Summer is almost over (we’re ready to see anything but “out of office” responses in our inboxes) + our Instagram feeds are still 70% vacation photos.
If you haven’t already taken your annual summer getaway, then odds are it’s been on your mind to escape to “the sun and the sand, with a drink in my hand.” But before you follow Kenny Chesney’s advice, we’re here to help you pick the Carolina beach that is right for you.
S.C. Beaches
Myrtle Beach
🚗~4 hours from GVL
⏰24 hours
⛔No alcohol allowed.
🐕Dogs on the beach must be leashed at all times. Dogs are permitted on the beach anytime between September 3 and April 30 and are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m between May 1 and September 2.
🏊Lifeguards are on duty.
🅿Parking meters are re-installed in effect for the season from March 1 through October 31. There are green sticker all day parking meters for $6.00
🏖For when you are sand-out, take a visit to Broadway at the Beach (Myrtle’s most popular shopping center + entertainment complex), Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, or the Myrtle Beach Pavilion amusement park.
Sullivan’s Island | Photo by @robertwpearce
Sullivan’s Island
🚗~3 hours from GVL
⏰24 hours
⛔No alcohol allowed
🐕Dogs require a permit (regardless of if permanent resident) for $35. Summer hours: off-leash 5-10 a.m.; on-leash 6 p.m.- 5 a.m.; not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
🏊No lifeguards on duty.
🅿There is no municipal parking lot. Visitors not patronizing an island establishment must park along the street keeping vehicle tires off the road. Handicap beach paths on Sullivan’s island are available through Station 18, 19, 22.5 + 26.5
🏖While visiting this barrier island north of Charleston Harbor, be sure to soak in all the history by visiting Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie. Bonus: Don’t skip out on KiteBoarding.
Coligny Beach | Photo by @mandy_in_hiltonhead
Coligny Beach
🚗~4 hours from GVL
⏰The official beach season is April 1 through September 30 and designated swimming areas are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
⛔No alcohol allowed.
🐕Dogs are not allowed between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday before Memorial Day through Labor day.
🏊Lifeguards are on duty.
🅿Parking is free at Coligny Beach and a Large Lot is used for Parking.
🏖Coligny Beach is the most popular beach in Hilton Head. Spend the afternoon at the beach then take some time visiting the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Coastal Discovery Museum, or the Sea Pines Forest Preserve.
Folly Beach | Photo by @elizabethrowlandphotography
Folly Beach
🚗~3.5 hours from GVL
⏰8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (after Labor Day: 10 a.m. to sunset)
⛔No alcohol allowed.
🐕Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (until September 30). Must be leashed at all times. (Dogs are never allowed at the end of East Ashley– it is a protected bird sanctuary).
🏊Lifeguards on duty 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
🅿No parking on roadway. All 4 tires must be off the road. From May until Labor Day Parking Fees: $10 Monday- Friday + $15 Saturday-Sunday. There are 54 metered spaces at Folly Field for use.
🏖Hangout at Folly Beach, then hit up the popular fishing spot at Folly Beach Pier. Bonus: There is also the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve where you can see the Morris Island Lighthouse, beach trails + wildlife observation.
N.C. Beaches
Carolina Beach
🚗~6 hours from GVL
⏰ 24 hours
⛔No alcohol allowed.
🐕Dogs must be leashed at all times. Between April 1 + September 30 dogs are allowed on the beach before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Between October 1 and March 31 dogs are allowed during all hours. Dogs are not allowed on the historic boardwalk of in the Boardwalk Business District at any time.
🏊Lifeguards are on duty every day from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
🅿There are 325 metered parking spaces + 16 parking lots housing almost 700 spaces. Pay-by-phone is offered through the ParkMobile app and parking after 7 p.m. is free.
🏖Carolina Beach keeps its family vibe authentic with its historic Carolina Beach Boardwalk, plenty of fishing + boating opportunities, two major parks, and three different history centers. DYK: Carolina Beach is home to the rare Venus flytrap.
Wrightsville Beach
🚗~5 hours from GVL
⏰24 hours
⛔No alcohol allowed.
🐕Dogs must be leashed at all times. Dogs are only allowed on the beach strand between October 1 and March 31.
🏊Lifeguards are on duty every day from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
🅿Metered parking is in effect from March 1 through October 31. Paid parking is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at $2.50 an hour.
🏖Wrightsville has several walking tours to educate its visitors on the island’s 100-year history. There’s plenty of watersports, fishing opportunities, shopping, nightlife + more. DYK: Wrightsville Beach is the birthplace of surfing in N.C.
Atlantic Beach
🚗~6 hours from GVL
⏰24 hours
⛔No alcohol allowed.
🐕Dogs must be leashed at all times.
🏊Lifeguards are on duty every day from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
🅿Several designated paid parking lots available near the four main public beach access points.
🏖While visiting Atlantic Beach don’t miss out on a day trip to Fort Macon State Park, the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, and enjoy several kayak + nature trails.
Holden Beach
🚗~4.5 hours from GVL
⏰24 hours
⛔No alcohol allowed.
🐕Dogs must be leashed at all times. Dogs are not allowed between May 20 and September 10 during the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. There is now a new a Holden Beach Dog Park available from sunset to sunrise.
🏊No lifeguards on duty.
🅿There are 23 public beach access points. No Parking on Ocean Boulevard or McCray St. (except for the northern end of McCray St. east of Dunescape Dr.). Handicap access is provided at these locations.
🏖Holden Beach is one of the NC’s Brunswick Islands (this includes Bald Head Island, Caswell Beach, Leland, Ocean Isle, Calabash, Oak Island, Sunset Beach + more). DYK: Holden Beach was ranked among the Top 10 Family Beaches in the Us by National Geographic’s TRAVELER magazine.
I grew up on the coast of Virginia and spent a ton of time at the Outer Banks every summer, on my surfboard, playing paddle ball, and looking for sand crabs.
What are your favorite Carolina beaches? Do you have any special memories on beach vacations you’d like to share?
Let us know in the comments. And remember, don’t let the ocean make you salty and always follow the beach rules.
