7 South Carolina Beaches Perfect for a Relaxing Lowcountry Getaway

Hilton Head feels like a grown-up beach town, which isn't to say it doesn't still embrace what made it so beloved in the first place: tranquil beaches, real-deal seafood joints, good golfing, and Carolina marshes. You might even recognize it as the South's Best Beach Town 2019, which touted many of Hilton Head's best attributes, like how HHI has "matured into a collection of gated neighborhoods surrounded by live oaks, magnolias, and palmettos; linked by neon-free boulevards bordered by bike paths; and boasting clusters of markets, bars, boutiques, and more than 250 restaurants." Doesn't sound half-bad, huh?

This South Carolina coastal town is known for its hand-woven hammocks, upon which we'd like to hang a while, but it makes sure to keep you interested with pristine beaches, surf-worthy waves, great seafood, Lowcountry marshland, and an easygoing attitude (hence, its affinity for hammocks). The lack of commercialism is something that draws people to the quiet town, especially considering it can be found between bustling neighbors, Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Enjoy an old-school island experience at the oceanfront Sea View Inn, established in 1937.

One of the best-kept secrets along the South Carolina coast, DeBordieu is a tucked-away community that teases visitors with the ultimate natural escape, which can only be attributed to its committed preservation of South Carolina's stunning scenery and wildlife. It's also located just 10 miles from Georgetown, which has a historic district worth visiting on days when respite from the sandy shore is needed.

Read more about Georgetown here.

Located only 21 miles from downtown Charleston, Kiawah Island is just far enough (and just quiet enough) to feel like it's worlds away from the bustling Southern city. Here, you'll want to indulge in the most relaxing of pursuits, such as renting a beach chair at Beachwalker Park, booking a “Southern classic” massage at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, or setting yourself up with an oyster roast at Mingo Point.

Read more about Kiawah Island here.

We couldn't leave out this family-favorite spot. Anchoring a 60-mile stretch of Grand Strand waterfront communities, Myrtle Beach is for those who want something extra. With new resorts and hotels popping up, the iconic boardwalk getting bigger, and plenty of attractions that will cure even the rainiest day (Hello, SkyWheel), it'll have you too worn out to shag dance. But, sorry, you still have to—for old time's sake.

Read more about Myrtle Beach here.

Only three and a half miles long and about a half-mile wide, Fripp Island is a sanctuary worth seeing. Located just 25 minutes from Beaufort, South Carolina (one of our South’s Best Small Towns), here you'll put your towel down on laidback beaches, only leaving to visit a handful of restaurants or do something sporty like tennis, golf, or boating. You'll also find a popular trail maintained by the Audubon Club that not only gives great views of land and water wildlife, but of more than 175 bird species.

This historic fishing village caters to those coming to the Grand Strand coastline with its waterfront Murrels Inlet MarshWalk, which boasts an impressive selection of restaurants and plenty of live music to keep everyone full and happy after a long day on the sand. Here's a tip: At Huntington Beach State Park, you'll find more than three miles of milk-white sands that make up the best-preserved stretch of the 60-mile Grand Strand.