Venture within an hour of Charleston’s cobblestone streets, and you’ll find a coastline brimming with white sand appeal worth a trip of its own. Charleston’s nearby beaches offer a refreshing complement to the city’s grandeur. Whether you’re chasing sunlit serenity, an active surf scene or a family-friendly escape, the barrier islands are a well-kept, hidden chapter of the Lowcountry narrative.
Some of the best beaches near Charleston, like Folly Beach, lean into a buzzy, carefree spirit, welcoming everyone from sunrise yogis to late-night revelers. Others, like Seabrook Island, feel like private sanctuaries, offering pristine sands and wildlife-filled marshes. Although each beach offers a distinct flavor, they’re all united by an effortless Southern warmth. As for the five best beaches near Charleston, let’s dive right in.
Best beach for a laid-back, family-friendly adventure
Sullivan's Island is a quick 20-minute drive from Charleston and offers a charming coastal escape for visitors of all ages. Its pristine white sands stretch roughly three miles, inviting relaxation, while the island's culinary gems attract locals and tourists alike. Make sure to hit The Obstinate Daughter for its famed Lowcountry-inspired dishes and creative gnocchi (ricotta and short rib, among them). Enjoy fresh seafood at Longboard, known for its poke bowls and tropical cocktails. Poe's Tavern, a local favorite, serves up burgers like the "Annabel Lee," paired with a nod to the island's literary figures.
For history buffs, Fort Moultrie provides an engaging dive into America's past, with self-guided tours exploring the site of pivotal Revolutionary War battles. Nature lovers will appreciate the Sullivan's Island Nature Trail, where birdwatching, maritime forest views and peaceful marshland paths abound.
Detour: For an extra dose of history, pop by the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, en route from Charleston to Sullivan’s Island. There’s a World War II destroyer to explore, among other exhibits.
Best beach for Bohemian-esque, surfer vibes
Folly Beach anchors Folly Island, just 25 minutes due south of Charleston. Take one step in town, and you’ll feel the carefree, artistic spirit with a vibrant surf culture that sets it apart. Its dining scene offers something for every palate – Jack of Cups Saloon shines with globally-inspired dishes like a Thai red curry mac and cheese. The Lost Dog Cafe charms with hearty breakfasts, including shrimp and grits. For craft cocktails and a relaxed vibe, Low Life Bar serves up concoctions like the Folly Fizz alongside creative small plates.
The beach is also home to the East Coast's largest fishing pier, inviting anglers and sightseers to take in panoramic ocean
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The Southeast Asian nation of Thailand sits atop many travelers' bucket lists for good reason. On this 2,000-mile-long coastline—made up of the Gulf of Thailand to the east and a stretch flowing into the Andaman Sea on the western side—there's no shortage of sandy spots to lay down a towel. It's a winter sun favorite thanks to balmy temperatures across the smattering of picturesque islands, staying wonderfully warm while the northern hemisphere shivers between November and February. However, the rainier months are no deterrent to backpackers and gap year adventurers, who arrive in their millions each year. But where to start? Planning two weeks in Thailand can seem daunting with so many places worth visiting. From the bright lights of Bangkok to the jungle terrain of the wild north and Chiang Mai, down to the dazzling islands on two sides of the mainland, there's enough to warrant a much longer stay. Here, we answer frequently asked questions ahead about traveling to the country, plus we've curated the ultimate two-week itinerary in Thailand.
We're in the throes of winter—and that means it's high time to either take a warm weather vacation or start planning a future beachside getaway. Thankfully, Tripadvisor has a few ideas of where you should go next.
Charleston, South Carolina has long been a favorite destination among travelers, and a new airline route is making it easier to visit. American Airlines will soon begin direct service between Charleston, SC and New York, NY (LGA) on June 6, 2025. The new route will operate twice weekly on Fridays and Saturdays through the summer, according to American’s booking website. The two-hour and 17-minute flight will be operated with an Embraer 175 aircraft. American Airlines currently operates flights to Charleston from Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Philadelphia, Miami, and Washington, D.C.
The White Lotus has dominated pop culture over the last few years with its suspenseful plots, relatable characters, and witty humor. Season three brings a new cast of characters, a new destination (Thailand), and new ways to engage with the Emmy Award–winning show. In anticipation of the long-awaited season three, which premiered February 16, Warner Brothers collaborated with numerous brands to bring the irreverence of the show to viewers’ real life—and packing lists. From sunscreen and sunglasses to candles and luggage, there are plenty of travel products to choose from—and surprisingly ungimmicky options. Whether you can’t get enough of Tanya’s signature specs, are in the market for new luggage, or want to stock up on summer essentials, shop six brands that have brought the glamour of The White Lotus to life below.
Well, well, well—we’ve checked into The White Lotus season 3 and found ourselves at a full-blown wellness resort. The previous two properties on Maui and Sicily had spas, sure, but this Thailand outpost takes it to another level with health mentors, personalized regimens, and digital detox bags for cellphones. Fear not, for much else remains the same—such as the deluge of drinking, the painful interactions between staff and guests, and the uber-luxurious lodgings that override viewers’ critical consideration of the show's morally ambiguous characters (played this time around by the likes of Parker Posey, Walton Goggins, and Carrie Coon) and leave them saying, “I want to go to there.” Somebody, again, is dead. Although the body floating in the shallows of the spa resort's pond in the opening scene suggests they didn’t asphyxiate in a malfunctioning sensory deprivation tank.
Solo travel is one of the most empowering things you can do. Wandering through an unfamiliar city increases self-reliance. Successfully navigating an entirely new form of transportation boosts your confidence. Not to mention, your itinerary is entirely at your discretion. Want to spend all day on the beach? Or forgo visiting that one museum everyone says you have to see? It’s completely up to you.
If Miami and Palm Beach had a love child, it would be Fort Lauderdale. Quickly shedding its image as just a spring break destination, the city is redefining itself as a place that lacks the formality of its neighbor to the north (Palm Beach), but has all the trappings of the vibrant metropolis to the south (Miami). And while Fort Lauderdale is quickly catching up on the five-star luxury-resort front, the real-estate (and therefore hotel) prices have not yet approached the levels of Palm Beach's on Worth Avenue. Fort Lauderdale lacks pomp and doesn’t take itself too seriously: It’s a place that still feels accessible thanks to an abundance of public beaches, a lack of gated communities, and a culinary scene that won’t break the bank.
Visiting the island of Bermuda just got easier. The flagship airline of the island, BermudAir, recently announced a route expansion, with new service from Richmond, VA (RIC), Providence, RI (PVD), and Montreal, Quebec (YUL) to Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA). The airline will stagger the start dates for each of the new routes, with Providence starting on May 22, the Richmond flight on June 7, and the Montreal flight on June 12. “By adding direct service to these key cities, we’re not only making travel more accessible and convenient, but we’re also positioning BermudAir to serve our customers with even greater convenience, reliability and flexibility,” BermudAir Founder and CEO Adam Scott said in the announcement. For travelers looking to save, the airline is currently running a spring sale, which provides a 15 percent discount on all flights before June 30, 2025.