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PAWLEYS ISLAND — A Hammock Coast beach just netted a statewide honor for the second year in a row.

Pawleys Island, one of the country's oldest seaside resorts, has been named “Best Beach in South Carolina” by the USA Today/10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It first won in 2024.

Three Georgetown County destinations — Huntington Beach State Park, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island — were among the beaches in the contest. Huntington (No. 4) and Litchfield (No. 3) also placed in the Top 5 again.

"It shows that you don’t have to be the biggest to be the best," said Beth Stedman, president of the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce. "The natural beauty of our area and its history bring visitors here throughout the year and they return again and again."

To the north, Horry County also saw several winners. North Myrtle Beach and its Cherry Grove Beach also placed in the Top 5, and Myrtle Beach State Park came in at No. 8.

The remaining Top 10 included: Hunting Island State Park (Hunting Island, No. 6), Edisto Beach State Park (Edisto Island, No. 7), Coligny Beach Park (Hilton Head Island, No. 9) and Bloody Point Beach (Daufuskie Island, No. 10).

The list was narrowed from 17 initial nominees. It was part of a series to name the best beaches in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, California, New Jersey and Michigan, according to tourism officials.

Other Palmetto State beaches in the running included: Myrtle Beach, Folly Beach, Folly Field Beach Park (Hilton Head Island), Isle of Palms, Kiawah Beachwalker Park (Kiawah Island), Sullivan’s Island and Surfside Beach.

The voting period ran from April 21 to May 19, and the beach with the most votes won. Winners were announced May 28.

"I couldn’t be more excited about this news," said Mark Stevens, the chamber's director of tourism development. "Clearly the Hammock Coast’s beaches are beloved by residents and vacationers. Our beaches are adored for their pristine shores and mild crowds, and we wouldn’t have it any other way."

Locations along the Hammock Coast have been featured in the USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards in previous years. Huntington Beach and Brookgreen Gardens have been nominated in several categories, while Georgetown topped the list for the Best Coastal Small Town in 2018.

Murrells Inlet placed sixth earlier this year in the contest for the Best Small Town in the South, according to the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce.

Folly Beach is making a significant comeback this beach season, thanks to a multi-million dollar renourishment project in collaboration with the Army Corps of Engineers. April 22, 2025. (Jason Tighe/WCIV)

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FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — Local municipalities are learning to adapt to the ever-changing climate - one ping at a time.

There are only two National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tide gauges in the state of South Carolina, but with the help and federal funding of the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association, the City of Folly Beach was able to install a water level sensor at Folly River Park.

Nicole Elko, President of Elko Coastal Consulting, explained the significance of the installation, saying, “So there's one installed behind us on the Folly River Bridge, and it is sending real-time water level data to the communities so that they can manage what's happening on the ground.”

These low-cost water level sensors are made of a small solar panel, batteries and an alarm. When water levels start to rise, city officials will be alerted by the ping.

"So the fire chief will get an alert saying, hey, there, the water level has exceeded the threshold that you've set," Elko said. "It might take longer for your response time if you have to get to the other end of the island because of flooding. So, this is critical for some life safety issues for the community as well.”

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These sensors have already proven to be beneficial, as city officials were able to be proactive during the Nor’easter of December 2023.

"That was one that was really well documented by the tide gauges and the data were implemented by the city such that they could get roads closed off before they flooded,” Elko said. “It allows the community to be proactive and take care of some of those things in advance of the event.”

The data is free and online so anyone can access it.

“And it has tons of other uses, obviously, then just for city safety and management, right? Boaters use it, people going to the beach if we have some beach erosion, the beach isn't very wide. You can see, oh, there's a king tide on Saturday at noon, maybe we should hit the beach at a different time," Elko explained. "So, we have plenty of space to spread out. So, plenty of applications.”

Water levels on Folly Beach exceeded the king tide threshold 60 times in 2024, according to Elko. King tides occur when water levels reach 7 feet or higher.

Wheels to Surf took over a section of Folly Beach on Saturday as over 40 volunteers and 40 surfers took to the waves. (WCIV)

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — Wheels to Surf took over a section of Folly Beach on Saturday as over 40 volunteers and 40 surfers took to the waves.

The program is aimed towards surfers who happen to have a disability. The surfers do not let anything hold them back from enjoying the waves.

Brent Rightler has been a part of the program for four years. "The only thing I can't do is hike in the woods." he said cheerfully. When asked why he loves to surf his response was immediate - "life is too short, why not?"

Rightler is one of many surfers who keep returning to the waves, as the program is now on its 11th year.

"This started at home. I wanted to do this where I live." said Brock Johnson, the founder of Wheels to Surf. "Originally the program was meant just for people in wheel chairs. Then I got a call from someone asking if their autistic son could join and after checking I said yes."

Johnson made the choice to start the program after suffering a tragic accident. "I was out on a boat and the sands shifted. I took a dive and broke my neck leaving me paraplegic. I can't move anything from the chest down." said Johnson. "My life is completely different and I had to figure out what to do."

And so he did, and the program has only grown from there, traveling from beach to beach across the world.

