Best beach for a day trip (Charleston, Beaufort: hotels, homes, camp)

[ranger17]

I've seen numerous posts about preferences on beaches for vacationing, etc; but what is a good one for just spending a day at? We've stayed at Hilton Head before and loved it, but that doesn't seem to have a lot of public access to it. We don't have small children, so don't need any kids activities/areas. Sometimes it's just nice to spend a day kicking back by the ocean. And now living here where we can do that in a day; so any suggestions from the audience?
Of course, there's something to being on the beach as the sun rises, so perhaps an overnite could be thrown in as well; but that won't happen every time....
Thx as always for any advice sent.

[waccamatt]

I like Sullivan's Island or Folly Beach for a day trip. Isle of Palms is beautiful, but it's mostly residential so I don't remember if there's a lot of public beach access. Folly is kind of a throw back beach to the time before million dollar homes and huge hotels, but there are still bars and restaurants near the beach.

[Buckeye in SC]

Originally Posted by waccamatt

I like Sullivan's Island or Folly Beach for a day trip. Isle of Palms is beautiful, but it's mostly residential so I don't remember if there's a lot of public beach access. Folly is kind of a throw back beach to the time before million dollar homes and huge hotels, but there are still bars and restaurants near the beach.

I agree, Charleston beaches are your best bet (and closest time wise), while Folly is nice for the reasons you mentioned, I actually prefer (call me snobby if you must!) IOP b/c the beach is a lot smoother, Folly always seems like it is really rocky; also, if you have a dog as we do, you can take it to IOP unlike Folly. If you take the IOP connector/SC-517 off of US-17 in Mt. Pleasant, it will dead-end to public parking either on the street, $.75/hour, or there are lots that have all-day parking for I think $5-$7 typically.

While it takes about 1/2 hour longer to get to HHI, some nice beaches there too.

[jlboney]

I like Sullivan's Island myself. It's just next to the IOP. Of course I got married on the beach there, so I wouldn't say I have the most impartial opinion.

[cuebald]

Spend another hour and go to Edisto. It's as laid back as S.C. beaches get.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by cuebald

Spend another hour and go to Edisto. It's as laid back as S.C. beaches get.

LOL, that's what I don't like about it - there's nothing to do there except the beach.

[Skyliner]

I disagree. Edisto is an old island loaded with intriguing places to explore, beautiful sights to see and fascinating people to meet. There is top quality golf, museums, and a unique serpentarium. I love the old tree-covered dirt roads as well. Personally, I think it is the perfect relaxing beach vacation.

[Brandon Hoffman]

Charleston is fun and close. I really love Hunting Island State Park just past Beaufort. Quiet and laid back but has things to do: awesome marsh bordwalk, nature trails, lighthouse, beach, nature center, and camp grounds if you want/need them.

[scyogi]

AHHHHH....I would be happy to stick my toes in any SC sand! I vote Isle of Palms or Folly. I used to love going to Kiawah but have not been in ....well let's just say it's been a while. ;-)

[ranger17]

thx for all the tips; gives us something to start with. Heck, we can make more then one trip so we may as well try 'em all!!