#Tidal pools charleston full#

But apart from those who visit the fort, most day-trippers come to Sullivan’s for the broad beach, one of only a few in the state where accretion is outpacing erosion. Situated at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, its location was also integral to the defense of the city during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and the well-preserved Fort Moultrie still stands at the island’s southwest terminus.

Charleston CVBįew beaches in the world bear the weight of history more than Sullivan’s Island, which served as an entry point into North America for nearly 200,000 enslaved Africans.

#Tidal pools charleston full#

In other words, whether you’re looking for a place to shag dance on a pier under a full moon, or you prefer complete isolation and solitude, there’s a beach near Charleston that fits your mood. If you venture away from commercial centers, it's easy to find your own wide space in the sand.

At the busier islands like Folly Beach and Isle of Palms, mask ordinances and limited group size regulations are in place. Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head each encompass huge areas, but around Charleston, each beach is a barrier island, and these thin slivers of sand possess their own identity, both culturally and ecologically. If you're willing to work for it - by kayak, ferry or scenic drive - it's possible to have miles of beach all to yourself (perfect in an era of social distancing). The under-the-radar nature of Charleston’s beaches may be due to geography. That said, one of the East Coast’s longest protected stretches of coastline (Cape Romain) is just 30 minutes north of the city, and communities like Sullivan’s Island have been retreats for Charlestonians for centuries. It’s a testament to Charleston’s rich history and food culture that its beaches are rarely the main draw for out-of-state visitors.