READ MORE | "Miss South Carolina High School America uses platform to support disability awareness"

Wheels to Surf opens the doors for others to travel and try new experiences.

Brian Shaw, who is blind, has been an avid surfer for years, and has mastered the waves. "I gotta feel the wave to see if I can stand." he said.

Shaw has been able to travel because of surfing and competes across the country. "I said lets go play out in California. I got third place for my first time out there so I'm not gonna complain."

And for Johnson, getting back into the water over and over again, there is still the rush THAT never leaves. "Even though I have a couple decades of experience, it's still joy to me and that's the best part, is all the joy the participants have," he said.

To learn more about Wheels to Surf or to sign up, click here.

Beaches, one of South Carolina’s major economic drivers, are on the frontline in the battle against Mother Nature. When beaches erode, so do our last line of defenses against the ocean. At the heart of maintaining these vital defenses is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Charleston District.

South Carolina currently has three active Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) projects—commonly referred to as federal beach projects—located at Folly Beach, the Grand Strand, and Pawleys Island, with a fourth project at Edisto Beach in the design phase. As a federal beach (CSRM) project, it is the Charleston District’s responsibility to reduce the risk to life and infrastructure behind the dunes. In practice, this means renourishing beaches that have eroded to the point where they can no longer provide all of their intended benefits.

Renourishments can be periodic or emergency repair. Periodic renourishments occur at set intervals determined in the original design, with costs shared by the project sponsor. Emergency renourishments are triggered by significant storm erosion and a federal disaster declaration. These are fully funded by the federal government, with no cost to the sponsor.

The importance of the state’s beaches and their health is often a topic of discussion in coastal communities, reinforcing the need for close coordination and planning. A key venue for such discussions is the South Carolina Beach Advocates meeting, held in January of this year on Isle of Palms.

The Beach Advocates meeting brings together local, state and federal officials to discuss threats to the state’s beaches and develop future protection plans.

“A lot of the ways we analyze our projects and whether they’re worth the federal investment is by looking at how we are protecting infrastructure,” said Jeff Livasy, chief of civil works for the Charleston District, at the 2025 Beach Advocates meeting. “Our beaches, while a great place to recreate, protect our infrastructure and have a significant economic impact. If a storm devastates an area, dollars are lost, and tourists don’t come.”

One of South Carolina’s most popular waterfront locations, Folly Beach, suffers significant erosion from both tides and storms.

Folly became a federal beach project in 1993. Since then, six renourishments have placed a total of 8.7 million cubic yards of sand on the beach—enough to cover approximately 4,080 football fields one foot deep.

In March 2024, the Charleston District initiated the latest renourishment of Folly Beach to address damage caused by Hurricane Ian. The project served three purposes – to renourish Folly Beach for coastal storm damage reduction, dredge the Folly River federal navigation channel and place material on Bird Key to help reduce erosion on the critical bird habitat.

By October 2024, the renourishment was complete, with 1.7 million cubic yards of sand placed — the equivalent of 170,000 dump trucks. Contractors worked through the summer and into the fall, persevering through multiple storms, including a hurricane.

“We had two tropical events occur during and after the renourishment, Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene,” said Wes Wilson, project manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District. “Although the storms caused minimal damage to the beach, we demonstrated the importance of the renourishment. Without that sand in place, we would have had much more significant impacts.”

In Fall 2024, the City of Folly Beach and the Charleston District solidified their partnership for another 50 years by signing a new agreement tied to the completion of the next beach renourishment project. This updated design plan features taller dunes, an extended beach footprint and a new engineering template that accounts for the increasing intensity of future storms.

The state’s largest federal beach project is the 26-mile-long Grand Strand, encompassing Surfside Beach/Garden City, Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach. In December 2024, the Charleston District awarded a contract to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company to place two million cubic yards of material — the equivalent of 200,000 dump trucks — along the Grand Strand. The renourishment is fully funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and will cost $72 million.

Contractors are finalizing their work plan and expect to begin pumping sand in the spring. Once work begins, the 26-mile-long renourishment will take approximately 17 months to complete.

South Carolina’s third federal beach project, Pawleys Island, is undergoing an emergency renourishment following significant erosion caused by Hurricane Ian. The project sponsor is working to obtain real estate easements before moving forward with the renourishment.

A fourth federal beach project on Edisto Beach is currently in the design stages. The project includes the construction of a 15-foot-wide dune extending from the southern end of the state park southward for over 16,000 feet past the southern point of the island. The dune will be fronted by a berm of varying widths. The project also includes lengthening select groins along the beach front.

The project sponsor is currently working to secure all necessary easements to begin construction while the design is finalized. Once constructed, Edisto will become the state’s fourth federal beach project.

South Carolina’s beaches are on the frontlines of the battle against Mother Nature, and renourishment projects are one of our best defenses. By continuing these efforts, we’re not only protecting the coastline but also securing the future of our communities and economy. As storms keep testing our shores, these ongoing projects will ensure that our beaches stay strong and ready for whatever comes next.

