Is it hard to get to SC public-access beaches in the summer?

[mm_mary73]

Originally Posted by kealoha

I am thinking about relocating to somewhere in SC within about 30 miles of the ocean. So far I am thinking of areas close to Beaufort or Georgetown. I would I would like to live somewhere that is less than an hour from beaches at state parks and areas where there is public beach access.

Previously I have vacationed at Harbour Island (near Beaufort) and Folly Beach, and took a day-trip to Edisto Island. All of these trips were in the "shoulder season", so we did not encounter a lot of crowds anywhere.

Now I am wondering how difficult it may be to actually get to public-access areas during the summer---as far as traffic jams and full parking lots. I realize there may be a lot of people ON the beach, I just want to be able to get there. I would appreciate anything anyone can share about this.

No problem getting there, just finding somewhere to park.

[kealoha]

Very interesting discussion. Beachrules and mmMary, what you describe is what I was worried about. Thanks to all for the informative replies.

[Figment 07]

Hilton Head allows almost no access.

I've been visiting HHI for the past 24 years and never had a problem with any beach access. Parking is the only issue I've found there. If you can take a bike, you've got it made. When vacationing, I usually stay in Sea Pines (where I will live if I can ever afford a house there) and take bike paths or the free shuttle.