If you’re looking for a beach vacation that has it all – historic charm, beautiful scenery, and plenty of things to do – Charleston, South Carolina is the perfect place for you. And with five different beaches to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to relax and soak up some sun. In this blog post, we’ll give you a brief history of Charleston’s beaches, list the five must-visit Charleston beaches, tell you why locals love Folly Beach, and give you some tips on when is the best time to visit. So whether you’re a beach bum or history buff, Charleston has something for everyone.
Charleston’s beaches: a brief history
The first European to visit the area we now know as Charleston was Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1540. De Soto and his men were the first Europeans to set foot on what is now South Carolina.
The first public beach in Charleston was the Battery, which opened in 1837. The Battery was a man-made defensive wall that was built to protect the city from maritime attacks. Today, the Battery is a popular tourist spot where visitors can enjoy stunning views of Charleston Harbor.
The first beach hotel in Charleston was the Ocean House, which opened in 1857. The Ocean House was built on the site of the current Charleston Maritime Center. The hotel was a popular destination for wealthy vacationers from across the United States.
The first African American beach in Charleston was Caw Caw Beach, which opened in 1865. Caw Caw Beach was located on James Island and was accessible only by boat. The beach was a popular recreation spot for African Americans during the Jim Crow era.
The first city-owned beach in Charleston was East Beach, which opened in 1921. East Beach is located on Sullivan’s Island and is one of the most popular beaches in Charleston today.
The 5 Charleston beaches you need to visit
The 5 Charleston beaches you need to visit are Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Each beach has its own unique history and attractions that make it worth a visit.
Folly Beach is a popular spot for locals, while Isle of Palms is known for its luxury resorts. Sullivan’s Island is a great place to relax and enjoy the views, and Kiawah Island is perfect for nature lovers. Seabrook Island is a great choice for those looking for a quiet and secluded beach experience.
No matter what your preference, you are sure to find the perfect beach for you in Charleston, SC!
Why locals love Folly Beach
Folly Beach is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The beach’s natural beauty, great waves and sun, restaurants and bars, and live music make it a great place to relax and have fun.
Folly Beach is located just south of downtown Charleston and is known for its beautiful sunsets and wide beaches. The beach is also a great place to surf, with its strong waves and sunny weather. There are several restaurants and bars on the beach, as well as live music venues.
locals love spending time at Folly Beach because it is such a beautiful and relaxing place. The wide beaches, strong waves, sunny weather, restaurants, bars, and live music all make it a great place to spend time with friends or family.
The best time of year to visit Charleston beaches
The best time of year to visit Charleston beaches is during the shoulder seasons, when the weather is still pleasant but there are fewer crowds. In the winter, beaches in Charleston can be chilly but you’ll be rewarded with stunning landscapes and total tranquility. The water temperature in the spring and fall is just right for swimming, surfing, and boating. And during these months, you’ll find hotel rates are lower than they are in the summer.
How to get to Charleston’s beaches
Getting to Charleston’s beaches is easy, whether you’re driving or taking public transportation.
If you’re driving, take Highway 17 North to the Isle of Palms Connector. Follow the connector until it dead-ends at Palm Boulevard. Turn right onto Palm Boulevard and follow it until you reach the beach.
There are also a few different public transportation options that will get you to the beach. The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) operates buses that run from downtown Charleston to the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. You can also take the Water Taxi, which runs from April through October and makes stops at The Battery, Waterfront Park, Patriots Point, Mount Pleasant Pier, and Shem Creek.
