Charleston Beaches

Going to a beach in Charleston, SC can be made into a fantastic day and has many perks for yourself and your family. Whether you plan to go swimming, building sandcastles, throwing the frisbee, flying a kite, going on walks, or just getting a tan, beaches are a source to many different amazing activities.

Finding the perfect swimming beach in Charleston with lots of space for activities on the beach is easy. If you need some help with searching for a beach in your area, you can use our list below. Enter a beach, a city, or a zip code to find beaches.

Beaches Near Charleston

Prior to going to a beach in Charleston, SC or the surrounding location, verify online to be sure that it is free to the greater public. Quite often, beaches will only remain open for certain times of the calendar year or for specific hours throughout the day.

The beach could be periodically closed due to water quality problems caused by temporary occurances like E. Coli outbreaks, stormfall runoff, or chemical spills. Check the website of the beach before leaving for the beach for further information.

Charleston, SC Beach Guidelines

When you visit a beach in Charleston, there are always guidelines that you should follow. Nearly every beach will expect you to follow these rules.

  • Fires could be against the law on most public beaches in Charleston.
  • Do not attempt to go to the beach when it’s closed.
  • Clean up after yourself.
  • Only swim inside the designated areas for beach goers.
  • Never disobey a request from the lifeguard on duty. If the lifeguard ask you to stop doing something, then you have to follow through.
  • Glass bottles can easily break, so avoid bringing glass bottles to beaches.

Charleston Beach Checklist

  1. Don’t forget the towels. Don’t forget to bring plenty of dry towels before heading off for the beach. when visiting an ocean beach or a large body of water which sees rip tides. Pay attention to the warning signs and know how to escape if you’re stuck in a rip tide.
  2. Will there be a lifeguard? Most popular Charleston beaches staff a lifeguard on duty, however you should never count on a lifeguard being there. If you are concerned about yourself, young children or others that you will be swimming with, it’s a smart idea to pack correctly fitted life vests for those that need them, and also understand that you are entering the water at your own risk.
  3. Always stay in the roped off swim space. If there is a specified swim region it is likely not safe to venture outside of that area. The area may have sharp objects under the water, be frequented by boaters, or is unsupervised by lifeguards.
  4. Avoid the crowds. Arriving at the beach when it opens is the best way of getting the perfect spot on the beach.
  5. Bring plenty of layers. Even if you are expecting a hot day at the beach, it is important to realize that the temperature in Charleston can change rather fast. It is especially necessary if you’re planning on going swimming, so bring plenty of dry items such as a jacket, towels, sweatpants, and socks.
  6. Be ready for bugs. If you plan on going to the beach in the morning or late in the day, you should anticipate that mosquitos, biting flies, fleas and other annoying insects may ruin your beach experience.
  7. Store items in a mesh bag. It may be simple to find a backpack, tote bag, or waterproof duffle bag to stash beach necessities such as towels, kid toys, a speakerinflatables, and lifejackets. But these types of bags trap water from escaping, causing mildew problems or just keeping beach items from airing out.