Best beach for an afternoon-Charleston
 

We are finally heading to Charleston on Sunday! We have a list of things we want to do that I have gotten from the boards. I'm sure my girls would like a little break and go to the beach one afternoon. The would probably just like to look for shells, wade/swim (depending on the water temps) and just hang out. I've done some searching on the forums and it seems like Sullivan's a island Beach or Isle of Palms would be the best? Any thoughts?

Sullivan's Island is the closest but parking is awful. There are few public spaces and local who own the large houses have tow operators on speed dial. Isle of Palms is next closest. It has a small public park. You should be fine on a weekday afternoon but don't count on finding a parking space on a sunny weekend.

Folly Beach is on the other direction. Google the County of charleston's website. I think I recall that the park there just reopened. If so Folly and Isle of Palms would the the places with lifeguards.

I second the Isle of Palms. An easy drive over for a nice few hours of beach time. We often do it when we are in C'ston. I think there are some parking meters as well as the parking lot so take some coins with you....

IOP has public bathrooms and more parking. You can park for the day at the county park at the end of the connector.

Just so you know, the water's still cold.

You can also park in the grass along the roadway on both sides of Palm Blvd on Isle of Palms which puts you right by the ocean.

Thanks! Isle of Palms it is! It will be a weekday...most likely Monday or Wednesday :)

If you go through the light once you get on IOP (from the connector) stay on that road. It will turn right. The public bathrooms are just down on the left. You can park along the street there if you get there early enough.

Definitely Sullivans Island then Poes for burgers and beer afterwards.