A Day at the Beach

By Shelia Watson

Among Charleston’s array of amenities is its expansive unspoiled seashore. Just a few miles from the history and genteel beauty of Charleston are several beaches, each with its own character and charm.

Folly Beach County Park, Isle of Palms County Park and Kiawah Beachwalker Park, operated by the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission, have open access to the public and offer dressing areas, restrooms, picnic areas, outdoor showers, and beach chair and umbrella rentals at each of the parks.

Other areas on Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and Kiawah Islands also have public access to the beach, as does Sullivan’s Island. However, finding parking may be a challenge in some cases, and Bull Island is accessible only by ferry.

Folly Beach
Known as the “Edge of America,” Folly Beach is a seven-mile-long barrier island located eight miles south of Charleston. It is the closest beach to the city.

Inhabited first by the Bohicket tribe, English settlers discovered the island around 1600. On Morris Island, just off the east end of the island, the first shots of the Civil War were fired by Citadel cadets in 1860. The Morris Island  lighthouse, the third to occupy the site, was built in 1876. Today it is surrounded by water because of beach erosion.

The county park, located at the west end of the island between the Atlantic Ocean and Folly River, provides lifeguards seasonally in designated swimming areas.

Isle of Palms
Seven miles long and one mile wide, Isle of Palms offers beautiful ocean frontage in an environmentally friendly setting, having won the Blue Wave Season Certification from the Clean Beaches Council several years in a row.

First populated by the Seewee tribe of  indians, the Isle of Palms saw its share of battles in both the Revolutionary and Civil wars. Until the 20th century, it was accessible only by water or a single railroad bridge.

The county park, located at 1 14th Ave., offers lifeguards on duty seasonally in designated  swimming areas.

Kiawah Island
Kiawah takes its name from the indian tribe that lived on the island in the 1600s. Later granted to pirate George Raynor in 1699, Kiawah passed through two more families for nearly three  centuries before being sold to a real estate  developer in 1951, who began developing the pristine property into a world-class resort.

The public beach area, Beachwalker Park, offers both ocean and river views, and has  lifeguards seasonally in designated swimming areas.

Sullivan’s Island
This residential community just north of Charleston boasts soft sand and a wide beach at low tide — plus the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. Public access is found along the three-mile stretch of beach and marked by “stations,” referring to the lifesaving stations the island was once known for. Handicapped access is  available at Stations 18, 19 and 26.5.

The island is also a favorite nesting ground for loggerhead turtles. Visitors often see orange netting and signs from the Department of Natural Resources marking the nest areas.

The public beaches do not have lifeguards or public facilities, and leash laws for dogs are in effect year-round.

Bull Island
Located north of Mount Pleasant and  accessible only by ferry, Bull Island was once a hideout for pirates and a Confederate fort that Union troops destroyed during the Civil War. Today the island is part of the 62,000-acre Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, and offers a day trip filled with nature, history and adventure.

Check out our guide to tours, attractions and what to do in Charleston.

Saffire Charleston's Oven Saffire is located in the elegant Charleston Marriott Hotel on the Ashley River, Lockwood Boulevard. Enjoy the bold flavors of Saffire’s seasonally inspired menu which reflects a belief in “the cuisine of today,”. Always healthy, always evolving. Eclectic, imaginative and unrestricted by ethnic boundaries.... Superb selection of wine. Free parking. Warm and welcoming. Tel: (843) 723-3000.

Tommy Condon's Charleston's favorite Irish Pub. Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub and Seafood Restaurant has made its name by becoming one of Charleston's favorite local spots. Try popular Lowcountry specialties such as shrimp and grits and fish and chips. A family-oriented establishment where children are welcome as they are. Serving food and fun into the wee hours of the night. Live Irish music Wednesday through Sunday nights.

Bulldog Tours Charleston's premier walking tours with exclusive access to some locations. Behind the scenes of the Holy City's graveyards, back alleyways, and dungeon. As seen on Travel Channel's America's Most Haunted Places. Ghost Dungeon, Dark Side Charleston, Ghost Graveyard Walking Tours, Haunted Jail Tour, Charleston Strolls, Walk With History and more.