Quartz Countertops Near Folly Beach, SC

PAWLEYS ISLAND — A Hammock Coast beach just netted a statewide honor for the second year in a row.

Pawleys Island, one of the country's oldest seaside resorts, has been named “Best Beach in South Carolina” by the USA Today/10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It first won in 2024.

Three Georgetown County destinations — Huntington Beach State Park, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island — were among the beaches in the contest. Huntington (No. 4) and Litchfield (No. 3) also placed in the Top 5 again.

"It shows that you don’t have to be the biggest to be the best," said Beth Stedman, president of the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce. "The natural beauty of our area and its history bring visitors here throughout the year and they return again and again."

To the north, Horry County also saw several winners. North Myrtle Beach and its Cherry Grove Beach also placed in the Top 5, and Myrtle Beach State Park came in at No. 8.

The remaining Top 10 included: Hunting Island State Park (Hunting Island, No. 6), Edisto Beach State Park (Edisto Island, No. 7), Coligny Beach Park (Hilton Head Island, No. 9) and Bloody Point Beach (Daufuskie Island, No. 10).

The list was narrowed from 17 initial nominees. It was part of a series to name the best beaches in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, California, New Jersey and Michigan, according to tourism officials.

Other Palmetto State beaches in the running included: Myrtle Beach, Folly Beach, Folly Field Beach Park (Hilton Head Island), Isle of Palms, Kiawah Beachwalker Park (Kiawah Island), Sullivan’s Island and Surfside Beach.

The voting period ran from April 21 to May 19, and the beach with the most votes won. Winners were announced May 28.

"I couldn’t be more excited about this news," said Mark Stevens, the chamber's director of tourism development. "Clearly the Hammock Coast’s beaches are beloved by residents and vacationers. Our beaches are adored for their pristine shores and mild crowds, and we wouldn’t have it any other way."

Locations along the Hammock Coast have been featured in the USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards in previous years. Huntington Beach and Brookgreen Gardens have been nominated in several categories, while Georgetown topped the list for the Best Coastal Small Town in 2018.

Murrells Inlet placed sixth earlier this year in the contest for the Best Small Town in the South, according to the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce.

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We asked our readers to vote for their favorite spots for fresh catch and local shrimp in the Palmetto State—here are their picks.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in South Carolina, find the nearest seafood dive and tuck into a platter of fried shrimp—preferably one served with an ice-cold beer and an unobstructed view of the water. While you can take to Google or a guidebook to determine where to go for steamed oysters or shrimp and grits in the Lowcountry, we decided to consult the folks who care about good Southern seafood as much as we do: our readers.

Lee's Inlet Kitchen

When you’ve been around for more than 75 years, you’re bound to be doing something right. At this beloved institution in the fishing village of Murrells Inlet, try not to load up on the hot hush puppies they bring to the table on arrival—though it's awfully tempting. There's still so much more to savor, like the hand-peeled, cold-boiled shrimp pulled from the waters of nearby McClellanville or the thin and crispy onion rings—Lee’s is as famous for those as it is for the seafood.

Order: The Shrimp Salad ($28.95), made with boiled fantail shrimp and Duke's mayo, is another house specialty.

4460 US-17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576; leesinletkitchen.com

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Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks

It doesn’t get much fresher than this Hilton Head Island mainstay, where 90% of the seafood served comes directly from the surrounding waters. Because of its enviable position on the edge of Port Royal Sound, guests can watch a local fishing fleet (one of only two on the island) unload the day’s loot, which could include anything from white shrimp to soft-shell crab.

Order: From September through April, opt for the steamed local cluster oysters in the shell ($12 for a half bucket); the restaurant farms and harvests them.

1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29926; hudsonsonthedocks.com

Bowens Island Restaurant

Should you find yourself in the Holy City, make the worthwhile dirt-road detour to this family-owned restaurant that’s been a rambling fixture along Folly Creek since 1946. With its graffitied walls and worn-in wood floors, it doesn’t beg for attention, and it doesn’t need to. Deemed an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 2006, the Lowcountry seafood joint shovels fresh-steamed oysters onto trays September through the first half of May and dishes fried shrimp and hush puppies year-round. It’s all delicious—and it's made even more so if you snag a seat on the waterside deck.

Order: The shrimp (served boiled or fried) and fried fish platter is served with the seafood-dive-side-dish trifecta: french fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw.

1870 Bowens Island Road, Charleston, SC 29412; bowensisland.com

The Crab Shack

Situated on the main drag of the freewheeling beach town just 12 miles from buttoned-up Charleston, The Crab Shack is as family-friendly and flip-flop casual as its surrounds. Start with the the she-crab soup, but save room: The value seafood baskets—which you can order with flounder, shrimp, or scallops (or a combination of all three)—are generously portioned. Catch them at another location in Charleston as well.

Order: The marquee offering, The Charleston Steamed Seafood Bucket, includes two snow crab clusters, large domestic shrimp, and steamed oysters (market price).

26 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439 and 8486 Dorchester Rd, Charleston, SC 29420; crabshacks.com

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Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop

Housed in a reimagined garage on Upper King Street, the Brooks Reitz-helmed restaurant turned 10 in 2024, but it’s been a neighborhood favorite from the start, thanks to a menu of mouthwatering fried chicken, expectedly fresh oysters, and surprisingly craveable salads. Add to the clever mix soft-serve ice cream and buckets of Miller High Life ponies, and you’ve found yourself one of the best meals in this restaurant-proud town.

Order: Even the bivalve-averse crowd may develop a taste for oysters after sampling Leon's char-grilled take, which swim in a melty swirl of lemon and butter and are topped with a generous sprinkle of parmesan. The "old-school" scalloped potatoes are also not to be missed.

698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403; leonsoystershop.com

The Sea Shack

Don’t let inevitable line out the door during summertime scare you off. This treasured counter-service spot with just 40 seats is an area favorite thanks to its wide array of offerings, from conch fritters to flounder sandwiches. It’s all made to order and to your liking—fried, grilled, or blackened. Wash it down with a glass of what they declare to be the best sweet tea on the island, and finish with a slice of strawberry Key Lime pie (when it’s seasonally available) or a cup of banana pudding.

Order: Hearty appetites should try the Shack Attack Combo ($17.95 for lunch, $19.95 for dinner), which combines a crab cake, fish, shrimp, scallops, and oysters on a giant paper platter. Homemade tartar sauce is the traditional accompaniment, but we think the brandy-infused gator sauce makes an even better platter slather.

6B Executive Park Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; seashackhhi.com

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Sullivan’s Fish Camp

With its lofted ceilings, lacquered-wood booths, and commitment to retro branding, this Sullivan’s Island joint feels like it’s been there forever. In reality, it’s a newcomer—a spring 2022 top-to-bottom overhaul of a restaurant that had called the same spot home for 30 years. And while the nostalgically striped, umbrella-shaded patio is painfully charming, the takeaway window makes a strong case for a to-go lobster roll savored on the beach just a few blocks away.

Order: The shrimp fried rice ($24) puts a fresh coastal twist on a takeout mainstay. We also love the Key lime pie.

2019 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482; sullivansfishcamp.com

explore Sullivan's Island

The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene

So named for the trawler that was tossed ashore on the same spot during Hurricane Hugo in 1989, this dinner-only, no-reservations establishment on Shem Creek shrugs off formalities in favor of its dynamite views and deliciously simple seafood. The best seat in the house belongs to the wooden dockside bar, where sunset views and local craft beers are just an arm’s length away.

Order: Complete with red rice, coleslaw, a hush puppy, and a fried hominy square, the shrimp platter (from $17.95) is a true taste of the Lowcountry. The deviled crab is also worth a try.

106 Haddrell Street, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; wreckrc.com

Shrimp Shack

This family-owned lunch spot has been an island institution since it first opened its doors in 1978, and its magic belongs to its simplicity. They're only open for lunch, and you order through a carry-out window—though you don't have to take your food home. Snag one of the picnic tables on the porch for an especially satisfying alfresco dining experience.

Order: Given the restaurant's name, it's obvious you can't go wrong with shrimp here, but the shrimp burger ($9.30), served on a bun with tartar sauce and mayo, is a true crowd favorite.

1929 Sea Island Parkway, Saint Helena Island, SC 29920; facebook.com/shrimpshacksc

Mr. Fish Restaurant

There’s something for everyone on the extensive menu at this landmark Grand Strand restaurant and seafood market owned by a fisherman father and his culinary school-trained daughter. Choose a South Carolina classic, like the Lowcountry boil, or make the most of the raw bar and order a sushi roll or two. Stretch mealtime into a full-fledged Mr. Fish experience by reserving a ride to and from dinner in the Mr. Fishmobile, a bright blue school bus that hits all the nostalgic high notes.

Order: The seafood tacos ($15) are made with your choice of mahi, tuna, or shrimp and are topped with chipotle-lime sauce.

