As you begin to envision your beach trip to South Carolina, images of the ever-crowded Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head Island might pop into your mind. While there's something to be said about the vibrant atmosphere of a popular beach town, some people prefer to spend their beach vacations in peaceful and rejuvenating spots.
Thanks to the many barrier islands that line the coast of South Carolina, there are plenty of serene and quiet beaches to enjoy. Below, we detail the 10 least crowded beaches in South Carolina, to help you plan your upcoming beach trip.
1. Isle of Palms Beach
- Address: Multiple access points along Ocean Boulevard, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
- Parking: Public parking lots and metered street parking available near beach access points
If you are spending some time in the historic city of Charleston, you may find yourself craving a beach day to unwind after all of your sightseeing. Isle of Palms Beach is the perfect destination for families and travelers who are searching for a bit of respite. It's one of the least crowded beaches in South Carolina and it's a short 17-mile drive from Charleston.
While Isle of Palms Beach has a peaceful atmosphere and plenty of space for families to spread out, it also offers some of the amenities that vacationers crave when they are traveling. Here, you can enjoy parasailing, jet-skiing and other fun excursions, as well as spend your day swimming and splashing in the waves. In addition, this is a dog-friendly beach that even features off-leash hours during the summer, making it a favorite among families who travel with their favorite pets.
2. Capers Island
- Address: Capers Island, Beaufort County, SC 29910 (accessible via boat or guided tour from the mainland)
- Parking: No direct parking on the island; parking available at boat launch points on the mainland
For a truly unique beach experience, consider an excursion to Capers Island. This rugged barrier island is considered to be one of the best South Carolina low crowd beaches for couples seeking romance, as it's the perfect place to stroll along the surf in solitude.
To access the island, you will need to take a ferry to the pier, which is located on the Capers Island Inlet. Once you are on the pier, you will need to traverse over the march and begin your journey to the beach on an unpaved trail. When you arrive on the beach, you will be greeted by uninterrupted natural views, with many visitors finding themselves in awe of the so-called "Boneyard Beach", which formed as the result of erosion in the area.
3. Fripp Island Beach
- Address: Multiple access points along Fripp Island, SC 29920
- Parking: Public parking available at beach access points, some areas may require a daily fee or community pass
Fripp Island is famously known as one of the best golf destinations in South Carolina, but it also boasts one of the least crowded beaches in the state. Visitors who make the journey to Fripp Island will find that they have the pristine beaches to themselves, making this a favorite destination among couples, solo travelers and even families who want to stay in a place that is a little less overwhelming.
With nearby attractions, such as golf courses and water parks for the kids, Fripp Island offers a little something for everyone, allowing you to build a beach vacation itinerary that leads to lasting memories. Kayaking is one of the most popular activities in Fripp Island, due to the fact that the waters are relatively calm around the island. Don't miss out on the chance to rent a kayak and try your hand at paddling along the shores of this beautiful beach.
4. Crescent Beach
- Address: Multiple access points along Crescent Beach, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
- Parking: Public parking available at designated beach access points and nearby lots
As the smallest neighborhood in North Myrtle Beach, Crescent Beach doesn't always attract the attention of tourists. That means that those who discover this hidden gem get to enjoy one of the best South Carolina beaches for low crowds. However, this small-yet-mighty community still offers the same vibrant and lively atmosphere as other big-name beach destinations in the state.
Families will be delighted by the fact that there is so much to see and do in Crescent Beach. In addition to enjoying all of the classic beach activities, such as surfing, swimming, kayaking and more, visitors are able to go putt-putting, bowling, golfing and parasailing. Outdoor beachfront dining is particularly popular in Crescent Beach, so you will be able to end your day in the sun with a delicious meal and a perfect view of the Atlantic Ocean.
5. Waites Island
- Address: Waites Island, Beaufort County, SC 29910 (accessible via boat or guided tour from the mainland)
- Parking: No direct parking on the island; parking available at boat launch points on the mainland
As one of the only remaining undeveloped barrier islands off the coast of South Carolina, Waites Island is truly one of the least crowded beaches in South Carolina. This destination is best for recreational enthusiasts and nature lovers who want to soak up the pristine landscape that has been preserved along this shoreline.
