South Carolina’s 187 miles of coastline offer a little something to please everyone in your big family, from action-packed beaches with water sports and family-friendly attractions to quiet, secluded spots perfect for relaxing. Whether your family loves adventurous outings, beautiful nature views, or stress-free fun in the sand, South Carolina has a beach that will fit the bill.
In this guide, we’ve highlighted the top family-friendly beaches in the Palmetto State, with details on activities, amenities, and nearby attractions that will make planning your trip a breeze.
Folly Beach County Park
Located on the west end of Folly Island, just 11 miles from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach County Park boasts a spacious and scenic stretch of shoreline, making it a favorite destination for families of all sizes. This popular beach spans a wide area perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, and playing in the sand.
Visitors will appreciate the well-maintained amenities, including outdoor showers, clean restrooms, and covered picnic tables for a convenient and comfortable beach day. During the summer season, lifeguards are on duty for added safety, and you’ll also find a seasonal beachfront restaurant and snack bar serving family-friendly meals and refreshing treats.
Nearby family activities:
- Pier 101 Restaurant and Bar offers panoramic, beachfront ocean views and food that can’t be beaten. With a mixture of classic American grub, southern cuisine, local delicacies, and a number of cocktails on top, nobody in the family will leave Pier 101 unhappy.
- Shark Surf School offers both private a group surf lessons that’ll have your family ruling the waves. Equipment is provided for every student involved. Prices vary by group size.
- Hop aboard the Carolina Skiff Bay boat in search of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins! Departing from the dock on Bowens Island, the Dolphin Boat Tours last about an hour and a half and offer many great photo opportunities.
Folly Beach Big Family Accommodations
Finding the right place to stay for your big family is easy near Folly Beach! Explore nearby big family-friendly hotels for accommodations with enough room for everyone, or opt for spacious vacation rentals that feel just like home. Whatever your preference, there’s an option to fit your family’s needs.
Tip for Visiting with Kids
Pack water shoes! The beach can get quite hot during summer months, and there are sometimes shells scattered along the shoreline. Water shoes will protect little feet both on the sand and in the water, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Edisto Beach
Nestled along South Carolina’s quiet, unspoiled coastline, Edisto Beach offers a laid-back retreat perfect for families seeking relaxation in a more natural setting. This beautiful beach is located about 45 miles southwest of Charleston and stretches across miles of pristine sand, providing ample space for big families to spread out and enjoy the scenery.
Known for its uncrowded atmosphere, Edisto Beach is a favorite for those looking to escape the bustle of busier tourist spots. Amenities include outdoor showers, restrooms, and picnic areas, ensuring a comfortable visit for all. While there aren’t onsite restaurants directly on the beach, nearby dining options in Edisto Beach town offer delicious, fresh seafood and casual family-friendly meals.
Family Activities to Fill Out Your Itinerary
- Spanning 4,630 acres of lush vegetation and beachfront property, the Botany Bay Plantation showcases a wide variety of life within its gorgeous (and free-to-enter) confines.
- The Edisto Island Serpentarium offers an up-close experience with many large snakes and reptiles, with hands-on encounters for you and your family!
Edisto Beach Big Family Accommodations
Edisto Beach offers several fantastic lodging options for families of all sizes. Choose from nearby big family-friendly hotels with excellent amenities or book one of the local vacation rentals for a quieter, more private experience. Both options ensure your family has a comfortable place to relax after exploring
Tip for Visiting with Kids
Visit during low tide when the beach reveals extensive tide pools perfect for young explorers. These shallow pools are great for discovering small sea creatures and shells while keeping younger children away from stronger waves.
Kiawah Island
Just 25 miles southwest of Charleston, Kiawah Island is a top-tier family destination, renowned for its pristine beaches and upscale amenities. The island boasts 10 miles of wide, soft-sand beaches, offering plenty of space for families to relax, play, and soak up the sun. Known for its tranquil atmosphere, Kiawah Island provides a quieter, more exclusive beach experience compared to some of South Carolina’s busier spots.
Families will find convenient amenities, including outdoor showers, restrooms, and easy beach access points. While there are no standalone restaurants directly on the public beach, the nearby resort areas feature excellent dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining.
Family Activities to Fill Your Schedule
- Although on the pricier side, Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers some breathtaking scenery as a backdrop to a relaxing game of golf.
- The Pirates of Charleston offer a family-friendly, pirate-themed boat tour into the North Edisto River. With songs to sing, a treasure to find, and maps to read, this tour is bound to be a hit with younger family members.
