Summary

  • Experience serenity and natural beauty at Daufuskie Island Beach, one of South Carolina's secluded beaches. Enjoy beachcombing and lovely vistas without the crowds.
  • Capers Island offers a serene setting for a romantic walk or family outing. Take a ferry to the pier, walk over the marsh, and explore the unpaved trail to reach the beach.
  • Isle of Palms Beach is a peaceful spot suitable for families and pet owners. Enjoy fun-filled activities like parasailing and sunbathing, surrounded by beautiful hotels and parks.

While some travelers head to beach to party, others prefer quiet and peaceful beach destinations. There is something special about choosing a spot where beaches are less crowded and the atmosphere is relaxing. Fortunately, South Carolina boasts numerous laid-back beaches to have this kind of vacation, and they wouldn't disappoint.

As much as some vacationers love South Carolina's bustling beaches like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, sometimes a more secluded spot in the sand to relax and unwind is what one needs. Here are 14 of the least crowded beaches in South Carolina one should add to their next vacation bucket list.

UPDATE: 2023/07/11 14:16 EST BY REENA JAIN

More Of Least-Crowded Beaches You Should Add To Your South Carolina List

While South Carolina is a paradise for beach lovers, boasting a number of captivating beaches that are full of buzz and excitement, there are also many for those who like to visit places with few people. Two more of the quiet beaches in South Carolina, including Daufuskie Island and have been added to this list to give more lovely options to solitude and nature lovers.

16 Daufuskie Island

Daufuskie Island Beach

Photo by Yohan Marion on Unsplash
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

For those who are looking for secluded beaches in South Carolina, Daufuskie Island Beach is unquestionably an idyllic location to experience serenity and natural beauty. Visitors to the island enjoy beachcombing and lovely vistas without a lot of tourists. It is also the perfect location to share some special moments with one's partner. Travelers must take a water taxi or ferry from Hilton Head to the Freeport Marina and then drive a rented golf cart to reach the beach.

  • Amenities on the beach: Beach Access Points, Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Beach Rentals (chairs, umbrellas, etc.),

15 Capers Island

Capers Island 

Image by Tom Simpson from Pixabay
Capers Island Beach

Capers Island, about 15 miles north of Charleston, is one of the hidden beaches in South Carolina, offering a serene setting to enjoy a romantic walk along the shore, spend some beautiful moments with family while hunting for shells or building sand castles, or simply unwind in complete solitude and nature. Visitors can take a ferry or a boat tour to the pier on Capers Inlet, from where they can walk over the marsh to an unpaved trail and then to the beach.

  • Amenities on the beach: Picnic Area, Restrooms, Boardwalk, Beach Access Points, Nature Trails, Primitive Camping

14 Isle Of Palms Beach

Tourists relaxing under a beach umbrella on Isle of Palms

Foto de Drew Dau en Unsplash
Tourists relaxing under a beach umbrella on Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is reachable from Charleston via a 17-mile drive. Believed to have been originally inhabited by Sewee Indians, this beach has existed for at least 25,000 years. Isle of Palm Beach is an amazing tourist destination, suitable for families with pets and every other traveler looking for a peaceful spot to have a good time. Travelers will experience fun-filled activities, such as parasailing, jet-skiing, swimming, and sunbathing. This place is packed with beautiful hotels, golf courses, and parks.

  • Amenities on the beach: Public Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Beach Access Points, Outdoor Showers, Lifeguard Stations, Beach Rentals (chairs, umbrellas, etc.), Parking Lots

RELATED: These Are The Best Times To Visit Charleston (& What To Do There)

13 Garden City Beach

Fishing rods in the sand in South Carolina

Foto de Taylor Smith en Unsplash
Fishing rods in the sand in South Carolina

Garden City is one of the best least-crowded beaches near Myrtle Beach that vacationers should add to their South Carolina bucket lists. Praised for its incredible family-friendly atmosphere, the beach offers breathtaking ocean views along the southern coast. Nestled to the south of Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach is a hot spot for watersports, crabbing, and fishing. The beach boasts a pier, a perfect fishing spot during the day, which turns into an entertainment and live music paradise by night.

  • Amenities on the beach: Pier at Garden City Beach, Garden City Pavilion Arcade, Beachfront Restaurants and Bars, Watersports Rentals and Activities, Garden City Beach Fishing Pier, Oceanfront Picnic Areas, BBQ Grills

12 Edisto Beach State Park

Dirt road to Botany Bay on Edisto Island

Foto de Mick Haupt en Unsplash
Dirt road to Botany Bay on Edisto Island

Situated on Edisto Island, this beach is in one of South Carolina’s four oceanfront state parks, offering an array of fun activities, including hiking, camping, biking, and more. After a long day of exploring the mind-blowing unspoiled environment, the wide-open beach at the park welcomes travelers to have a relaxing, where they may pick some shells here and there.

