10 Best Beaches in South Carolina

South Carolina has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but not every beach is equal when it comes to sand and water quality. Let's dive in and take a look at the best beaches in South Carolina.

Hunting Island Beach – Beaufort

Hunting Island Beach State Park feels untouched and natural. It’s known for its wide, clean shoreline and calm, clear water that’s great for swimming. Because it's a state park, it's cleaned and maintained regularly, making it one of the prettiest beaches in South Carolina.

Highlights:

• Soft, clean sand and fewer crowds
• Driftwood-lined shore perfect for photos
• Calm water and scenic views

Coligny Beach – Hilton Head Island

Coligny Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Hilton Head, and it's also one of the cleanest. Town staff maintains the area daily, and it’s got some of the clearest water on the island. It’s a great spot for both relaxing and people-watching.

Highlights:

• Consistently clean and well-kept
• Shallow, clear water near shore
• Public access with outdoor showers and shaded areas

Folly Beach County Park – Folly Island

Folly Beach County Park Located at the far west end of Folly Island, this section of beach is cleaner and less crowded than the main Folly Beach area. The sand is soft and smooth, and the water tends to be clearer here thanks to the lower density of visitors and boats.

Highlights:

• Quiet area with beautiful sunsets
• Clean sand with soft waves
• Lifeguards and facilities available in season

Edisto Beach – Edisto Island

Edisto Beach, located on Edisto Island is known for its laid-back feel, clean shoreline, and surprisingly clear water. It’s not overdeveloped, which helps keep the beach natural and quiet — perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean.

Highlights:

• Gentle waves and clean sand
• Less crowded than other popular spots
• Great for long walks and shelling

Isle of Palms Beach – Near Charleston

Isle of Palms Beach is one of the most loved beaches near Charleston, and its clean white sand and well-kept boardwalks are a big reason why. The water is usually pretty clear, especially in the mornings before the tide shifts.

Highlights:

• Wide, clean shoreline
• Clear, shallow water ideal for families
• Public parking and easy access points

Sullivan’s Island Beach – Sullivan’s Island

Sullivan's Island Beach is more residential and doesn’t have hotels or tourist shops, which helps keep it clean and peaceful. The sand is soft and the water clarity is often better than nearby Charleston beaches.

Highlights:

• Quiet atmosphere with local charm
• Very clean sand and tidy access paths
• Good visibility in the water on sunny days

Litchfield Beach – Pawleys Island

Litchfield Beach is calm, quiet, and much cleaner than the busy beaches further north. It’s one of the most well-kept spots in the Pawleys Island area, with soft sand and pretty, shallow water perfect for wading and relaxing.

Highlights:

• Relaxing, quiet atmosphere
• Clearer water than Myrtle Beach
• Family-friendly with low crowds

Debordieu Beach – Near Georgetown

Debordieu Beach inside the DeBordieu Colony is one of the cleanest in the state. You’ll need to stay nearby or know someone with access, but if you can go, you’ll find nearly perfect water and soft, clean sand.

Highlights:

• Clean and peaceful
• Natural, wide beach with dunes
• Clear water with very few people

Mitchelville Beach – Hilton Head Island

Mitchelville Beach lesser-known beach on Hilton Head is quiet, clean, and feels more like a locals’ spot. While it’s not as polished as Coligny, the water can be just as clear and the beach is often nearly empty.

Highlights:

• Peaceful and well-preserved
• Natural setting with shade from trees
• Clear water and tide pools

Pawleys Island Beach – Pawleys Island

Pawleys Island Beach offers a laid-back, throwback feel. It’s not built up, which helps keep the sand clean and the water fresh. You won’t find crowds here, just soft sand and pretty waves.

Highlights:

• Wide beach with soft white sand
• Great swimming when the tide is in
• Calm, quiet, and perfect for families

These are the beaches in South Carolina where the sand is clean and the water is the prettiest — perfect for relaxing, swimming, or a quiet escape.