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12 Breathtaking South Carolina Beach Towns (You Must Visit #7)

Embark on a coastal journey where southern hospitality meets stunning Atlantic vistas.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Kaitlin Milligan

Updated April 1, 2025

South Carolina may have much to offer for your next vacation or if you're deciding where to move while planning for retirement.

The state has everything from mountains in the west to water on the coast for visitors and residents.

But where should you go if you want a good beach day and stroll along the water? Check out these coastal towns in South Carolina and see if one is right for you.

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Seabrook Island

Seabrook Island has plenty of options to see beaches, water, and wildlife. The area is home to dolphins, turtles, birds, and more, so keep your eyes open when you're there.

The island is also a great stop if you enjoy a day out on the golf course with courses and practice facilities for the whole family.

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Edisto Island

Another island escape in South Carolina is Edisto Island, where you can get a boat or try a fishing charter to get the catch of the day, including crab and shrimp.

You can also try exploring the shops and galleries in the area that feature local artists to see different works.

Isle of Palms

Near Sullivan's Island is another coastal island where you can get out on the beach and enjoy the ocean water.

Isle of Palms has plenty of hotels along the water, making it easy to walk from your room to the sand. You can also check out water activities like fishing, paddle boarding, or surfing.

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Pawleys Island

Check out Pawleys Island if you want to find a cute cottage close to the water to enjoy a more relaxed vacation or even low-key retirement days.

The island also features ocean-front inns and a golf resort, so you can hit the links between days on the water.

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Myrtle Beach

One of the best-known resort towns in South Carolina is Myrtle Beach, which may have more options if you're looking for activities to fill your days in addition to beach time.

The city has water sports to try during the day and different restaurants to sample at night. You can also find some good deals by comparing prices at the various hotels in the area.

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Daufuskie Island

Daufuskie Island is an excellent place to stay if you want to unwind in a more laid-back beach town.

Explore the town's art galleries, take a walking tour to learn more about its history, or take a boat off the coast to check out the unique wildlife in the area.

Hilton Head

Another beach town you may have heard of is Hilton Head, named the best U.S. Island to visit by Conde Nast Traveler.

The town has plenty of beachfront resorts to choose from, with amenities like pools, oceanfront cabanas, and golf if you want to get away from the sand.

You're also close to Savannah, Georgia, if you want to explore a historic Southern town and spend the day away from the beach.

Beaufort

Beaufort has many beaches and parks to explore by the water when you have time between shopping and dining in the Southern town.

The city also has plenty of events, so you should check the calendar and plan your visit around things like the annual Soft Shell Crab Festival or the Taste of Beaufort food festival.

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Georgetown

Foodies will love spending time in Georgetown, where there are different food options to try. You can also plan your visit to one of the town's food festivals to try out a variety of choices.

Visitors and residents can also spend plenty of time outdoors with activities like golf or head to the water for water sports like fishing and kayaking.

Kiawah Island

Take a break and head to Kiawah Island for golf, tennis, nature hikes, and water activities.

The island also offers a variety of options for visitors to try, from traditional beach hotels to condominium resorts, depending on what they're looking for.

Charleston

The biggest city in South Carolina is Charleston, giving you plenty of options when it comes to making the place your own, either on vacation or to live there.

The city features parks to visit, golf courses to play, and bus tours for visitors who want to learn more about its rich history. You can head to some of the barrier islands in the city to check out beaches and water activities.

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Quick tips: How to travel or dine out without going broke

When it comes to enjoying things like travel and dining out, thoughtful planning can help you maximize your experience without also draining your wallet. These discretionary expenses often consume a significant portion of many budgets. The key is finding the balance between treating yourself and maintaining your overall financial health.

Here are some tips on how to find that balance:

Visit restaurants during happy hour or lunch for similar food at lower prices
Join restaurant loyalty programs and subscribe to email lists for special offers
Use cashback dining apps like Seated or credit cards with travel/dining rewards
Consider traveling during shoulder seasons when prices drop but weather is still pleasant
Use price comparison tools like Hopper or Google Flights to track airfare drops
Book accommodations with kitchens to prepare some meals yourself while traveling

Some of the most memorable moments can come from a meal shared with friends or a budget travel experience that takes you somewhere truly unique. Consider both the emotional and financial value of an experience so you can find the things that are truly worth your money.

Bluffton

Take a break from city life for a more relaxing time in Bluffton near Hilton Head. The town has beautiful galleries featuring local artists.

You can also check out the local market for fresh foods to eat during your stay, head outdoors for water activities along the town's river, or play a round of golf.

Bottom line

Enjoy some extra time on the coast when you head to a coastal town in South Carolina.

If you're just staying for a visit, make sure you have one of the best travel credit cards in your wallet so you can earn extra points and perks when you spend money.

You can also decide to move there permanently when you retire, so it's a good idea to create an estimated budget now so you can find ways to help yourself financially prepare for retirement.

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