These coastal gems are among the best South Carolina beaches
From Myrtle Beach to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina’s coastal towns are beloved for their gorgeous beach settings and southern hospitality.
By Tanvi Chheda | May 8, 2025
Tanvi Chheda
Formerly an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles-based Tanvi Chheda has been freelancing for 15 years now. She writes mostly about lifestyle and travel, which often spills into arts & culture, food, design, and more. With two young children, family travel is also a passion of hers. Given her South Asian heritage, she writes about India quite frequently as well (she was born in India and speaks three Indian languages). When not traveling or writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, AFAR, Virtuoso Life, Four Seasons magazine, Qantas, Inspirato, Invited, Pasadena magazine, OLTRE, and Ciao Bambino, among others.
Sun-kissed shores, golf, pool hangs, and scrumptious food — these low country coastal towns have it all. Discover the best places to visit in South Carolina and book your well-deserved beach getaway.
Hilton Head Island
A barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, blissful Hilton Head features around 12 miles (19 kilometers) of powdery beaches, grassy dunes, and salt marshes. Stay steps from the glistening coastline at Hilton Beachfront Resort and Spa Hilton Head Island. The resort’s sprawling rooms and suites are bright and modern, with plush beds and balconies. Take advantage of the outdoor pool, beachside yoga, multiple tennis and pickleball courts, plus three championship golf courses. Unwind from your physical activities with a rejuvenating treatment and sauna time at Spa Soleil. For mealtime, guests are spoiled for choice, from fine dining at Blue, the resort’s signature restaurant, to poolside bites at the off-site cafe. For off-resort fun, consider visiting the nearby Harbour Town Lighthouse or the Coastal Discovery Museum.
Mount Pleasant
Surrounded by palmetto trees and billed as one of the largest coastal towns in South Carolina, Mount Pleasant sits just across the water from charming Charleston and is a short drive from Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, and the Isle of Palms. Stroll boardwalks above marshy creeks, learn about local Gullah culture at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, and sample craft beers at local breweries. When it’s time to rest your head, check into Homewood Suites by Hilton Charleston – Mt. Pleasant, where you can cool off in the pool, enjoy complimentary breakfast, and relax in spacious suites. The hotel’s location gives guests easy access to Charleston’s walkable downtown, nearby beaches, and stunning waterways.
Myrtle Beach
Boasting year-round mild temps, 60 miles (96 kilometers) of sand, and more than 80 golf courses, Myrtle Beach is a delightful destination along South Carolina’s northern coastline. Take a dip in the ocean, enjoy live music, or attend any of the dozens of annual festivals. Set along a quieter stretch of the beach yet still close to the action, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront is an ideal home base. Rooms are spacious and cozy, though you’ll probably spend most of your time at the beach (just steps from your room) or casting a fishing line from nearby Springmaid Pier. Back at the resort, enjoy multiple indoor and outdoor pools plus two lazy rivers. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, refuel with fresh seafood and Southern classics at Southern Tide Bar & Grille.
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