Mount Pleasant has a small but charming selection of beaches, all within an hour’s drive.
Some are large sandy playgrounds that are buzzing during summer weekends. Yet, there are a few hidden gems and peaceful spots with majestic views and plenty of activities.
Whether you’re into surfcasting, kayaking, or just want to relax with a book and work on your tan, there are options here.
Check out what Mt Pleasant has to offer!
Beaches near Mt Pleasant:
- Isle of Palms Beach
- Sullivan’s Island Beach
- Boneyard Beach (Bulls Island)
- Folly Beach
- Melton Peter Demetre Park
- Kiawah Beachwalker Park
- Seabrook Island Beach
1. Isle of Palms Beach
- Distance from Mt. Pleasant: 5 miles (10 min)
- Activities: swimming, sand games, fishing, shelling
- Amenities: outdoor showers, umbrella rentals, beach chairs, lifeguard, parking, pier
A refreshing taste of slow-paced coastal life can be fully felt if you visit the Isle of Palms Beach. This is a charming shoreline with finely crystallized white sands and refreshing ocean waters.
Saying Isle of Palms Beach is well-kept is an understatement. This spot is super pristine and tidy.
Apart from summer, the beach is rarely bustling with crowds making it one of the finest coastal locations for peaceful sunbathing, reading, and relaxing.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of visiting Isle of Palms Beach is that it is very close to restaurants, shops, bars, and golf courses. This proximity ensures far-enriching outdoor moments.
2. Sullivan’s Island Beach
- Distance from Mt. Pleasant: 7 miles (15 min)
- Activities: swimming, shelling
- Amenities: parking, restrooms, boardwalk
Sullivan’s Island Beach is a public facility that possibly caters more to locals than tourists. This is because there aren’t many amenities available. But if you just want some quiet beach time, this spot is fantastic.
Wide stretches of ocean views are inevitable. Plus, once you are done swimming, the delightful tide pools and small ocean waves popping up every once in a while are a sight for sore eyes. Sullivan’s Island Beach is also pet friendly.
Only minutes from the beach is the Charleston Lighthouse. It has a distinctive square shape, making it a unique and must-see landmark.
Just one reminder, though. Parking here is a bit of a downer. So it’s better to have an alternative in mind or arrive early to secure a spot.
3. Boneyard Beach (Bulls Island)
- Distance from Mt. Pleasant: 15 miles (20 min)
- Activities: hiking, picnicking, beachcombing, photography
- Amenities: picnic area, restroom, trails
Hiking through Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island can also be a grand way to make your day memorable. This boat-in hideaway is brimming with driftwood that gives it a spooky-ish vibe.
Venturing further into the island leads you to lush green vegetation and swamps with a few alligators. Put simply, this hiking gem for outdoor adventures is nothing short of a paradise.
There’s a boat station that ferries visitors on and off the island. During your ride, be on the lookout for dolphins playing under the bow.
Bulls Island Ferry leaves from Garris Landing on Bulls Island Road. It doesn’t run every day, so check the timetable and plan according.
4. Folly Beach
- Distance from Mt. Pleasant: 19 miles (35 min)
- Activities: swimming, sand games, fishing, surfing
- Amenities: parking, fishing pier
The atmosphere at Folly Beach offers some of the most calming beach experiences ever. So if all you wanna do is get your body wet, lounge in the sun, and wait for the magical sunset to grace the occasion, this is definitely the place to be.
The beach also has an insanely extensive and beautifully designed fishing pier. The fact that it stretches so far into the ocean increases the chances that your fishing efforts will yield returns.
Admittedly, Folly Beach doesn’t have so many bells and whistles. Nevertheless, photographers, newlyweds, and romantics will find this shore immensely gratifying and affordable.
The road that leads to the beach has plenty of bars and restaurants. And parking is nice and plenty.
5. Melton Peter Demetre Park
- Distance from Mt. Pleasant: 16 miles (30 min)
- Activities: swimming, fishing, picnicking
- Amenities: pier, dock, beach seats
For picky tourists and locals who want a beach that offers the most authentic southern charm that is synonymous with South Carolina, you might want to stop at Melton Peter Demetre Park.
If we were to describe it in two words, “ethereal charm” would fit aptly. Standing on the edges of this spot, especially at night, gives you incredibly moving views of Charleston’s skyline, with an orange hue hanging over and flickering navigation lights of passing ships.
Embracing the fringes of Melton Peter Demetre Park are well-kept green lawns. There are also giant trees that majestically cast their shadows in the harbor resulting in some of the most relaxing scenes.
The beach itself is small, yet it offers plenty of activities. Beachcombers can find shark teeth, and it’s an excellent spot for kayaking and paddleboarding as the harbor protects from the ocean swell. There is a fishing pier, too.
6. Kiawah Beachwalker Park
- Distance from Mt. Pleasant: 31 miles (55 min)
- Activities: swimming, picnicking, shelling
- Amenities: picnic zones, umbrella and chair rentals, showers, boardwalk, lifeguard, parking lot, grills
Brushing edges with the Atlantic Ocean south of Charleston is Kiawah Beachwalker Park. It is the only public beach on the island and offers some of the widest waterfront views.
Some sections of the park are designated for picnics, while others are to be explored through narrow winding paths. Head deep into the trees, and you are sure to spot some wildlife.
Quite conveniently, Kiawah Beachwalker Park rests near restaurants, golf courses, and other fun-rich centers. Albeit its laid-back pace, the spot has ample amenities to get you fully entertained. Despite the long drive, it’s a must-visit spot.
7. Seabrook Island Beach
- Distance from Mt. Pleasant: 33 miles (55 min)
- Activities: swimming, fishing, nature walking
- Amenities: rental beach chairs and umbrellas, boardwalk, bike rentals, multiple restaurants
While many beaches in this list have something unique to offer, Seabrook Island Beach takes up a notch. To begin with, this is a private island, and therefore the footfall is much smaller here.
The trees here are home to deer, pelicans, and other wild animals, and there are miles of trails and boardwalks for exploring.
The beach itself is wide and pet friendly. Surfcasting, beachcombing, and walking are popular activities. And if you’re lucky, you may spot a pod of dolphins patrolling the shoreline.
There are multiple villas sprawling on Seabrook Island Beach. Their amazing architectural designs add to the beach’s overpowering attractiveness.
To visit this gem, you must be a guest or a resident of Seabrook Island. There are plenty of listings on Airbnb and VRBO, making this the ideal spot for romantic getaways or family vacations.
More Beaches in South Carolina:
State Parks in South Carolina:
Lakes in South Carolina:
