North and South Carolina are home to nationally-celebrated and internationally-visited beaches like Myrtle Beach (a favorite not only of Carolinians but also Canadians), Hilton Head, Kiawah, and Nags Head. These beaches are certainly worth a visit; they’re famous for a reason, after all. But so too are the secret beaches of the Carolinas. These beaches fly under the radar despite a bustling social scene or that maintain their low profile by being challenging to access (but well worth the effort). Harness the invigorating power of exploring somewhere new by visiting one of these hidden Carolina coastal gems.
Ocracoke
Ocracoke is for the beach-goer who’s not afraid of a little originality and defiance in their destination. Unapologetically challenging to access, this Outer Banks town is for the traveler who’s prepared for things to be a little rough around the edges. You won’t find world-class golf courses (or any golf courses, for that matter) or ferris wheels or anything remotely flashy. This laidback area keeps things casual to better the spotlight on its pristine, undeveloped shorelines.
Frisco Beach
Frisco Beach, located at the southern tip of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, displays the beauty you would expect from an Outer Banks seashore. Perched on the ocean edge of Hatteras Island where the land tilts south, Frisco Beach offers warmer waters than some of its more northern Outer Banks cousins. That’s because it’s perfectly situated to capitalize on the warmer Gulf Stream waters as they flow north and collide with the Labrador Current at the northern tip of Cape Hatteras.
Kure Beach
If you have visited Wilmington, then you are probably familiar with Carolina Beach, with its classic beach boardwalk and ample entertainment opportunities. However, you might not have heard of Kure Beach. Just 15 miles from downtown, this beach offers a quieter retreat characterized by sandy shores and small-town charm. Stop by to cast a line off the oldest pier on the Atlantic. Observe critters at the Fort Fisher Aquarium. Or shower off the sunscreen and dance the night away at one of the free concerts in the Boogie in the Park series.
Caswell Beach
Halfway between Wilmington and Myrtle, Caswell rests on the edge of Oak Island at the mouth of Cape Fear River. With an 18-hole championship golf course, an operational lighthouse, easy access to the charming town of Southport, and some of the least crowded shores along the Brunswick Islands, Caswell Beach can easily become the kind of destination that visitors return to year after year.
Waites Island
If you have never heard of Waites Island, you’re not alone. Given its attention-grabbing neighbors (Myrtle Beach and Cherry Grove), this beach easily flies under the radar like a teenager sheltering in the shadow of their older, rowdier siblings. This gentle island is the northernmost of South Carolina’s barrier islands. Although it is close enough to shore to be accessed by kayak or paddleboard, Waites remains a serene wildlife habitat. In fact, Coastal Carolina University maintains a small research facility on its shores. When it comes to secret beaches of the Carolinas, few are as undiscovered as Waites Island.
Hunting Island Beach
Although Hunting Island might be South Carolina’s most popular state park, it’s still something of an afterthought when it comes to planning a beach vacation. Located just east of Beaufort, sandwiched between Harbor Island and Fripp Island, the 5,000 acres that comprise Hunting Island includes five miles of beach, lush marshes, and a maritime forest. Visitors can also explore a saltwater lagoon. Or visit a historic lighthouse, nature center, and fishing pier before retiring to a rustic cabin or campsite.
Fripp Island Beach
Fripp Island is a teeny speck of land, a crumb cast off from South Carolina’s coastal edge. Less than a mile wide and only a few miles long, the island is home to quiet beaches and lively wildlife. Almost 200 bird species inhabit or migrate through the island, as well as alligators, raccoons, and dolphins. Even more spectacularly, the island is a nesting site for loggerhead turtles. Although the island is only 25 minutes from Beaufort, it’s private. This means that only those with reservations or property on Fripp can avail themselves of this island’s ample natural and manmade amenities.
Folly Field Beach
While Coligny Beach might be the most popular beach on Hilton Head, Folly Field Beach is a lesser-known alternative where Hilton Head locals tend to play. Here, a wooded boardwalk opens on a wide stretch of sand, where tides create tiny pools perfect for young beachgoers. Because Folly Field Beach is located in a mostly residential area, it’s a good idea to pack your own refreshments. Then, hunker down for a day of sunny relaxation and salty fun.
Morris Island
To access Morris Island, visitors will need to charter a boat or be prepared to paddle a few miles. Folly Beach is probably the best launch point for paddlers. Morris Island is a bit more challenging to access than some of its more popular Charleston area neighbors. However, it affords the intrepid traveler shores lined with intriguing shells and other ocean artifacts. Plus, enjoy stunning views of Charleston Harbor, close proximity to the Morris Island Lighthouse, and dolphin sightings.
Edisto Beach
At the southern tip of Edisto Island, which is located about halfway between Beaufort and Charleston, a corner of land juts into the Atlantic like a rogue tooth. Known as Edisto Beach, this area offers just over four miles of sandy shores. On the northern half of the beach, rowdier waters beckon to beachgoers in search of a spicier swim. On the other hand, calmer waters can be found along the southern half of the beach. A stone’s throw from Edisto Beach State Park and the A.C.E. River Basin, Edisto Beach offers easy access to some of the Lowcountry’s most fascinating natural habitats.
Secret Beaches of the Carolinas
With over 6,000 miles of combined coastline, the Carolinas are home to a vast quantity of beaches. From bustling boardwalks, to intriguing nature preserves, to tranquil small towns, the coast of the Carolinas has something for everyone. And it’s all spread across a seemingly endless array of hidden beach gems awaiting exploration. These secret beaches of the Carolinas are waiting for you; get out there and explore.
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