  • Amenities on the beach: Beach Access, Swimming Area, Campground, Nature Trails, Picnic Shelters, Visitor Center, Boat Ramp

There are no lifeguards at Edisto Beach. While the sea is generally calm, be cautious when swimming and be sure to supervise small children at all times.

11 Fripp Island Beach

Sunrise over the ocean

Foto de Rachel Cook en Unsplash
Sunrise over the ocean

Fripp Island beaches are some of the most pristine in South Carolina. They are also the perfect spots to go golfing and experience southern hospitality. The island has been a top destination for romantic getaways, weddings, and family vacations. The beaches are some of the least crowded in the state, and offer endless kayaking opportunities. There is a kiddie pool at the seaside waterpark on the island, with slides for children to enjoy. Travelers will find several bikes and golf carts, as most vacationers prefer them as modes of transportation.

  • Amenities on the beach: Ocean Creek Golf Course, Beach Club and Pools, Marina and Boat Rentals

10 Folly Beach

Folly Beach vacation rental
via Jaimee Terese
Folly Beach vacation rental

Located between Folly River and the Atlantic Ocean, Folly Beach is one of the best parts of the history and charm of South Carolina's coast. The beach is reachable in about a 15-minute drive from downtown Charleston. Also referred to as ‘’The Edge of America’’, Folly Beach is a dream come true for tourists looking for an impressively relaxing beach destination. Sunrises and sunsets spent here are some of the most unforgettable! On the eastern side, a spectacular view of the Morris Island Lighthouse awaits.​​​​​​​

  • Amenities on the beach: Park, Fishing Pier, Boardwalk, Splash Pad, Picnic Area, Restrooms

RELATED: Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, And Folly Beach: Get To Know Charleston's Beaches

9 Huntington Beach State Park

bird perched in marshland

Foto de Scott Hill en Unsplash
bird perched in marshland

Huntington Beach State Park is an excellent getaway for vacationers looking to experience the wild side of South Carolina on a less-crowded beach. Boasting over 300 species of birds, Huntington Beach is one of the best birdwatching spots in the state. Travelers will also spot alligators, pelicans, sea turtles, spoonbill, and more. There is a wildlife education center at the park, as well as several land animals to explore.​​​​​​​

  • Amenities on the beach: Lifeguard Station, Picnic Areas, Restrooms, Beach Access Points, Nature Trails, Fishing Pier

8 Burkes Beach

Shell in the sand on a secluded beach

Foto de Clint McKoy en Unsplash

Shell in the sand on a secluded beach

Located on tourists' favorite Hilton Head Island, right next to Chaplin Community Park, travelers can easily get to the beach on bikes thanks to the sandy pathway. There are other paved pathways vacationers can use to reach the beach. Burkes is not always crowded, and vacationers will be pleased at the relaxing atmosphere. There are numerous basketball and tennis courts as well as large fields to explore within the park.​​​​​​​

  • Amenities on the beach: Beach Access Points, Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Outdoor Showers, Walking and Biking Paths, Lifeguard Stations

7 Kiawah Island

Golf course alongside the water on Kiawah Island

Foto de Andrew Shelley en Unsplash
Golf course alongside the water on Kiawah Island

Located just off Charleston's coast, Kiawah Island is a favorite among golf enthusiasts and known for having hosted multiple PGA Championships. The luxury island boasts five of the most impressive golf courses in South Carolina and some of the quietest yet most exciting beaches in the state. There is over 10 miles stretch of beaches, along with magnificent forests, sand dunes, and incredible wildlife, including bobcats, sea turtles, alligators, and whitetail deer.​​​​​​​

  • Amenities on the beach: Beach Access Points, Beach Rentals (chairs, umbrellas, etc.), Showers, Restrooms, Boardwalks, Parking Lots

Kiawah Island is gated and not all areas have public access. A guest or owner's pass is required for accessing restricted areas.

