Tree Servicein Sullivan's Island, SC

Rich Colonial history and even richer food have made Charleston, South Carolina, a true American treasure. Buildings in the Holy City cannot exceed the tallest church steeple, so you’ll find a demure skyline against a backdrop of sailboats and schooners in the harbor. Visitors can meander down cobblestone streets and peek through intricate wrought-iron gates into lush secret gardens. You can even tour some of these historic homes in spring during the month-long Festival of Houses and Gardens. King Street is the premier shopping destination here, with quintessential gifts like sweetgrass baskets, hand-painted oyster shells, cheese biscuits and benne wafers. And don’t leave town without savoring low-country classics like she-crab soup, pimento cheese dip, and shrimp and grits.

The Beach Club

Bright nautical motifs and palmetto tree lamps create a cheerful charm at this 92-room, LEED-certified seaside inn situated at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina. Just across the water in Mount Pleasant, it’s a short water taxi ride from Waterfront Park’s famous pineapple fountain, and you’ll most likely spot playful dolphins along the way. After a day of exploration, lounge poolside with frosé in a private cabana or soothe weary muscles with a relaxing massage at Estuary Spa employing Naturopathica balms and oils.

For dinner, chef Cole Poolaw brings in whole flounder, grouper and trout from local fishers to whip up as ceviche, rillettes and dayboat seafood paella at signature restaurant Charleston Harbor Fish House. Post-meal, wrap yourself in a seersucker robe and snack on benne wafers before rolling into bed, or enjoy fire pit s’mores and a nightcap on your balcony overlooking the harbor and Charleston’s twinkling skyline.

Sullivan’s Fish Camp

Seasonal low-country seafood is the specialty here, and fresh fish and cold beer make the perfect casual combo for a fun night out. The dining room feels like stepping into the cabin of a 1970s sailboat with lacquered wood, bright yellow checkered linoleum tile and vintage sailing knick-knacks throughout. This beloved family-run institution on nearby Sullivan’s Island first opened in 1988; a recent renovation under new ownership preserves the neighborhood landmark’s nostalgia with a modern touch of whimsy.

Begin with a seafood tower to share and golden tilefish crudo with buttermilk leche de tigre and peanut chili crisp. Then dig into fried seafood baskets and heaping bowls of gumbo loaded with Tarvin shrimp, clams, okra and dayboat fish over Carolina Gold rice cooked in lobster broth. Kids will clamor over soft serve with rainbow sprinkles for dessert, while adults can opt for a final fruity frozen rum cocktail.

Zero George Cooking School

Every weekend, one of Charleston’s best chefs leads intimate cooking classes for up to eight guests in a beautifully appointed professional kitchen that will inspire renovations back home. Zero George Executive Chef Vinson Petrillo offers cooking tips while walking you through a three-course menu based on dishes from his current tasting menu, like lightly grilled halibut with corn and black truffle or Hunter Cattle Co. beef with taleggio and beets. His goal? To show guests how to translate restaurant techniques to home cooking.

The classes are purely demonstrative, not interactive, so you’ll just sit back, drink wine and savor the delectable fare. Questions are of course welcome, and private cooking classes are available upon request. Guests are sent home with signed menus and recipe booklets so that ambitious cooks can recreate their meals while dreaming of the Hestan cooking suite and Le Creuset pots and pans.

Croghan’s Jewel Box

Whether you’re looking for a unique engagement ring, costume brooch or Victorian charm to remember your time here, Croghan’s Jewel Box is a veritable treasure chest of priceless wonders. The oldest family-owned jewelry store in town has been in business for more than 100 years and today boasts an incredible collection of antique estate jewelry sourced locally as well as from England and Italy.

At Croghan’s, these literal hidden gems are rescued from dusty obscurity and restored to full gleaming glory. From circa-1900 French Victorian bracelets and Edwardian-style diamond crosses to Tiffany gold collars and art deco sapphire bangles, these one-of-a-kind baubles are just begging to be tried on from their velvet pedestals. The uniquely Charleston gold bug collection references an Edgar Allan Poe poem, giving cockroaches a gilded spin with charm bracelets, stud earrings and cufflinks.

FIG

One of the most coveted reservations in the Holy City, FIG was once just a humble corner bistro that’s blossomed into a top U.S. culinary destination, garnering three James Beard Awards and countless other accolades. Chef/owner Mike Lata and Executive Chef Jason Stanhope serve honest, local ingredients with Southern flair. Signature dishes include chicken liver pâté, ricotta gnocchi alla bolognese, porchetta tonnato, and low-country bourride: a seafood stew with white shrimp, mussels, butter beans and Carolina Gold rice.

