The Best Beach Hotels in South Carolina

For most, South Carolina's wide beaches lined with palm trees are the star attraction. A humid subtropical climate and generally laidback Southern feel add to the allure of a beach break here. There are several good accommodation options ranging from charming owner-run B&Bs to expansive luxury resorts with everything you could need on site. Our hotel experts have compiled a collection of the best beach hotels in South Carolina selected on their location, amenities, design, and service. Whether you are planning a family getaway, a romantic escape or a break with friends, there is something for most trips here. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next coastal stay?

For a resort

• The Inn and Club at Harbour Town is a luxurious Sea Pines holiday resort with a grown-up feel. Spoiling rooms have been designed for relaxation with Italian linens and spa bathrooms. With a beach club, championship golf courses, and several dining options — this is ideal for vacations without a hitch!
• The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina is a luxury resort with views over Charleston. This expansive waterfront property boasts a private beach, amazing sunsets, seaside dining, pools & multiple dining options; it works for couples, families and groups of friends.
• The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a luxurious mansion-style resort with an unbelievable beach-front location. Offering the epitome of Southern charm; classic rooms, suites and grand public areas feel glossy & elegant. Dining & shopping options are endless and there are world-class golf and tennis facilities. A five-star family holiday haven.

For a B&B

• Water's Edge Inn is a charming owner-run Folly Island B&B facing the water. Spacious rooms feature four-poster beds, fireplaces & marsh-facing private sit-out balconies. Moments from the coast, this is a relaxed base for beach breaks.
• Regatta Inn is a luxury waterfront B&B located on Folly Beach. Bright rooms are individually styled and each has a private terrace or screened patio and gas fireplace. Breakfasts and cocktails are served on a water-facing terrace. Adult-only — a perfect couples' hideaway.

For an active break

• The Inlet Sports Lodge offers a great location and spacious rooms designed for all the family. Onsite, expect self-catered rooms, an Italian restaurant, and an outdoor pool. The proximity to three local marinas offers unparalleled access to sailing, fishing, kayaking, and watersports. Ideal for those who enjoy active breaks.

Still not sure where to book?

• Browse our list of all the best places to stay in South Carolina.
• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Georgia or the best places to stay in Charleston.
• Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

  • The Inn and Club at Harbour Town Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 60 rooms from AU$743

    
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    Golf  -  Play at Sea Pines Resort's championship courses; Harbour Town Golf Links, Heron Point by Pete Dye & Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love

    Beach Life  -  Enjoy complimentary shuttle to Sea Pines Beach Club where you'll find chairs, umbrellas, towels & coolers as well as restaurant

    Local exploring  -  Picture-perfect Harbour Town has classic island holiday feel; walk to shops, art galleries & restaurants or board boat charters

    Resort  -  Guests have access to golf, tennis, beach club, restaurants, activities & excursions provided by The Sea Pines Resort

    

    A luxurious Sea Pines holiday resort with a grown-up feel. Spoiling rooms have been designed for relaxation with Italian linens, spa bathrooms & the latest high-tech touches. Head to the beach club, award-winning golf or clubhouse restaurant. Ideal for vacations without a hitch. See More

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  • The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina Charleston (Patriots Point) 92 rooms from AU$551

    
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    Families  -  Family Parlor Rooms are ideal for those with kids; there's a second bedroom with twin beds as well as fireplace & outdoor space

    Beach Life  -  Although swimming is not possible, the resort's private white sand beach is perfect for sandcastles, relaxing and sunbathing

    Total relaxation  -  Ultimate fly and flop destination with unbeatable combo of sun, sea views, private beach, pools, spa and sites nearby

    Swimming Pool  -  The large outdoor family pool is every child's dream. For those after a quieter time there is year-round heated 'quiet' pool

    

    Luxury resort with views over Charleston. This expansive waterfront property boasts a private beach, amazing sunsets, seaside dining, pools & multiple dining options; it works for couples, families and friends. Super comfortable contemporary-style rooms offer balconies, lots of space and sea views. See More

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  • The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort Kiawah Island, South Carolina 255 rooms from AU$472

    
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    Beach Life  -  Look out over a 10 mile stretch of pristine sandy beach just steps away. Ask the beach concierge for chairs, umbrellas & towels

    Families  -  Ideal for upmarket family vacations with activities, amenities & dining options to keep the whole family occupied for days

    Golf  -  A world-famous golf destination that has hosted PGA and World Cup events, there are 5 courts designed by golf legends

    Weddings  -  Perfect for destination weddings. Say vows in the on-site chapel before celebrating in the elegant ballroom

    

    Luxurious mansion-style resort with an unbelievable beach-front location. Offering the epitome of Southern charm; classic rooms, suites & grand public areas feel glossy & elegant. Dining & shopping options are endless & there are world-class golf & tennis facilities. Five-star family holiday haven. See More

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  • Water's Edge Inn Folly Beach, South Carolina 9 rooms from AU$450

    
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    Beach Life  -  Complimentary shuttle ferries guests to Folly Beach, but it's easy walking distance for those who fancy it

    Total relaxation  -  Laid-back destination for laid-back holiday makers. Hit the beach, walk to restaurants and visit the sites

    Local exploring  -  Fab location walking distance to the water, restaurants and local attractions & activities

    Sights nearby  -  Charleston is less than 20 mins drive, making it an easy day trip if you fancy seeing the sites

    

    Charming owner-run Folly Island B&B facing the water. Spacious rooms feature four-poster beds, fireplaces & marsh-facing private sit-out balconies. After breakfast in the bar, admire the view from the hot tub or take the shuttle to Folly Beach & nearby restaurants. A relaxed base for beach breaks. See More

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  • The Inlet Sports Lodge Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 34 rooms from AU$226

    
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    Active Holiday  -  Bring your own boat! Proximity to three local marinas offers unparalled access to sailing, fishing, kayaking & watersports

    Value chic  -  Room sleeping up to four people with good kitchen areas makes for very affordable yet comfortable beach holidays

    Families  -  Deluxe Studios comfortably sleep two adults and two children, making this a great value family option

    Local exploring  -  Well-located crowd-pleaser: head to the beach, play golf, visit sites or get out onto the water

    

    Recommended by  -  Great Small Hotels

    With an ideal location & spacious rooms designed for all the family, this well-priced hotel offers a perfect holiday setting. Onsite, expect self-catered rooms, an Italian restaurant, and an outdoor pool. While local sites, restaurants and the coast are just a stroll away. Fab for an active getaway. See More

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  • Regatta Inn, South Carolina Folly Beach, South Carolina 10 rooms from AU$468

    
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    Romantic Break  -  With an adult-only policy, a romantic waterfront setting, and rooms with fireplaces and terraces — this is a couples' haven

    Active Holiday  -  From discovering historic Charleston to partaking in fishing, kayaking, surfing and more — there's plenty to do here

    Fishing  -  An inshore fishing guide service caters to all types of anglers from novice to the expert

    Sailing  -  Charter a boat and discover the scenic Charleston area waters

    

    A luxury waterfront B&B located on Folly Beach. Bright rooms are individually styled and each has a private terrace or screened patio, gas fireplaces, luxe bathrooms, and bold pops of colour. Breakfasts and cocktails are served on a water-facing terrace. Adult-only; a perfect couples' hideaway. See More

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Written by Katie Harris

posted Wednesday, 6th April 2022