Inside: A list of Charleston area beaches that are great for kids and families, with important information like restroom access and the best places to park.
Ready to make salty memories with your crew? Charleston is home to some truly fun and family-friendly beaches — whether you’re looking for soft sandcastles, tidal pools, or a boat-only nature escape. Read on, because local mom, Rebecca, shares her family’s top 3 favorite Charleston beaches.
Here’s your kid-approved guide to the best beaches in Charleston, SC for kids: Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, and Morris Island!
Isle of Palms (IOP)
Imagine soft white sand, friendly waves, and a place to build sandcastles for miles! IOP stretches about 7 miles long and 1 mile wide, with loads of beach access spots.
Beach rules to remember:
- Keep the beach clean—please throw trash in bins.
- Dogs can play off-leash early:
- May 1–Sept 14: 5 am–9 am
- Sept 15–Mar 31: 4 pm–10 am
- No playing loudly in dunes or disturbing wildlife—especially turtles.
Parking for IOP:
- Isle of Palms County Park: Offers 445 paid parking spots; fills up early around 10:30 am on busy days.
- City municipal lots (Pavilion Drive Lots A & B) near Front Beach: Paid parking enforced March 1–October 31, 8 am–8 pm, accessible via phone or kiosk.
- On‐street public right-of-way parking: Several avenues (3rd–9th Avenues and Palm Blvd between specific ranges) allow free parking when fully off the road and following street signage.
- Handicap parking: Available at County Park (no fee), municipal lot, 9th Ave, Front Beach restrooms, 21st Ave, and 42nd Ave—some areas behind the Public Safety Building are also accessible for those with placards or license plates. Also, there are handicap beach accessible wheelchairs for use at the county park.
Restrooms Near IOP:
- Public restrooms are located in the Front Beach commercial district (Ocean Boulevard, approximately between 10th and 14th Avenues) near restaurants and shops.
- Additional restroom facilities are available at Isle of Palms County Park, along with showers and lifeguards
Yummy Eats Close By:
- Acme Lowcountry Kitchen – Famous for shrimp & grits (six kinds!). Go early because there is sure to be a little wait.
- The Boathouse at Breach Inlet – Great ocean views and seafood classics. Open early evening.
- Long Island Café – A local favorite for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
- Sea Biscuit Café – Perfect for breakfast or lunch; try their pancakes and banana bread. This is one of our favorite quaint little brunch spots that feels like you are taking a step back in time. They do not accept cards so remember to have cash.
Sullivan’s Island
A calm, charming place with history, gentle waves, and wide beaches—great for watching ships or dolphins. We love walking the beach to the lighthouse. With plenty of tidal pools, it’s perfect for little ones!
Be on the lookout for sand dollars lightly covered in the sand. We typically find at least a dozen that we catch and release.
Beach rules to know:
- No plastic straws, single-use bags, or Styrofoam—these are banned to protect animals and the waves! Fines can be up to $500.
- No activity allowed in dunes or turtle nesting zones.
- No fireworks or commercial setups (like food carts) on the beach.
Parking for Sullivan’s Island:
- Free street parking is available along designated public rights-of-way. Vehicles must be parked entirely off the pavement and must not block any beach access paths or streets. Be on the lookout for signs that say no parking as fines can be steep.
- Additional parking can be found behind Town Hall (when closed) and at Battery Thompson (Breach Inlet area). Reminder you cannot get in the water at Breach Inlet as the current is too strong for any level swimmer.
- This parking is limited, especially during summer weekends and holidays so get there early!
Restrooms at Sullivan’s Island:
- There are no public restrooms directly on the beach.
- That said, Fort Moultrie (National Park Service) at the far south end of the island does have restrooms and a large parking lot, albeit not intended for beach users.
- Restaurants and businesses in the commercial area (Middle Street) may allow restroom use for customers. There’s also possibly a gas station that might grant restroom access with a purchase.
Tasty Treat Stops:
- Poe’s Tavern – Famous for burgers with a spooky but fun Edgar Allan Poe twist. Great vibe! They also have great shrimp tacos with a good craft beer list.
- The Obstinate Daughter – Delicious farm-to-table meals and creative dishes. This is a bit more upscale so not suitable for straight off the beach but worth a visit.
- Home Team BBQ – Barbecue spot with mouthwatering wings and comfort food.
- Beardcat’s Sweet Shop – Ice cream heaven! This spot is by far our favorite ice cream shop in all of Charleston. With so many gelato choices, it’s hard to choose a favorite but I keep coming back to Biscoff or stracciatella while salted olive oil gelato is typically a fan favorite.
Folly Beach/ Morris Island
This is a wild, quiet, and special place—you can only get there by boat or hiking during low tide. And guess what? It’s home to a beautiful old lighthouse that seems like something from a storybook! It’s perfect for adventurers and explorers.
We park at the northern end of East Ashley Avenue and walk the very spirited and spray painted road to Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve. This spot is the perfect place to take photos and explore the shoreline for shark teeth and shells.
Tasty Treat Stops:
- Lost Dog Café- Fun, colorful décor and a quirky vibe—your child might enjoy seeing all the dog-themed art on the walls. Broad menu with breakfast and lunch items like pancakes, sandwiches, and omelets—something for everyone.
- Chico Feo- Eclectic, outdoor-only spot with a dirt-floor setup, picnic tables, shaded by palms—laid-back and vibrant. Unique offerings like tacos, noodle bowls, pulled pork, and kimchi sandwiches. A lively, fun environment where kids can feel relaxed.
- Taco Boy- Bright, colorful décor and a lively atmosphere—kids can enjoy quesadillas or tacos.
Parking for Folly Beach
- Limited parking at the end of East Ashley Street near the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve. You’ll find a small pull-off or paved shoulder where other visitors often park.
- Street parking rules apply:
- Vehicles must be parked facing the direction of traffic.
- All four tires must be completely off the road—either on the shoulder or sand beyond white lines.
- Don’t block driveways or fire hydrants.
- Some visitors have received tickets even when parking carefully along this stretch due to strict enforcement—particularly near private residences.
Restrooms for Folly Beach and Morris Island Viewing Area
- No public restrooms are available at the Morris Island viewing area or Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve.
- Nearby Folly Beach County Park (west end) does offer restrooms—but that’s quite a distance away.
- Alternatively, restrooms at the Folly Beach Pier may be used.
Find more on Folly Beach in our Kidding Around Folly Beach Review.
Why These Charleston Beaches Are Amazing for Kids
- Isle of Palms: sandy fun, beach toys, and sweet food just close enough.
- Sullivan’s Island: mix of history (like forts and stories), calm water, and yummy burgers.
- Morris Island: nature adventure and a lighthouse to explore
Planning Tips for Families
- Pack early if bringing your dog to IOP—remember the off-leash times!
- On Sullivan’s Island, help Mom or Dad carry a beach bag with reusable water bottles (no plastic straws allowed!).
- Morris Island is amazing—and you can see it from shore, but you must have a boat to get to the actual lighthouse on Morris Island.
Want to know more about visiting Morris Island? We did it!
Here’s our Kidding Around Morris Island Review.
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