Service is stellar in the chic and modern dining room, as is the acclaimed wine program, which focuses on small family wineries who put as much love and care into their vinos as the chefs put into the food at FIG. Reservations are taken a month in advance and can go quickly, but the lively bar is first come, first served.

College of Charleston Sailing Lessons

The College of Charleston varsity sailing team trains right at the harbor marina, and visitors can learn to sail from these champs. After completing a basic keelboat course, you’ll be prepared to skipper a J/22 keelboat, mastering the art of steering, tacking, jibing, and tying bowlines and clove hitches. A private beginner lesson takes just a couple hours, with a little classroom prep before donning a life jacket and heading out on the water. The vocabulary and whiteboard diagrams might seem daunting, but you’ll learn quickly with hands-on instruction from the skipper.

Weeklong youth spring and summer camps are available, including a STEM camp for teens that focuses on the math, science and engineering behind sailing. And if you just want to charter a sailboat for a leisurely sunset cruise around Charleston Harbor? That can be arranged, too.

Residents and island visitors gathered on a clear Saturday at the steps of Town Hall Plaza on Sullivan’s Island to commemorate the 246^th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, an annual event hosted by Battery Gadsden Cultural Center.

On June 28, 1776, Sgt. William Jasper and others from the Second South Carolina Regiment, which was commanded by Col. William Moultrie, hoisted a regimental flag upon a partially completed palmetto log fort to defend colonial Charleston against a major land and sea assault led by British Admiral Sir Peter Parker and Gen. Henry Clinton.

On Saturday, emcee Chuck Galis welcomed the gathering crowd to a Carolina Day celebration. Sullivan’s Island Mayor Patrick O’Neil read a proclamation to kick off the ceremony. Members of Boy Scout Troop 59, which meets regularly at Stella Maris Church on the island, led a presentation and raising of the bright blue Moultrie Flag, followed by a dramatic musket salute by members of the modern-day Second South Carolina Regiment.

Maggie Adams, regent for St. Sullivan Chapter-NSDAR, recalled the life, death and courageous example of Col. Michael Kovats, a Hungarian cavalryman who trained and led the Continental Army during the British siege of Charleston. In January 1777, Kovats penned a letter to then-American Ambassador in France, Benjamin Franklin, in which he pledged his sword to defend the Continental Army’s cause. He famously closed the letter with the salutation, “Most faithful unto death.” Kovats ultimately gave his life in the American War for Independence on May 11, 1779. (Wikipedia reports, “To this date, Michael de Kovats is celebrated by cadets at The Citadel Military College in Charleston, South Carolina, where part of the campus is named in his honor. The Hungarian Embassy in Washington, D.C., has a statue sculpted by Paul Takacs and executed by Attila Dienes.”)

Mike Walsh, president of the Battery Gadsden Cultural Center, closed the ceremony by conveying the 2022 Cultural Stewardship Award to former Sullivan’s Island resident Wayne Stelljes. The Rev. Dr. Daniel W. Massie offered a benediction.

Rob Byko is a local Realtor and avid photographer. All photos in this story are by Rob Byko Photography and are copyrighted. All rights reserved.

Charleston, South Carolina, has been topping 'the best of lists for years. The historic city has always had a ton to offer, attracting tourists for its southern charm, world-class culinary offerings, antebellum architecture, and lively arts and entertainment scene. Further adding to Charleston's appeal are its beaches.

Sitting just a few miles from downtown Charleston is a series of easily accessible small barrier islands where visitors can enjoy an afternoon at the beach or vice versa. With such close proximity to the city, visitors can choose to base themselves on the beach instead. Each one of the Charleston beaches has its own distinctive vibe and attributes. Here is an overview to help find the perfect fit!

RELATED: These Are The Best Times To Visit Charleston (& What To Do There)

Isle Of Palms

This popular Charleston beach manages to maintain a balance between upscale and classy, as well as hip yet family-friendly. The island is self-catering with ample accommodation options, an extensive retail district, a diverse range of restaurants, and a full-service grocery store. The beach has lifeguards on duty, and there are dressing rooms, restrooms, and snack bar facilities centrally located at the oceanfront County Park.