Related: 10 Best Things To Do In Kiawah Island, South Carolina

6 Mitchelville Beach

natural souvenirs from the sea

Foto de Anna Marie en Unsplash
natural souvenirs from the sea

Even during peak travel periods, Mitchelville is still one of the least crowded beaches in South Carolina to add to the bucket list. Mitchelville Beach is lined with beautiful trees and some grass in the water that make the place look incredibly magnificent in the mornings and evenings. This is the best place to search for seashells and track some animal steps in the sand. The beach has picnic tables, an outdoor sand shower, and a bathroom.​​​​​​​

  • Amenities on the beach: Public Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Parking Lot, Beach Access Points, Outdoor Shower Facilities, Boardwalks, and Nature Trails

5 Litchfield Beach

outstreched hand with a sea shell in the palm on a beach

Foto de Clint McKoy en Unsplash

outstreched hand with a sea shell in the palm on a beach

Litchfield beach is recognized for boasting an incredibly quiet charm with beautiful golf and tennis courses. Travelers will also find some private clubs along the beach, giving them a range of options for entertainment. Surrounded by Huntington Beach to the north, Litchfield features lavish resorts with fantastic amenities and public access areas families can use for picnicking. This is the best spot to have a stylish beach vacation in a quiet environment.​​​​​​​

  • Amenities on the beach: Beachfront Access, Boardwalk, Oceanfront Pools, Tennis Courts, Bike Rentals

4 Sullivan's Island

Small catamaran on the beach with Sullivan's Island lighthouse in the background

Foto de Matt Benson en Unsplash

Small catamaran on the beach with Sullivan's Island lighthouse in the background

Out of Charleston's three nearest and most popular beaches, Sullivan's Island is the most tranquil. This quaint barrier island is only 3.3 square miles, and has intentionally worked to retain its reputation as one of the most quiet beach towns in South Carolina through restricting short-term rentals. Sullivan's Island is a great option for a relaxing day at the beach while visiting Charleston thanks to its proximity to downtown.

Stroll or bike along the wide, flat shores, or visit historic Fort Moultrie. Dating back to the 1700s, it of the oldest forts on the East Coast and fabled author Edgar Allan Poe was based there. Grab a bite to eat on Middle Street and take advantage of al fresco dining at one of the charming restaurants.

  • Amenities on the beach: Station 18th Public Beach Access, Sullivan's Island Lighthouse, Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Outdoor Showers, Lifeguard Services

3 Seabrook Island

Oceanfront vacation rentals on Seabrook Island

Foto de katie manning en Unsplash


 
Oceanfront vacation rentals on Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island is another one of the barrier islands that are situated off the coast of Charleston. Anyone looking for low-key beaches in South Carolina should consider heading here for their next vacation. This charming island offers a serene beach environment, lots of upscale accommodation options, and a stunning natural environment of ocean, marsh, and maritime forest.

This quiet South Carolina beach is enticing to birders, having won recognition as Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community. It is also a favorite of equine enthusiasts thanks to its full-service equestrian center offering beach and trail rides.

  • Private Beaches in South Carolina: Like Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island is a private community. While public access is limited, the island can be fully enjoyed with guests who stay there.​​​​​​​
  • Amenities on the beach: Beach Club, Equestrian Center, Tennis Center, Lake House, Dining and Shopping options at Bohicket Marina Village

2 Bulls Island

Sun and Salt bleached trees on Boneyard Beach
Daniel Lincoln via Unsplash
Sun and Salt bleached trees on Boneyard Beach

Anyone looking for a unique beach experience should be sure to check out Bulls Island. Situated within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, the uninhabited island remains pristine and virtually untouched. Bulls Island boasts some of the most secluded beaches in South Carolina, and is home to tons of wildlife. It is world-renowned for bird life, with close to 300 different species found on or near the island.

Be sure to visit Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island for an other-worldly experience. The bleached oak, pine, and cedar trees on the northern end of the island, surrounded by miles of empty shores, give an almost haunting feel.

  • Getting to Bulls Island: boat access is required. There is a ferry, and several companies who offer tours/transfers. ​​​​​​​
  • Amenities on the beach: ​​​​​​​Public Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Beach Access Points, Nature Trails, Wildlife Viewing Areas, Visitor Center

1 Morris Island

Aerial view of Morris Island lighthouse

Foto de Cody Silver en Unsplash

Aerial view of Morris Island lighthouse

A tiny sand island in the Charleston Harbor, Morris Island is most famous for its iconic lighthouse. It is a popular beach for boating, kayaking, fishing, and photography, or simply an undisturbed stroll along the shoreline.

While it is located just a stone's throw away from the very Fido-friendly Folly Beach, dogs are not allowed on Morris Island. While it can appear to be within walking distance from Folly at low-tide, the currents are strong and dangerous so don't attempt to wade across.

  • Amenities on the beach: Parking area, Public restrooms, Picnic tables, Boardwalk access, Observation deck