6307 North Kings Highway, Suite B, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572; mrfish.com

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There are plenty of good reasons to make the trip to Charleston, South Carolina: Historic homes make for colorful photo ops, the restaurant scene is fresh and inventive, and locally owned stores and boutiques make for unparalleled shopping. Some of the Holy City's greatest assets, though, aren't actually within the city limits.

Pack the sunscreen and load the car because the scenic beaches near Charleston are a gem. You won't find ultra-crowded beaches, just a quiet spot to relax and soak up the sunshine. The smooth sand, cool water, and near-perfect weather will make you think you've found pure bliss. Here, find our guide to the sun-drenched beaches that are just a quick drive from the Charleston Peninsula. They're worth the detour.

The 28 Best Things To Do In Charleston, South Carolina

1. Kiawah Island

While the 23-mile drive from the peninsula out to Kiawah Island takes about 40 minutes on a good day, the pristine stretch of sand at Kiawah's public Beachwalker Park is well worth it. It's quiet, especially for a public park, fronts the ocean, and also offers views of the Kiawah River. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available seasonally, and dogs are welcome, as long as they're on a leash. Explore Kiawah Island's private beaches by renting a house or villa on the island or booking a stay at the Sanctuary, the island's luxurious oceanfront hotel.

2. Folly Beach

Just 12 miles from downtown, the "Edge of America" is the grooviest of Charleston's nearby beaches. It's a popular hangout for surfers, who frequent "The Washout," a stretch of coast known for having the area's best waves. Center Street, the bohemian beach town's colorful main thoroughfare, is lined with surf and souvenir shops and good eats, like Taco Boy and Rita's Seaside Grille, and is just steps away from Folly's 1,045-foot fishing pier.

3. Isle of Palms

The oceanfront county park on this barrier island has picnic tables, a sand volleyball court, and a playground for the littlest beach bums, making it a great place to take the whole family. Venture a little farther down the beach, beyond the park, to discover a number of fun beachfront bars and eateries, like family-friendly Coconut Joe's Beach Grill and The Windjammer, a classic dive bar and music venue that's as salty as they come. Paddle the intercoastal waterway from Isle of Palms where you may encounter dolphins and get up close to coves and marshes.

4. Seabrook Island

Though the island's nearly 4 miles of unspoiled beaches are private to residents and rental guests only (book your stay here), Seabrook is still worth a stop if you're already making the trip out to Kiawah's Beachwalker Park, which is just a few miles away. An Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary, Seabrook is home to a variety of wildlife, including foxes, bobcats, deer, sea turtles, and bottlenose dolphins. Head to Bohicket Marina for a sunset stroll by the river, then plop down at an outdoor table at the Salty Dog Cafe for water views, East Coast peel-and-eat shrimp, and a cold beer or two.

5. Sullivan's Island

When it comes to old-school cottages, small town charm, and a spotless beach to boot, you won't find a dreamier destination than Sullivan's Island. While neighboring Isle of Palms has a lively resort feel, 3.3-square-mile Sullivan's tends to fly under the radar–and the locals like it that way. Be sure to stop by Poe's Tavern on Middle Street for a burger before you head back toward town. Flip-flops and salty hair are always welcome on the front porch.

15 Small Towns In South Carolina We'd Move To In A Heartbeat

6. Bulls Island

Accessible only by ferry, this barrier island is 45 minutes away from downtown Charleston and feels far away from the comforts of civilization. A good way to see the birds of this untouched island, and perhaps a playful dolphin if you're lucky, is on a guided paddling tour. Comb the beach for shells, walk Boneyard Beach where a forest is being recalled by the sea, or track foxes, bobcat, and deer.

7. Edisto Island

About 60 miles from Charleston, Edisto Beach's unspoiled coastline makes it worth the drive. Stay beachside for a dreamy vacation, or take a day trip from Charleston. One of four oceanfront state parks in South Carolina, palmetto-lined Edisto Beach State Park provides the picture-perfect backdrop for swimming, hunting for shells and sharks' teeth, fishing, or strolling. After a day on the island's trails, savor some seafood at the Waterfront Restaurant or the tacos at McConkey's Jungle Shack.

8. Morris Island

Hunt for shells and fossils near the candy cane–striped lighthouse on this uninhabited island just minutes from Charleston. Accessible only by boat, visitors can opt for several tour options, including riding out on a 55-foot power catamaran that's for the more adventurous traveler. For photography buffs, view the lighthouse from the shores of Folly Beach.

