Which of these 17 SC beaches nominated by USA Today is the best? Now you can vote
USA Today is looking for the best beach in South Carolina.
A panel of travel experts and editors nominated 17 beaches along the coast, and now it’s your turn to vote on the best for the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.
Polling is open online, and folks can cast a vote once a day through Monday, May 19. After votes have been counted, USA Today will announce the winner on Wednesday, May 28.
Last year, voters ranked Pawleys Island the best beach in the Palmetto State, followed by North Myrtle Beach, then Hunting Island State Park.
From quiet, secluded spots to popular destinations, this year’s nominations range across the state from Cherry Grove in the Grand Strand all the way down to Bloody Point Beach in the Lowcountry.
Here’s which ones earned nominations:
Bloody Point Beach
Daufuskie Island
Located Daufuskie Island near the Georgia state line, Bloody Point Beach offers white sand beaches, a stunning variety of shorebirds and an escape from car-dependent culture.
Central Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach
With family-friendly beaches, a classic seaside boardwalk and tons of shopping and dining opportunities, it’s no wonder why Myrtle Beach is a classic coastal vacation destination.
Cherry Grove Beach
North Myrtle Beach
Just above Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove offers stunning natural beauty in North Myrtle Beach. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the historic pier on the shoreline.
Coligny Beach Park
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head is a beloved South Carolina destination, named the third-best beach town in the United States by Southern Living readers. Locals and dedicated visitors know Coligny Beach Park is its most popular oceanfront park.
Edisto Beach State Park
Edisto Island
Known for its scenic hiking trails and prime fishing spots, Edisto Beach State Park is a top spot for outdoor recreation or overnight camping.
Folly Beach
Folly Beach
Just south of Charleston, Folly Beach offers the chance to visit the Folly Beach Pier or explore the shore on foot, bike, boat or board.
Folly Field Beach Park
Hilton Head Island
Despite its name, Folly Field Beach Park isn’t on Folly Beach. The park is situated on the northeastern edge of Hilton Head Island. The relaxed beach features stunning coastal views and a lengthy wood boardwalk.
Hunting Island State Park
Hunting Island
Another island entry, Hunting Island State Park welcomes more than a million visitors annually with beach access camping, trails, a fishing pier and the only lighthouse in South Carolina open to the public.
Huntington Beach State Park
Murrells Inlet
One of two Grand Strand state parks, Huntington Beach is home to 2,500 acres of maritime forest with trails, a fishing pier and some of the best bird watching in the area.
Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms
With 7 miles of Atlantic coastline, this barrier island features salt marshes, tidal creeks and incredible views of South Carolina wildlife.
Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Kiawah Island
Situated on the west end of Kiawah Island between the scenic Kiawah River and the Atlantic Ocean, this park offers picnic areas and a boardwalk at the only public beach access on the island.
Litchfield Beach
Litchfield Beach
Unincorporated Litchfield Beach features beautiful ocean views in a more laid-back atmosphere than its neighbors.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach
Visitors can hike, bike, camp, fish and, of course, enjoy the waves at the state park located at the south end of Myrtle Beach.
North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach
Near the North Carolina state line, North Myrtle Beach is a coastal favorite for both locals and visitors. With oceanfront dining, dancing and watersports rentals, there’s lots to do.
Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island
Renowned for its laidback, “arrogantly shabby” vibe, Pawleys Island took the top spot last year as USA Today voters’ favorite beach in South Carolina.
Sullivan’s Island
Sullivan’s Island
Home to a lighthouse and Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park Visitor Center, Sullivan’s Island offers a stunning beach landscape less than 10 miles from Charleston.
Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach
South of Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach is a popular destination for relaxing, water sports and fishing off the Surfside Beach Pier.
This story was originally published April 24, 2025 at 6:00 AM.