There are roughly six miles of beach with over 50 access points, so hitting the sand on Isle of Palms is super convenient. The island's two golf courses, The Links Course and Harbor Course were both designed by a world-renowned golf architect. Visiting the Windjammer is a must. A long-time staple of the island (more than 50 years in business), the Windjammer is an oceanfront sandbar that hosts frequent concerts, beach volleyball tournaments, and more. Oh, and dogs are welcome at the Windjammer too!

Sullivan's Island

This quaint 3.3 square mile island can be summed up by three S's: serenity, slow pace, and simple pleasures. The town has actively worked to preserve its quiet character, and as such, short-term rentals of less than 30 days are prohibited. Nestled between Charleston Harbor and Isle of Palms, it remains close and convenient to explore for the day while staying elsewhere.

One of the oldest-standing forts on the East Coast is located on Sullivan's Island. Fort Moultrie was first constructed as a Revolutionary War defense in the 1700s but was once again put to use during the Civil War. Fort Moultrie is open to the public and remains a top tourist attraction. Fabled author Edgar Allen Poe was stationed at Fort Moultrie during his stint in the army, and Sullivan's Island served as the setting for some of his literary works. Nowadays, the quirky and eclectic Poe's Tavern pays homage to its namesake and is one of the most beloved local eateries.

Sullivan's Island is the perfect spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and simply have a relaxing day at the beach. The wide, flat beach is great for strolling along the shore or riding bikes at low tide, and the prevailing winds are excellent for kiteboarding. Ocean enthusiasts can also fish, kayak, and paddleboard, and land-lovers can enjoy the island's several parks and recreation areas too. The restaurants along Middle Street offer wonderful food and alfresco dining in a fun atmosphere, often with live entertainment.

Folly Beach

Affectionately referred to as the 'edge of America', Folly Beach is a funky beach community that has retained much of its charm and unique character. A long-time haven for surfers, College of Charleston students, artists, and salty seafarers, Folly Beach has somewhat of a cult following amongst vacationers too. Folly-devotees return to their beloved beach year after year and rarely venture elsewhere. The island has a relaxed, working-class vibe, and long-time locals foster a palpable sense of community.

Swing by Bert's Market and fill up the cooler before hitting the beach. Bert's is a local institution that adheres to its 'we may doze but we never close' slogan; they are open around the clock and are much more than just a market. Folly Beach is regarded as one of the top surfing destinations in the southeast, and there are two full-service surf shops on Folly. Experienced surfers can head to The Washout section of the beach, or novices can take a surf lesson with one of the several surf schools on the island. Kayaks or stand-up paddleboards are an excellent way to explore Folly's extensive network of marshes and inlets.

The main shopping and dining hub of Folly Beach is Center Street, and it is well worth a stroll. The eclectic shops have lots of local and handcrafted items rather than just tacky souvenirs. Center Street and the surrounding blocks are also packed with dozens of eating and drinking locales for every taste and budget, as well as bars and nightlife. Come as you are - the ambiance everywhere is unpretentious, and flip-flops are always welcome.

One of the best ways to get around the 12-square-mile island is by golf cart. Just be aware that they cannot travel down Center Street (but they can traverse it to cross to/from the East and West sides of the island).

RELATED: 10 South Carolina Beaches You Should Visit This Summer

Bonus Beach: Kiawah Island

Although Kiawah is a huge vacation destination, it wasn't initially included as one of the main Charleston-area beaches simply because many areas of the island and its beaches are private. Kiawah is gated, and visitors can only access certain restricted areas with a guest or owner's pass; not everything is accessible to the public. Nonetheless, Kiawah is worth a mention as it is a popular vacation spot and has its own unique draw.

As one may expect, Kiawah is a luxury vacation destination. The resort accommodations, vacation home rentals, and amenities are world-class, as are Kiawah's dining options. The island's five golf courses are also top-notch, frequently hosting PGA Tour and other top-level events. Kiawah was also named the #1 tennis resort in the world!

Visitors can take advantage of public beach access at Beachwalker County Park, just before the guard station. Bring your own bike to enjoy the full 10 miles of pristine Kiawah Island beach without needing to show a pass.

Life Is Better At The Beach

While the Charleston area is surrounded by dozens of barrier islands, these beaches are the main hot spots to stay and play. The beaches make a great addition to any Charleston vacation itinerary, but they each have plenty to offer as a stand-alone destination too. Visitors can settle down, relax, and enjoy the slower pace of island time!