There are plenty of good reasons to make the trip to Charleston, South Carolina: Historic homes make for colorful photo ops, the restaurant scene is fresh and inventive, and locally owned stores and boutiques make for unparalleled shopping. Some of the Holy City's greatest assets, though, aren't actually within the city limits.

Pack the sunscreen and load the car because the scenic beaches near Charleston are a gem. You won't find ultra-crowded beaches, just a quiet spot to relax and soak up the sunshine. The smooth sand, cool water, and near-perfect weather will make you think you've found pure bliss. Here, find our guide to the sun-drenched beaches that are just a quick drive from the Charleston Peninsula. They're worth the detour.

The 28 Best Things To Do In Charleston, South Carolina

1. Kiawah Island

While the 23-mile drive from the peninsula out to Kiawah Island takes about 40 minutes on a good day, the pristine stretch of sand at Kiawah's public Beachwalker Park is well worth it. It's quiet, especially for a public park, fronts the ocean, and also offers views of the Kiawah River. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available seasonally, and dogs are welcome, as long as they're on a leash. Explore Kiawah Island's private beaches by renting a house or villa on the island or booking a stay at the Sanctuary, the island's luxurious oceanfront hotel.

2. Folly Beach

Just 12 miles from downtown, the "Edge of America" is the grooviest of Charleston's nearby beaches. It's a popular hangout for surfers, who frequent "The Washout," a stretch of coast known for having the area's best waves. Center Street, the bohemian beach town's colorful main thoroughfare, is lined with surf and souvenir shops and good eats, like Taco Boy and Rita's Seaside Grille, and is just steps away from Folly's 1,045-foot fishing pier.

3. Isle of Palms

The oceanfront county park on this barrier island has picnic tables, a sand volleyball court, and a playground for the littlest beach bums, making it a great place to take the whole family. Venture a little farther down the beach, beyond the park, to discover a number of fun beachfront bars and eateries, like family-friendly Coconut Joe's Beach Grill and The Windjammer, a classic dive bar and music venue that's as salty as they come. Paddle the intercoastal waterway from Isle of Palms where you may encounter dolphins and get up close to coves and marshes.

4. Seabrook Island

Though the island's nearly 4 miles of unspoiled beaches are private to residents and rental guests only (book your stay here), Seabrook is still worth a stop if you're already making the trip out to Kiawah's Beachwalker Park, which is just a few miles away. An Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary, Seabrook is home to a variety of wildlife, including foxes, bobcats, deer, sea turtles, and bottlenose dolphins. Head to Bohicket Marina for a sunset stroll by the river, then plop down at an outdoor table at the Salty Dog Cafe for water views, East Coast peel-and-eat shrimp, and a cold beer or two.

5. Sullivan's Island

When it comes to old-school cottages, small town charm, and a spotless beach to boot, you won't find a dreamier destination than Sullivan's Island. While neighboring Isle of Palms has a lively resort feel, 3.3-square-mile Sullivan's tends to fly under the radar–and the locals like it that way. Be sure to stop by Poe's Tavern on Middle Street for a burger before you head back toward town. Flip-flops and salty hair are always welcome on the front porch.

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6. Bulls Island

Accessible only by ferry, this barrier island is 45 minutes away from downtown Charleston and feels far away from the comforts of civilization. A good way to see the birds of this untouched island, and perhaps a playful dolphin if you're lucky, is on a guided paddling tour. Comb the beach for shells, walk Boneyard Beach where a forest is being recalled by the sea, or track foxes, bobcat, and deer.

7. Edisto Island

About 60 miles from Charleston, Edisto Beach's unspoiled coastline makes it worth the drive. Stay beachside for a dreamy vacation, or take a day trip from Charleston. One of four oceanfront state parks in South Carolina, palmetto-lined Edisto Beach State Park provides the picture-perfect backdrop for swimming, hunting for shells and sharks' teeth, fishing, or strolling. After a day on the island's trails, savor some seafood at the Waterfront Restaurant or the tacos at McConkey's Jungle Shack.

8. Morris Island

Hunt for shells and fossils near the candy cane–striped lighthouse on this uninhabited island just minutes from Charleston. Accessible only by boat, visitors can opt for several tour options, including riding out on a 55-foot power catamaran that's for the more adventurous traveler. For photography buffs, view the lighthouse from the shores of Folly Beach.

9. Pawleys Island

It takes a bit longer to reach from Charleston than some of the other beaches, but the slower pace on Pawleys Island is instantly soothing. This barrier island packs a lot into its four-mile stretch. Set off in a canoe or kayak to explore the salt marsh that separates this island from the mainland, or settle in for a day at the beach. There's shelling, fishing, and crabbing to be done. Sign up for surfing lessons—some of the best waves are near Pawleys Island Pier.

10. Capers Island

Similar to Bulls Island, Capers Island has its own forest of forgotten sea-bleached trees covering the shoreline. At low tide, you may see feeding dolphins and water birds like egrets and herons searching for a meal. Discover tide pools as you walk the beach, hike the island to see gators and deer in their natural habitat, or paddle along the shores and see jellyfish and crabs. Reach this undeveloped island by chartered boat, or take a kayak tour to learn about the area's ecosystem.

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