While other secluded beach destinations in South Carolina offer hotels and other amenities, Waites Island is the kind of place that you visit just for the day. One of the best ways to get there is to book a kayak tour that will allow you to paddle to the island and spend at least an hour or more enjoying the beach there.
6. Folly Beach
- Address: Multiple access points along Center Street and Folly Road, Folly Beach, SC 29439
- Parking: Public parking lots and metered street parking available near beach access points
It may only be located about 15 minutes away from Downtown Charleston, but Folly Beach feels like it is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Described by most tourists as a relaxing and inviting beachfront area, this is one of the best South Carolina low crowd beaches.
With a fishing pier and boardwalk, visitors will find that there are plenty of things to see and do in Folly Beach. However, they won't have to fight for that perfect spot on the beach, unlike other popular beach destinations along the Atlantic Coast. Situated between the Folly River and the Atlantic Ocean, Folly Beach is one of the best places to catch a sunset in South Carolina.
7. Morris Island
- Address: Morris Island, Charleston County, SC 29412 (accessible by boat or guided tour from the Charleston mainland)
- Parking: No direct parking on the island; parking available at nearby boat launch points on the mainland
Just across Lighthouse Inlet from Folly Beach, you will discover the uninhabited Morris Island. While you can't stay on the island overnight, this tiny barrier island is a worthwhile visit if you are seeking peace and solitude during your South Carolina beach vacation. The best way to get there is to book a boat or kayak tour, which will take you to the island and give you time to soak up the sun on its pristine beachfront.
The undisturbed shoreline of Morris Island makes it one of the best places to search for seashells in South Carolina, with sand dollars being particularly common in the area. In addition, photographers love to capture shots of the iconic Morris Lighthouse, which is a historic 19th century lighthouse that still defines the landscape.
8. Kiawah Island
- Address: Multiple access points along Kiawah Island, SC 29455
- Parking: Public parking available at designated beach access points, some areas may require a daily fee or community pass
Known as one of the most luxurious barrier islands in South Carolina, Kiawah Island is the perfect place to soak up the natural beauty of the Carolina coastline as well as the modern conveniences that make life wonderful. While Kiawah Island is most famous for being a premier golf destination, it's also become known as one of the islands with the least crowded beaches in South Carolina.
Kiawah Island boasts more than 10 miles of beaches, many of which feature soft sands and swaying dune grass. The secluded nature of the island appeals to wildlife, giving visitors the opportunity to witness bobcats roaming around the island and sea turtles nesting along the shores. It's understandable that many tourists come to Kiawah Island to play golf — but you would be remiss if you overlooked the quiet and peaceful beaches on this island.
9. Seabrook Island
- Address: Multiple access points along Seabrook Island, SC 29455
- Parking: Public parking available at designated beach access points, some areas may require a daily fee or community pass
Seabrook Island is one of the private barrier islands located off the coast of South Carolina. Due to the fact that there is limited public access, vacationers and local residents enjoy serene beaches and peaceful moments on the shoreline.
Offering upscale amenities and luxury accommodations, Seabrook Island is the perfect place to enjoy the finer things in life. Its beaches are flawless, with most people finding it hard to tear themselves away from the surf and sand. However, the nearby Beach Club and marina shopping district ensures that there is always something to do on Seabrook Island.
Perhaps the most noteworthy beach activity on Seabrook Island is horseback riding. The island is home to a full-service equine center, allowing visitors and locals alike to enjoy horseback rides along the shore.
Regardless of which activities you choose to enjoy on Seabrook Island, you will find that life moves a little slower here — and that's just the way the locals like it.
10. Pawleys Island
- Address: Multiple access points along Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- Parking: Public parking available at beach access points and nearby streets
Before travel was something that everyone could enjoy, Pawleys Island was a welcoming beachfront resort town. Today, it retains its historic charm and relaxed atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy some of the quietest beaches in South Carolina. In addition to its picture-perfect beaches, Pawleys Island is home to historic buildings — some of which date back to the 18th century — allowing travelers to feel like they have stepped back in time once they have arrived on the island. Ideally located less than an hour from Myrtle Beach, it's a convenient and accessible destination if you are in search of a great beach without the crowds.
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