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND — Sullivan’s Seafood Restaurant was an island staple from 1988 until Sept. 6, 2020, when owners Sammy Rhodes and Donna Rhodes Hiott permanently closed the local favorite. Ben and Kate Towill hope their restaurant — which opened in the 2019 Middle St. space May 17 — will honor the building’s past while ushering it into the future.

Sullivan’s Fish Camp is now open, serving customers local seafood and beach-themed cocktails Tuesday through Sunday.

The Towills are the owners of design and hospitality firm Basic Projects. Kate, head of design for the Charleston-based company, has led the design of residential and commercial properties, including an athletic club and Basic Projects’ two other restaurants: Basic Kitchen and Post House.

Alongside her husband, Basic Projects head of operations Eva Suarez and other members of the team, Kate led the two-year renovation of Sullivan’s Fish Camp, where she set out to create a 1970s-inspired beachside aesthetic. Her goal was to give the space a fresh look with elements honoring Sullivan’s Seafood, like a framed flag and original menu.

A place that feels new and nostalgic all at once.

“That’s been the biggest compliment that we have received is (people saying) ‘Oh it feels like it’s been here forever,’ ” Kate Towill said.

Leading the kitchen as executive chef is Davis Hood, who grew up on Isle of Palms with his brother Nathan, culinary director of Basic Projects. Hood, who recalls walking by the Middle Street building on his way to Sullivan’s Island Elementary School, is focusing on sustainability at the new Sullivan’s Island restaurant.

Local purveyors like Abundant Seafood, Tarvin Seafood, Lowcountry Oyster Co., Vertical Roots and Peculiar Pig Farm dot the Sullivan’s Fish Camp menu.

“It’s not your average fish camp in my eyes,” Hood said. “The whole concept of snout to tail cooking, we’re trying to bring that vibe but with fish. Understanding that the ocean is such an important part of our lives and not trying to have any waste.”

If there is one dish that epitomizes this approach, it’s the Sullivan’s Island Gumbo that features Tarvin Seafood shrimp, clams, okra, lobster broth, dayboat fish and Anson Mills Charleston Gold Rice. The West African style gumbo’s gluten-free base is made using chicken bones, lobster shells, shrimp shells, fennel, celery, palm oil and Bradford Family Farm okra, which replaces a roux as the stew’s thickening agent.

Ben Towill said the gumbo, along with the pan-roasted fish of the day and tempura nori tuna with furikake aioli have been some of the restaurant’s top sellers in its first weeks of service.

“We feel like the menu’s been received really well,” Ben Towill said. “Guests and everyone have felt really comfortable which has been a big bonus.”

Fresh seafood isn’t the only element that gives Sullivan’s Fish Camp that desired beachside feel. Self-described “fruity” cocktails like the tequila-based Sumter’s Watch, rum-based Sullivan Swizzle and the frozen paloma will immediately put patrons on island time.

Sullivan’s Fish Camp is open for dinner from 5-10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and lunch is currently served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. The restaurant plans to eventually serve lunch and dinner daily.

For more information, visit sullivansfishcamp.com or call 843-883-2100.

When Mike Pitera swung the doors open to his new West Ashley pizzeria, he anticipated an engaged response.

The 8-by-16-foot food trailer Pitera built with his father had grown a large following in the year since its debut, and patrons had continued to ask when he would open a brick-and-mortar location.

Even with that rising popularity, Pitera still did not expect Pizza a Modo Mio to have a nearly two-hour wait for his New York-style pizza on Fridays and Saturdays.

Those eager diners have kept the phone lines busy at Pizza a Modo Mio, now open in the 3125 Bees Ferry Road space previously occupied by Ladles Soups.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Pitera serves two types of pizza styles: squishy, square Sicilian and his signature New York-style, which comes in one size only with a thin, fluffy crust and crispy bottom.

“In New York, you go to a pizzeria and it’s one size, 18-inch,” Pitera said.

The counter-serve restaurant serves 20 to 25 people in its dining room while fulfilling a lengthy list of takeout orders. In addition to “pizza pies,” as Pitera calls them, Pizza a Modo Mio offers salads, soups and subs (“heroes”) filled with chicken, sausage and peppers, meatballs or eggplant.

Pizza a Modo Mio is open from noon-8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit modomiopizza.com.

Pop-Up Picks is a recurring series in The Post and Courier’s Food Section that previews an upcoming pop-up breakfast, lunch or dinner and the chefs behind it.

