popular among locals as it is with visitors to the region. Most people head to Front Beach, where they enjoy beach activities, like sea kayak tours, sunset cruises, fishing, and surfing, and most of all, searching for beautiful sea turtles since they nest and lay their eggs in the dunes.

Front Beach is very convenient since it has good public parking and easy beach access.

• Things to do at Front Beach on the Isle of Palms: Shem Creek Park, Beach House Spa, Isle of Palms Bike Rentals

1 Litchfield Beach

A trip to Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort is a worthy journey. Close to Myrtle Beach, located only 30-minute drive south, Litchfield Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in South Carolina and amazes people with its majestic stretch of shoreline, no crowds, and no big resort flanking. In addition to the quiet beach experience, and great sunbathing, visitors seeking water activities can enjoy sea kayaking, jet skis, and fishing.

Because this is one of the lesser crowded beaches in South Carolina, it's ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the more popular sandy stretches (like Myrtle Beach, for instance).

• Things to do at Litchfield Beach: Marsh Boardwalk Trail, Beaufort, Hunting Island State Park Beach