Coastal South Carolina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Murrells Inlet showing a sunset and a bay or harbor
Murrells Inlet showing a sunset and a bay or harbor
Myrtle Beach which includes food, drinks or beverages and dining out
Hopsewee Plantation
Charleston

Follow trails weaving along the gorgeous Atlantic shoreline on foot or by bike and check out beaches, amusement parks, waterfront cafés and boat tours.

With miles of coastline dotted with surf beaches, exciting towns, landmarks and nature reserves, Coastal South Carolina is an ideal East Coast holiday destination. Have a weekend getaway on a barrier island or stay at a waterfront resort and perfect your golf swing at world-class courses. Take a daytrip to one of the region’s beautiful state parks or learn about local maritime heritage.

CharlestonOpens in a new window lies in the centre of Coastal South Carolina. Stroll down the quaint East Battery promenade and check out antebellum architecture, views of Charleston Harbour and the historic stronghold of Fort Sumter. Explore spectacular beaches and family-friendly resorts at nearby Isle of Palms or fish from the pier at Folly Beach. Woodland-covered Kiawah Island features a string of sandy beaches and cosy seafront cottages. Find more island adventures on Hilton Head, a large resort area with golf courses, tennis courts, bike trails and sheltered beaches.

Travel northeast to the carefree resort destination of Pawleys Island. The pristine coastal area of Huntington Beach State ParkOpens in a new window is the perfect spot to enjoy a family adventure. Go kayaking, surf fishing or bird watching in the pretty park. Inland, magnificent Brookgreen GardensOpens in a new window has extensive plant displays and more than 1,400 figurative outdoor sculptures.

Check out the 60-mile (100-kilometre) stretch of coastline known as the Grand Strand, from Georgetown to Little River. Stay at the Strand’s largest resort town, Myrtle BeachOpens in a new window, and participate in fun-filled activities that characterise this summer holiday hub. Take the kids to amusement and water parks or enjoy live entertainment at a waterfront venue. Swim, sail or surf at the beaches that lace the Strand, explore the coastline on a cycling or horse-riding tour and find endless golf opportunities.

Reach Coastal South Carolina via major airports in Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Access the region’s major islands easily by car. Coastal South Carolina brings southern charm and a laid-back atmosphere to the state’s Atlantic seaboard.

Where to stay in Coastal South Carolina

Charleston Historic District showing heritage architecture

Charleston Historic District

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Charleston City Market to Shops at Charleston Place – discover Charleston Historic District, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Charleston Historic District
Edmonston-Alston House featuring a house

Downtown Charleston

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

Travellers to Downtown Charleston praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Charleston Music Hall and Music Farm.

Downtown Charleston
Sunset at Harbour Town.

Sea Pines

While visiting Sea Pines, you might make a stop by sights like Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III and Harbour Town Golf Links.

Sea Pines
Vast sandbar at North end of Cherry Grove Beach where people sunbath on beautiful beach while on summer vacation at North Myrtle Beach in South Carolina

Cherry Grove Beach

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Cherry Grove Beach. A stop by Cherry Grove Beach or Ocean Drive Beach might round out your trip.

Cherry Grove Beach
By 1846 when he built the mausoleum, through inheritance and purchase, William Eddings Baynard of Edisto Island had become one of the island's major landowners holding multiple plantations throughout Hilton Head from Spanish Wells to Braddock Point. The Baynard family made their home in the large tabby mansion originally owned by Captain John Stoney

Mid Island

While visiting Mid Island, you might make a stop by sights like Adventure Cove and Shelter Cove Harbour.

Mid Island
Sunset at Harbour Town.

South End

If you're spending some time in South End, Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Heron Point by Pete Dye at Sea Pines Resort are top sights worth seeing.

South End
The Ryder Hotel

The Ryder Hotel

3.5 out of 5
237 Meeting Street Charleston SC
Stay at this hotel in Charleston. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
Everything was great, very nice and comfortable room. Great amenities, and friendly team. Would definitiley stay again, but we would ask for a room with a better view. The room was cave like because we face a wall and overlooked the driveway to the parking.

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

The Ryder Hotel
Emeline

Emeline

4 out of 5
181 Church St Charleston SC
The price is NZ$477 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
NZ$477
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,694 reviews)
The room was immaculate and the staff were friendly

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Emeline
The Francis Marion Hotel

The Francis Marion Hotel

4 out of 5
387 King St Charleston SC
The price is NZ$406 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
NZ$406
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Charleston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,106 reviews)
Excellent customer service and the staff were all great.

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

The Francis Marion Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Dunes Village Resort

Dunes Village Resort

3.5 out of 5
5200 North Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach SC
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Myrtle Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,112 reviews)
This was an amazing deal. I traveled out of season, which was part of why the rate was so inexpensive, but I cannot believe what an amazing deal I got for this. I went to Myrtle Beach because the weather forecasted snow and I thought it would be amazing to see snow on the beach. It absolutely ...

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Dunes Village Resort
Coral Beach Resort and Suites

Coral Beach Resort and Suites

3.5 out of 5
1105 S Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach SC
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Myrtle Beach. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,992 reviews)
The room was clean.beds were very comfortable, the employees were so nice

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Coral Beach Resort and Suites
Anderson Ocean Club and Spa by Oceana Resorts

Anderson Ocean Club and Spa by Oceana Resorts

3.5 out of 5
2600 N Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach SC
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Myrtle Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,013 reviews)
Stay was awesome

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Anderson Ocean Club and Spa by Oceana Resorts
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Coastal South Carolina

Explore a world of travel with Expedia