White menus with “Harriet’s Delicatessen” written in burgundy and forest green script are spread across a granite countertop that is normally filled with laptops, notebooks and cups of coffee.

The coffee is still present, but bites coming from the kitchen have shifted from casual café fare to dishes one would expect to find at a Jewish deli.

That’s the inspiration for the new Harriet’s Delicatessen pop-up, located at Paula and Sam Kramer’s 73 Spring St. downtown Charleston Baguette Magic location. It’s an ode to their late grandmother, Harriet Keyserling, best known for her influential work as a politician.

The Kramer sisters remember her as a doting grandmother and fantastic host.

Born in New York City as Harriet Hirschfeld, Keyserling moved to Beaufort in 1946 with her husband Herbert, a physician in the Navy during World War II. She later helped organize a Beaufort branch of the League of Women Voters, helping her earn election to the Beaufort County Council in 1974. Thirty years after she moved to Beaufort, Keyserling became the first Beaufort County woman in the South Carolina House of Representatives, where she served for 16 years, focusing on women’s issues, energy, nuclear waste, education and the arts.

Keyserling is memorialized inside the Harriet’s Delicatessen pop-up, with printed photos of the Kramers’ grandmother scattered across the white walls. The food menu honors her Jewish heritage, starting with the pastries.

Rugelach, hamantash, chocolate babka and strawberry cheesecake Danishes cover the sweets category, while knish — a baked pastry filled with a smooth stuffing of potatoes, onions and a little sour cream — is available for those who prefer savory.

The attachment to knish and other Harriet’s Delicatessen menu items like pastrami on rye, trout salad, challah bread, cabbage rolls, corned beef hash and matzo ball chicken soup appears to be about more than just the taste; multiple patrons express their nostalgic sentiments as they place their orders, with some purchasing in bulk.

Even Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg stopped by Harriet’s last month.

The pop-up hits especially close to home for Sam Kramer, who for years operated a Jewish and Mexican-inspired pop-up called Matzo Y Masa.

“It’s just the food I’ve always been interested in doing,” Sam Kramer said. “This is a concept that I’ve been developing in my head for two to three years.”

The sisters realized Harriet’s Delicatessen needed more than just a handful of events, so it will stick around through April. During the pop-up, Baguette Magic favorites like the honey lavender latte and buttery croissants will still be available during opening hours, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday through Monday.

For more information, visit harrietsdeli.com.

Marvin Ross is keeping his family’s farming tradition alive — and building on it.

He and wife Nikki started Peculiar Pig Farm in 2009 on his grandfather Thomas’ upper Dorchester County land that once grew tobacco.

Ross eventually enlisted his brother, Jada, as lead farmer to help expand the operation near U.S. Highway 78.

Spending part of their lives helping their grandfather on the land, they’ve taken family knowledge to create a profitable business raising pigs and selling the meat to chefs in South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina.

“It was something we grew up doing, and so I had an idea of what I needed to do and how I needed to do it,” said Marvin Ross.

It’s important to the Rosses, too, that their children are exposed to the same life they had growing up on a farm. Child-sized Croc tracks can be found throughout the farm as their children play with livestock or help feed the pigs.

“It brings back memories, thinking about when I grew up as a boy being able to have this same setting, running around playing with the animals. It’s a blessing,” said Jada Ross.

According to a census by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2017, Black farmers accounted for 48,697 of the country’s 3.4 million producers. One percent of those Black farmers specialized in hogs and pigs.

Fifth-generation farmers, the Rosses have begun catering festivals, private events and hosting their own farm tour series.

Marvin Ross said he believes his grandfather would be proud of what he’s accomplished, and want to see him have more success.

On March 4, Peculiar Pig Farm will participate in their first Charleston Wine + Food event titled “Farm Raised.”

South Carolina is known for its spectacular landscapes, with Charleston being one of its major attractions. Charleston offers many things to experience, but its beaches are definitely at the top of the list. While each of these beaches comes with unique features, spectacular views, an incredibly quiet atmosphere, and gorgeous shores are common characteristics. Whether looking for secluded spots for a relaxing vacation, Charleston is the best place to be. Here are the city's 10 beaches travelers can't afford to miss.

Folly back is one of the best island beaches in Charleston and is a popular surfing spot, if not the locals' favorite. The beach is packed with several colorful shops, restaurants, hotels, and beach rentals – and it is a perfect time to spend a relaxing moment. The beach is reachable via a short drive from downtown Charleston, making it a gateway to some of the city's most iconic attractions. Travelers should know that summers can have this beach crowded, so arriving early, perhaps by 10:00 am, is the trick.

