Which Charleston Beach is the Best?
You can't enjoy the complete Charleston experience if you don't pay a visit to one of our beautiful
beaches while in town. Three public beaches are within easy driving distance to downtown
Charleston. Each is distinctly different from the others, and each offers its own special brand of
Lowcountry fun and relaxation. We hope the following information will help you decide which part
of the Atlantic Ocean is best for you!
Folly Beach (11.5 Miles from Charleston - Reference area map for directions)
Also called "The Edge of America," this community characterizes the laid-back, easygoing
beach lifestyle. Folly Beach is six miles of beach front and isn't commercialized a whole lot - the
Holiday Inn is the only hotel on the beach. If you enjoy the crowds, go to the beach in front of the
hotel and by the fishing pier. If that's not your style, head further north toward the Washout
(named the Washout because of the tidal currents coming into the harbor meet the ocean
currents causing better waves), where surfers take on the waves. There are some nice
restaurants and shopping along Centre Street which is the main drive in that are within walking
distance of the beach. This is the only local beach that allows alcohol....no glass or can...it must
be in a cup!
Parking - You can park in the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission lot for $5 all
day, and there are a few other small privately owned lots on the island. The park is at the
southern tip of Folly Beach where Ashley Avenue ends. Since parking can be a problem here,
we suggest you plan to arrive before 10:30 am on weekends during prime season.
Dog Rules - Dogs are allowed if they are leashed, but you can't take your pet on the beach from
May 1 through Sept. 30 between 10 am and 5 pm.
Isle of Palms (13.7 miles from Charleston)
This barrier island boasts six miles of white-sand beaches and luxurious beach-front homes and
is the most commercialized of the three area beaches. Restaurants, shops and bars are within
walking distance of the beach. This is also the only beach which offers public restrooms and
alcohol is not allowed.
Parking - Coming off the IOP Connector, go straight through the light. The Charleston County
Park & Recreation Commission lot is on your left. You can park there for $5 all day. There also
is a city lot at Front Beach, along with parking meters.
Sullivan's Island (9.6 miles from Charleston - reference area map)
This is the most natural of the three beaches, with absolutely no commercialization. Sullivan's
Island is popular among local residents and visitors who want to avoid the crowds. There are no
public restrooms and alcohol is not allowed whatsoever. There are a few great local restaurants
and bars. We recommend Poe's Tavern which you will see on the drive in.
Parking - Parking is limited and can be a problem during the beach season. Visitors must park
wherever they can find a spot along Sullivan's streets.
You can't enjoy the complete Charleston experience if you don't pay a visit to one of our beautiful
beaches while in town. Three public beaches are within easy driving distance to downtown
Charleston. Each is distinctly different from the others, and each offers its own special brand of
Lowcountry fun and relaxation. We hope the following information will help you decide which part
of the Atlantic Ocean is best for you!
Folly Beach (11.5 Miles from Charleston - Reference area map for directions)
Also called "The Edge of America," this community characterizes the laid-back, easygoing
beach lifestyle. Folly Beach is six miles of beach front and isn't commercialized a whole lot - the
Holiday Inn is the only hotel on the beach. If you enjoy the crowds, go to the beach in front of the
hotel and by the fishing pier. If that's not your style, head further north toward the Washout
(named the Washout because of the tidal currents coming into the harbor meet the ocean
currents causing better waves), where surfers take on the waves. There are some nice
restaurants and shopping along Centre Street which is the main drive in that are within walking
distance of the beach. This is the only local beach that allows alcohol....no glass or can...it must
be in a cup!
Parking - You can park in the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission lot for $5 all
day, and there are a few other small privately owned lots on the island. The park is at the
southern tip of Folly Beach where Ashley Avenue ends. Since parking can be a problem here,
we suggest you plan to arrive before 10:30 am on weekends during prime season.
Dog Rules - Dogs are allowed if they are leashed, but you can't take your pet on the beach from
May 1 through Sept. 30 between 10 am and 5 pm.
Isle of Palms (13.7 miles from Charleston)
This barrier island boasts six miles of white-sand beaches and luxurious beach-front homes and
is the most commercialized of the three area beaches. Restaurants, shops and bars are within
walking distance of the beach. This is also the only beach which offers public restrooms and
alcohol is not allowed.
Parking - Coming off the IOP Connector, go straight through the light. The Charleston County
Park & Recreation Commission lot is on your left. You can park there for $5 all day. There also
is a city lot at Front Beach, along with parking meters.
Sullivan's Island (9.6 miles from Charleston - reference area map)
This is the most natural of the three beaches, with absolutely no commercialization. Sullivan's
Island is popular among local residents and visitors who want to avoid the crowds. There are no
public restrooms and alcohol is not allowed whatsoever. There are a few great local restaurants
and bars. We recommend Poe's Tavern which you will see on the drive in.
Parking - Parking is limited and can be a problem during the beach season. Visitors must park
wherever they can find a spot along Sullivan's streets.