- A marvel of nature can be seen when visiting the Angel Oak Tree. Enormous and still living, the tree is astonishingly large and estimated to be 300-400 years old.
Kiawah Island Big Family Accommodations
Kiawah Island is surrounded by comfortable and spacious accommodation options to suit big families. You can choose from nearby big family-friendly hotels in Charleston or relax in a vacation rental. Either way, your family will have a great place to rest and recharge after a day of exploring the island’s natural beauty and fun activities.
Tip for Visiting with Kids
Consider renting bikes with child seats or trailers. Kiawah Island is known for its extensive bike paths, and cycling is one of the best ways to get around and explore the beach area with kids. Many rental companies offer delivery right to your accommodation.
Myrtle Beach State Park
How could this list be complete without a mention of Myrtle Beach? This oceanfront park spans a wide stretch of sandy beach, perfect for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the coastal scenery. As one of the quieter spots along the bustling Myrtle Beach area, it’s a fantastic choice for families seeking a more peaceful beach day while still being close to the area’s attractions.
Myrtle Beach State Park features outdoor showers, clean restrooms, and shaded picnic shelters. Additionally, the on-site pier offers fishing opportunities and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. While there are no onsite restaurants, a nearby pier store sells snacks and refreshments, ensuring you can grab a treat during your beach outing.
Activities to fill out your trip:
- Alabama Theater offers traveling families evenings full of singing, dancing, and comedy. For the past 2 years running, the Alabama Theater has drawn visitors from all over for its theatrical works. With a rotating calendar of renowned performers and acts, no two trips are bound to be the same.
- Located in the heart of the downtown district, Ripley’s Moving Theater functions as a part theater, part thrill ride attraction that your kids will love. Using patented 5D technology to move you throughout the facility without leaving your seat, this attraction is sure to provide some adrenaline with simulations varying from virtual roller coaster rides to driving snowmobiles in treacherous terrain.
- A short walk away from the Myrtle Beach boardwalk is where your family will find Mount Atlanticus Miniature Golf. With two 18-hole courses for putters of all skill levels, relaxing vibes, and some of the best elevated views of the city, Mount Atlanticus is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Looking to take a step or two back in time? Visit Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Based on the 11th-century feasts and tournaments of Castile, guests enjoy a banquet of four courses as they cheer on their pick of six knights to win a jousting tournament.
Myrtle Beach Big Family Accommodations
Myrtle Beach is filled with accommodations tailored to big families looking to make the most of their coastal vacation. From nearby big family-friendly hotels with entertainment and dining options to local vacation rentals that give you plenty of room to spread out, the area has an option for every budget and preference. Both will give your family easy access to Myrtle Beach’s famous attractions and scenic coastline.
Tip for Visiting with Kids
Visit the Nature Center before heading to the beach! The park’s nature center offers educational programs and hands-on activities that help kids learn about local marine life and beach ecology, making their beach experience more meaningful and interactive.
Check out our guide on the best Myrtle Beach hotels with lazy rivers
Hilton Head Island – Coligny Beach Park
Hilton Head Island, located in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, features 12 miles of stunning, family-friendly beaches on the Atlantic coastline. Known for its clean, soft sand and breathtaking natural beauty, Hilton Head is a great beach to relax under a beach umbrella. Popular spots like Coligny Beach Park provide excellent amenities, including outdoor showers, clean restrooms, and designated picnic areas to make your visit comfortable and convenient.
Hilton Head also stands out for its eco-friendly practices, such as bike-friendly pathways leading right to the shore. Several beachfront restaurants and snack bars serve up everything from casual bites to picturesque waterfront dining, making it easy to refuel after a fun day in the sun.
Nearby Family Attractions
- Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum: This historic lighthouse features exhibits focused on the maritime history of the Lowcountry, the development of Hilton Head Island, and the people who shaped the area. Visitors can climb 114 steps to the top for panoramic views of the island and surrounding waters
- The Sandbox Children’s Museum: Spanning 2,500 square feet, this museum offers 11 interactive exhibits, including a mini grocery store, an airplane cockpit, and an outdoor play area.
Hilton Head Island Big Family Accommodations
Choose from nearby big family-friendly hotels packed with convenient amenities or enjoy the comfort and privacy of a vacation rental that feels like a home away from home. With options to meet different needs and budgets, your family is sure to have a relaxing and enjoyable stay while exploring everything this award-winning island has to offer.
Tip for Visiting with Kids
Head to Coligny Beach Park specifically – it has a splash pad area near the beach entrance where kids can rinse off and play in freshwater when they need a break from the salt water. The area also has plenty of nearby restrooms and changing facilities, making it especially convenient for families with young children.
