Local Beach Guide
Sand in our toes
Of the many things we love about living in Charleston, easy access to the Atlantic coast is near the top of our list. Most of us on the Poston & Co. team are proud beach bums and we head to the shore any chance we get. The only question is… which beach?!
Downtown Charleston is flanked by Folly Beach and Kiawah Island to the southwest and Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms to the east. We’re lucky to be within a quick drive of four excellent beaches, each of which has their own distinct personality and appeal. Here, find our quick guide to these Charleston area beaches.
Folly Beach. Accessible via James Island, Folly Beach is the closest to downtown. The six-mile strip of coastline is popular among local surfers (especially The Washout—a house-less area of the beach on the east side of the island), local families who live west of the Ashley (Folly Beach County Park is a great spot to set up shop for the day), and vacationing groups. The town has a bohemian vibe, with a handful of casual eateries and many year-round residents.
Kiawah Island. Often the least crowded of the local beaches, Kiawah Island offers miles of wide coastline perfect for a day trip. By car, most of the island is private; however Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park is open to the public and from there, you can explore the shore by foot or bike as much as you please. The park provides a snack bar, chair rentals, lifeguard, and more amenities, and as it’s less crowded than other nearby beaches, you’re likely to spot dolphins and other wildlife while there.
Sullivan’s Island. Perhaps the most popular beach among those who live east of the Cooper River as well as many downtown dwellers, Sullivan’s Island is the stuff postcards are made of. Gorgeous homes line the island’s quiet streets, restaurants like The Obstinate Daughter and Poe’s Tavern offer top-notch dining, and the shore itself is gorgeous, with winding, shaded boardwalks leading you there.
Isle of Palms. Accessible via the Isle of Palms Connector in North Mount Pleasant—as well as from Sullivan’s Island—Isle of Palms has a more laid-back vibe than Sullivan’s and is popular among vacationers (especially Wild Dunes Resort on the east side of the island), local families, and surfers. The town has a cute downtown strip with beach shops and casual restaurants, and The Windjammer offers lively beachfront concerts.