9. Pawleys Island

It takes a bit longer to reach from Charleston than some of the other beaches, but the slower pace on Pawleys Island is instantly soothing. This barrier island packs a lot into its four-mile stretch. Set off in a canoe or kayak to explore the salt marsh that separates this island from the mainland, or settle in for a day at the beach. There's shelling, fishing, and crabbing to be done. Sign up for surfing lessons—some of the best waves are near Pawleys Island Pier.

10. Capers Island

Similar to Bulls Island, Capers Island has its own forest of forgotten sea-bleached trees covering the shoreline. At low tide, you may see feeding dolphins and water birds like egrets and herons searching for a meal. Discover tide pools as you walk the beach, hike the island to see gators and deer in their natural habitat, or paddle along the shores and see jellyfish and crabs. Reach this undeveloped island by chartered boat, or take a kayak tour to learn about the area's ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Folly Beach is making a significant comeback this beach season, thanks to a multi-million dollar renourishment project in collaboration with the Army Corps of Engineers. April 22, 2025. (Jason Tighe/WCIV)

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FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — Local municipalities are learning to adapt to the ever-changing climate - one ping at a time.

There are only two National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tide gauges in the state of South Carolina, but with the help and federal funding of the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association, the City of Folly Beach was able to install a water level sensor at Folly River Park.

Nicole Elko, President of Elko Coastal Consulting, explained the significance of the installation, saying, “So there's one installed behind us on the Folly River Bridge, and it is sending real-time water level data to the communities so that they can manage what's happening on the ground.”

These low-cost water level sensors are made of a small solar panel, batteries and an alarm. When water levels start to rise, city officials will be alerted by the ping.

"So the fire chief will get an alert saying, hey, there, the water level has exceeded the threshold that you've set," Elko said. "It might take longer for your response time if you have to get to the other end of the island because of flooding. So, this is critical for some life safety issues for the community as well.”

HAVE YOU WATCHED? | "Rising Tides: Making a More Resilient Lowcountry - A News 4 Special"

These sensors have already proven to be beneficial, as city officials were able to be proactive during the Nor’easter of December 2023.

"That was one that was really well documented by the tide gauges and the data were implemented by the city such that they could get roads closed off before they flooded,” Elko said. “It allows the community to be proactive and take care of some of those things in advance of the event.”

The data is free and online so anyone can access it.

“And it has tons of other uses, obviously, then just for city safety and management, right? Boaters use it, people going to the beach if we have some beach erosion, the beach isn't very wide. You can see, oh, there's a king tide on Saturday at noon, maybe we should hit the beach at a different time," Elko explained. "So, we have plenty of space to spread out. So, plenty of applications.”

Water levels on Folly Beach exceeded the king tide threshold 60 times in 2024, according to Elko. King tides occur when water levels reach 7 feet or higher.

Wheels to Surf took over a section of Folly Beach on Saturday as over 40 volunteers and 40 surfers took to the waves. (WCIV)

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — Wheels to Surf took over a section of Folly Beach on Saturday as over 40 volunteers and 40 surfers took to the waves.

The program is aimed towards surfers who happen to have a disability. The surfers do not let anything hold them back from enjoying the waves.

Brent Rightler has been a part of the program for four years. "The only thing I can't do is hike in the woods." he said cheerfully. When asked why he loves to surf his response was immediate - "life is too short, why not?"

Rightler is one of many surfers who keep returning to the waves, as the program is now on its 11th year.

"This started at home. I wanted to do this where I live." said Brock Johnson, the founder of Wheels to Surf. "Originally the program was meant just for people in wheel chairs. Then I got a call from someone asking if their autistic son could join and after checking I said yes."

Johnson made the choice to start the program after suffering a tragic accident. "I was out on a boat and the sands shifted. I took a dive and broke my neck leaving me paraplegic. I can't move anything from the chest down." said Johnson. "My life is completely different and I had to figure out what to do."

And so he did, and the program has only grown from there, traveling from beach to beach across the world.

READ MORE | "Miss South Carolina High School America uses platform to support disability awareness"

Wheels to Surf opens the doors for others to travel and try new experiences.

Brian Shaw, who is blind, has been an avid surfer for years, and has mastered the waves. "I gotta feel the wave to see if I can stand." he said.

Shaw has been able to travel because of surfing and competes across the country. "I said lets go play out in California. I got third place for my first time out there so I'm not gonna complain."

And for Johnson, getting back into the water over and over again, there is still the rush THAT never leaves. "Even though I have a couple decades of experience, it's still joy to me and that's the best part, is all the joy the participants have," he said.

To learn more about Wheels to Surf or to sign up, click here.