Boasting four and a half miles of gorgeous coastline, Edisto beach is one spot not to miss, especially if into a relatively calm and quiet place. It is also among the most family-friendly beaches, offering numerous activities for both adults and kids. Nestled in Edisto Island, about an hour's drive from downtown Charleston, Edisto Beach is an excellent spot for night camping, picnicking, and looking for seashells, perhaps with family or friends. It is located in a state park, giving access to numerous hiking and biking trails to explore.

Isle of Palms boasts seven miles of beautiful shoreline, and being a close community; families can have the best beach vacation experience here. It is a great place to watch sea turtles and enjoy the beautiful white sands. Plus, there are many activities to explore, from golfing to fishing to boating and water sports. If not with kids, visit Windjammer’s beach bar once the sun goes down after spending a whole day outdoors. The bar’s atmosphere is great, and it serves well-mixed drinks and a pool.

It takes a forty-minute drive to get to Kiawah Island from the Historic Charleston if travelers take the State Road 2-10-20. With so many things to see and do on this beach, including swimming, sunbathing, going on nature walks, and biking, it is definitely one of the best to visit in Charleston. The island boasts an incredible shopping village, golfing and tennis opportunities, boating, and fishing. The island's beaches are beautiful, and they feature white sand.

6 Sullivan’s Island

Located north of the Charleston harbor, Sullivan's Island boasts a population of about 2,000 people and offers. From the island, vacationers will enjoy magnificent views and a fantastic dining scene – and it is a spot loved by the locals. It is important to note that there are no hotels on the island, so vacationers can only make their visit a day trip. Travelers should arrive there early because parking can be a problem. The beach doesn't have public lots for parking, and vacationers can only use one side of the street.

5 Seabrook Island

Located amidst Edisto and Kiawah Islands, Seabrook Island boasts beautiful beaches that vacationers can't regret exploring. The island's main beaches are located in a private beachfront community and provide a perfect relaxing spot on beautiful sands. Families should opt for Pelican Beach, as it boasts calm waters and is far away from the hustle and bustle of other beaches in Charleston. Travelers looking for breathtaking sunset views should head to North Beach,

4 Capers Island

Boasting a perfect stretch of sand, beautifully lined with palm trees, Capers Island is incredibly dramatic and is among the best places to explore on South Carolina's coast. Visitors can only get there on boat rides, but Sullivan's Island has some charters vacationers can use. Canoeing and kayaking are other means to get there, but only for travelers into adventures. The beach is located about 20 miles away from downtown Charleston. Capers Island is a great place to go shell hunting, see the tree skeletons, and explore marine life, including some dolphins.

3 Morris Island

Morris Island is not well-known, and while many travelers prefer places like Folly Beach, this beach offers a perfect remote experience in Charleston. Spectacular views of the Morris Island Lighthouse are the major draw to this beach, and while visitors can't get up close, they can take some epic photographs from the shore. There are also several shells and wildlife to see. It is located a short distance from the popular Folly Beach, reachable in a boat ride northeast, and it's an excellent choice for vacationers looking for a secluded stretch of beautiful sand. Hiking to the beach from the northernmost parts of Folly Beach also gets visitors there in only 20 minutes. If hopping on a private boat from Charleston Harbor, it'll take 20 minutes to get there.

Warning: Swimming around Morris Island can be dangerous because of strong currents and high tides. Therefore, vacationers should consult the locals or check online for weather and water conditions before heading there on their own.

Situated about 45 minutes away from historic Charleston, Bulls Island is one of the beaches not to miss when exploring this part of South Carolina. The beach is only accessible by a ferry ride It offers a different kind of nature and beach experience. Stretching for six and a half a mile, this uninhabited island is home to numerous wildlife, including endangered species. It is a popular spot for birdwatching, as it boasts over 275 bird species. Tourists may also spot some shells on the beautiful shore.

Mosquito Beach is found near Folly Beach and Stono River, about a 20-minute drive from Charleston. This beach is not like other beaches with beautiful white sands and turquoise waters, but it boasts the most spectacular sunset views. The culinary experience around this place is second to none. While it's mostly pluff and a tidal creek, it definitely shouldn't miss on travelers' bucket lists. The beach is full of history and would be a perfect spot for history buffs. It was a major destination for African-Americans in the 1950s.